Marinette County Criminal Court handles all criminal cases that are filed in Marinette County. See below for more information about criminal cases in Marinette County.
Burden of Proof Requirement
In a criminal case in the United States, the burden of proof always requires the prosecutor to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that the defendant is guilty. This is a high threshold that must be met by the prosecution when presenting evidence in a case. If the prosecution fails in it’s burden to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt the judge must find the defendant not guilty. In a jury trial, the judge will inform the jury what this burden is and their obligation to find the defendant not guilty if they feel the prosecution did prove the defendant’s guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
What is Jury Deliberation?
After both the prosecution and defense have presented their cases, the judge in the case will provide instructions to the jury about what they must decide. The jury will be dismissed to the jury room where they will deliberate about the guilt or innocence of the defendant. After reaching a unaminous decision, they return their decision to the court where it is read aloud in the courtroom. If the jury is unable to reach a unaminous decision, the jury is deadlocked, also known as a hung jury, in which a mistrial will be declared.
Required Court Appearances in Marinette County
Any required court appearances in Marinette County Criminal Court must be attended by the defendant. Failure to appear in court at your required date and time may result in the judge issuing an arrest warrant.
If guilty, who sentences the defendant?
If the defendant is found guilty after the trial, the defendent will be sentenced. In some cases, this can occur at the same hearing the defendant is found guilty in court, in other cases a separate hearing will be required. Often the prosecution will request a particular sentence for the defendant and the judge will determine whether to enforce this sentence or impose a different sentence for the defendant.
I need help for my Marinette County criminal case
The best place to get information about your criminal case is from an attorney. If you cannot afford an attorney, the court will appoint one to represent you which will assist in your case. For general information about your case the Marinette County court clerk is able to provide general information about your specific case (e.g. date/time hearings, mandatory appearance, what will take place and what you will be required to do). The court clerk for Marinette County will NOT be able to provide legal advice for your case, only an attorney can provide legal advice. The court clerk can provide legal information (like the information found on this website) about your case but cannot provide advice about what you should do in your legal manner.
Plea Agreements
A Plea Agreement, sometimes known as a Plea Bargain is an agreement between the prosecution and the defendant, where the defendant pleads guilty or no contest often in exchange for a lesser charge or lighter recommended sentence. A large majority of criminal cases end in a plea agreement. In Marinette County you can inform your attorney to negotiate with the prosecution to attempt to come to a plea agreement, but this is dependent upon the charge severity and also the prosecutors willingness to accept a plea deal.
Who is the prosecutor for Marinette County?
Depending upon the case, the prosecutor for Marinette County criminal cases will either be a representative of Marinette County or a representative from Wisconsin. After reviewing evidence it is the prosecutor’s decision whether to file charges or drop a case. Most prosecutors have the ability to negotiate plea bargains, and determine how the case will be prosecuted.
Arraignments in Marinette County
During an arraignment in Marinette County, a defendant appears before the court and the judge reads the charges that have been filed against the accused and also informs the defendant of his/her rights. During the arraignment in Marinette County, the defendant can choose to plead one of the following 1) Guilty 2) Not Guilty or 3) No Contest. If the defendant enters a plea of Not Guilty, a date for trial is set. In the event of a Guilty or No Contest Plea in Marinette County the defendant may be sentenced at that time or the sentencing may take place at a later date.
Can I appeal a guilty verdict?
If found guilty, a defendant may decide to appeal his case to an appelate court. The appellate court will not retry the case, they will examine the proceedings in the lower court to make sure they were done in a legal manner. The appellate court can either uphold the original conviction, or determine that due to errors made in the original trial, that there must be a retrial, resentencing or a complete dismissal of the charges.
Marinette County Criminal Court hearings
Criminal hearings in Marinette County will take place at the Marinette County Criminal Courts. Please see here for a list of the Marinette County Criminal Court Locations.
What if I can’t afford an attorney?
The 6th Amendment guarantees you the right to an attorney whether or not you can afford one. If you cannot afford one, a public defender will be appointed by the court to represent you.
The Right to Trial by Jury
The Sixth Amendment of the United States Constitution guarantees the right to a trial by a jury. This is applicable for when the crime can carry a sentence of 6 months in jail OR a $500 fine, these are known as “Serious Crimes”. The defendant can also waive their right to a speedy and public trial.
Marinette County Criminal Court Locations
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Marinette County Circuit Court
Address: 1926 Hall Avenue, Marinette WI 54143
Phone: 715-732-7450 Fax: 715-732-7461 -
City of Marinette Municipal Court
Address: 1905 Hall Avenue, Marinette WI 54143
Phone: 715-732-5125 Fax: 715-732-5136 -
City of Niagara Municipal Court
Address: 1029 Roosevelt Road, Niagara WI 54151
Phone: 715-251-3235 Fax: 715-251-3122 -
Marinette County Northern Joint Municipal Court
Address: N1244 CTY A & C, PO Box 11, Athelstane WI 54104
Phone: 715-923-4195 -
Town & City of Peshtigo Municipal Court
Address: 331 French Street, PO Box 1, Peshtigo WI 54157
Phone: 715-582-3041 Fax: 715-582-4322 -
Town of Goodman Municipal Court
Address: 56 Mill Street, PO Box 306, Goodman WI 54125
Phone: 715-336-2107 Fax: 715-336-2507 -
Town of Pound / Village of Coleman Municipal Court
Address: 202 East Main Street, PO Box 52, Coleman WI 54112
Phone: 920-897-2680 Fax: 920-897-4244 -
Town of Silver Cliff Municipal Court
Address: N11929A CTH I, Silver Cliff WI 54104
Phone: 715-757-2916 -
Town of Stephenson Municipal Court
Address: N7225 Mickey Road, Crivitz, WI 54114
Phone: 715-854-2245 -
Village of Crivitz Municipal Court
Address: 800 Henriette Avenue, PO Box 727, Crivitz WI 54114
Phone: 715-854-2030 Fax: 715-854-2748