Skip to main content
Find a Lawyer
Please enter a legal issue and/or a location
Begin typing to search, use arrow keys to navigate, use enter to select

Milwaukee Courthouses

Last updated: June 20, 2023

Milwaukee. It’s known as “Brew City.” Why? Beer, that malted barley libation Americans love so much. But the city is known for more than just its breweries --- beautiful Lake Michigan, the world’s largest music event Summerfest, a rich baseball history courtesy of the Brewers, world-class dairy products, iconic television sitcoms including Happy Days (they have a statute of the Fonz known as “Bronz Fonz”)  Laverne & Shirley, and large numbers of German transplants.

Milwaukee is the main cultural and economic center of the Milwaukee–Waukesha–West Allis area. The city is home to almost 600,000 residents.

If you are a Wisconsinite with a court case in Milwaukee County, you know there are several courthouses servicing the metropolitan area.  If you have a criminal, civil, family law, children’s law, or probate matter, it’s likely in the Milwaukee County Circuit Court or the Municipal Court.                                                                                         

Here we’ve highlighted four key court systems you’ll most likely encounter: the First Judicial Circuit Court, the Wisconsin Court of Appeals, U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Eastern District of Wisconsin, and the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Wisconsin

First Judicial District Circuit Court

  • Milwaukee County Circuit Court

    901 North 9th St.
    Milwaukee,
    WI 53233

    Tel: (414) 278-5362

    Divisions: Civil, Family, Probate, Guardianship, Conservatorship, Appeals, Small Claims.

    Parking: There are several pay lots in the area. Jurors receive free bus tickets by mail prior to their service.

    Note: If you are serving on a jury, your juror badge will permit you free admission to the Milwaukee Public Museum during your lunch break.

  • Milwaukee County Safety Building

    821 West State St.
    Milwaukee,
    WI 53233

    Tel: (414) 278-4538

    Divisions: Criminal (felony, misdemeanor, and traffic), and Municipal Court appeals.

    Parking: There are several pay lots in the area. Consider taking public transportation.

    Note: The court is located within walking distance of the Milwaukee Public Museum, Milwaukee Area Technical College Campus, and the Milwaukee County Courthouse.

  • Children’s Court Center

    10201 West Watertown Plank Rd.
    Wauwatosa,
    WI 53226

    Tel: (414) 257-7700

    Divisions: Children, Juvenile

    Parking: Milwaukee County Transit System Bus Route 31 runs from downtown Milwaukee to the Children’s Court Center throughout the day.

    Note: This court handles neglect, abuse, guardianship, termination of parental rights, adoption, child abuse injunctions, civil harassments involving minors, ordinance violations, and permanency plan review hearings.

  • Milwaukee Municipal Court

    Police Administration Building, 951 N. James Lovell St.
    Milwaukee,
    WI 53233

    Tel: (414) 286-3800

    Divisions: Traffic, First offense drunk driving, Underage alcohol, Parking, Building code violations, Disorderly conduct, Trespass, Health code violations, Animal control violations and Truancy

    Parking: Parking is available on the street, in MacArthur Square and in various lots around the Police Administration Building. The Milwaukee Municipal Court does not validate parking.

  • Milwaukee Municipal Intake Court

    Milwaukee County Criminal Justice Facility, 949 N. 9th St., Room 134
    Milwaukee,
    WI 53233

    Tel: (414) 286-3800

    Parking: Consider taking public transportation.

    Note: Certain pre-trial hearings and in custody matters are scheduled in this location.  Please check your notice to determine whether your pre-trial hearing will be conducted here. This building is located two blocks to the west of the Milwaukee Municipal Court.

  • Wisconsin Court of Appeals

    330 East Kilbourn Ave., Suite 1020
    Milwaukee,
    WI 53202

    Tel: (414) 227-4680

    Parking: Consider taking public transportation.

    Note: The Court of Appeals has jurisdiction over criminal and civil appeals from the circuit court. If you are requesting an appeal, call the courthouse directly or seek legal assistance.

Federal Courts

  • U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Eastern District of Wisconsin

    605 West 4th Ave., Suite 138
    Milwaukee,
    WI 53202

    Tel: (414) 297-3291

    Parking: Parking is limited. Consider taking public transportation.

    Note: This location handles all bankruptcy proceedings for Milwaukee residents. If you’re filing for bankruptcy, click here for more information. They also have a help desk staffed with volunteer attorneys. Call for more information and hours.

  • U.S District Court for the Eastern District of Wisconsin

    United States Federal Building and Courthouse, 517 E. Wisconsin Ave.
    Milwaukee,
    WI 53202

    Tel: (414) 297-3372

    Parking: Public parking is available at the 411 E. Wisconsin Office Building (adjacent to the courthouse) and on Jackson Street between Wisconsin Avenue and Mason Street and between Clybourn and Michigan streets. One-hour metered parking is available across the street from the courthouse. No public parking is available on the streets bordering the courthouse or within the courthouse garage.

    Note: This location handles all federal cases and houses the U.S. Tax Court. If you have a criminal matter you may contact the Federal Prosecutor or the Federal Public Defender.

Was this helpful?

You Don’t Have To Solve This on Your Own – Get a Lawyer’s Help

Meeting with a lawyer can help you understand your options and how to best protect your rights. Visit our attorney directory to find a lawyer near you who can help.

Or contact an attorney near you:
Copied to clipboard

Find a Lawyer

More Options