Court records in Dane County, Wisconsin can be searched through several channels. DaneCourt.us can help you find publicly available information about court cases filed in the county. You can also search records through the Wisconsin Circuit Court Access (WCCA) database, visit the Dane County Clerk of Courts office in person, or use public terminals at the courthouse. The Clerk of Courts office maintains case files and can assist with record requests by email or at the counter.
Dane Court System & Jurisdictions
Wisconsin uses a unified court system, and Dane County's trial-level court is the Circuit Court. Unlike states that split jurisdiction between district and magistrate courts, Wisconsin Circuit Courts are courts of general jurisdiction — meaning one court handles nearly all case types. Dane County Circuit Court sits in Madison and operates multiple branches to manage its caseload.
Case Types Handled by Dane County Circuit Court
- Criminal: Felonies and misdemeanors prosecuted by the Dane County District Attorney's Office, which covers all 27 cities and villages in the county.
- Civil: Lawsuits, contract disputes, personal injury claims, and other civil matters.
- Small Claims: Civil disputes involving lower dollar amounts, typically filed without an attorney.
- Family: Divorce, child custody, child support, paternity, and domestic abuse restraining orders.
- Probate & Mental Health: Estates, guardianships, conservatorships, and involuntary commitment proceedings.
- Traffic & Ordinance Violations: Citations issued by law enforcement throughout Dane County.
- Juvenile: Delinquency and child-in-need-of-protection cases (these records are generally confidential).
Municipal courts in cities and villages within Dane County handle certain ordinance violations and forfeitures independently. If you are looking for a municipal citation rather than a state charge, check with the relevant municipality's court.
Dane Court Calendar & Upcoming Hearings
Dane County Circuit Court schedules are publicly accessible. To find today's, tomorrow's, or this week's hearings:
- Visit the Wisconsin Court System case search and look up a specific case number or party name. Each case record includes scheduled hearing dates.
- Check the Dane County Clerk of Courts website for any posted daily calendars or courtroom assignment information.
- Call the Clerk of Courts office to confirm a specific hearing time or courtroom assignment.
Court calendars can shift due to continuances, plea agreements, or judicial reassignments. If you need to appear or observe a hearing, confirm the date and courtroom shortly before the scheduled time.
Dane County Clerk of Courts
How to Get a Copy of a Dane Court Document
Circuit Court files and documents in Dane County are open for public access unless sealed by the court or made confidential by law. You can obtain copies in several ways:
Online
- Search the WCCA database to view case information, party names, charges, and dispositions. Some documents may be viewable online; others require a formal request.
- The Clerk of Courts court records page notes that a criminal index is available online from approximately 1984 forward.
By Email
Send a request to dane.courtrecords@wicourts.gov. Include the full name of the party, the case number (if known), date of birth, and the specific document you need. The District Attorney's records page confirms this email address for court record requests.
In Person
Visit the Clerk of Courts office at the address listed above. You can review case files at the counter and request copies on site. Public access terminals may also be available in the courthouse.
By Mail
Mail your written request to:
Include the same identifying details (party name, case number, date of birth) and specify whether you need certified or uncertified copies. Enclose payment or ask the office to invoice you for applicable fees.
Certified vs. Uncertified Copies
- Uncertified copies are standard photocopies of court documents. They work for personal reference or informal use.
- Certified copies bear the Clerk's official seal and signature, confirming the document is a true copy of the court record. These are typically required for legal proceedings, background checks, or filings in other courts.
Juvenile records, sealed records, and certain confidential filings (such as some mental health or guardianship records) are not available to the general public. Ask the Clerk's office if you are unsure whether a record is accessible.
Dane Court Records Fees & Payment
Fees for court record services in Wisconsin are set by statute. The table below reflects standard fees established under Wisconsin law (Wis. Stat. § 814.61). Confirm current amounts with the Clerk of Courts, as fees may be updated by legislative action.
| Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| Copies of court documents (per page) | $1.25 |
| Certification of a document | $5.00 |
| Court record search (per name) | $5.00 |
| Exemplified copy (triple certification) | $10.00 |
| Duplicate or additional certified copies (same document, same request) | $2.00 each |
Payment Methods
- In-person payments are generally accepted by cash, check, or money order payable to the Dane County Clerk of Courts.
- For mail requests, include a check or money order. Contact the office to verify whether credit or debit card payments are accepted for record requests.
There is no charge to search the WCCA online database or to view case files at the Clerk's office counter. Fees apply only when you request copies or certified documents.
For other Dane County public records unrelated to court cases — such as sheriff's office records or general county department records — submit a request through the Dane County public records request page.