Eau Claire Public Records /Eau Claire County Court Records

Eau Claire County Court Records

What Is Eau Claire County Court Records

Court records in Eau Claire County encompass all official documentation generated during legal proceedings within the county's court system. Pursuant to Wisconsin Statute § 19.31, these records are maintained as part of the state's commitment to governmental transparency and public oversight. Court records typically include case files, dockets, pleadings, motions, orders, judgments, transcripts, exhibits, and sentencing information.

Court records are distinct from other public records such as:

Property records (deeds, mortgages, liens)
Vital records (birth, death, marriage certificates)
Tax records
Voting and election records

The Wisconsin Court System maintains various types of court records across different jurisdictions in Eau Claire County, including:

Circuit Court (primary trial court)
Municipal Courts
Probate Court (division of Circuit Court)
Family Court (division of Circuit Court)
Small Claims Court (division of Circuit Court)

These courts generate records pertaining to civil litigation, criminal proceedings, family law matters, probate cases, traffic violations, and small claims disputes. The comprehensive nature of these records provides a detailed account of legal proceedings and judicial decisions within the county.

Are Court Records Public In Eau Claire County

Court records in Eau Claire County are generally accessible to the public in accordance with Wisconsin's Open Records Law, codified in Wisconsin Statutes § 19.31-19.39. This statute establishes that "all persons are entitled to the greatest possible information regarding the affairs of government and the official acts of those officers and employees who represent them." The Wisconsin Supreme Court has further reinforced this principle through Supreme Court Rule 72.01, which governs the retention and maintenance of court records.

The following court records are typically available for public inspection:

Most civil case files
Criminal case files (post-charging)
Judgments and orders
Docket sheets
Hearing schedules
Court calendars

However, certain records may be sealed or redacted to protect privacy interests, ongoing investigations, or sensitive information. According to Wisconsin law, records that may be restricted include:

Juvenile proceedings
Adoption records
Mental health commitments
Certain family court matters
Cases involving minors as victims
Records sealed by judicial order

It is important to note that federal court records for cases heard in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Wisconsin (which includes Eau Claire County) are governed by federal access rules rather than state regulations.

How To Find Court Records in Eau Claire County in 2026

Members of the public seeking court records in Eau Claire County may utilize several methods to locate and access these documents. The county maintains a structured system for record retrieval that accommodates both in-person and remote requests.

For in-person requests, individuals may visit:

Eau Claire County Clerk of Circuit Court
721 Oxford Avenue, Suite 2220
Eau Claire, WI 54703
715-839-4816
Clerk of Circuit Court Office

Office hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM (excluding holidays)

The procedure for obtaining court records includes:

Complete a records request form, available at the Clerk's office or downloadable from the county website
Provide specific case information (case number, party names, filing date)
Present valid photo identification
Pay applicable fees for copies ($1.25 per page for regular copies, $5.00 for certified copies)
Allow processing time, which varies based on record age and complexity

For written requests, individuals may submit a formal letter to the Clerk of Circuit Court that includes:

Requestor's full name and contact information
Detailed description of records sought
Case number (if known)
Names of parties involved
Approximate date of case filing
Purpose of request (optional)
Check or money order for applicable fees

Pursuant to Wisconsin Statute § 19.35(4), the Clerk's office must respond to requests "as soon as practicable and without delay." Complex requests may require additional processing time.

How To Look Up Court Records in Eau Claire County Online?

Eau Claire County provides comprehensive digital access to court records through several online portals. These systems allow for efficient searching of case information without requiring physical visits to court facilities.

The primary online resource is the Wisconsin Circuit Court Access (WCCA) system, commonly known as CCAP, accessible through the Wisconsin Court System case search portal. This database contains records from all 72 Wisconsin counties, including Eau Claire County.

To conduct an online search through WCCA:

Navigate to the Wisconsin Circuit Court Access website
Select the appropriate search method:
- Simple case search (by case number)
- Advanced case search (by party name, case type, filing date)
- Business search (for business entities)
Enter the required search parameters
Review the list of matching cases
Select a specific case to view detailed information

The system provides access to:

Case summaries
Party information
Scheduled court dates
Judgment information
Case history and status
Document filing dates

For appellate cases involving Eau Claire County matters, the Wisconsin Supreme Court and Court of Appeals Case Access system provides searchable records of appeals and supreme court proceedings.

Municipal court records may be accessed through individual municipal websites or by contacting the specific municipal court directly, as these records are not uniformly integrated into the WCCA system.

It should be noted that while case information is available online, actual document images are generally not accessible through these portals. To obtain copies of specific documents referenced in the online case information, individuals must request them from the Clerk of Circuit Court.

How To Search Eau Claire County Court Records for Free?

Wisconsin law guarantees the right to inspect court records without charge, as established in Wisconsin Statute § 19.35(3)(a), which states that "an authority may impose a fee upon the requester of a copy of a record... but shall not impose a fee for the cost of locating a record." This provision ensures that while fees may apply for copies, the act of searching and viewing records remains free of charge.

Free access options in Eau Claire County include:

In-person inspection: Visitors to the Eau Claire County Courthouse may view court records at public access terminals without paying any fees. The Clerk of Circuit Court maintains these terminals for public use during regular business hours.
Wisconsin Circuit Court Access (WCCA): This online database, accessible through the Wisconsin Court System, provides free, unlimited searching of case information. The system includes:
- Case summaries
- Party information
- Hearing dates
- Case status updates
- Judgment information
Wisconsin Supreme Court and Court of Appeals Case Access: Appeals cases originating in Eau Claire County can be searched without charge through this dedicated portal.
Public library access: The L.E. Phillips Memorial Public Library in Eau Claire provides free internet access where patrons can utilize the online court record systems without personal internet expenses.

While searching is free, fees apply for obtaining copies of documents:

$1.25 per page for standard copies
$5.00 for certified copies
Additional fees for extensive searches requiring staff assistance

These fees are established pursuant to Wisconsin Statute § 814.61, which authorizes counties to recover costs associated with document reproduction.

What's Included in a Eau Claire County Court Record?

Eau Claire County court records contain comprehensive documentation of legal proceedings, with contents varying by case type. Pursuant to Wisconsin Supreme Court Rule 72.01, these records must be maintained in a manner that preserves their integrity and accessibility.

Civil case records typically include:

Complaint or petition initiating the action
Summons and proof of service
Answers and counterclaims
Motions and supporting memoranda
Discovery documents (if filed with the court)
Exhibits admitted into evidence
Transcripts of hearings and trials
Court orders and judgments
Financial records of payments and disbursements
Appeal documents (if applicable)

Criminal case records generally contain:

Criminal complaint or information
Arrest warrant or summons
Bail/bond documentation
Plea agreements
Motions and briefs
Evidence logs
Sentencing information
Probation/parole records
Victim impact statements
Transcripts of proceedings

Family court records may include:

Divorce/separation petitions
Child custody and support orders
Parenting plans
Financial disclosure statements
Property division agreements
Domestic violence restraining orders
Paternity determinations

Probate records typically contain:

Wills and codicils
Inventories of estate assets
Claims against estates
Guardianship/conservatorship documents
Annual accountings
Distribution orders

Each court record also includes a case index and register of actions (docket) that chronologically lists all proceedings and filings in the case, providing a roadmap of the case's progression through the judicial system.

How Long Does Eau Claire County Keep Court Records?

Eau Claire County adheres to the Wisconsin Court Records Retention Schedule established by the Wisconsin Supreme Court Rule 72.01, which mandates specific retention periods for various court documents. This standardized approach ensures consistency across all 72 Wisconsin counties.

The retention periods for major record categories include:

Criminal Cases:

Felony case files: 75 years after entry of final judgment
Misdemeanor case files: 20 years after entry of final judgment
Traffic and ordinance violations: 5-10 years depending on disposition

Civil Cases:

General civil litigation: 20 years after entry of final judgment
Small claims: 20 years after entry of final judgment
Domestic relations (divorce, child support): 30 years after entry of final judgment

Probate Matters:

Wills admitted to probate: Permanent retention
Estate proceedings: 75 years
Guardianship/conservatorship: 7 years after termination

Other Records:

Judgment and lien dockets: 75 years
Court reporter notes and recordings: 10 years after the hearing
Exhibits: Retained until case is closed plus 30 days, or until appeal time expires

After the designated retention period expires, records may be destroyed according to procedures outlined in Wisconsin Statute § 59.40(2). However, the Clerk of Circuit Court may elect to preserve records beyond the minimum retention period, particularly those with historical significance.

Certain records, such as adoption proceedings and mental health commitments, have specialized retention requirements to protect sensitive information while preserving necessary documentation.

Researchers seeking historical court records that exceed retention periods may need to consult the Wisconsin Historical Society, which maintains selected court records of historical significance from counties throughout the state.

Types of Courts In Eau Claire County

Eau Claire County's judicial system consists of several courts with distinct jurisdictions and authority. These courts operate within Wisconsin's unified court system under the administrative oversight of the Wisconsin Supreme Court.

Eau Claire County Circuit Court
721 Oxford Avenue
Eau Claire, WI 54703
715-839-4816
Eau Claire County Circuit Court
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM

The Circuit Court is divided into five branches, each presided over by an elected judge. As courts of general jurisdiction, these branches handle the majority of legal matters in the county.

Eau Claire Municipal Court
203 S. Farwell Street
Eau Claire, WI 54701
715-839-4954
Eau Claire Municipal Court
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Altoona Municipal Court
1303 Lynn Avenue
Altoona, WI 54720
715-839-6092
Altoona Municipal Court
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM

The judicial hierarchy in Wisconsin proceeds from:

Municipal Courts (limited jurisdiction over ordinance violations)
Circuit Courts (primary trial courts with general jurisdiction)
Wisconsin Court of Appeals (intermediate appellate court)
Wisconsin Supreme Court (court of last resort)

Federal cases arising in Eau Claire County are heard in:

U.S. District Court, Western District of Wisconsin
120 North Henry Street, Room 320
Madison, WI 53703
608-264-5156
Western District of Wisconsin
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM

This hierarchical structure ensures that cases are heard in appropriate venues with proper jurisdiction, with opportunities for appeal to higher courts when necessary.

What Types of Cases Do Eau Claire County Courts Hear?

Eau Claire County courts adjudicate a diverse range of legal matters according to their respective jurisdictions as established by Wisconsin law. The distribution of case types across the county's court system reflects the hierarchical structure of Wisconsin's judiciary.

The Eau Claire County Circuit Court, as the primary trial court, handles:

Criminal Cases:

Felonies (homicide, sexual assault, robbery, drug trafficking)
Misdemeanors (simple assault, theft under $2,500, disorderly conduct)
Criminal traffic offenses (OWI/DUI, reckless driving)

Civil Litigation:

Personal injury claims
Contract disputes
Property disputes
Tort actions
Civil claims exceeding $10,000
Small claims (up to $10,000)

Family Law Matters:

Divorce and legal separation
Child custody and support
Paternity determinations
Adoption proceedings
Domestic abuse injunctions
Name changes

Probate Proceedings:

Estate administration
Will contests
Guardianships and conservatorships
Mental health commitments
Protective placements

Juvenile Matters:

Delinquency proceedings
Children in need of protection or services (CHIPS)
Termination of parental rights

Municipal Courts in Eau Claire County have limited jurisdiction over:

Municipal ordinance violations
First-offense OWI/DUI cases
Traffic citations issued by local police
Parking violations
Animal control violations
Underage alcohol violations
Local building code violations

Cases that originate in Eau Claire County but involve federal questions or diversity of citizenship may be heard in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Wisconsin, which handles:

Federal criminal prosecutions
Civil rights claims
Bankruptcy proceedings
Patent and copyright disputes
Cases involving federal statutes

This distribution of case types ensures that matters are heard in courts with appropriate jurisdiction and expertise, promoting efficient administration of justice throughout Eau Claire County.

How To Find a Court Docket In Eau Claire County

Court dockets in Eau Claire County provide chronological listings of scheduled hearings, filings, and judicial actions for specific cases. These public records are accessible through multiple channels, allowing interested parties to monitor court activities and proceedings.

The most efficient methods for accessing court dockets include:

Online Access via Wisconsin Circuit Court Access (WCCA): The Wisconsin Court System case search portal provides comprehensive docket information for all circuit court cases. Users can search by:
- Case number
- Party name
- Attorney name
- Filing date range
- Case type
In-Person Terminal Access: Public access terminals are available at:

Eau Claire County Courthouse
721 Oxford Avenue, Room 2220
Eau Claire, WI 54703
715-839-4816
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM

These terminals provide complete access to docket information without requiring internet connectivity.
Daily Court Calendars: The Clerk of Circuit Court publishes daily hearing schedules that are posted:
- On bulletin boards near courtrooms
- At the Clerk's office public counter
- On the county's official website
Written Requests: For historical docket information not available online, written requests may be submitted to:

Eau Claire County Clerk of Circuit Court
721 Oxford Avenue, Suite 2220
Eau Claire, WI 54703

Include case number, party names, and approximate date range in all written requests.

For appellate cases, docket information is available through the Wisconsin Supreme Court and Court of Appeals Case Access system, which provides detailed chronological listings of all filings and actions in cases under appellate review.

Municipal court dockets must be requested directly from the specific municipal court, as these records are maintained separately from the circuit court system.

Which Courts in Eau Claire County Are Not Courts of Record?

In Wisconsin's judicial system, a distinction exists between "courts of record" and "courts not of record" as defined by Wisconsin Statute § 753.03. Courts of record maintain comprehensive verbatim transcripts of proceedings and have broader authority, while courts not of record maintain more limited documentation and typically have restricted jurisdiction.

In Eau Claire County, the following courts are classified as courts not of record:

Municipal Courts:

Eau Claire Municipal Court
Altoona Municipal Court

These municipal courts handle ordinance violations, traffic citations, and other minor infractions within their respective municipalities. As courts not of record, they have the following characteristics:

Proceedings are not recorded verbatim by court reporters
No official transcripts are produced (though audio recordings may be maintained)
Judges are not required to be attorneys (though many are)
Appeals from these courts proceed to Circuit Court as trials de novo (new trials)
Limited authority to impose penalties (generally restricted to fines)
Cannot conduct jury trials in most circumstances

By contrast, the Eau Claire County Circuit Court is a court of record, maintaining complete records of all proceedings through court reporters or digital recording systems. This distinction is significant because:

Appeals from courts of record are based on the existing record rather than new trials
Courts of record have greater authority to enforce orders and impose penalties
Precedential value is generally limited to decisions from courts of record
Courts of record maintain more comprehensive documentation of proceedings

This two-tier system allows minor matters to be resolved efficiently in municipal courts while ensuring more serious cases receive the full procedural protections of courts of record.

Lookup Court Records in Eau Claire County

Wisconsin Court System case search

Eau Claire County Clerk of Circuit Court

Wisconsin Court System official website

Wisconsin Supreme Court and Court of Appeals Case Access

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