If you wish to contest the citation, you may enter a “not guilty” plea in writing, by mail, by FAX, or in person. The pleas must be entered
prior to the court date.
Mail the written not guilty plea to: Columbia County Clerk of Courts
PO Box 587
Portage WI 53901
Or Fax to: 608-742-9601
Your written plea of not guilty must include:
• Name & Address
• Phone Number
• Email Address
• Citation number & Violation
• Court Date & Issuing Agency
This plea must in writing and be received before the court date on your citation. If you enter a not guilty plea, you do not need to come to the initial appearance court date. The written not guilty plea will be accepted on the initial appearance date. The case will be scheduled for a pre-trial conference with the prosecuting attorney.
You have the right to a jury trial. If you want to preserve this right to a jury trial, you must make a written demand for a jury trial and post a jury fee of $36 within ten (10) days of your initial appearance. Jury fees are not refundable.