Polk County
Polk County was created by the Wisconsin Territory Legislature in 1853 and named in honor of James Polk, the 11th President of the United States. The county has a land area of approximately 914 square miles and a population of over 45,000 persons. Its most populous city is Amery, while Balsam Lake Village serves as the county seat.
The Polk County judiciary comprises the Circuit and Municipal Courts. Polk County's Circuit Court handles all major court proceedings, including felonies and civil lawsuits outside the scope of the Municipal Courts. The Circuit Court's criminal and traffic division also rules on traffic Infractions, misdemeanors, and preliminary hearings. Its civil department resolves property disputes, tort claims, professional malpractices, name changes, contract breaches, and small claims disputes for up to $10,000. The apex court's probate office is tasked with resolving guardianships, mental health commitments, adoptions, and other probate-related cases. Polk County has a Municipal Court in Amery and other municipalities. These courts handle all civil violations, such as traffic offenses, illegal burning, unlicensed pets, and improper waste disposal.
Polk County's Clerk of Courts is responsible for maintaining court records created during legal proceedings. These records include detailed information such as case filings, transcripts, court orders, dockets, party names, hearing schedules, and final judgments. The Wisconsin Open Records Law prohibits public access to confidential, sealed, and juvenile records but allows anyone to view or obtain copies of the following court documents:
- Criminal records
- Family law records
- Civil records
- Traffic records
- Probate records
- Small claims court records
Polk County court records are publicly accessible for legal and public reference. Requesters can get these case files by making phone requests or submitting written requests in person at:
Polk County Justice Center
1005 West Main Street, Suite 300
Balsam Lake, WI 54810
Phone: (715) 485-9299
Email: sharon.jorgenson@wicourts.gov
Alternatively, record searchers may subscribe to the Wisconsin Courts Case Search to find Polk County court records online. The state's online tool costs $5 for a one-time use account or guest search. To find relevant case information online, registered users must provide party names, dates of birth, business names, or cases.
