St Croix County Court Records are official documents created and stored during legal cases in Wisconsin’s 10th Judicial District. These records include civil lawsuits, criminal charges, family court decisions, probate matters, and small claims judgments. The Clerk of Courts office at 1101 Carmichael Road, Hudson, WI 54016 manages all filings, ensures public access under Wisconsin law, and preserves each document for at least ten years. Every year, more than 12,000 new cases are entered into the system, making it one of the busiest rural court systems in the state.
How to Search St Croix County Court Records
Anyone can search St Croix County Court Records online or in person. The county offers a free public database with over 45,000 indexed documents, including case numbers, party names, filing dates, and full-text motions when allowed by law. Users can filter results by case type, date range, or status. Electronic PDF copies are available at no cost, while certified copies require a $5 fee. For large files or sealed records, visitors must go to the clerk’s office during business hours: Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
The statewide Wisconsin Court System portal (wicourts.gov) also includes St Croix County filings. It updates nightly and lets users export data in CSV format for legal research. This system covers all circuit courts, appellate decisions, and Supreme Court rulings dating back to 1990. Both platforms let you track active cases, view judgment summaries, and check appeal status without charge.
Types of Cases Included in St Croix County Court Records
St Croix County Court Records cover four main categories: civil, criminal, family, and probate. Civil cases include contract disputes, personal injury claims, evictions, and small claims under $10,000. Criminal records list misdemeanors, felonies, traffic violations, and DUI charges. Family court files contain divorce decrees, child custody orders, adoptions, and restraining orders. Probate records involve wills, estate inventories, guardianships, and name changes.
Each record shows key details like case number, judge assigned, hearing dates, and final disposition. Some documents—such as juvenile records or mental health hearings—are restricted by law and not publicly available. Researchers should contact the Clerk of Courts directly if they need access to sensitive or sealed files.
Public Access and Privacy Rules for Court Records
Under Wisconsin’s Open Records Law (Wis. Stat. § 19.31), most St Croix County Court Records are open to the public. However, certain information is redacted to protect privacy, such as Social Security numbers, minor names, and medical details. Juvenile cases are generally sealed unless a judge orders otherwise.
Certified copies—used for legal proof—require a notarized request and carry a $5 processing fee. Uncertified digital copies are free via the online portal. Staff cannot give legal advice but can explain how to use the search tools or locate specific documents.
St Croix County Courthouse Locations and Contact Info
The main St Croix County Circuit Court is at 1101 Carmichael Road, Hudson, WI 54016. It handles all major civil, criminal, and family cases. The building has a public lobby, digital evidence displays, and wheelchair access. Phone: (715) 386-4630. Fax: (715) 381-4396.
Hudson Municipal Court, at 911 4th Street, deals with city ordinance violations and traffic tickets. New Richmond Municipal Court, at 156 East 1st Street, processes local misdemeanors and maintains a separate probate registry. Both offer free Wi-Fi and self-service kiosks for payments.
Online Services and Digital Tools
St Croix County provides several free online services. The Real Estate Records portal lets users view deeds, mortgages, liens, and plat maps after creating an account. Registration requires a valid email and Wisconsin driver’s license number. Downloads cost $2.50 per page.
The Vital Records section issues birth, death, marriage, and divorce certificates. Standard requests take 7 days; expedited service costs $25 extra. Death certificates require a notarized form. All certified documents bear the official county seal.
Register of Deeds and Property Records
The Register of Deeds maintains land records, including deeds, mortgages, and liens. About 9,800 deeds and 4,200 mortgages are recorded yearly. Each gets a unique book and page number. Public kiosks allow 24/7 printing. Quarterly audits ensure compliance with state retention rules.
This office also safeguards vital statistics and supports genealogical research. Records go back over 150 years and include cemetery plots, historic maps, and tax assessments.
COVID-19 Court Procedures and Emergency Orders
In March 2020, St Croix County followed statewide emergency orders. Civil trials moved to video conferencing. Filing deadlines were extended by 30 days. Jury selections occurred outdoors or in ventilated rooms. Courtroom capacity dropped to 40%. These rules ended August 31, 2020, but remote options remain available upon request.
Free Public Record Searches Beyond Court Files
Residents can search arrest logs, business licenses, contractor registrations, inmate records, police reports, sex offender lists, tax rolls, and warrants—all for free. In 2023, the system handled 87,000 searches, delivering PDFs in under ten seconds. Only certified copies cost money.
Statewide Case Search Portal
Wisconsin’s official case search tool (wicourts.gov) includes every St Croix County filing. Users find case numbers, view pleadings, check appeal status, and download histories. Over 1.4 million cases since 1990 are indexed. Nightly updates keep data current.
Filing Fees and Payment Options
Small claims cost $35 to file. Complex civil actions run up to $250. Payments can be made online, by mail, or at the self-service kiosk in Hudson. Fee waivers are available for low-income individuals with court approval.
Accessibility and Language Support
The courthouse offers sign language interpreters with 48-hour notice. All public terminals support screen readers. Spanish-language forms are available. Staff assist with navigation but cannot interpret legal content.
Record Retention and Archival Policy
State law requires St Croix County to keep court records for at least ten years. Older files are transferred to the Wisconsin Historical Society. Digital backups protect against loss. Researchers can request archived materials through the clerk’s office.
Common Uses for Court Records
People use St Croix County Court Records for background checks, genealogy, property disputes, verifying legal status, and preparing for litigation. Employers, landlords, and attorneys frequently request certified copies. Journalists and researchers rely on public dockets for reporting.
How to Request Certified Copies
Submit a written request with case number, party names, and purpose. Include a $5 check or money order. Mail to: Clerk of Courts, 1101 Carmichael Rd, Hudson, WI 54016. In-person pickup is fastest. Allow 3–5 business days for processing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are juvenile records public? No. Juvenile cases in St Croix County are sealed by law. Only judges, attorneys, and authorized agencies can access them.
Can I get a record same-day? Yes, if it’s not sealed or oversized. Visit the clerk’s office during business hours with valid ID.
Do I need an appointment? No. Walk-ins are welcome. Public terminals are first-come, first-served.
Are divorce records online? Yes, unless sealed. Search by party name or case number on the county portal.
What if my record is missing? Contact the Clerk of Courts. Staff will verify filing status or locate archived files.
Can I correct an error in my record? File a motion with the court that issued the order. The clerk cannot amend judicial decisions.
Is there a mobile app? No, but the website works on phones and tablets.
Official Resources
Clerk of Courts: https://www.sccwi.gov/292/Clerk-of-Courts
Wisconsin Court Search: https://www.wicourts.gov/casesearch.htm
Register of Deeds: https://www.sccwi.gov/384/Register-of-Deeds
Phone: (715) 386-4630
Address: 1101 Carmichael Road, Hudson, WI 54016
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:30 a.m.–5:00 p.m.