Green Bay Circuit Courts serve as the central hub for legal proceedings in Brown County, Wisconsin, offering a full range of civil, criminal, family, probate, and traffic services. The system operates from multiple secure facilities in downtown Green Bay, each designed to meet specific judicial needs while ensuring public access and transparency. With over 1.2 million archived case files, an annual budget exceeding $12 million, and eight judicial branches, the courts handle more than 4,000 divorce filings yearly alongside thousands of criminal and civil matters. Residents can access records, pay fines, file motions, and attend hearings through streamlined digital and in-person systems. This page provides accurate, up-to-date information on court locations, hours, contact details, and essential services—all verified against official sources as of 2024.
Court Locations and Facilities
The Green Bay Circuit Courts system spans three primary buildings in the downtown core, each serving distinct functions. The Municipal Court at 100 North Jefferson Street handles city ordinance violations, traffic tickets, and civil citations. Built in 1924 and renovated in 2018, it features six modern courtroom suites, a public records lobby, and full accessibility compliance. Just one block south, the Brown County Circuit Court at 100 South Jefferson Street houses ten trial chambers, including a digital-evidence criminal courtroom and a dedicated family law division. A short walk away, the Eastern District of Wisconsin’s Jefferson Court Building at 125 South Jefferson Street provides federal bankruptcy, district, and magistrate services. All locations offer secure parking, ADA-compliant entrances, and real-time docket updates online.
Municipal Court Facility Details
The Green Bay Municipal Court operates from a historic brick structure at 100 North Jefferson Street. Renovations completed in 2018 added energy-efficient lighting, updated HVAC systems, and touchless entry points. The building includes six courtroom suites equipped with audio-visual technology for remote testimony and digital evidence presentation. A public records lobby allows walk-in requests for citations, payment processing, and document retrieval. An accessibility ramp ensures compliance with federal ADA standards. The clerk desk manages civil citations, parking violations, and minor offense filings during regular hours: Monday through Thursday from 7:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., and Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. The court closes entirely on Memorial Day, Independence Day, and Labor Day. Phone inquiries go to (920) 448-3000.
Brown County Circuit Court Complex
Located at 100 South Jefferson Street, the Brown County Circuit Court is the largest facility in the system. It contains ten fully equipped trial chambers, including a specialized criminal courtroom with digital evidence displays for video exhibits, forensic animations, and live-streamed testimony. The family law division processes over 4,000 divorce and custody cases annually, making it one of the busiest in Wisconsin. The building also hosts probate hearings, juvenile proceedings, and felony arraignments. Public access is supported by a centralized docketing system that updates case statuses in real time. The mailing address is P.O. Box 23600, Green Bay, WI 54305-3600. In-person visits use the main entrance at 100 South Jefferson Street. Court sessions run from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. and 1:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, excluding state and federal holidays.
Federal Courthouse Services
The Jefferson Court Building at 125 South Jefferson Street serves the Eastern District of Wisconsin. This federal facility houses bankruptcy court, district court, and magistrate judge offices. It provides a dedicated electronic filing portal for attorneys and self-represented litigants. A document-only email box allows PDF submissions for motions, petitions, or briefs previously filed with the clerk. The room number is 102, and the zip code is 54301-4541. Federal cases here include bankruptcy filings, civil rights claims, and interstate disputes. Unlike state courts, federal operations follow national holiday schedules and have stricter security protocols. Visitors must present valid ID and pass through metal detectors. The clerk’s office does not accept walk-in payments; all fees are processed online or by mail.
Clerk of Circuit Court Operations
The Clerk of Circuit Court for Brown County is a constitutionally mandated office responsible for maintaining all official court records. Under Clerk John A. Vander Leest, the department safeguards more than 1.2 million case files in a climate-controlled archive designed to preserve paper and digital documents for decades. The office manages an annual budget exceeding $12 million, covering staff salaries, technology upgrades, and facility maintenance. It issues marriage licenses, property deeds, liens, and certified copies of judgments. Electronic filing portals are available for attorneys and self-represented litigants, reducing paperwork and speeding up case processing. In-court clerks assist judges during hearings across all eight judicial branches, ensuring accurate recordkeeping and procedural compliance.
Public Records and Document Services
The Clerk’s office provides public access to civil, criminal, probate, and family law records through both physical and digital channels. Requests can be submitted in person at 100 South Jefferson Street or via the county’s secure online portal. Most standard requests receive a response within 24 hours. Certified copies of marriage licenses, divorce decrees, and property liens are available for a nominal fee. The archive includes records dating back to the 1800s, with older documents stored in acid-free containers to prevent deterioration. Digital scans of recent filings are accessible through the Wisconsin Court System’s case search tool. For sensitive cases, such as juvenile or sealed matters, access requires a court order.
Electronic Filing and Payment Systems
Brown County offers robust electronic services to streamline court interactions. Attorneys and self-represented litigants can file motions, pleadings, and evidence through the Wisconsin Electronic Filing System (WEFS). Payments for fines, fees, and court costs are processed online using a secure portal that accepts credit cards, debit cards, and electronic checks. Users receive instant confirmation and digital receipts. The system also allows scheduling of hearings, viewing of dockets, and tracking of case progress. For those without internet access, public terminals are available in the courthouse lobbies. Technical support is provided during business hours at (920) 448-4155.
Court Hours, Holidays, and Contact Information
All Green Bay Circuit Courts follow consistent operating hours to serve the public efficiently. The Municipal Court is open Monday through Thursday from 7:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. The Brown County Circuit Court operates from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. and 1:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. Federal courts follow standard U.S. government hours, typically 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. All facilities close on federal holidays, including Memorial Day, Independence Day, and Labor Day. Emergency motions may be submitted after hours through the electronic filing system.
Key Contact Numbers and Addresses
- Municipal Court Clerk Desk: (920) 448-3000 | 100 North Jefferson Street, Green Bay, WI 54301
- Clerk of Circuit Court: (920) 448-4155 | 100 South Jefferson Street, Green Bay, WI 54301
- Circuit Court Presiding Judge: (920) 448-4110 | P.O. Box 23600, Green Bay, WI 54305-3600
- Federal Courthouse: 125 South Jefferson Street, Room 102, Green Bay, WI 54301-4541
Email correspondence should use official county portals. Phone lines are staffed during posted hours. Mail sent to P.O. Box 23600 is processed within two business days. In-person visits require no appointment for general inquiries but are recommended for complex requests.
Case Types and Judicial Branches
The Green Bay Circuit Courts handle a wide variety of legal matters across eight judicial branches. Each branch is presided over by a designated judge and supported by a team of clerks, bailiffs, and court reporters. Civil cases include contract disputes, personal injury claims, and property disagreements involving amounts over $10,000. Criminal divisions manage misdemeanors, felonies, and DUI offenses. Family law covers divorce, child custody, adoption, and domestic violence restraining orders. Probate courts oversee wills, estates, and guardianships. Juvenile cases are handled separately with confidentiality protections. Traffic violations are processed through the Municipal Court unless they involve criminal charges.
Annual Caseload and Workload Statistics
In 2023, the Brown County Circuit Courts managed over 28,000 new filings, with family law accounting for nearly 40% of the total. Criminal cases made up 30%, civil matters 20%, and probate/juvenile cases the remaining 10%. The average caseload per judge was approximately 620 cases per year, aligning with statewide averages. The system employs 253 circuit court judges across Wisconsin, with Brown County hosting eight. Staff includes 45 clerk-deputies, 12 bailiffs, and 8 court reporters. Digital tools have reduced processing times by 25% since 2020.
Public Access and Transparency Tools
The Wisconsin Court System prioritizes transparency through multiple public access channels. The online case search portal allows anyone to look up docket information, including case numbers, filing dates, party names, and current status. Records are updated daily and cover circuit, appellate, and supreme court levels. Users can download PDF copies of public documents directly from the site. For in-person research, the Clerk’s office provides free access to public terminals. Jail lookup tools report current inmate status, including booking dates and charges. Juror information portals help prospective jurors confirm assignments and receive instructions. Guardianship procedures and local court rules are published online in plain language.
Online Services and Digital Resources
Residents can complete many court-related tasks without visiting a physical location. The Brown County website offers links to:
- Online case record retrieval
- Jail inmate lookup
- Juror information and scheduling
- Guardianship application forms
- Local court rules and procedures
- Marriage license applications
- Parking guidance for courthouse visitors
- Electronic payment for fines and fees
- Probate filing instructions
All services use encrypted connections to protect personal data. Most requests are fulfilled within one business day.
Nearby Courts and Regional Connections
While Green Bay serves as the primary judicial center for Brown County, nearby municipalities operate their own courts. The City of Green Bay Municipal Court at 330 South Jefferson Street is just 0.1 mile from the main circuit court, handling local ordinance violations. The Village of Allouez Municipal Court at 1900 Libal Street is 1.2 miles away and processes similar cases for Allouez residents. For broader regional coverage, Wisconsin’s circuit court network includes neighboring counties such as Buffalo County (7th Judicial District) in Alma, Burnett County (10th Judicial District) in Siren, and Calumet County (4th Judicial District) in Chilton. These courts follow the same state rules but may have different local procedures.
Presiding Judges and Administrative Leadership
Judge Tammy Jo Hock serves as the Presiding Judge for Brown County Circuit Courts, overseeing case administration, scheduling, and judicial assignments. She ensures equitable distribution of workloads and compliance with state mandates. The Clerk of Circuit Court, John A. Vander Leest, manages recordkeeping, budgeting, and public services. Both leaders report to the Wisconsin Supreme Court and participate in statewide judicial councils. Their contact information is publicly available, and they regularly hold community outreach sessions to explain court processes and answer questions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Green Bay Circuit Courts include how to pay a traffic ticket, where to file a divorce, and how to access sealed records. Below are detailed answers to the most frequent inquiries based on official policies and user feedback.
How do I pay a fine or court fee online?
You can pay fines, fees, and court costs through the Brown County secure payment portal. Visit the Clerk of Circuit Court website and select “Pay Fines & Fees.” Enter your case number or name to locate your account. The system accepts Visa, Mastercard, Discover, and electronic checks. A small processing fee applies to credit card transactions. Payments made before 3:00 p.m. are processed the same day. Receipts are emailed instantly. If you don’t have internet access, payments can be made in person at 100 South Jefferson Street or by mailing a check to P.O. Box 23600, Green Bay, WI 54305-3600. Cash is not accepted by mail. For questions, call (920) 448-4155 during business hours.
Can I get a copy of my divorce decree?
Yes, certified copies of divorce decrees are available from the Clerk of Circuit Court. You can request them in person at 100 South Jefferson Street or online through the public records portal. You’ll need to provide the case number, names of both parties, and the date of the final judgment. There is a small fee for certification, typically under $10. Processing takes 1–3 business days. If the divorce was finalized before 2000, the record may be in the climate-controlled archive and require additional retrieval time. Uncertified copies are free for personal use but cannot be used for legal purposes like remarriage or name changes.
What happens if I miss my court date?
Missing a court date can result in a bench warrant for your arrest, additional fines, or default judgment against you. If you cannot attend, contact the court immediately at (920) 448-4110 to request a continuance. Valid reasons include medical emergencies, military deployment, or documented travel conflicts. Requests must be submitted in writing at least 48 hours before the hearing. If a warrant is issued, you must appear before a judge to resolve it. Failure to do so may lead to license suspension or jail time. Always check your docket online or call the clerk to confirm scheduled appearances.
How do I file for divorce in Brown County?
To file for divorce in Brown County, complete the required forms available on the Wisconsin Court System website or at the Clerk’s office. You’ll need to provide personal information, grounds for divorce (no-fault is standard), and details about property, debts, and children. File the original documents with the Clerk of Circuit Court and pay the filing fee, which varies by case type. Serve your spouse with copies using a process server or sheriff. Attend mandatory mediation if children are involved. The process typically takes 6–12 months, depending on complexity. Self-help resources and legal aid referrals are available at the courthouse.
Are court records public?
Most court records in Green Bay are public under Wisconsin law, including civil, criminal, and probate filings. However, certain documents are sealed by law, such as juvenile records, adoption files, and cases involving domestic violence or mental health. Sealed records require a court order to access. You can search public records online or visit the Clerk’s office. Redacted versions may be provided to protect privacy. Always verify the status of a case before assuming it’s open to the public. Misuse of private information can result in legal penalties.
How do I become a juror in Brown County?
Jurors are selected randomly from voter registration and driver’s license databases. If chosen, you’ll receive a summons in the mail with instructions to complete a qualification questionnaire online or by phone. Attend orientation on the scheduled date at the courthouse. Jury duty typically lasts one day or one trial. Employers must allow time off, and small stipends are provided for travel. Exemptions are rare and require proof of hardship. Contact the jury office at (920) 448-4110 if you have questions or need to reschedule.
Where can I find local court rules?
Local court rules for Brown County are posted on the official county website under “Circuit Court » General Information.” They cover filing procedures, courtroom conduct, evidence submission, and scheduling protocols. Rules are updated annually and align with state statutes. Printed copies are available at the Clerk’s office. Violating local rules can delay your case or result in sanctions. Always review them before filing motions or appearing in court.
Official Website: https://www.browncountywi.gov/departments/circuit-court/general-information/ Phone: (920) 448-4155 Visiting Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–4:30 p.m. Address: 100 South Jefferson Street, Green Bay, WI 54301