Frequently Asked Questions

When can I speak with the prosecuting attorney assigned to my case?

• If you are a defendant and have hired an attorney, our office will not be able to speak with you.   We are only able to speak with your attorney regarding your case

• If you are a defendant and have not hired an attorney, you must first fill out a form called Waiver of Your Right to an Attorney.  You can obtain this  form from the Clerk of Courts Office at the Judicial Center.  The defendant must fill out the form, sign it and file it with the Clerk of Courts Office; a copy must be provided to our office.  Once the form has been filed and we have received a copy, you may contact our office to schedule an appointment with the attorney assigned to your case.
  

How do I get copies of police reports?

• If you are looking to obtain access to or copies of police reports, you must go directly to the police agency that prepared the reports and make an open records request. There may be a fee to obtain police reports. 
  

Does your office handle child support issues?

• No, our office does not handle child support matters.  Any child support questions should be directed either to your attorney or the Child Support office in the Judicial Center.  That phone number is (262) 741-7100.
  
  Our office only becomes involved in child support matters when a criminal child support case has been referred to us.

Does your office handle civil matters for private citizens?

• No, our office does not handle civil matters. We do not represent private citizens. We represent the County of Walworth and the State of Wisconsin only.

How do I file a small claims action?

• If you would like to commence a small claims action against another party you can obtain and file the paperwork with the Clerk of Courts Office in Room 2080 of the Judicial Center.   You may also contact the Clerk of Courts Small Claims division at (262) 741-7019 for more information.

I have been charged with a crime.  I would like an attorney to represent me, but I can not afford one.   What can I do?

• You may go directly to the State Public Defender's Office located at 209 O'Connor Drive, Elkhorn, Wisconsin, or you can contact them at (262) 723-3212.   They will discuss the steps you need to take to determine if you are eligible for public defender representation.

• If you are not eligible for public defender representation, the public defender's office will give you a form called Notice of Ineligibility.  The Public Defender's Office will also give you a Motion for Appointment of Counsel.  Fill this form out and file the original with the Clerk of Courts Office and give a copy to our office.  The Judge will then decide at the next court hearing whether or not to grant your motion for appointment of counsel.
   

  I would like to file or drop charges against someone.

• If you wish to make a complaint against someone, go to the police agency where the violation occurred and make a complaint to a police officer. You cannot make your complaint directly to our office.  The police offcer will investigate the matter and refer any appropriate charges to our office for prosecution. An attorney from the District Attorney's office will decide whether or not to file charges.
  
  Once charges have been filed from the District Attorney's office only the attorney can decide to drop the charges.