Court records of Racine County, Wisconsin, are available through several channels. RacineCourt.us allows for quick access to public information about court cases in the county. Additionally, records can be found through the official online tools of the state court system, the Clerk of Circuit Court, and public terminals directly in the courthouse building.
Racine Court System & Jurisdictions
Wisconsin does not have separate magistrate or district courts in the way many states do. Instead, each county is served by one Circuit Court, which is a court of general jurisdiction. In Racine County, this court handles virtually all categories of cases.
- Criminal Cases — from felonies to misdemeanors.
- Civil Claims — including large monetary disputes and debt collection claims.
- Small Claims — minor civil claims up to $10,000, where the procedure is simplified.
- Family Law (Family Court) — divorces, child custody, alimony. Necessary circuit court forms are available on the state court system's website.
- Probate — inheritance cases, guardianship, and conservatorship of adults.
- Traffic Violations and Municipal Cases — speeding fines, parking violations, etc.
Juvenile justice cases and some materials related to mental health are usually closed to public access. If you are unsure which category your case belongs to, contact the court office — the clerk will advise you on where to find the necessary record.
Racine Court Calendar & Upcoming Hearings
The schedule of Racine County Circuit Court sessions is published through the centralized Wisconsin Court System portal. Here's how to find the necessary hearing:
- Go to the case search page.
- Select Racine County from the list of counties.
- Enter the party's last name or case number.
- The case card will display scheduled hearing dates, the judge's name, and the courtroom.
The calendar is updated daily. If you need information for today or tomorrow, the quickest option is to call the court office or check the public terminal in the courthouse lobby. Hearings are sometimes rescheduled on the day of the session, so check the information directly before your visit.
Racine County Clerk of Circuit Court
How to Get a Copy of a Racine Court Document
Copies of court documents come in two types: uncertified and certified. A certified copy contains the court's seal and the clerk's signature — it is required by banks, employers, and other courts.
Online
Through the Wisconsin case search system, you can view the case registration card for free: parties, dates, decisions. However, full texts of documents (complaints, rulings, minutes) may not always be downloadable through this portal. To obtain a complete document, contact the office.
In Person
Visit the Clerk of Circuit Court at the address above. Bring the case number or at least the party's last name and approximate year of filing. The clerk will make a copy on the spot.
By Mail
Send a written request specifying:
- The full case number (if known).
- The names of the parties.
- The type of document you need.
- Whether a certified copy is needed.
- A return address and a check or money order for the appropriate amount.
The mailing address is the same — 730 Wisconsin Avenue, Racine, WI 53403.
For land records and documents registered with the Register of Deeds, use the Racine County LandShark system. Document images are available there for a separate fee.
Access Restrictions
Some records are closed by law: juvenile cases, certain materials in domestic violence cases, sealed or expunged criminal records. If you are denied access, the clerk is required to explain the reason.
Racine Court Records Fees & Payment
Fees are set according to Wis. Stat. § 814.61 and local administrative orders. Below are approximate rates — check with the office for current amounts, as they may change.
| Service | Approximate Cost |
|---|---|
| Document copy (per page) | $1.25 |
| Document certification | $5.00 |
| Case search by clerk (by name) | $5.00 |
| Court judgment copy | $1.25 per page + $5.00 for certification |
| Viewing images in LandShark (Register of Deeds) | Pre-authorization of $50.00 on a credit card; only the actual amount is charged |
The office accepts cash, checks, and money orders. For online payments through LandShark, a credit card is used. Before sending a mail request, confirm the exact amount by phone — it will save time.
A state-level criminal check can be ordered separately through the Wisconsin Online Record Check System (WORCS) of the Department of Justice. This service costs $7.00 per request and does not replace a search in the circuit court — it only covers arrests and convictions at the state level.