La Crosse County Court Records

What Is La Crosse County Court Records

La Crosse County court records are official documents created and maintained by the county's court system during legal proceedings. These records document various aspects of court cases, including filings, hearings, judgments, and other legal actions that take place within La Crosse County's jurisdiction. The Clerk of Courts office is responsible for maintaining these records.

La Crosse County Clerk of Courts, 333 Vine Street, Room 1200, La Crosse, WI 54601

Are Court Records Public In La Crosse County

Yes, most court records in La Crosse County are public under Wisconsin's Open Records Law. This means that citizens have the right to access and review these documents. However, certain records may be sealed or redacted to protect sensitive information, particularly in cases involving juveniles, adoptions, mental health proceedings, or when the court determines that privacy concerns outweigh public interest.

How To Find Court Records in La Crosse County in 2025

To find court records in La Crosse County in 2025, you have several options:

1. Visit the La Crosse County Courthouse in person at the Clerk of Courts office. La Crosse County Courthouse, 333 Vine Street, La Crosse, WI 54601

2. Use the Wisconsin Circuit Court Access (WCCA) website, commonly known as CCAP.

3. Submit a written request to the Clerk of Courts office.

4. Use the La Crosse County's online portal for court records (if available).

5. Hire a professional record retrieval service for more complex searches.

How To Look Up Court Records in La Crosse County Online?

Looking up court records online in La Crosse County is primarily done through the Wisconsin Circuit Court Access (WCCA) system. Here's how:

1. Visit the WCCA website at wcca.wicourts.gov.

2. Accept the terms and conditions.

3. Search by name, case number, or citation number.

4. Review the search results and select the case you're interested in.

5. View the case details, including court dates, filings, and judgments.

Additionally, some records may be available through the La Crosse County Clerk of Courts website.

Can You Search La Crosse County Court Records for Free?

Yes, you can search La Crosse County court records for free. The Wisconsin Circuit Court Access (WCCA) system is available to the public at no cost. In-person searches at the courthouse are also free, though there may be fees for copying documents. The La Crosse County Clerk of Courts office charges for certified copies and some document reproduction services.

Wisconsin Court System, 110 East Main Street, Suite 215, Madison, WI 53703

What's Included in a La Crosse County Court Record?

A typical La Crosse County court record includes:

• Case number and filing date
• Names of parties involved (plaintiffs, defendants, attorneys)
• Type of case (civil, criminal, family, etc.)
• Court documents (complaints, motions, orders)
• Hearing and trial dates
• Judgments and sentencing information
• Financial records (fines, fees, payments)
• Case status and disposition
• Transcripts (if requested and prepared)
• Evidence lists (though actual evidence may not be included)

How Long Does La Crosse County Keep Court Records?

La Crosse County follows Wisconsin's record retention schedules for court documents. Generally:

• Felony case records: 75 years or more
• Misdemeanor records: 20 years
• Traffic and ordinance violations: 5-10 years
• Civil case records: 20 years
• Family court records: Permanently (divorce, paternity)
• Probate records: Permanently

Some historically significant cases may be preserved permanently. Digital records retention policies may differ from paper records.

Types of Courts In La Crosse County

La Crosse County has several types of courts:

1. Circuit Court - The main trial court with branches handling different case types. La Crosse County Circuit Court, 333 Vine Street, La Crosse, WI 54601

2. Municipal Courts - Handle local ordinance violations for municipalities within the county.

3. Small Claims Court - A division of Circuit Court handling civil claims under $10,000.

4. Family Court - A specialized division of Circuit Court for family matters.

5. Juvenile Court - Handles cases involving minors.

What Types of Cases Do La Crosse County Courts Hear?

La Crosse County courts hear a wide variety of cases:

• Criminal (felonies and misdemeanors)
• Civil litigation (lawsuits between parties)
• Family law (divorce, child custody, support)
• Probate (wills, estates, guardianships)
• Juvenile matters
• Traffic violations
• Small claims (under $10,000)
• Mental health commitments
• Ordinance violations
• Evictions and other housing matters

How To Find a Court Docket In La Crosse County

To find a court docket in La Crosse County:

1. Online: Use the Wisconsin Circuit Court Access (WCCA) system to view upcoming court dates.

2. In person: Visit the Clerk of Courts office at the La Crosse County Courthouse. La Crosse County Clerk of Courts, 333 Vine Street, Room 1200, La Crosse, WI 54601

3. By phone: Call the Clerk of Courts office to inquire about specific dockets.

4. Court calendar: Review the posted court calendars at the courthouse.

5. Attorney: If represented, your attorney can access docket information.

Which Courts in La Crosse County Are Not Courts of Record?

In La Crosse County, Municipal Courts are not courts of record. This means:

• Proceedings are not typically transcribed verbatim
• Appeals from Municipal Court go to Circuit Court for a new trial (trial de novo)
• Records kept are less comprehensive than those of Circuit Courts

Municipal Courts handle local ordinance violations, minor traffic offenses, and some first-offense OWI cases.

Lookup Court Records in La Crosse County

For more information about court records in La Crosse County, please visit these resources:

• Clerk of Courts - LaCrosseCounty - Information about the Clerk of Courts in La Crosse County, including contact details and services offered.

• Circuit Court Information - LaCrosseCounty - Details about the Circuit Court in La Crosse County, including court services and contact information.

• Order on Request to Appear Remotely (GF-307) - PDF form used for the order on a request to appear remotely in court proceedings in Wisconsin.

• La Crosse County Clerk - Information about the La Crosse County Clerk's office, including services and contact details.