Legal Question in Civil Litigation in Wisconsin

I have a hearing to determine indigence scheduled in a municipal court after providing an affidavit of indigence and evidence to support it to the judge 90 days prior to the summons. I cannot attend on the arbitrary date the judge decided. He denied my request for adjournment and has ignored receipt of my affidavit (though the file clerk told me she received it and provided it to the judge 90 days ago). Now I am being threatened with an arrest warrant if I don't show up. I have a hearing regarding contempt in this case in the circuit court scheduled next month. Does the municipal judge have jurisdiction and authority to jail me?


Asked on 5/12/15, 11:19 am

1 Answer from Attorneys
JAY Nixon nixon law offices

Yes, municipal judges can and do jail people routinely for contempt of court. I would recommend getting a lawyer to appear for you, which is often allowed in municipal court with a proper written authorization to appear. If that is impossible, explain your scheduling difficulties in a letter and ask nicely for a new date, although there is no guarantee it will work.

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Answered on 5/14/15, 7:46 am


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