Municipal Court

Effective June 23, 2021 Manitowoc Municipal will no longer require masks as it’s Covid-19 operational plan has been rescinded.  As of that date, anyone present in Municipal Court will be requested to wear a mask if they are unvaccinated. Municipal Court will continue to offer easier access plea entry by accepting pleas by mail, email or over the telephone and will have a plea entry table outside Council Chambers for anyone desirous of avoiding a personal appearance.

Effective September 1, 2021, all trials will revert to in-person witnesses.

If you do not wish to appear, the Court will continue to accept pleas by phone until further notice.  If you wish to make a plea by phone to a citation with a future court date, please call Municipal Court @  (920) 686-6920.

CLICK HERE for more plea options

Payments may be made at City Hall (900 Quay Street) or the Manitowoc Police Department (910 Jay Street) during regular business hours, 7:30 am - 4:30 pm, Monday - Friday.  

Summer Hours (May 1-September 30)  Monday-Thursday 7:30 am - 5:00 pm & Friday 7:30 am - 11:30 am (Excluding Holidays)

 Click here for payment options

Purpose & Function

Municipal courts were created by the governing body of the municipality and have exclusive jurisdiction over actions involving violation of the municipal ordinances adopted from the Wisconsin State Statutes. The court office provides information as well as maintains records of dispositions and payment of forfeitures. With the exception of juveniles, the records are open to the public.

Actual Court Proceedings

Actual Court proceedings are generally held Wednesday morning in the:
City of Manitowoc Council Chambers
City Hall
First Floor
900 Quay St.
Manitowoc, WI 54220
Initial appearances are scheduled as follows:
  • Traffic offenses 8:30 am
  • Ordinance violations 9:15 am

Pre-trials

At this time Pre-trials are being scheduled to be held by telephone on Tuesday of each week between the hours of 8:00 am and 4:00 pm.
 

Right of Way Information

As of August 1, 2012, any person who receives a citation and is convicted for failure to yield under Wisconsin statute 346.18 will be required to attend a failure to yield right-of-way course. The class can either be taken in person or online.

NON-TRAFFIC VIOLATIONS - ALTERNATIVE PENALTIES

Anyone charged as a juvenile for non-traffic violations should appear in person with a parent. There may be alternatives to a conviction. There are also alternative penalties to first time offenders of underage drinking and possession charges in most cases.

APPEAR IN COURT TO LEARN MORE ABOUT YOUR OPTIONS.