River Falls Municipal Court:
Information and Links

 

Frequently Asked Questions

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Do you take credit card payments?

Yes. You can now pay your Court fees with a Visa, MasterCard, and American Express or Discover credit card. This option is offered through Official Payments Corporation (OPC) or Government Payment Service (GPS)  Link to Pay on line

I missed my Court date and really wanted to appear. Can I get it reopened?

To get a matter reopened, you must write a letter to the Judge explaining why you missed your Court date and asking that it be reopened. The Judge may charge a reopening fee, which will be in the range of $0 - $50, depending on how long after the Court date we receive your letter and why you missed. If the reopening request is more than three months past the entry of judgment, a hearing will be held before the Judge.

I didn't pay my fines and now I'm suspended. What do I do now?

If this is the only suspension/revocation on your driving record, you must first pay your fine to the Court. Once paid, we will provide the state with the information. You must pay the Department of Information a reinstatement fee in order to have your privilege to drive in Wisconsin reinstated.

How long will this traffic charge remain on my record?

The points will remain on your record for one year from the date of the violation. The actual charge will remain on your record for three years, unless the charge is Operating While Intoxicated.

Is a payment plan an option?

You may ask the Court to set up a payment plan for you. This is done on a case-by-case basis, depending on your individual circumstances and must be approved by the Judge. If you do not follow the payment plan that you agreed to, the Court will impose the alternative sanction (either drivers license suspension or jail) unless other satisfactory arrangements are made with the Court. When making a payment to the Court, make checks payable to: The City of River Falls.

 

Additional Links

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Codes of General Ordinances
Pierce County
715-273-3531 
St Croix County
715-386-4630 
Department of Transportation
608-266-2261 
Wisconsin Circuit Court Access
This website provides public access to the records of the Wisconsin circuit courts for counties using the Consolidated Court Automation Programs (CCAP) Case Management system. These records are open to public view under Wisconsin's Open Records law, sections 19.31-19.39, Wisconsin Statutes 
Traffic Safety Classes
For Information on course schedules or fees, call the technical campus near you.  For General information call 608-266-7386 Wisconsin Indianhead Technological College – New Richmond WI  715-246-6561 Ext 4229 or 800-243-9483 Ext 4229 
State Bar of Wisconsin 
Wisconsin State Law Library 
Occupational License Information 
Wisconsin Statutes and Administrative Code 
Positive Alternatives
Alpha House Group Home providing residential programs for adolescents termed delinquent or needing other services 
Restorative Justice of St Croix Valley

   

Additional Information

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TRAFFIC VIOLATIONS 
If you are found Guilty of a traffic offense, in addition to any judgment imposed by the court, the State Department of Transportation may assess demerit points against your driving record, which may result in the suspension or revocation of your driver's license. The assessment of 12 or more demerit points in one year will result in the loss of your license. 
Any person holding a probationary license will be assessed additional demerit points for the second and all subsequent violations. Juveniles cited for traffic ordinance violations are subject to the same forfeitures.
 
OPERATING WHILE INTOXICATED CITATIONS 
If you are charged with operating a motor vehicle while under the influence of an intoxicant (drunk driving) or with a blood alcohol concentration greater than .08% and enter a Not Guilty plea, you have a right to request a jury trial. 
To secure a jury trial, you must file a written request in River Falls Municipal Court and submit the appropriate jury fee for a six person jury within ten (10) days of your first court appearance. If this is not done, you lose your right to a jury trial. If a proper jury trial demand is made, your case will be transferred to the County Circuit Court. The Circuit Court Clerk will then notify you of your jury trial date. 
The following penalties are assessed if found guilty of Operating While Intoxicated:  a mandatory revocation of your driver's license, a forfeiture imposed and you will be required to attend a mandatory drug and alcohol assessment.  
You may receive a second citation for Prohibited Alcohol Concentration (PAC).  Although you can be convicted of both the Operating While Intoxicated and Prohibited Alcohol Concentration, points and penalties will only be imposed on one. 
If there was a "Refusal," you may request a hearing with the River Falls Municipal Court in writing within 10 days of the issuance of the "Notice of Intent to Revoke."  Please refer to the information given to you at the time of your arrest pertaining to refusal procedures.
 
INTERPRETERS
It is very important that defendants understand the nature of the charge(s) against them, their legal rights, and the possible consequences.  If we are notified that a defendant needs an interpreter, one will be provided at no charge to the defendant.
 
JUVENILES 
The Municipal Court has jurisdiction over persons between 12 and 17 years of age. Juveniles have the same rights as adults with respect to pleas. They also have a right to a private (closed) hearing. A forfeiture may be entered against a juvenile found Guilty of a traffic or non-traffic ordinance violation. If the juvenile is found Guilty of a traffic violation and fails to pay the forfeiture, his/her driver's license may be suspended for up to two (2) years. If the juvenile is found Guilty of a non-traffic ordinance violation, a forfeiture will be imposed. If the juvenile fails to perform the community service or to pay the forfeiture, his/her license may be suspended for up to two (2) years. If the offense is alcohol related, the driver's license of the defendant may also be suspended.
 
TRIALS 
It is the prosecutor (City Attorney) who bears the burden of proving the case against each defendant by clear, convincing and satisfactory evidence. 
The prosecution will produce its witnesses to testify as to the facts and circumstances surrounding your case. You or your lawyer will be permitted to cross-examine each witness. When the prosecution has completed its case, you and your witnesses will be given the opportunity to testify and will be subjected to cross-examination by the prosecution. 
After all the evidence has been presented, the prosecution and the defense will be given an opportunity to summarize their respective cases to the court through brief argument. Thereafter, the Judge will determine whether you are Guilty or Not Guilty. 
If the Judge finds you Not Guilty, you will be discharged and the citation dismissed. If you are found Guilty, the judge will impose a forfeiture.  If necessary, you may have up to sixty (60) days to pay the forfeiture and costs.
 
APPEALS 
If you are found Guilty, you have the right to appeal your case to the County Circuit Court. All appeals must be filed in writing in the Municipal Court office within twenty (20) days after a Guilty finding is entered. If you fail to meet this time limit, you lose your right to appeal. The appeal fee, forfeiture and costs must be posted upon filing the appeal. You have the right to a Jury Trial on appeal, upon payment of appropriate fees.
  It is hoped that your appearance in Municipal Court will be a learning experience for you.
 
 
Penalty for non-payment of forfeiture
If you do not pay your forfeiture on time, the Court may:

1.    Suspend your Wisconsin driving privileges for up to two years AND/OR

2.  Refer you to the Collection Agency

3.  Initiate a tax intercept of your Wisconsin Tax Refund

4.  Summons to appear for a Good Cause Hearing

All Underage Drinking violations are mandatory appearances, the Court may suspend your driving privileges for not less than thirty (30) days and not more than two years.