Chapter 800

800.045(1) (1) The municipal judge may schedule a pretrial conference. Upon agreement of the parties, the parties may waive a pretrial conference.

800.045(2) (2) If the defendant does not appear at the pretrial conference, the court may proceed under s. 800.035 (8) or (9).

800.045(3) (3) If the parties reach an agreement, the agreement shall be submitted to the court for the court’s approval. If an agreement is not reached, or if the court does not approve an agreement, the court shall schedule the action for further proceedings.

800.045 History History: 2009 a. 402.

800.05 800.05 Substitution or disqualification of municipal judge.

800.05(1) (1) A defendant may file a written request for a substitution of a new judge for the municipal judge assigned to the trial of that case. The written request shall be filed not later than 7 days after the initial appearance in person or by an attorney. The municipal judge against whom a request has been filed may set initial bail and accept a plea of not guilty.

800.05(3) (3) Upon receipt of the written request under sub. (1), the original judge shall have no further jurisdiction in the case except as provided in sub. (1) and except to determine if the request was made timely and in proper form. Upon such a determination, or if no determination is made within 7 days, the court shall transfer the matter to the chief judge of the judicial administrative district for the determination and reassignment of the action as necessary. If the request is determined to be proper, the case shall be transferred as provided in s. 751.03 (2). Upon transfer, the municipal judge shall immediately transmit to the appropriate judge all the records in the action. Upon receipt of the records, the new judge shall specify the court’s location in which the case will be heard and shall consider any objection to the proposed location in making the determination. In all such cases, the parties shall remain the same, the prosecutor of the transferring court shall be responsible for prosecution before the new judge, and the judgment, if any, shall be payable to the transferring court.

800.05(4) (4) 

800.05(4)(a) (a) If a new judge is assigned to the trial of the action, and the defendant has not exercised the right to substitute an assigned judge, a written request for the substitution of the new judge may be filed within 7 days after the giving of actual notice or sending of the notice of assignment to the defendant or the defendant’s attorney. If the notice occurs within 48 hours of the trial, or if there has been no notification, the defendant may make an oral or written request for substitution prior to the commencement of the proceedings.

800.05(4)(b) (b) If upon an appeal from a judgment or order or upon a writ of error the appellate court orders a new trial or reverses or modifies the judgment or order in a manner such that further proceedings in the municipal court are necessary, the person charged with a violation may file a request under sub. (1) within 20 days after the entry of the judgment or decision of the appellate court whether or not another request was filed prior to the time the appeal or writ of error was taken.

800.05(5) (5) If the municipal judge disqualifies himself or herself under s. 757.19 or SCR 60.04, the case shall be transferred under sub. (3).

800.05 History History: 1977 c. 305, 447; 1977 c. 449 s. 496; 1979 c. 32 ss. 68, 92 (17); Stats. 1979 s. 800.05; 1987 a. 151; 2009 a. 402; 2019 a. 70.

800.06 800.06 Illness, absence or vacancy; pending actions triable by court which receives papers; continuance on vacancy and notice of trial.

800.06(1) (1) If any municipal judge is to be temporarily absent or is sick or disabled, the municipal judge may, subject to the order of the chief judge of the judicial administrative district, designate another municipal judge from any municipality within the state to perform his or her duties for a period not to exceed 30 days.

800.06(2) (2) If any municipal judge is incompetent, unable or fails to act, s. 751.03 (2) applies. The parties and their attorneys shall be notified of the transfer to another judge.

800.06(3) (3) Notwithstanding s. 751.03 (2), if there is a permanent vacancy in the office of municipal judge, the chief judge of the judicial administrative district may designate another municipal judge to perform the duties of the office until the municipal governing body fills the vacancy by temporary appointment under s. 8.50 (4) (fm). The municipal judge designated under this subsection may exercise all of the authority of the municipal court to which he or she is assigned.

800.06 History History: 1977 c. 305; 1977 c. 449 s. 497; 1979 c. 32 ss. 68, 92 (17); Stats. 1979 s. 800.06; 1985 a. 304; 1987 a. 151; 1993 a. 384; 1995 a. 224; 2009 a. 402; 2019 a. 70.

800.065 800.065 Reserve municipal judges.

800.065(1) (1) Definitions. In this section, “ reserve municipal judge” means a former municipal judge who has complied with s. 755.03 and is appointed by the chief judge of the former municipal judge’s judicial administrative district to perform such specified duties on a day-by-day basis as the chief judge may direct.

800.065(2) (2) Eligibility. Any of the following persons may serve as a temporary reserve judge:

800.065(2)(a) (a) A person who has served a total of 8 or more years as a municipal judge.

800.065(2)(b) (b) A person who has served 4 or more years as a municipal judge and who was not defeated at the most recent time he or she sought election to judicial office.

800.065(3) (3) Compensation. Notwithstanding s. 755.04, reserve municipal judges under this section shall receive compensation in an amount agreed to by contract between the municipality and the reserve municipal judge.

800.065(4) (4) Training. All persons serving as reserve municipal judges under this section are subject to s. 755.18.

800.065 History History: 1987 a. 389; 2009 a. 402.

800.07 800.07 Discovery in municipal court. Neither party is entitled to pretrial discovery in any action in municipal court, including refusal hearings held by a municipal court under s. 343.305 (9), except that if the defendant moves for pretrial discovery within 30 days after the initial appearance in person or by an attorney, the court may order that the defendant be allowed to inspect documents, including lists of names and addresses of witnesses, if available, and to test under s. 804.09, under such conditions as the court prescribes, any devices used by the plaintiff to determine whether a violation has been committed. The defendant may move for pretrial discovery at any other time upon a showing of cause for that discovery.

800.07 History History: 1977 c. 305; 1979 c. 32 s. 68; Stats. 1979 s. 800.07; 1987 a. 389; 2003 a. 199; 2009 a. 402.

800.08 800.08 Procedure at trial.

800.08(1) (1) At trial the plaintiff shall provide a prosecutor who is an attorney authorized or licensed to practice law in this state. The plaintiff shall first offer evidence in support of the citation or complaint. The defendant may offer evidence after the plaintiff has rested. If the plaintiff and the defendant have offered evidence upon the citation or complaint, the parties may then respectively offer rebuttal testimony only, unless the court permits them to offer evidence upon their original case. Both parties shall have the opportunity to question all witnesses.

800.08(2) (2) 

800.08(2)(a) (a) Before testifying, every witness shall be required to declare that he or she will testify truthfully, by oath or affirmation administered in a form calculated to awaken his or her conscience and impress the witness with the duty to testify truthfully.

800.08(2)(b) (b) The oath may be administered by the judge or his or her designee substantially in the following form: Do you solemnly swear that the testimony you shall give in this matter shall be the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth, so help you God.

800.08(2)(c) (c) Every person who declares that he or she has conscientious scruples against taking the oath, or swearing in the usual form, shall make a solemn declaration or affirmation, which may be in the following form: Do you solemnly, sincerely and truly declare and affirm that the testimony you shall give in this matter shall be the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth; and this you do under the pains and penalties of perjury.

800.08(2)(d) (d) The assent to the oath or affirmation by the person making it may be manifested by the uplifted hand.

800.08(3) (3) The standard of proof for conviction of any person charged with violation of any municipal ordinance shall be evidence that is clear, is satisfactory, and convinces the judge to a reasonable certainty.

800.08(4) (4) Except as provided in s. 938.17 (2) (h) 3., the court shall be bound by the rules of evidence specified in chs. 901 to 911.

800.08(5) (5) If a defendant does not appear at trial, the court may enter a default judgment under s. 800.09.

800.08 History History: 1977 c. 305; 1979 c. 32 ss. 68, 92 (17); Stats. 1979 s. 800.08; 1997 a. 205; 2009 a. 402; 2013 a. 107.

800.085 800.085 Telephone and audiovisual proceedings. At any proceeding under this chapter, a party, witness, or interpreter may appear by telephone or by audiovisual means if any of the following applies:

800.085(1) (1) The parties so stipulate and the court approves.

800.085(2) (2) The court finds good cause after considering the following factors:

800.085(2)(a) (a) Whether any undue surprise or prejudice would result.

800.085(2)(b) (b) Whether the proponent has been unable, after due diligence, to procure the physical presence of the witness.

800.085(2)(c) (c) The convenience of the parties and the proposed witness and the cost of producing the witness in relation to the importance of the offered testimony.

800.085(2)(d) (d) Whether the procedure would allow full effective cross-examination, especially where availability to counsel of documents and exhibits available to the witness would affect such cross-examination.

800.085(2)(e) (e) The importance of presenting the testimony of witnesses in open court, where the finder of fact may observe the demeanor of the witness, and where the solemnity of the surroundings will impress upon the witness the duty to testify truthfully.

800.085(2)(f) (f) Whether the quality of the communication is sufficient to understand the offered testimony.

800.085(2)(g) (g) Whether a physical liberty interest is at stake in the proceeding.

800.085(2)(h) (h) Financial or physical limitations on the ability of the defendant or counsel for the defendant to be physically present.

800.085(2)(i) (i) Any other factors as the court may, in each individual case, determine to be relevant.

800.085 History History: 2009 a. 402; 2019 a. 70; 2021 a. 240 s. 30.

800.09 800.09 Judgment.

800.09(1b) (1b) If the court finds a defendant guilty, the court may render judgment by ordering any of the following:

800.09(1b)(a) (a) A forfeiture, plus costs, fees, and surcharges imposed under ch. 814.

800.09(1b)(b) (b) Community service work.

800.09(1b)(c) (c) An operating privilege suspension or revocation if authorized by law.

800.09(1b)(d) (d) Other dispositions authorized by law.

800.09(1b)(e) (e) For juveniles, dispositions authorized under s. 938.17 (2).

800.09(1d) (1d) The court shall apply any payment received on a judgment that includes restitution to first satisfy any payment of restitution ordered, then to pay the forfeiture, costs, fees, and surcharges.

800.09(1g) (1g) The court may defer payment of any judgment or provide for installment payments. At the time that the judgment is rendered, the court shall inform the defendant, orally and in writing, of the date by which restitution and the payment of the forfeiture, plus costs, fees, and surcharges imposed under ch. 814, must be made, and of the possible consequences of failure to do so in timely fashion, including imprisonment, as provided in s. 800.095, or suspension of the defendant’s motor vehicle operating privilege, as provided in sub. (1b) (c), if applicable. In addition, the court shall inform the defendant, orally and in writing, that the defendant should notify the court if he or she is unable to pay the judgment because of poverty, as that term is used in s. 814.29 (1) (d), and that he or she may request community service in lieu of payment of the judgment. If the defendant is not present, the court shall ensure that the information is sent to the defendant by mail. If the defendant is present and the court, using the criteria in s. 814.29 (1) (d), determines that the defendant is unable to pay the judgment because of poverty, the court shall provide the defendant with an opportunity to pay the judgment in installments, taking into account the defendant’s income, or to perform community service in lieu of payment of the judgment. In 1st class cities, all of the written information required by this subsection shall be printed in English and Spanish and provided to each defendant.

800.09(1j) (1j) If the court orders the defendant to perform community service work in lieu of making restitution or of paying the forfeiture, surcharges, fees and costs, or both, the court may order that the defendant perform community service work for a public agency or a nonprofit charitable organization that is approved by the court and agreed to by the public agency or nonprofit charitable organization. Community service work may be in lieu of restitution only if also agreed to by the person to whom restitution is owed. The number of hours of community service work required may not exceed the number determined by dividing the amount owed on the forfeiture by the minimum wage established under s. 104.035 (1). The court shall ensure that the defendant is provided a written statement of the terms of the community service order and that the community service order is monitored.

800.09(3) (3) 

800.09(3)(a) (a) If the operating privilege of a defendant is suspended under this section or s. 800.095, the court may terminate that suspension and substitute an installment payment plan for paying the amount of the judgment that takes into account the defendant’s income.

800.09(3)(b) (b) If the operating privilege of a defendant is suspended under this section or s. 800.095, the court shall terminate that suspension and substitute an installment payment plan for the payment of the amount of the judgment that takes into account the defendant’s income if all of the following conditions apply:

800.09(3)(b)1. 1. The defendant is unable to pay the judgment in full because of poverty, as that term is used in s. 814.29 (1) (d).

800.09(3)(b)2. 2. The defendant has not previously failed to comply with an installment payment plan ordered under this section that takes into account the defendant’s income.

800.09(3)(c) (c) If the defendant fails to comply with an installment payment plan ordered under this subsection, the court shall reinstate the suspension of the defendant’s operating privilege.

800.09(4) (4) Notwithstanding s. 755.045 or 800.115 (2), no municipal judgment alleged by the defendant to be void due to the existence of a conviction, suspension, or revocation arising from another matter that existed at the time of the municipal judgment shall be considered void by any court unless the defendant disclosed the conviction, suspension, or revocation with specificity and in writing to the municipal court and to the prosecuting attorney prior to the entry of the municipal judgment.

800.09 History History: 1977 c. 305; 1979 c. 32 s. 68; Stats. 1979 s. 800.09; 1981 c. 317; 1985 a. 179; 1987 a. 27, 389; 1987 a. 399 s. 494u; 1989 a. 107; 1991 a. 39, 40, 189; 1993 a. 16; 1997 a. 27, 84; 1999 a. 9, 185; 2001 a. 16; 2003 a. 139; 2009 a. 17, 103, 402; 2011 a. 257; 2015 a. 55; 2019 a. 70; 2021 a. 240 s. 30.

800.09 Annotation Section 343.30 (5) does not preclude the suspension of operating privileges under this section or s. 800.095. Suspension of operating privileges for failure to pay non-traffic forfeitures is not an unconstitutional exercise of the police power or an unconstitutionally excessive fine. City of Milwaukee v. Kilgore, 193 Wis. 2d 168, 532 N.W.2d 690 (1995).

800.09 Annotation An award of costs of prosecution does not include actual attorney fees. Town of Wayne v. Bishop, 210 Wis. 2d 218, 565 N.W.2d 201 (Ct. App. 1997), 95-2387.

800.09 Annotation A municipal court is not authorized under former s. 885.04, 2017 stats., to subpoena persons outside of the state; thus the court in this case could not order an out of state defendant to appear in person. There is no inherent authority in the court authorizing such an order. City of Sun Prairie v. Davis, 226 Wis. 2d 738, 595 N.W.2d 635 (1999), 97-1651.

800.093 800.093 Restitution.

800.093(1) (1) The court, in addition to ordering any payment authorized by law, may order a defendant to make full or partial restitution under this section to any victim or, if the victim is deceased, to his or her estate if the court finds all of the following:

800.093(1)(a) (a) The defendant is guilty of violating a nontraffic ordinance or an ordinance authorizing restitution under s. 346.65 (2r).

800.093(1)(b) (b) The violation resulted in damage to or theft of the property of or physical injury to or death of a person other than the defendant.

800.093(2) (2) Restitution ordered under this section is enforceable in a civil action by the victim named in the order to receive restitution. A court may not order a defendant to pay more than the amount specified in s. 799.01 (1) (d) in restitution under this section.

800.093(3) (3) If the violation resulted in damage to or loss or destruction of property, the restitution order may require that the defendant do one of the following:

800.093(3)(a) (a) Return the property to the owner or owner’s designee.

800.093(3)(b) (b) If return of the property under par. (a) is impossible, impractical or inadequate, pay the owner or owner’s designee, subject to the limit in sub. (2), the reasonable repair or replacement cost or the greater of the following:

800.093(3)(b)1. 1. The value of the property on the date of its damage, loss or destruction.

800.093(3)(b)2. 2. The value of the property on the date judgment is rendered, less the value of any part of the property returned, as of the date of its return. The value of retail merchandise shall be its retail value.

800.093(4) (4) If the violation resulted in physical injury, the restitution order may require that the defendant do one or more of the following, subject to the limit in sub. (2):

800.093(4)(a) (a) Pay an amount equal to the cost of necessary medical and related professional services and devices relating to physical, psychiatric or psychological care and treatment.

800.093(4)(b) (b) Reimburse the injured person for income lost as a result of the violation.

800.093(4)(c) (c) If the injured person’s sole employment at the time of the injury was performing the duties of a homemaker, pay an amount sufficient to reimburse the person for any payments made to another to perform those duties from the date of the injury and to ensure that the duties are continued until the person is able to resume performance of the duties.

800.093(5) (5) The restitution order may require that the defendant do one or more of the following, subject to the limit in sub. (2):

800.093(5)(a) (a) Pay all special damages, but not general damages, including, but without limitation because of enumeration, the money equivalent of loss resulting from property taken, destroyed, broken or otherwise harmed and out-of-pocket losses, such as medical expenses, substantiated by evidence in the record, that could be recovered in a civil action against the defendant for his or her conduct in the commission of the violation.

800.093(5)(b) (b) Pay an amount equal to the income lost, and reasonable out-of-pocket expenses incurred, by the person against whom the violation was committed as a result of the commencement of the action or of cooperating in the investigation and prosecution of the violation.