Kenosha Court House stands as the central hub for judicial operations in Kenosha County, Wisconsin. Located at 912 56th Street, Kenosha, WI 53140, it serves residents across civil, criminal, family, and probate matters. The courthouse handles over 30,000 active cases annually and supports critical services like case tracking, record requests, and public access to legal proceedings. Whether you’re filing documents, checking docket updates, or attending a hearing, this facility ensures transparent and efficient court administration.
Main Courthouse Location and Contact Information
The primary Kenosha Court House is situated at 912 56th Street in Kenosha, Wisconsin. This building houses the Kenosha County Circuit Court and serves as the main point of contact for felony cases, civil lawsuits, family law disputes, and probate matters. The Clerk of Courts office operates Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. For general inquiries, call 262-653-2664. The Records Division can be reached at 262-653-2435, the Family Division at 262-653-2753, and the Probate Division at 262-653-2673. All offices provide in-person assistance, scheduled appointments, and online filing options for convenience.
Intake Court and Pre-Trial Facility
The Intake Court and Pre-Trial Facility, located at 927 54th Street, Room 157, Kenosha, WI 53140, processes civil filings, marriage licenses, and property records. This division manages approximately 15,000 cases each year. Staff assist with document submissions, fee payments, and scheduling initial hearings. Visitors should bring valid identification and any relevant paperwork. The facility also provides guidance on court procedures and eligibility requirements for various legal actions. It’s recommended to arrive early, especially during peak hours, to ensure timely processing.
Municipal Court Services in Kenosha
The City of Kenosha Municipal Court, located at 625 52nd Street, Room 97, handles traffic citations, municipal code violations, and misdemeanor charges. This court processes around 12,000 filings annually. Defendants can request telephonic hearings by calling 262-653-4220 at least 24 hours before the scheduled date. Upon approval, the court assigns a specific time and records the call in its official docket. Identity verification requires a government-issued ID, and notarized statements may be needed for certain requests. The court also posts weekly updates on jury duty schedules and eligibility criteria.
Court Case Tracker and Real-Time Docket Access
The Kenosha Court House offers a real-time Court Case Tracker through the Wisconsin Circuit Courts Access portal. Users must register online to search cases by party name or docket number. Once located, clicking the “RSS” icon subscribes users to automatic XML feed updates. These notifications alert attorneys and litigants whenever motions are filed, hearings are scheduled, or judgments are entered. The system covers all active county cases—over 30,000—ensuring stakeholders stay informed without manual checks. This service enhances transparency and reduces delays in legal proceedings.
Additional Courthouses in Kenosha County
Beyond the main Kenosha Court House, several municipal courts serve surrounding communities. The Town of Wheatland Municipal Court is located at 34315 Geneva Road, New Munster, WI. The Village of Paddock Lake Municipal Court operates from 6969 236th Avenue, Paddock Lake. The Village of Pleasant Prairie Municipal Court serves its residents at a dedicated facility within the village. Each location maintains a public clerk desk during standard business hours and handles local ordinance violations, traffic offenses, and minor criminal matters. Contact information and specific services vary by jurisdiction.
Public Records and Arrest Logs
Access to arrest logs, criminal case files, and civil records is available through the Kenosha Court House Records Division. Contact them at 262-653-2444 for formal requests. The main courthouse at 1010 56th Street also provides these services. For property-related records, the Kenosha County Township Property Assessors office is located at 1314 West College Avenue, P.O. Box 2111, Appleton, WI 54912-2111. Call 920-749-1995 for valuation data or assessment inquiries. All records are subject to Wisconsin open records laws, and some may require written requests or fees.
City Clerk and Treasurer Services
The City Clerk/Treasurer office supports business licensing, voter registration, tax collection, and permit issuance. It maintains open records under Wisconsin FOIA statutes and publishes an annual financial report detailing roughly $150 million in city revenues and expenditures. The division also leads the Kenosha Action Roadmap to Inclusion, Equality & Equity (2020–2024), outlining measurable goals for fair service delivery. Entrepreneurs and residents can visit the office for guidance on starting businesses, obtaining permits, or accessing public documents.
Municipal Court Procedures and Hearing Requests
To request a telephonic hearing at the Kenosha Municipal Court, call 262-653-4220 at least one day before the scheduled appearance. If approved, provide a verified phone number. The court will assign a time slot and document the call in its system. Hearings cover traffic tickets, code violations, and low-level misdemeanors. Defendants must present valid ID and may need notarized statements for specific cases. Failure to appear may result in warrants or additional penalties.
Recent Court News and Public Incidents
In recent news, John Steinbrink Jr., former director of Pleasant Prairie Public Works, appeared at the Kenosha Court House on felony charges including theft of public funds and misconduct in office. The indictment alleges he diverted approximately $120,000 in municipal contracts to businesses with personal ties. Bail was set at $25,000, with a pre-trial conference scheduled for the following month. Separately, two individuals were arrested on the courthouse steps after a verbal altercation turned physical. Both face assault and resisting arrest charges, with court dates set for the week after the incident.
Online Resources and Case Search Tools
Residents can search Kenosha Court House records using third-party platforms like RecordsFinder, which aggregates public data from the circuit court. Users can query by case number, party name, or filing date to retrieve docket entries, orders, and judgments. The official Wisconsin Circuit Courts Access portal remains the most reliable source for real-time updates. Always verify information through official channels, as unofficial sites may contain outdated or incomplete data.
Jury Duty and Civic Responsibilities
Jurors summoned to the Kenosha Court House receive detailed instructions via mail, including date, time, and location. Eligibility requires U.S. citizenship, residency in Kenosha County, and age 18 or older. Exemptions may apply for medical, financial, or occupational reasons. Prospective jurors must bring their summons and valid ID. The process typically lasts one day unless selected for trial. Compensation is provided per Wisconsin state law. Check the court’s website weekly for updates on selection dates and reporting requirements.
Accessibility and Visitor Information
The Kenosha Court House is fully accessible to individuals with disabilities. Wheelchair ramps, elevators, and assistive listening devices are available upon request. Parking is provided near the main entrance, with designated spots for disabled visitors. Security screenings are conducted at all entrances. Photography inside courtrooms is prohibited without permission. For language interpretation services, notify the court clerk at least 48 hours in advance. Quiet zones are maintained in waiting areas to respect ongoing proceedings.
Legal Aid and Self-Help Resources
Self-represented litigants can access free legal forms and procedural guides at the Kenosha Court House self-help center. Staff provide general information but cannot give legal advice. The Wisconsin Court System website offers downloadable forms for divorce, small claims, restraining orders, and more. Local nonprofits like Legal Action of Wisconsin offer limited free consultations. Always confirm form accuracy with the Clerk of Courts before submission to avoid delays.
Filing Fees and Payment Options
Filing fees at the Kenosha Court House vary by case type. Civil filings typically cost between $50 and $200, while marriage licenses are $20. Fee waivers are available for low-income individuals upon submission of financial documentation. Payments can be made in cash, check, money order, or credit card (in-person only). Online payments are accepted for certain traffic citations through the municipal court portal. Receipts are issued for all transactions and should be retained for records.
Holiday Closures and Emergency Procedures
The Kenosha Court House observes all federal holidays, including New Year’s Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving, and Christmas. On these days, all offices are closed, and no filings or hearings occur. Emergency protective orders and warrant requests are handled by on-call judges through the Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office. Contact 262-653-2444 after hours for urgent matters. Regular operations resume the next business day.
Contact Information Summary
For the main Kenosha Court House: Address: 912 56th Street, Kenosha, WI 53140 Phone: 262-653-2664 Hours: Monday–Friday, 8 a.m.–5 p.m. For Municipal Court: Address: 625 52nd Street, Room 97, Kenosha, WI 53140 Phone: 262-653-4223 For Records Requests: Phone: 262-653-2444 For Intake Court: Address: 927 54th Street, Room 157, Kenosha, WI 53140 Official website: https://www.kenoshacounty.org Municipal court portal: https://www.kenosha.org
Frequently Asked Questions
Below are common questions about the Kenosha Court House, its services, and procedures. Each answer provides clear, actionable information to help you navigate the judicial system efficiently.
What documents do I need to file a civil case at the Kenosha Court House?
To file a civil case, bring a completed complaint form, filing fee (or waiver request), and valid photo ID. If suing for money, include evidence like contracts or receipts. Forms are available online or at the Clerk’s office. File in person at 912 56th Street or 927 54th Street, Room 157. Processing takes 1–3 business days. Keep copies for your records. For help, ask staff at the intake desk—they explain steps but cannot give legal advice.
Can I check my court date without visiting the courthouse?
Yes. Use the Wisconsin Circuit Courts Access portal to search by your name or case number. Register for a free account, then view your docket. You can also subscribe to an RSS feed for automatic updates when hearings change. The system shows time, location, and case type. For municipal court dates, call 262-653-4220. Always confirm details 24 hours before your appearance in case of last-minute changes.
How do I request a copy of a criminal record from Kenosha County?
Call the Records Division at 262-653-2444 or visit 1010 56th Street. Provide the defendant’s full name, date of birth, and case number if known. There may be a small fee per page. Requests take 3–5 business days. Some records are restricted by law. Bring ID if picking up in person. Mail requests must include a self-addressed stamped envelope. Allow extra time for mailed responses.
Is parking available at the Kenosha Court House?
Yes. Free public parking is located near the main entrance at 912 56th Street. Disabled parking spots are marked and close to ramps. Arrive early during busy times like jury selection days. Street parking is limited and may have time restrictions. Do not park in fire lanes or private lots—towing is enforced. The municipal court at 625 52nd Street also has a small lot for visitors.
What happens if I miss my court date?
Missing a court date can result in a warrant for your arrest, especially in criminal cases. The judge may enter a default judgment against you in civil matters. Contact the court immediately to reschedule. Explain your reason—some judges allow continuances for emergencies. Failure to appear may increase fines or penalties. Always update your address with the court to avoid missed notices.
Are there language interpreters available at the courthouse?
Yes. The Kenosha Court House provides free interpreters for non-English speakers. Request one when you receive your summons or at least 48 hours before your hearing. Common languages include Spanish, Hmong, and Arabic. Interpreters assist in courtrooms, clerk offices, and mediation sessions. They are neutral and cannot give legal advice. If you need an interpreter, notify the Clerk of Courts as soon as possible.
Can I pay traffic tickets online?
Yes, for City of Kenosha Municipal Court tickets. Visit the official city website and enter your ticket number and license plate. Pay with a credit or debit card. Receipts are emailed instantly. Online payments close at midnight the day before your court date. If you plan to contest the ticket, do not pay online—appear in person instead. Late payments incur additional fees.