Sheboygan County Public Records /Sheboygan County Court Records

Sheboygan County Court Records

What Is Sheboygan County Court Records

Court records in Sheboygan County encompass all official documentation generated during legal proceedings within the county's jurisdiction. These records constitute a comprehensive repository of judicial activities maintained by various courts operating within Sheboygan County, Wisconsin. Pursuant to Wisconsin Statute § 19.31, court records are considered part of the public record and are maintained for transparency in judicial proceedings.

Sheboygan County court records typically include:

Case files containing pleadings, motions, and other filed documents
Court dockets listing scheduled hearings and case activities
Judicial orders and final judgments
Transcripts of court proceedings
Evidence and exhibits admitted during trials
Sentencing and disposition records in criminal matters
Marriage and divorce decrees in family court cases
Probate filings and estate settlements

These records differ from other public records such as property deeds, vital statistics (birth/death certificates), and tax assessments, which are maintained by other county departments. The Wisconsin Circuit Court System maintains most court records in Sheboygan County, with additional records held by municipal courts and federal courts with jurisdiction over the area.

Courts maintaining records in Sheboygan County include:

Sheboygan County Circuit Court (state trial court)
Municipal Courts (city-level courts)
U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Wisconsin (federal court)
Wisconsin Court of Appeals (for appealed Sheboygan cases)
Wisconsin Supreme Court (for cases reaching the highest state court)

These courts collectively handle civil litigation, criminal prosecutions, family law matters, probate proceedings, traffic violations, and small claims disputes, generating the diverse array of records available to the public.

Are Court Records Public In Sheboygan County

Court records in Sheboygan County are generally accessible to the public in accordance with Wisconsin's open records laws and constitutional principles of open courts. The Wisconsin Constitution, Article I, § 21(2) establishes that "all courts shall be open," while the Wisconsin Public Records Law (Wis. Stat. § 19.31-19.39) further codifies the public's right to access government records, including court documents.

According to the Wisconsin Legislative Council's analysis of public access to circuit court records, the presumption of openness applies to most court records with certain exceptions established by statute or court rule. The Wisconsin Supreme Court has further defined access policies through Supreme Court Rule 72, which governs retention and maintenance of court records.

Records generally available to the public include:

Civil case files and pleadings
Criminal case records (post-charging)
Court orders and judgments
Docket sheets and case indices
Court calendars and hearing schedules
Small claims and traffic court dispositions

However, certain categories of records may be restricted or sealed, including:

Juvenile proceedings (Wis. Stat. § 938.396)
Mental health commitment records
Adoption proceedings
Certain family court matters involving minors
Records sealed by judicial order
Pre-charging criminal investigation materials
Grand jury proceedings

The distinction between federal and state court records is important, as federal courts in the Eastern District of Wisconsin, which includes Sheboygan County, operate under different access rules governed by federal statutes and the policies of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Wisconsin.

Access to electronic court records is administered through the Wisconsin Circuit Court Access (WCCA) program, commonly known as CCAP, which provides a public interface to the court's case management system in accordance with the Wisconsin Supreme Court's electronic access policies.

How To Find Court Records in Sheboygan County in 2026

Members of the public seeking court records in Sheboygan County may utilize several methods to locate and access these documents. The Wisconsin court system currently provides multiple pathways for record retrieval, both in-person and through electronic means.

For in-person requests, individuals may visit:

Sheboygan County Clerk of Circuit Court
615 North 6th Street
Sheboygan, WI 53081
(920) 459-3068
Sheboygan County Circuit Court

The procedure for obtaining records in person typically involves:

Completing a records request form, available at the clerk's office
Providing case number or party names for record identification
Paying applicable copy fees ($1.25 per page for regular copies, additional fees for certified copies)
Waiting for staff to retrieve the requested documents

For electronic access, the Wisconsin Court System offers the Wisconsin Circuit Court Access (WCCA) portal, which provides public access to court records from all 72 Wisconsin counties, including Sheboygan. Users can search by:

Case number
Party name
Business name
Attorney name
Date range

For more comprehensive access to court documents, including filed pleadings and exhibits, the Wisconsin Court System Electronic Filing platform allows registered users to view electronically filed documents. Registration is required, and certain document access may incur fees.

For federal court cases involving Sheboygan County residents, the Public Access to Court Electronic Records (PACER) system provides access to U.S. District Court records through the Eastern District of Wisconsin federal court website.

Municipal court records must be requested directly from the specific municipal court where the case was heard. The Sheboygan Municipal Court provides forms for requesting these records.

How To Look Up Court Records in Sheboygan County Online?

Sheboygan County court records are accessible through several online platforms, each providing different levels of access to judicial documents. The primary resource for online court record searches is the Wisconsin Circuit Court Access (WCCA) system, commonly referred to as CCAP.

The Wisconsin Circuit Court Access portal provides a comprehensive search interface with the following capabilities:

Simple search: Enter a name to find cases associated with specific individuals
Advanced search: Filter by case type, filing date, county, and case status
Business search: Locate cases involving corporate entities
Case number search: Direct access to specific cases when the number is known

To conduct a search:

Navigate to the WCCA website
Accept the terms and conditions
Select the appropriate search method
Enter relevant search criteria
Review the results list
Select individual cases to view detailed information

The system displays case summaries, party information, court dates, judgments, and case activities. However, actual document images are generally not available through this public portal.

For access to filed documents and more detailed case information, the Wisconsin Court System Electronic Filing platform provides registered users with enhanced access. This system requires:

User registration with the court system
Acceptance of terms of use
Payment of applicable fees for certain document access

Federal cases involving Sheboygan County residents are searchable through the federal PACER system, accessible via the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Wisconsin website. PACER requires:

User registration
Payment of search and document view fees
Separate login credentials from state court systems

The Wisconsin State Law Library also provides guidance on accessing various court records online, including specialized databases for appellate decisions and historical case information.

How To Search Sheboygan County Court Records for Free?

Wisconsin law guarantees the public's right to inspect court records without charge, though fees may apply for copies or certified documents. According to Wisconsin Statute § 19.35(1), "any requester has a right to inspect any record" with certain statutory exceptions.

Free access options for Sheboygan County court records include:

In-person inspection:

Visit the Sheboygan County Courthouse during regular business hours
Request to view specific case files at the Clerk of Circuit Court office
Examine records on-site without charge
Take notes from records without incurring fees

Wisconsin Circuit Court Access (WCCA): The Wisconsin Circuit Court Access website provides free online access to basic case information including:

Case numbers and filing dates
Party names and attorney information
Charge and disposition information in criminal cases
Judgment amounts in civil cases
Scheduled court appearances
Case status updates

This system does not require registration or payment for searches, making it the most accessible free resource for basic court record information.

Public access terminals: Computer terminals available at the courthouse provide enhanced access to the court's electronic case management system, offering:

More detailed case information than the public website
Access to certain documents not available on the public website
Assistance from court staff for navigating the system

Law libraries: The Wisconsin State Law Library and local law libraries provide free access to legal research tools that may include court records databases.

While basic record searches are free, users should be aware that fees apply for:

Printed copies of documents ($1.25 per page)
Certified copies of court records ($5.00 plus copy fees)
Document downloads from certain systems
Records requiring extensive staff research time

What's Included in a Sheboygan County Court Record?

Sheboygan County court records contain comprehensive documentation of legal proceedings, with contents varying by case type and court jurisdiction. The Wisconsin Circuit Court Automated Programs (CCAP) system standardizes record management across Wisconsin counties, including Sheboygan.

A typical Sheboygan County Circuit Court case file contains:

Case initiation documents:

Complaints or petitions in civil matters
Criminal complaints and information in criminal cases
Small claims summons and complaints
Divorce petitions and family court filings
Probate applications and estate inventories

Procedural documentation:

Summonses and service of process verification
Motions filed by parties
Responses and replies to motions
Affidavits and sworn statements
Discovery documents (in some cases)
Subpoenas and witness lists

Judicial records:

Court orders on motions and other matters
Hearing minutes and notes
Trial transcripts (when prepared)
Exhibits admitted into evidence
Jury instructions in jury trials
Verdicts and findings of fact

Case resolution documents:

Final judgments and decrees
Settlement agreements (when filed)
Dismissal orders
Criminal sentencing information
Probation terms and conditions
Restitution orders

Post-judgment records:

Appeals documentation
Satisfaction of judgment filings
Garnishment and execution documents
Probation/parole violation proceedings
Modification requests and orders

The case docket, maintained for each case, serves as a chronological index of all filings, hearings, and court actions. This docket appears in the online Wisconsin Circuit Court Access system, providing a public summary of case activities.

Municipal court records typically include citations, pleas, hearing dates, and disposition information for ordinance violations, traffic matters, and minor offenses handled at the municipal level.

Federal court records for cases in the Eastern District of Wisconsin follow federal formatting standards and include similar document types, though with different terminology and structure than state court records.

How Long Does Sheboygan County Keep Court Records?

Sheboygan County adheres to the Wisconsin Supreme Court Rule 72, which establishes a comprehensive records retention schedule for all circuit courts in the state. This rule, authorized under Wisconsin Statute § 757.54, mandates specific retention periods based on case type and document classification.

Key retention periods for Sheboygan County court records include:

Felony cases:

Case files for Class A felonies: 75 years after entry of final judgment
Other felony case files: 50 years after entry of final judgment
First-degree intentional homicide: Permanent retention

Misdemeanor cases:

Case files: 20 years after entry of final judgment
Traffic-related misdemeanors: 5-20 years depending on offense type

Civil cases:

General civil case files: 20 years after entry of final judgment
Small claims: 20 years after final activity
Family cases (divorce, paternity): 30 years after entry of final judgment

Probate matters:

Formal and informal estate proceedings: 75 years
Guardianship and conservatorship: 7 years after termination of guardianship
Trusts: 75 years after filing

Specialized records:

Juvenile delinquency: Until age 25 or 10 years after case closure, whichever is later
Mental commitment: 7 years after entry of final order
Adoption: 150 years after entry of decree

Court-generated documents:

Judgments and judgment dockets: 75 years
Court minutes and registers of actions: 75 years
Indexes to cases: Permanent retention

The Wisconsin Court System maintains electronic records indefinitely for many case types through its Circuit Court Automation Programs (CCAP), even after physical records may have been destroyed according to retention schedules.

Municipal courts in Sheboygan County follow separate retention schedules, typically maintaining records for 5-20 years depending on case type. Federal court records for the Eastern District of Wisconsin follow federal retention guidelines, which differ from state schedules.

After the retention period expires, records may be destroyed according to approved procedures, though records of historical significance may be transferred to the Wisconsin Historical Society for permanent preservation.

Types of Courts In Sheboygan County

Sheboygan County's judicial system consists of several court types operating at different jurisdictional levels. Each court handles specific case types according to Wisconsin's judicial structure.

Sheboygan County Circuit Court
615 North 6th Street
Sheboygan, WI 53081
(920) 459-3068
Sheboygan County Circuit Court
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

The Circuit Court is Sheboygan County's court of general jurisdiction, divided into branches presided over by circuit court judges. Currently, Sheboygan County has five circuit court branches:

Branch 1: Judge Rebecca L. Persick
Branch 2: Judge Kent Hoffmann
Branch 3: Judge Angela W. Sutkiewicz
Branch 4: Judge Daniel J. Borowski
Branch 5: Judge James J. Bolgert

Sheboygan Municipal Court
1315 N 23rd Street, Suite 101
Sheboygan, WI 53081
(920) 459-3760
Sheboygan Municipal Court
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM

Plymouth Municipal Court
128 Smith Street
Plymouth, WI 53073
(920) 893-1271
Plymouth Municipal Court
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM

United States District Court - Eastern District of Wisconsin
517 East Wisconsin Avenue
Milwaukee, WI 53202
(414) 297-3372
Eastern District of Wisconsin
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM

Wisconsin Court of Appeals - District II
2727 N. Grandview Blvd.
Waukesha, WI 53188
(262) 521-5230
Wisconsin Court of Appeals
Hours: Monday-Friday, 7:45 AM - 4:30 PM

Wisconsin Supreme Court
16 East State Capitol
Madison, WI 53702
(608) 266-1880
Wisconsin Supreme Court
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

The court hierarchy in Wisconsin follows this structure:

Municipal Courts (limited jurisdiction for ordinance violations)
Circuit Courts (primary trial courts with general jurisdiction)
Court of Appeals (intermediate appellate court divided into four districts)
Supreme Court (highest court and final authority on state law)

Federal cases follow a separate hierarchy through the U.S. District Court, U.S. Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit, and ultimately the U.S. Supreme Court.

What Types of Cases Do Sheboygan County Courts Hear?

Sheboygan County's court system handles a diverse range of legal matters distributed across different court levels based on jurisdiction and case type. Each court within the county is authorized to hear specific categories of cases as defined by Wisconsin law.

Sheboygan County Circuit Court handles the following case types:

Criminal Division:

Felonies (Class A through I)
Misdemeanors
Criminal traffic offenses (OWI/DUI)
Criminal forfeiture proceedings
Post-conviction relief motions

Civil Division:

General civil litigation ($10,000 and above)
Personal injury claims
Contract disputes
Property litigation
Civil forfeitures
Small claims (under $10,000)
Eviction proceedings
Replevin actions

Family Division:

Divorce and legal separation
Child custody and placement
Child support establishment and enforcement
Paternity determinations
Adoption proceedings
Name changes
Domestic abuse restraining orders

Probate Division:

Estate administration
Will probate
Guardianships (adult and minor)
Conservatorships
Mental health commitments
Protective placements
Trust administration

Juvenile Division:

Juvenile delinquency proceedings
Children in need of protection or services (CHIPS)
Termination of parental rights
Juvenile ordinance violations

Municipal Courts in Sheboygan County handle:

Municipal ordinance violations
First-offense OWI/DUI (in some municipalities)
Traffic citations issued by local police
Parking violations
Animal control violations
Underage alcohol violations
Local building code violations

U.S. District Court - Eastern District of Wisconsin hears cases involving:

Federal criminal prosecutions
Federal civil rights claims
Bankruptcy proceedings
Patent and copyright litigation
Cases involving federal statutes
Diversity jurisdiction cases (parties from different states with claims exceeding $75,000)
Maritime law cases
Cases where the U.S. government is a party

The Wisconsin Court of Appeals - District II, which includes Sheboygan County, reviews appeals from circuit court decisions, while the Wisconsin Supreme Court selectively accepts cases of significant legal importance from lower courts.

How To Find a Court Docket In Sheboygan County

Court dockets in Sheboygan County provide a chronological listing of all proceedings, filings, and actions in a case. These essential records help track case progress and upcoming court dates. Several methods exist for accessing docket information in Sheboygan County courts.

The primary online resource for accessing Sheboygan County court dockets is the Wisconsin Circuit Court Access (WCCA) website. This portal provides public access to court docket information with the following search capabilities:

To search by case number:
- Select "Case Number" search option
- Enter the county code (59 for Sheboygan)
- Enter the case type code (CF for felony, CT for traffic, etc.)
- Enter the case number and year
- Click "Search"
To search by party name:
- Select "Name" search option
- Enter last name and first name
- Optionally narrow by county (Sheboygan)
- Click "Search"
- Review matching cases and select the specific case
To view upcoming court dates:
- Select "Court Calendar" search option
- Choose Sheboygan County
- Select date range
- Optionally filter by case type or judicial official
- Click "Search"

For in-person docket access, individuals may visit:

Sheboygan County Clerk of Circuit Court
615 North 6th Street
Sheboygan, WI 53081
(920) 459-3068

The clerk's office provides public access terminals where visitors can search the complete electronic docket system. Staff can assist with locating specific docket information and explaining court schedules.

For federal cases involving Sheboygan County residents, docket information is available through:

The PACER system (Public Access to Court Electronic Records)
The Eastern District of Wisconsin federal court clerk's office

Municipal court dockets must be accessed directly through the specific municipal court:

Sheboygan Municipal Court
1315 N 23rd Street, Suite 101
Sheboygan, WI 53081
(920) 459-3760

The Wisconsin State Law Library provides additional guidance on accessing court dockets and understanding docket entries. Legal professionals may also access enhanced docket information through subscription services that integrate with the Wisconsin court system.

Which Courts in Sheboygan County Are Not Courts of Record?

In Wisconsin's judicial system, a distinction exists between "courts of record" and "courts not of record." This classification, established under Wisconsin Statute § 753.03 and related provisions, determines a court's authority and the formality of its proceedings.

Courts not of record in Sheboygan County are limited to:

Municipal Courts, including:

Sheboygan Municipal Court
Plymouth Municipal Court
Other municipal courts serving smaller communities within the county

These municipal courts are classified as courts not of record because:

Proceedings are not typically recorded verbatim by court reporters
No formal transcript of proceedings is automatically created
Appeals from these courts result in de novo trials (completely new proceedings) at the circuit court level
Judges are not required to be attorneys in some instances
They have limited jurisdiction over ordinance violations and minor offenses

According to Wisconsin Statute § 800.01-800.14, which governs municipal courts, these courts handle:

Local ordinance violations
Traffic citations issued by municipal police
Parking violations
First-offense OWI/DUI in some jurisdictions
Municipal building code violations
Animal control violations

By contrast, courts of record in Sheboygan County include:

Sheboygan County Circuit Court (all branches)
Wisconsin Court of Appeals - District II
Wisconsin Supreme Court
U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Wisconsin

These courts of record maintain verbatim records of all proceedings, employ court reporters or digital recording systems, issue formal written decisions, and follow stricter procedural rules. Appeals from courts of record are based on the official record created during the original proceedings rather than starting anew.

The practical significance of this distinction for Sheboygan County residents is that municipal court proceedings are less formal, typically faster, and do not create the same permanent record as circuit court proceedings. However, any party dissatisfied with a municipal court decision has the right to appeal to the Sheboygan County Circuit Court for a completely new hearing.