Brown County Court Records

What Is Brown County Court Records

Brown County court records are official documents created and maintained by the courts in Brown County, Wisconsin. These records document various legal proceedings, including criminal cases, civil disputes, family matters, and more. The Brown County Clerk of Circuit Court is responsible for maintaining these records.

Brown County Clerk of Circuit Court, 100 S. Jefferson Street, Green Bay, WI 54301

Are Court Records Public In Brown County

Yes, most court records in Brown 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, or matters where privacy concerns outweigh public interest.

How To Find Court Records in Brown County in 2025

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

1. Visit the Brown County Courthouse in person and request records from the Clerk of Circuit Court office.

   Brown County Courthouse, 100 S. Jefferson Street, Green Bay, WI 54301

2. Use the Wisconsin Circuit Court Access (WCCA) website, commonly known as CCAP, to search for records online.

3. Submit a written request to the Clerk of Circuit Court, including as much information as possible about the case you're researching.

4. For older records that may be archived, contact the Brown County Archives Department.

   Brown County Archives Department, 305 E. Walnut Street, Green Bay, WI 54301

How To Look Up Court Records in Brown County Online?

Looking up court records online in Brown County is straightforward through the Wisconsin Circuit Court Access (WCCA) system. To search online:

1. Visit the WCCA website at wcca.wicourts.gov
2. Accept the terms and conditions
3. Enter search criteria such as name, case number, or citation number
4. Review the results, which include case summaries and basic information

For more detailed documents, you may need to request copies from the Clerk of Circuit Court office directly.

Can You Search Brown County Court Records for Free?

Yes, you can search Brown County court records for free. Basic searches through the Wisconsin Circuit Court Access system are available at no cost. However, if you need copies of specific documents, there may be fees:

• Regular copies: $1.25 per page
• Certified copies: $5.00 for the first page and $1.25 for each additional page
• Electronic records: Fees vary based on the type and volume of records requested

What's Included in a Brown County Court Record?

A typical Brown County court record includes:

• Case number and filing date
• Names of parties involved (plaintiffs, defendants, attorneys)
• Charges or claims filed
• Court proceedings and hearing dates
• Judicial decisions and orders
• Judgments and sentences (in criminal cases)
• Financial information (fines, fees, restitution)
• Evidence and exhibits (though these may require special requests)
• Transcripts of hearings (if prepared)

How Long Does Brown County Keep Court Records?

Brown County follows the Wisconsin Court System's record retention schedule:

• Felony cases: 75 years after entry of final judgment
• Misdemeanors: 20 years after entry of final judgment
• Civil cases: 20 years after entry of final judgment
• Small claims: 20 years after entry of final judgment
• Traffic/ordinance violations: 8 years after entry of final judgment
• Family cases (including divorces): 30 years after entry of final judgment

Some historically significant cases may be preserved permanently in the Brown County Archives.

Types of Courts In Brown County

Brown County has several types of courts within its judicial system:

1. Circuit Court - The main trial court with general jurisdiction

   Brown County Circuit Court, 100 S. Jefferson Street, Green Bay, WI 54301

2. Municipal Courts - Handle ordinance violations for specific municipalities

   Green Bay Municipal Court, 100 N. Jefferson Street, Green Bay, WI 54301

   De Pere Municipal Court, 335 S. Broadway, De Pere, WI 54115

3. Specialized Courts/Programs:

   • Drug Court
   • OWI (Operating While Intoxicated) Court
   • Mental Health Court
   • Veterans Treatment Court

What Types of Cases Do Brown County Courts Hear?

Brown County courts hear a wide variety of cases:

1. Criminal Cases:

   • Felonies
   • Misdemeanors
   • Traffic violations

2. Civil Cases:

   • Personal injury
   • Contract disputes
   • Property disputes
   • Small claims (under $10,000)

3. Family Cases:

   • Divorce
   • Child custody and support
   • Paternity
   • Adoption

4. Probate Matters:

   • Wills and estates
   • Guardianships
   • Mental health commitments

5. Juvenile Cases:

   • Delinquency
   • Children in need of protection or services

How To Find a Court Docket In Brown County

To find a court docket in Brown County:

1. Online: Use the Wisconsin Circuit Court Access system to view upcoming court dates and proceedings.

2. In Person: Visit the Clerk of Circuit Court office to view the daily court calendar.

   Clerk of Circuit Court, 100 S. Jefferson Street, Room 201, Green Bay, WI 54301

3. By Phone: Call the Clerk's office at (920) 448-4160 to inquire about specific cases.

4. Email: Contact the Clerk's office at circuitcourtrecords@browncountywi.gov for docket information.

Court dockets are typically updated daily and show scheduled hearings, trials, and other proceedings.

Which Courts in Brown County Are Not Courts of Record?

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

• Proceedings in Municipal Courts are not typically recorded verbatim
• Appeals from Municipal Courts go to the Brown County Circuit Court for a new trial (trial de novo)
• Municipal Courts handle ordinance violations, not state law violations
• Records are maintained by the municipal clerk rather than the County Clerk of Circuit Court

Municipal Courts in Brown County include:

Green Bay Municipal Court, 100 N. Jefferson Street, Green Bay, WI 54301

De Pere Municipal Court, 335 S. Broadway, De Pere, WI 54115

Ashwaubenon Municipal Court, 2155 Holmgren Way, Ashwaubenon, WI 54304

Lookup Court Records in Brown County

For more information about Brown County court records, please visit these official resources:

• Clerk of Circuit Court - General Information - Find general information about the Clerk of Circuit Court in Brown County, including access to court records and forms.

• WI Circuit Court Records & Forms - Access Wisconsin Circuit Court records and forms, which are essential for legal proceedings in Brown County.

• Wisconsin Circuit Court Access (WCAA) - Learn about accessing public records of the Wisconsin circuit courts through the Wisconsin Circuit Court Access (WCAA) system.