Show All Answers

1. Can I speak with the prosecuting attorney assigned to my case?

Yes, if you are a victim or witness, please call (715) 395-1218 and ask for our Victim-Witness program staff.

If you are a defendant and have hired an attorney, our office will not be able to speak with you because it would be a conflict of interest. We are only able to speak with your attorney regarding your case.

If you do not have an attorney, you can waive your right to an attorney for the purpose of discussing your case with the prosecutor.

2. I have been charged with a crime. I would like an attorney to represent me, but I cannot afford one. What can I do?

There are two ways for you to obtain an attorney to represent you in a criminal case based on low-income eligibility:

• You may go directly to the State Public Defender's Office located at 1316 N. 14th Street, Fourth Floor, Superior, Wisconsin, or you can contact them at (715) 392-7866. They will discuss the steps you need to take to determine if you are eligible for public defender representation.
• If you are not eligible for public defender representation, the Public Defender's Office will give you a form called Petition for Court Appointment of Counsel. You may be eligible for counsel at a reduced rate; however you will be responsible for making monthly payments. You need to file that form with the Clerk of Courts Office. The judge will then decide whether to appoint an attorney to represent you. To obtain specific information on the eligibility requirements, contact the Court Commissioner’s Office at (715) 395-1474 or the Clerk of Court at (715) 395-1203.

If it is determined that you are not eligible for a court appointed attorney, you will need to hire your own attorney, if so desired, or represent yourself.

3. What happens if I miss my court appearance?

If your appearance was for a non-criminal charge, you will be found guilty and owe a fine.

• If your court appearance was a mandatory appearance, a bench warrant may be ordered for your arrest.
• If you have an attorney, you will need to contact your attorney in order to arrange a bench warrant appearance.
• If you were required to appear before a judge or court commissioner, and an attorney does not represent you, you will need to contact the District Attorney’s Office at (715) 395-1218 to have your case scheduled in order to have the bench warrant quashed.

Keep in mind that in all instances, the bench warrant remains active until it is actually quashed in court.

4. If I have an ordinance, Department of Natural Resources (DNR), speeding, or Operating Whie Intoxicated (OWI) first-offense ticket(s), when can I talk to the prosecutor handling it?

You can contact our Office at (715) 395-1218 to ask for the assigned prosecutor at any time.

If at the initial appearance you enter a not guilty plea, your case will be either set for a pre-trial conference with the prosecutor and/or set for a status conference before the assigned judge. You will be given a status conference date by the court. You may show up half an hour early to discuss your case with the assigned prosecutor. If an attorney represents you, then only your attorney can contact our office to discuss your case with our prosecutor.

5. Are your court records open to the public?

Yes, if you are an adult.

If you are looking for information regarding a closed case, you may contact the Clerk of Courts Criminal Division at (715) 395-1203 or Traffic Division at (715) 395-1470. If you want information on a pending criminal case, please contact the Clerk of Courts Criminal Division at (715) 395-1240 or (715) 395-1237.
Court Records

6. Does your office handle child support collections?

No. Any child support questions should be directed either to your attorney or the Child Support Office. That phone number is (715) 395-1420.

Our office becomes involved in child support matters when a criminal failure to pay child support case has been referred to us.
Child Support

7. Does your office handle civil litigation/lawsuit matters?

No. You will need to contact a private attorney for these matters.

8. How do I file a small claims action?

You can obtain and file the paperwork with the Clerk of Courts Office. Contact the Clerk of Courts at (715) 395-1223 for more information.

9. How can I go about getting an extension of time to pay for my court fines?

You need to contact the Clerk of Courts Office at (715) 395-1499 to ask for an extension to pay for court fines. Our Office does not take in money to pay for fines. All fines must be paid to the Douglas County Clerk of Courts.

10. How do I go about requesting a pardon?

You will need to file an application for executive clemency with the Governor's Office. If you have questions, you may telephone the Governor's Office at (608) 266-1212 or write to:
Office of the Governor
Pardon Advisory Board
115 East State Capitol
P.O. Box 7863
Madison, WI 53707

11. I have been getting a lot of phone calls from telemarketers. What can I do to get them to stop calling me?

Consumers can sign up on Wisconsin's No Call List through the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade, and Consumer Protection. A consumer may sign up by calling (866) 9NO-CALL or (866) 966-2255 or by visiting the Wisconsin No Call List website.

12. I can no longer control my son/daughter, what can I do? Who can I call?

Parents may seek assistance from the Douglas County Department of Health and Human Services, Youth and Family Services Unit intake at (715) 395-1304.