The Wisconsin Rapids Municipal Court handles cases of alleged violations of municipal ordinances for which the penalty is a forfeiture. The court is located in City Hall on the first floor.
The court has a part-time elected judge and a full-time municipal court clerk. Initial appearances (where a plea is entered} are conducted in the Council Chambers on the first and third Wednesdays of each month, beginning at 5:30 p.m. Most people who want to contest a citation will submit a “not guilty” plea in writing to the court before the initial appearance, and then do not need to appear at the initial appearance. Trials are held on the second Wednesday of each month. Indigency hearings also are held on the second Wednesday of each month, beginning at 5:00 p.m. Cases heard by the court include civil traffic actions; ordinance violations such as shoplifting, disorderly conduct and parking citations; and juvenile offenses such as underage drinking, truancy and smoking. The court has established a first-offender juvenile alcohol diversion program in conjunction with the Wood County Unified Services Department. Other educational programs also are available for certain ordinance violations. Municipal Court trials are audio recorded for appeal purposes. Other proceedings are not recorded. The court is less formal than circuit court, particularly in actions involving juveniles. If you have any questions concerning the operations of the municipal court, contact the Municipal Court Clerk at 715-421-6212. The Court Clerk's regular office hours are Monday through Thursday from 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m., and Friday from 8:00 a.m. - 12:00 noon. View the Municipal Code here. |
Contact Information Karen Bertolini
Municipal Court Clerk 715-421-6212 [email protected] Peter Kastenholz Municipal Court Judge 444 W Grand Ave. Wisconsin Rapids, WI 54495 Hours: Monday - Thursday: 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m., Friday: 8:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. |