Home » News » Around Waupaca County » Public court hearings suspended

Public court hearings suspended

Waupaca County judges issue emergency orders

The Waupaca County Circuit Court issued emergency orders in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The measures will be in effect from Monday, March 16, to May 15.

According to the court order:

• There will be no jury trials held on, or before May 15, unless statutorily required.

• Any hearing that can be done by phone will proceed as scheduled by phone. Any in-person hearing will require the specific approval of the assigned judicial officer.

• Counsel will communicate with the Court, via the branch’s judicial assistant, through telephonic or electronic means.

• All temporary order hearings before the Family Court Commissioner shall be completed via telephone.

• All small claims hearings before our Small Claims Commissioner shall be completed
via telephone.

• All informal probate matters that can be completed via telephone may proceed; otherwise, the matter shall be scheduled for an informal hearing after May 15.

• Criminal intake, usually held at 1:30 p.m.Tuesdays,is suspended during this period of time. Any already filed cases will be adjourned to a date and time after May 15. Any newly filed cases will be scheduled for after May 15.

• There are no changes being made to the handling of “in custody” hearings.

• Any criminal cases with defendants who are in custody will be handled on a case-by-case basis.

• Effective March 23, all traffic, ordinance and DNR intake dates are suspended.

• Any previously filed citations will be adjourned until after May 15.

These orders are in place to ensure the continuous performance of the court’s essential functions and operations and yet seek to mitigate the risk that court employees, lawyers, litigants, and jurors will be exposed.

These guidelines incorporate use of videoconferencing and teleconferencing to minimize contact, when appropriate; follow social distancing practices; and temporarily suspend some non-essential court functions.

If an individual has a court date schedule before May 15, 2020 they should contact their attorney for guidance on what they should do. If they do not have an attorney they should call the Clerk of Courts Office at 715-258-6200 for guidance.

The person may also contact the office of the judge assigned to their case: Judge Troy Nielsen at 715-258-6430, Judge Vicki Clussman at 715-258-6425 and Judge Raymond Huber at 715-258-6437. Individuals may also access information via CCAP, which can be located at wcca.wicourts.gov.

Victims should contact the Waupaca County Victim/Witness Office regarding ongoing cases at 715-258-6445.

Scroll to Top