Racine County Court Records

Racine County court records are legal papers that contain information about court proceedings in the county. They are usually submitted to or generated by the county courthouse and maintained by the Clerk. These records may include complaints for a civil case or the indictment for a criminal case, physical evidence and witness testimony, pleadings, motions, orders, trial transcripts, disposition sheets, jury verdicts, and other court-related materials.

Legal researchers may use Wisconsin court records for a variety of purposes, including gaining further insight into a legal issue that can be used at a court trial. The record may also ensure the prevention of abuse of power in the judicial system. Judges of appellate courts, attorneys, witnesses to a case, and members of the public can review these records to ensure that lawsuits work in due process and that no party is prejudged. It also helps the judges find errors in previous court judgments to align the decisions of other courts.

Are Court Records Public in Racine County?

Yes, court records are public in Racine County, Wisconsin. According to the Wisconsin Public Record Act, the public has a right to view all records kept by the clerks of the circuit court (Wisconsin Stat. §§ 19.31–19.39). This means that anyone can access and obtain court records in Racine County, Wisconsin, upon request.

However, there are exemptions to the access of certain records, especially court records that are strictly defined as confidential. The following records may be restricted from public access if necessary:

• Records on adoptions, juvenile delinquency, terminations of parental rights, mental health commitments, and guardianships
• Certain documents in an otherwise open case type, such as a financial disclosure declaration in a divorce proceeding
• Any court record that has been sealed or deleted per a court order.

Racine County Court Records Search

Individuals can search for Racine County court records at any of the locations below:

• The County Courthouse
• The Racine County Circuit Court Clerk's office
• The Wisconsin Court case search page
• Third-party websites with information on court records in the county.

Racine County Court Records Search by Name

The Racine County Court Clerk is in charge of keeping the records for the circuit court cases filed in the county. Researchers may find and obtain court records using names in person, at the office of the county court clerk where the case was filed. However, the requester must know the first and last name of any case party—or the company name in cases involving business entities.

If the case file is stored electronically, one may view it at a public access terminal located in the office. To obtain these records, the requester must provide details such as valid identification, search and copy fees, and a form to complete the request.

In cases where the individual does not have information to use the public access computers, one may make a request online. The Court Clerk's Office provides an Online Records Request form to get court documents. However, the following details are required to complete a search:

• The case party name
• Case number and type
• Date of birth
• Year to search
• $5 search fee and $1.25 for certified copies.

Alternatively, the Wisconsin Court Case Search page provides a copy of the case information entered into the circuit court case management system by the court. Individuals must know the case number or the last name, first name, and date of birth of the parties involved.

Racine County Courts

The Racine County trial court system consists of a Circuit Court and a Municipal Court. Below is a list of court locations showing addresses and contact information for each court in the county:

Racine County Circuit Court
730 Wisconsin Avenue
Racine, WI 53403
Phone: (262) 636-3333
Fax: (262) 636-3341

City of Burlington Municipal Court
300 North Pine Street
Burlington, WI 53105
Phone: (262) 342-1129
Fax: (262) 342-1178

City of Racine Municipal Court
800 Center Street
Racine, WI 53403
Phone: (262) 636-9263
Fax: (262) 636-9110

Town of Burlington Municipal Court
32288 Bushnell Road
Burlington, WI 53105
Phone: (262) 763-8591
Fax: (262) 763-9485

Town of Dover Municipal Court
4110 South Beaumont Avenue
Kansasville, WI 53139
Phone: (262) 878-2200
Fax: (262) 878-2595

Town of Norway Municipal Court
6419 Heg Park Road
Wind Lake, WI 53185
Phone: (262) 895-3652
Fax: (262) 895-3651

Town of Raymond Municipal Court
2255 76th Street
Franksville, WI 53126
Phone: (262) 835-1651

Town of Waterford Municipal Court
415 North Milwaukee Street
Waterford, WI 53185
Phone: (262) 534-4880
Fax: (262) 534-7789

Village of Caledonia Municipal Court
5043 Chester Lane
Caledonia, WI 53402
Phone: (262) 835-6467
Fax: (262) 583-0599

Village of Mt. Pleasant Municipal Court
8811 Campus Drive
Racine, WI 53406
Phone: (262) 664-7831
Fax: (262) 664-7899

Village of Sturtevant Municipal Court
2801 89th Street
Sturtevant, WI 53177
Phone: (262) 886-7207
Fax: (262) 886-7205

Village of Union Grove Municipal Court
Union Grove Municipal Center
925 15th Avenue
Union Grove, WI 53182
Phone: (262) 878-2668
Fax: (262) 878-3782

Village of Waterford Municipal Court
123 North River Street
Waterford, WI 53185
Phone: (262) 534-3980 ext. 233
Fax: (262) 534-5373

Wind Point - North Bay Joint Municipal Court
4725 Lighthouse Drive
Racine, WI 53402
Phone: (262) 898-7071
Fax: (262) 639-5727

Racine County Superior Court Case Search

Wisconsin Circuit Courts have original jurisdiction over all civil and criminal matters, including probate, juvenile, and traffic matters in the County. The Racine County Circuit Court is the fourth largest circuit court in Wisconsin.

The Supreme Court has appellate jurisdiction over all courts in Wisconsin and has the option to determine which cases it will review. The Supreme Court may also hear original actions or cases that have not been heard previously in another court within the state.

To search for case information on civil and criminal cases, contact the Racine County Circuit Court Division in person or by mail. The court clerk’s office is open to visitors from 8:00 am - 4:30 pm Mondays through Fridays.

Mailing Address:

Racine County Clerk of Court
730 Wisconsin Avenue
Racine, WI 53403.

The Wisconsin online case search system allows individuals to make requests for copies of court records in the custody of the court clerk. The clerk's office will arrange payment and any pickup or delivery for the requested record either in person or by mail.

Racine County District Court Records

The Racine County General District Court has original jurisdiction over traffic violation cases, misdemeanors, and other simple offenses, as well as civil cases like landlord and tenant disputes, evictions, contract disputes, and actions for trespass and personal injury. Individuals who want to access district court records can visit the Circuit Court Clerk's office where the case is filed in person or online through the website.

Racine County Criminal Records

The Racine County Sheriff's Office is in charge of generating Racine County arrest records crime-related documents and records in the county. However, the Criminal History Unit under the Wisconsin Department of Justice is a major storage location for criminal records across the state. The unit also processes requests for background checks and criminal history information.

Interested persons may request Racine County criminal records like background checks from the Wisconsin Department of Justice using the Wisconsin Online Record Check System. However, requestors must register a user account to make certain background checks. Each request will cost a charge and may require a registered Wisconsin Unique Personal Identification Number (WiUPIN) obtained from an Online Record Check System registration.

Alternatively, the Support Services Division under the Records Bureau of the Sheriff's Office offers a fingerprinting service that allows interested persons to make a records request online. The Records Bureau personnel respond to various requests from the public and other law enforcement agencies, including records checks and open records requests while reporting to State and Federal agencies about crimes, arrests, and accident information. However, the requesters may not access specific court records and must provide a $0.25 fee and some information to make a request.

Racine County Sheriff’s Office
Attn: Records Bureau
717 Wisconsin Avenue
Racine, WI 53403
Phone: (262) 886-2300
Fax: (262) 637-5279

Racine County Criminal Court Case Lookup

To search for criminal court case information, submit public open records requests in person, electronically, by mail, or by fax to the Racine County Sheriff's office. Each request will include information such as name, email, record ID, and search fee. However, note that records searches are limited to cases directed to the Sheriff's Office.

Get Racine County Civil Court Records

In Racine County, a typical civil case record includes lawsuits seeking claims over $10,000, including actions such as restraining orders, appeals from municipal court and administrative agency decisions, name changes, etc.

The Racine County Clerk's office provides public access to civil court case records in person at the Racine County Circuit Court Division. However, the requester must know the case number which may be located on the Wisconsin Court's official website. One can also access civil case records using the Request Court Records Form online.

Racine County Family Court Records

The Family Court & Family Court Commissioner's office handles Racine County family records. These records include divorce, legal separation, annulment, custody, child support, paternity, or the modification of an order affecting the family. However, paternity and juvenile court cases are not accessible to the public without authorization.

To view family or paternity Files, the requester may visit the Family Commissioner's Court in person. Office hours are from 8:00 am - 4:30 pm Monday to Friday.

Racine County Courthouse - 3rd Floor
730 Wisconsin Ave
Racine, WI 53403
Phone: (262) 636-3155
Email: FACourt@RacineCounty.com.

Alternatively, interested individuals can submit a request form online through the county circuit court office. The form allows requesters to choose a 'family' case type when filling it out. All requests are submitted to the office and must include the charge fee.

Racine County Dissolution of Marriage Records

The County Clerk through the Racine County Recorder of Deeds Office keeps and disburses Racine County divorce records to only authorized persons. Individuals may obtain copies of certified records by filling out a Divorce Certificate Application, and submitting it in person or through mail to:

Racine County Register of Deeds
730 Wisconsin Avenue
1st Floor
Racine, WI 53403
Phone: (262) 636-3208
Email: rod@racinecounty.com.

A copy of a divorce record costs $20 and $3 for additional copies. Alternatively, individuals may also access copies of divorce records and certificates through the Vital Records Office of the Wisconsin Department of Health Services.

Racine County Marriage and Divorce Records

Racine County marriage and divorce records are available at the Wisconsin Department of Health Services, Vital Records. However, Racine County vital records (marriage, divorce, birth, and death certificates) are only available to persons with a relationship with the subject. Requesters may obtain a copy of a Racine County marriage or divorce certificate for $20 using a marriage or divorce application form. Individuals may include a valid ID card and submit requests through U.S mail orders.

Mailing address
Wisconsin Vital Records Office
P.O. Box 309
Madison, WI 53701.

Racine County Birth and Death Records

A Racine County birth certificate is a basic legal document that gives identity to a child. It also ensures the right to healthcare, nationality, schooling, voting, passport, obtaining a visa for foreign visits, and access to banking services. Beyond proving the time and date of death, the Racine County death certificate establishes the claim on the property and helps in accessing business and financial entitlements.

The Register of Deeds under the Vital Records Division provides copies of Racine County birth records and certificates to only eligible persons. Requesters may visit the Register office in person or submit a mail request using a birth certificate application form. However, requesters must provide a valid ID card, applicant information, and proof of relationship.

The Vital Records Division is also responsible for providing copies of Racine County death records and certificates to eligible persons. Requesters must fill out a death certificate application form for each request and must include a stamped envelope and a copy of a valid driver's license.

Racine County Probate Court Records

Probate court records include files of all matters and lawsuits on the administration of estates and guardianships. Examples of these records are wills, bonds, petitions, accounts, inventories, administrations, orders, decrees, and distributions.

The Racine County Circuit court clerk has the right to distribute probate court case information to interested persons. One may obtain these records in person at the office and online by submitting the record request form on the official website through mail.

Racine County Property Records

The various types of property information one can find in Racine County include deeds, liens, mortgages, land contracts, and financing statements. The Register of Deeds’ Office provides a Tax Inquiry Page that allows individuals to access land records in municipalities across the county. Users can search using First and last name, street name and number, Parcel ID, and mailing address.

Racine County Register of Deeds
730 Wisconsin Avenue
Racine WI 53403
Email: rod@racinecounty.com
Phone: (262) 636-3208

Racine County Court Records Online

Individuals can find Racine County court case information through third-party public records search websites such as Wisconsincourtrecords.us. These websites have pros, and one of them is that there are few or no geographical restrictions. This helps researchers find court case records from various locations and courts in the county.

When it comes to the cons of using third-party websites, researchers may need to pay an extra fee to complete the search. Some of these sites may offer subscription packages at a fixed price to search for a period. However, users may want to know that case information from these sites may be inaccurate and incomplete.