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SCAM ALERT

Please be aware that there is an Internet/Email Scam circulating that requests an online payment for traffic tickets owed be made immediately.

The letter appears to come from the State of Wisconsin and Milwaukee County Clerk of Circuit Court Traffic Division.

Please DO NOT click on any links or QR codes or enter personal credit card information.

THIS IS A SCAM

Delete the email or Mark as Phishing or Spam.

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Interpreter & ADA Services

Under current law, if a court determines that a person has limited English proficiency and that an interpreter is necessary, the court must advise the person that he or she has the right to a qualified interpreter at public expense in any type of case (criminal and civil).

Additionally, the court may authorize the use of interpreters in the following circumstances: (a) if a person with limited English proficiency requests assistance of the clerk of circuit courts regarding a legal proceeding, the clerk may provide the assistance of a qualified interpreter to respond to the person's inquiry; and (b) with approval of the court, interpreter services outside the courtroom that are related to the court proceedings, including court-ordered psychiatric or medical exams or mediation. The court may accept a waiver of the right to a qualified interpreter from a person with limited English proficiency at any point in a court proceeding, if the court advises the person of the nature and effect of the waiver, and determines on the record that the waiver has been made knowingly, intelligently and voluntarily.

• Interpreter Request Form
• ADA Accommodation Form
• LAP Milwaukee County 2024 Language Access Plan

About Civil Lawsuits

What types of cases are filed in civil court?

The most common civil suits involve claims for money or property worth over $10,000. If the claim involves money or property worth $10,000 or less, it must be filed in small claims court. Other types of civil suits are declaratory judgments and appeals from government agency decisions.

How do I start a civil case?

A civil lawsuit is usually started with the filing of a summons and a complaint. A summons is a notice that informs the defendant (the person being sued) that a lawsuit has been filed. A complaint is a document in which the plaintiff (the person who files the lawsuit) says why they are suing the defendant and what they want the court to do. There is also a filing fee that must be paid, which varies by type of case. The fee is paid and the documents are filed in Room 104 of the courthouse.

Does the court provide forms for the summons and complaint?

No. Summonses and complaints may be different in each case. The court can’t tell you what type of information it must contain, as the information must be specific to your case. See Chapter 801, Wisconsin Statutes. The Milwaukee County Law Library (room G9 of the courthouse) may have form books that show you how to format your summons and complaint, but you must hire an attorney if you want information on what to write.

What happens after I file?

Once you file, you must have the defendant personally served. If the defendant lives in Milwaukee County, you can use the Milwaukee County Sheriff’s Department, located on the First Floor in Room 102 of the Safety Building. The Sheriff's Department charges $75.00 for three attempts. You may also hire a private process server. You may not serve the defendant yourself. You may not mail the papers.

When do I get to go to court?

A civil case has many court hearings. You must appear in person for each one. The first is generally a scheduling conference, where the judge sets deadlines for discovery and other things that the judge may order.

What is discovery?

Wisconsin law allows each party to find out about the evidence and witnesses that the other party may use at trial. Some discovery is done in writing (e.g., interrogatories and requests for production of documents). Some discovery is done in person (e.g., depositions). The court cannot help you with discovery. The Legal Resource Center may have more information about the various types of discovery.

What happens at trial? Do I get to tell the judge or jury my story?

Civil trials are formal events. If you do not have an attorney, you must act as your own attorney. The judge cannot assist you, because he or she must remain neutral. You must prove your case to the judge or jury by submitting evidence and by having witnesses testify for you. You can also testify on your own behalf. The defendant (or their attorney) may question your witnesses and you can question the defendant’s witnesses. However, there are rules about what kinds of evidence and testimony you can present and how it is presented and the judge will make you follow those rules, even though you are not an attorney.

If I need an attorney, how do I find one? Can the court appoint one for me?

There are no court-appointed attorneys for civil cases. If you need an attorney, you can call the Milwaukee Bar Association Lawyer Referral Service at (414) 274-6768. If income is an issue, you need to tell the Lawyer Referral Service that information. They may be able to help you find an attorney.