District Attorney

District Attorney

The Office of the District Attorney is created under Chapter 978 of the Wisconsin Statutes.  The District Attorney’s Office is responsible for handling criminal matters, forfeiture actions, State and County traffic code and ordinance violations, Department of Natural Resources violations, Juvenile delinquency matter, Vehicle and Asset forfeitures, Misdemeanor and Forfeiture Appeals.  The District Attorney’s Office is NOT responsible for civil matters (i.e. small claims).

It is unethical for the District Attorney to speak with anyone who has criminal charges pending or charges filed against them and who is not represented by an attorney.  In order to speak with the District Attorney regarding a criminal matter, you must waive your right to an attorney.

State Public Defender

To contact the State Public Defender’s Office:
2841 6th Street
Monroe, WI 53566
(608) 325-5065

Tickets & Citations

If you have been cited by the Wisconsin State Patrol or the Lafayette County Sheriff's Office or other police agency, a contested case would be prosecuted by the D.A.'s Office. The D.A.'s Office does not get involved in these cases until after you have entered a plea of not guilty at the Initial Appearance hearing in the case.

Ticket Information & Plea Hearing Date

Your ticket should reflect a court date for an Initial Appearance. If you plead not guilty, you will be given a court date for a Scheduling Conference. Once you get that date, you may contact the District Attorney’s office to schedule a date and time to speak with the District Attorney.  At that time it will be determined whether the case can be resolved short of trial or if a trial is necessary. If you do not appear at the Initial Appearance or contact the Clerk's office in advance--or if you fail to appear at your Scheduling Conference - then the Court may default you, finding you guilty of the charge. 

Victim/Witness Program

Chapter 950 of the Wisconsin Statutes requires counties to enforce victim and witness rights. The Victim Witness Unit enforces those rights and advocates to ensure that victims and witnesses are treated with dignity and respect. Staff assists victims and witnesses throughout the criminal court process by answering questions, keeping victims and their families informed of case development, providing information and referrals to community service providers, assisting with restitution, and offering assistance when possible. Please contact Stephanie Kern, Victim Witness Coordinator at 608-776-4846 with any questions.

Office Responsibilities

• Information on criminal procedures and the progress of the case through the court system.
• Support for the victim or witness of a crime.  Referral to other sources of help.
• Escort service to court.
• Help to apply for your mileage and witness fees.
• Assistance with preparing a victim statement which describes to the court the effects of the crime on you and your family.
• Assistance to obtain a court order for restitution for financial losses and early return of property.
• Assistance to apply for the Crime Victim Compensation Program for reimbursement for lost wages, medical expenses, burial expenses and crime scene clean-up.

Victim & Witness Rights

• To attend court proceedings
• To be accompanied to court by a service representative
• To a speedy disposition of the case
• To have his/her interests considered when the court is deciding whether to grant a continuance of any hearing or to exclude persons from a preliminary hearing
• To be provided a waiting area in court
• To assistance with employers to minimize loss of income or benefits resulting from court appearances
• To request an order for and be given the results of tests for sexually transmitted disease or human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)
• To consult with the district attorney concerning the case and potential outcomes of prosecution, including plea agreements and sentencing recommendations
• To make an oral or written statement to be read in court at sentencing hearings
• To have the presentence investigation writer make a reasonable attempt to contact the victim
• To request that the court order restitution, and to docket a civil judgment for unpaid restitution
• To receive information on the outcome of the case
• To have any stolen or other personal property expeditiously returned by law enforcement agencies when no longer needed as evidence. If possible, all such property, except weapons, currency, contraband, property subject to evidentiary analysis and property the ownership of which is disputed, shall be returned to the owner within ten days of being taken

In certain cases of violent crime, financial assistance is available but does not cover property losses. To apply, call the Office of Crime Victim Compensation at 608-266-6470.