Washburn County Circuit Court serves as the main trial court for all civil, criminal, family, and probate cases in Washburn County, Wisconsin. Located at 10 4th Avenue, Shell Lake, WI 54871, with a mailing address of PO Box 339, this court handles everything from small claims disputes to felony prosecutions. The Clerk of Circuit Court office is open Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., providing public access to case filings, record requests, and docket information. Residents can reach the court by phone at 715-468-4677 or fax at 715-468-4678, and email inquiries should be sent to clerk@washburncountywi.gov. Judge Angeline E. Winton presides over all circuit matters, supported by Judicial Assistant Cara Murden and Court Reporters Cathy Colbert and Karen Murray.
Court Location, Hours, and Contact Information
The Washburn County Circuit Court is housed in the Washburn County Courthouse at 10 4th Avenue in Shell Lake, Wisconsin. This single-location court serves the entire county, which spans approximately 819 square miles in northwestern Wisconsin. The courthouse sits near major transportation routes including US Highway 53 and State Highway 70, making it accessible to residents across the region. Public office hours run from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday, though the judge’s chambers may have different scheduling. Visitors must present a government-issued photo ID to enter the building and access courtrooms. All official filings, fee payments, and record requests occur during these business hours unless submitted electronically through approved state systems.
Clerk of Circuit Court Responsibilities
The Clerk of Circuit Court manages all administrative functions for Washburn County’s judicial system. This includes accepting case filings, maintaining official records, scheduling hearings, collecting fees, and providing certified copies of court documents. The clerk’s office does not offer legal advice—any questions about rights, procedures, or case strategy must be directed to a licensed attorney or the Wisconsin Lawyer Referral Service at 1-800-362-9082. Staff members process thousands of documents annually, ensuring compliance with Wisconsin Statutes Chapters 753 and 801–847. In 2023 alone, the office handled 1,248 new case filings across criminal, civil, family, and probate categories. All record requests require a notarized form and valid case number to protect privacy and meet state open records laws.
Electronic Access to Court Records
Washburn County Circuit Court records are available online through multiple platforms, including the statewide Wisconsin Circuit Court Access (WCCA) system, UniCourt, and RecordsFinder. These services update docket entries and PDF filings every night, typically within two hours of submission. Users can search by party name, case number, or filing date to retrieve criminal records, civil judgments, probate filings, and small claims decisions. Electronic copies are delivered in password-protected ZIP files for a $10 processing fee per document. Certified copies require an additional $15 fee and must be requested in person or by mail with proper identification. The WCCA portal, launched in 1999, now serves over 1.1 million queries monthly and remains the primary tool for attorneys, researchers, and the public to track active litigation.
Types of Cases Handled
The Washburn County Circuit Court has jurisdiction over a wide range of legal matters. Criminal cases include misdemeanors like theft and disorderly conduct, as well as felonies such as assault, drug offenses, and burglary. Civil cases cover contract disputes, property damage claims, landlord-tenant issues, and personal injury lawsuits. Family law matters include divorce, child custody, adoption, and domestic abuse restraining orders. Probate cases involve wills, estates, guardianships, and mental health commitments. Small claims disputes under $10,000 are also resolved here. Each case follows Wisconsin’s Rules of Civil Procedure and Criminal Procedure, with median disposition times of 42 days for civil matters and 31 days for criminal cases in 2023.
Judge’s Role and Court Operations
Judge Angeline E. Winton oversees all proceedings in the Washburn County Circuit Court. Her duties include presiding over trials, ruling on motions, issuing written opinions, and managing the court’s docket to ensure timely case resolution. She follows calendaring guidelines set by the 10-Judicial District Judges’ Conference, which prioritize urgent criminal matters and high-value civil disputes. Weekly docket reviews help assign courtroom time based on complexity and expected trial length. In 2022, the judge issued 842 written rulings, including 216 decisions later published in the Wisconsin Reports. All motions—such as requests for continuances, summary judgments, or protective orders—are entered into the electronic filing system within 48 hours of hearing.
Online Services and Payment Options
Residents can pay court fees, fines, and traffic citations 24/7 using the Wisconsin Court System’s secure online portal. Accepted payment methods include MasterCard (with a 2.75% convenience fee) and electronic checks (with a $2.50 flat fee). Payments update the official ledger immediately and generate printable receipts. The system complies with PCI-DSS standards to protect financial data. For those who prefer in-person transactions, cash, check, and money order payments are accepted at the clerk’s office during business hours. Fee schedules for filings, copies, and certifications are posted on bulletin boards near the courthouse entrance and available on the county website.
Public Records Requests and Access
Anyone may request public records from the Washburn County Circuit Court, but non-confidential documents only. Requests must include the case number and a notarized form submitted to the clerk’s office. Processing fees are $10 for standard copies and $15 for certified documents. Electronic delivery via secure download link takes up to two business days; in-person pickup is faster. Original records are kept for at least ten years before possible transfer to the Wisconsin State Archives. The court maintains an on-site research room with public terminals for document review during office hours. All access complies with Wisconsin’s Open Records Law, balancing transparency with privacy protections.
Court Staff and Judicial Team
The Washburn County Circuit Court operates with a small but dedicated team. Judge Angeline E. Winton leads the judicial function, supported by Judicial Assistant Cara Murden, who manages scheduling, correspondence, and administrative support. Court Reporters Cathy Colbert and Karen Murray provide real-time transcription for all hearings and trials, ensuring accurate records for appeals and legal review. The Clerk of Circuit Court, currently Shannon Anderson, oversees recordkeeping, filings, and public services. Each staff member has specific responsibilities that keep the court running efficiently while maintaining strict confidentiality and procedural integrity.
Technology and Data Management
Washburn County uses modern technology to manage court operations and public access. All case filings are digitized and stored in secure databases linked to the statewide WCCA system. Nightly updates ensure docket accuracy across platforms like UniCourt and RecordsFinder. The court’s website offers downloadable forms, procedural guides, and hearing calendars. Users can subscribe for email alerts when tracked cases receive new filings. Security measures include password protection for sensitive documents, encrypted data transmission, and compliance with state cybersecurity protocols. This infrastructure supports transparency, efficiency, and compliance with Wisconsin’s evolving digital governance standards.
Community Engagement and Social Media
The Washburn County Clerk of Circuit Court maintains an active Facebook page (@washburnclerkofcourt) to share updates, deadlines, and service changes. As of November 2025, the page has 612 followers and posts weekly reminders about office hours, holiday closures, and document submission rules. A pinned post outlines steps for requesting certified judgments. Messages are monitored during business hours, and the communications officer responds promptly to inquiries. All content adheres to Wisconsin open records laws, promoting transparency without compromising legal ethics or privacy.
Related Courts and Legal Resources
Washburn County also has a Municipal Court that handles local ordinance violations, traffic tickets, and minor offenses. Appeals from both courts may go to the Wisconsin Court of Appeals District III. Residents seeking broader legal help can contact the Wisconsin Lawyer Referral Service or consult county-specific resources online. Nearby counties like Burnett, Sawyer, and Douglas have similar circuit courts, but Washburn’s central location in Shell Lake makes it the primary venue for countywide matters.
Performance Metrics and Case Volume
In 2023, the Washburn County Circuit Court processed 1,248 new case filings, reflecting steady demand for judicial services. Civil cases took a median of 42 days to resolve, while criminal cases averaged 31 days—faster than the state median in many categories. These metrics demonstrate efficient docket management and adherence to statutory timelines. The court continues to adopt best practices in caseflow management, reducing backlogs and improving access to justice for all residents.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I find a case number for my legal matter?
You can search for your case number using the Wisconsin Circuit Court Access (WCCA) portal by entering your full name or attorney information. If you filed recently, contact the clerk’s office at 715-468-4677 with your filing date and party details. Case numbers follow a format like 2024CV001234 (year, case type, sequence). Keep this number handy for all future communications.
Can I get a certified copy of my divorce decree online?
No—certified copies must be requested in person or by mail with a notarized form and $15 fee. Electronic copies from WCCA or UniCourt are not certified. Visit the clerk’s office at 10 4th Avenue during business hours, or mail your request to PO Box 339, Shell Lake, WI 54871. Include a self-addressed stamped envelope for return delivery.
What happens if I miss my court date?
Missing a court date may result in a warrant for arrest (in criminal cases) or default judgment (in civil cases). Contact the clerk immediately to reschedule. Judges may grant continuances for valid reasons like illness or emergency, but you must file a motion before the hearing. Failure to appear can also lead to additional fines or license suspension.
Are juvenile records available to the public?
No—juvenile court records are confidential under Wisconsin law. Only authorized parties like parents, attorneys, or law enforcement can access them. Adult criminal records are generally public unless sealed by court order. Always specify the case type when requesting records to ensure proper handling.
How much does it cost to file a small claims case?
Filing fees for small claims in Washburn County vary by claim amount: $98 for claims under $5,000, $128 for $5,000–$10,000. Fees can be paid online, by mail, or in person. If you win, the judge may order the other party to reimburse your filing costs. Fee waivers are available for low-income individuals with approved poverty affidavits.
Can I record court proceedings myself?
No—only official court reporters may record proceedings. Personal recording devices are prohibited in courtrooms to protect privacy and decorum. Transcripts must be ordered through the clerk’s office for $10 per page. Audio or video recordings by the public violate Wisconsin Supreme Court rules and may result in removal or charges.
Where do I pay a traffic ticket issued in Washburn County?
Pay online via the Wisconsin Court System portal using your citation number. Select “Washburn County” as the jurisdiction. You may also pay in person at the courthouse or by mail to PO Box 339. Late payments incur additional penalties. If you wish to contest the ticket, request a hearing within 14 days of issuance.
Official Website: https://www.co.washburn.wi.us/departments/clerk-of-circuit-court/
Phone: 715-468-4677
Email: clerk@washburncountywi.gov
Address: 10 4th Avenue, Shell Lake, WI 54871
Office Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.