Show All Answers

1. Where do you vote?

The City of Lake Geneva has one polling location, Lake Geneva City Hall, located at 626 Geneva Street. View the Aldermanic Districts on Google Map.

2. Are you registered?

Find out by visiting the MyVote website.

3. Need to register?

Any voter wishing to register before an upcoming election may mail in their Voter Registration application along with an acceptable proof of residency document. Voter registration applications can be mailed to City Hall until twenty days prior to the election. In the twenty days prior to the election, up until the Friday preceding the election, voters must come to City Hall to register to vote. Voters may also register at the polls on election day. 

View and download the Voter Registration Form (PDF). Please review the instructions on the second page.

View the list of acceptable Proof of Residency (PDF). Your Proof of Residency document must accompany your voter registration form.

4. Can't get to the polls on Election Day?

We can help with that! You can request to have an absentee ballot sent to you a number of different ways. The request to receive an absentee ballot has to be made to the City Clerk's Office in writing, so you can send us an application for an absentee ballot, a letter in the mail or an email! No matter how you request an absentee ballot a copy of a proper Photo ID is always required. Don't have a copier or scanner at home to make a copy of your Photo ID? No problem! Simply use your smart phone, snap a picture of it, and email Elections.

Not sure if you have an acceptable form of Photo ID for voting purposes? No worries! Visit the Bring It to the Ballot website to find a list of acceptable Photo ID's

View and download an Application for an Absentee Ballot (PDF).

Request an Absentee Ballot on the MyVote website.

5. Interested in becoming an Election Inspector (Poll Worker)?

Thank you for your interest; but at this time, the City is not accepting Election Inspector applications. 

Please check back later for any possible openings. 

Show All Answers

1. What happens at my initial appearance?

When you arrive at Court, please print your name on the "sign-up" sheet located at the court clerk's window. All names are called according to the order listed on the sign-up sheet. When your name is called, you should approach the bench. The Judge will ask you to enter a plea of not guilty, no contest, or guilty.

If you enter a not guilty plea, the next stage of the legal process is a Pre-Trial Conference with the City Attorney which will be held that day for juveniles or at a later date for adults. If you wish to enter a not guilty plea without appearing in Court for your initial appearance, you must enter your not guilty plea in writing to the Court prior to the scheduled date. If you enter a not guilty plea (PDF) in writing, please provide your name, current mailing address, current telephone number, and the citation number.

If you plead either no contest or guilty, the Judge will find you guilty and impose a sentence. Usually, the sentence will be imposed the same night as the initial appearance.

2. What if I don’t appear for my initial appearance?

If you fail to appear in Court for your initial appearance, you will automatically be found guilty and a default judgment will be entered against you. If no bond was posted, you will receive a notice of default judgment in the mail stating the forfeiture amount due and the due date. Usually the Judge will grant up to 60 days to pay the forfeiture amount listed on your citation. If you posted the bond when receiving your citation, the money posted will be forfeit.

3. If I can’t make it to my court date, can I get a continuance?

The Court may grant one continuance of your initial appearance, as long as you contact the Court Clerk prior to your Court date to reschedule.

4. What plea should I enter?

You have a right to enter a plea of either guilty, not guilty, or no contest to the charge against you.

If you plead no contest, it is likely that you will be found guilty, but before the court makes that decision, you will have the opportunity to speak to the Judge. If you are involved in any type of arrest where you may be sued civilly (for example, a car accident), the fact that you plead no contest in this court may not be used against you in any other action or in any other court. You may plead no contest to any charge in this court.

If you plead guilty, you are admitting that you committed the offense, and if the arrest report contains the necessary elements, you will be found guilty and a penalty of a forfeiture plus costs will be imposed. Please be aware, a plea of guilty may be used against you civilly.

If you plead not guilty, you will be scheduled for a pretrial conference with the City of Lake Geneva Prosecuting Attorney. If the case cannot be disposed of after this conference, then a trial will be scheduled and held in this court. Please note that you may make your plea of not guilty before your court date either by mail, fax, or in person at the Municipal Court office.

Forms

• Not Guilty Plea (PDF)
• No Contest Plea (PDF)

5. I missed my Court date and really wanted to appear. What now?

In order to contest your citation after a disposition has been entered by the Court, you must file a written request to the Judge (Motion to Reopen Judgment (PDF)) indicating your reason why you believe your case should be reopened. Your request must be filed with the court along with a $25 deposit per citation. The Judge will review your request and respond in writing accordingly.

6. How can I pay my citation?

Payment can be made in person at the Court office between the hours of 8:30 am and 5 pm, Monday through Friday. Payments may also be made anytime at the City of Lake Geneva Police Department. Acceptable methods of payment in person are cash, check, cashier's check, money order, Visa or MasterCard. Payments may also be made online using a pay location code of 8788.

7. I didn't pay my fines and now I'm suspended. How do I get my license back?

You must first pay your forfeiture(s) to the Court. Assuming you do not have any further suspension(s) for failure to pay forfeiture(s) with any other agency on your record, you will be eligible to reinstate your driving privileges with the Department of Transportation. This process may take from one to three business days. Be aware you must pay a fee to reinstate your driving privileges with the Department of Transportation (DOT) before your driver's license will be considered valid.

8. Can I do community service to take care of my fines?

If you are a juvenile the Judge will allow you to complete community service in lieu of your forfeiture. However, the Court requires all community service be completed at an approved non-profit organization. Please contact the Court for the amount of hours required and to confirm eligibility of the organization.

Forms

• Community Service Options (PDF)
• Community Service Record Sheet (PDF)

9. What will happen if I don’t pay my fine/forfeiture?

There may be serious consequences if you fail to follow the Court's order or pay the forfeiture. The Court may send you notice requiring your appearance at a Good Cause Hearing. The Court may commit a person to jail for not more than 90 days per violation; the Court may order a suspension of your Driver's License for a maximum of one year, or until the forfeiture is paid; the Court may intercept your state income tax return; the Court may send this matter to a collection agency to assist in the delinquent payment process or the Court may refer the debt to a Department of Revenue agent for collection action.

10. What if I can’t pay the forfeiture by the due date?

If you are unable to pay the amount in full, you may request a payment plan or an extension of time to pay. Please explain in a letter to the Judge why you need the extension, how much time you need, and if you want to be put on a payment plan and how much you can afford to pay per week or month. Any requests for extensions must be made prior to the due date.

11. What if I have a probationary license?

If you hold a probationary license, instruction permit, or no license when the conviction is entered on the record, points will be doubled for any second and subsequent convictions, except for convictions under Chapter 347 of the Wisconsin Statutes, which are primarily vehicle equipment violations. A suspension will be assessed by the Department of Transportation for an accumulation of 12 or more points within a 12-month period.

12. How long will this traffic charge remain on my record?

The points will remain on your record for one year from the date of the violation. The actual charge will remain on your record for five years, unless the charge is Operating While Intoxicated, which will remain on your record for 10 years or more.

13. How can I get my points reduced? Is there any schooling?

If you are found guilty of a traffic violation, you may have demerit points assessed to your Wisconsin driving record. The court will report the conviction to the Department of Transportation. They will assess the number of demerit points against your record, depending on the charge. Points double for any second or subsequent offense on a probationary license. If you accumulate 12 or more points in a one year period by date of violation(s), your driver's license will be suspended or revoked. To find out how may points you have accumulated, you must contact the Department of Transportation at 608-266-2261.

If you wish to reduce your demerit points on your driving record, you may attend an approved traffic safety school once every three years, one of which is conducted at Gateway Technical College. This procedure does not apply if your current violation results in revocation or suspension, or if school was ordered in lieu of revocation for operating under the influence. Application for point reduction school can be made at any state vocational school.

14. How long do I have to appeal the Judge’s decision?

If you are found Guilty at trial, you have the right to appeal your case to the Circuit Court. All appeals must be filed in writing at the Municipal Court office within 20 days after a Guilty finding is entered. If you fail to meet this time limit, you forfeit your right to appeal. The appeal fee, forfeiture and costs must be posted upon filing the appeal. You have the right to a Jury Trial on appeal, upon payment of appropriate fees.

View the Notice of Appeal (PDF).

Show All Answers

1. How can I contest a parking citation?

If you wish to contest a parking citation, you can appear in court just as you would for any other alleged violation of a city ordinance. The appearance date and time is located on the right side of your (pink) parking citation. The court procedures utilized for parking cases are the same procedures used for any other case. You may enter a plea of "not guilty," "no contest," or "guilty."

If you plead "not guilty," (PDF) a pre-trial conference will be scheduled. At the pre-trial conference, the defendant, the city attorney and a representative from the police department will discuss their respective positions regarding the alleged parking violation to try and stipulate to an agreement between the parties.

If a defendant enters a plea of "no contest" or "guilty" the Judge will find him or her guilty and impose a penalty (a fine). Before a penalty is imposed by the Judge, he will listen to any statements or information the defendant would like to provide to the court.

If you wish to contest a meter violation you will need to contact the meter department directly at 262-248-3673 or you may come to the city hall desk and complete a meter complaint form that will be forwarded to the Meter Supervisor for review. If you are unable to come to a resolution after filing your complaint, you may file a written not guilty plea (PDF) with the Municipal Court where you will then be scheduled for a pre-trial hearing with the City Attorney.

2. Where can I find the city ordinances?

City ordinances are located on the website under the City Government section. Or you may also contact the Court Clerk 262-248-4651 for a copy of the particular parking ordinance that pertains to your situation.

3. Where can further complaints be directed?

If you are unable to come to a resolution, the city council is the proper forum for discussion of the policy basis for the parking ordinances. At every city council meeting, the public is afforded the opportunity to speak. Also, you may wish to write a letter to your alderperson, the city business administrator, or the mayor. The address, telephone number, and email address for alderpersons, the business administrator and the mayor appear on the city's contact list in the website.

4. How can I pay for my parking citation?

Payment can be made in person at the court office between the hours of 8:30 am and 5 pm, Monday through Friday. Payments may also be made anytime at the City of Lake Geneva Police Department. Acceptable methods of payment are cash, check, credit card, cashier's check, or money order.

If you deposit the amount by mail, please enclose a copy of your citation, along with check, cashier's check, or money order made payable to the City of Lake Geneva Municipal Court.

5. What are some reasons why parking citations will not be dismissed?

• I was just there for a short time
• Lack of legal parking space
• Lack of convenient parking space
• Time constraints ("only a minute late")
• Lack of funds ("no change")
• No one else got a ticket
• Didn't see the sign
• Parked in same area and never received a ticket before
• Ignorance of City of Lake Geneva Parking Regulations
• If your vehicle was unattended, it was parked
• I didn't intend to do it
• The fine is too much

Show All Answers

1. What happens at a trial?

All trials, except non-traffic juvenile cases, are public trials. You are presumed innocent and will be convicted only if the evidence is clear, convincing, and satisfactory that you committed the violation with which you have been charged.

This is a formal recorded proceeding where the Prosecutor and the Defendant have the opportunity to present their evidence before the Municipal Judge. Because the burden of proof is upon the municipality, they will present their evidence first. The prosecution will produce its witnesses to testify as to the facts and circumstances surrounding the alleged violation and may introduce documentary evidence. You (or your attorney) will be permitted to cross-examine each witness that testifies. Cross-examine means to ask questions of the witness, not make statements to the witness.

After the prosecution has introduced all of its evidence, you (or your attorney) will then have the opportunity to testify on your own behalf, call witnesses and present any evidence you have. The prosecution will be permitted to cross-examine each witness that testifies.

When you and the municipality have completed your cases, each will be given the opportunity to summarize, by brief argument, their respective cases to the Court. Thereafter, the Court will decide, based upon the testimony, the admissible evidence and the law, whether to find you guilty or not guilty. This judgment is usually decided immediately following the trial.

If the Court finds you not guilty, you will be discharged and the complaint against you will be dismissed.

If you are found guilty, the extent of the penalty is dependent upon the circumstances surrounding the violation and your past record.

2. What should I do to prepare for a trial?

Witness Testimony

If you plan to have a witness present, you need to make sure that they will be there on the day of the trial. Any such witness should have personal knowledge of the incident based on what he/she saw or heard. All witnesses must testify in person, and under oath. Do not bring in letters or statements written at your request; they are hearsay and more than likely will not be admitted as evidence. If you have any doubts that a witness you would like to call will not appear voluntarily, you have the right to subpoena him/her into court. A subpoena is a document you can obtain from the court. You must present the subpoena with the appropriate witness fees personally to the witness. You cannot mail the subpoena to the witness. If you decide to subpoena a witness, contact the Municipal Court Clerk at least two weeks before your trial date regarding the procedure to be followed and instructions for serving the subpoena.

Police Reports & Testimony

You should ask the Prosecutor in writing what witnesses he/she plans to use at the trial. If you want to ensure that those witnesses are used, you will have to subpoena them yourself. Also, do not assume that the Judge has seen the police report. The Judge has not read the police report and will not read the report unless it is properly submitted at the trial. Do not assume that the prosecution will submit it at the trial. If you want the Judge to see it, you will have to bring a copy and see whether or not it will be admitted as evidence. The Prosecutor may have valid objections to admission of the report, which the judge will consider in deciding whether to admit the report.

You may request a copy of the police report from the City Prosecutor. Your request should be in writing and should include your name, citation number and the date of your next scheduled court appearance. There will be a charge for photocopy expenses you must pay before you will receive a copy of the report. If your case involves a minor, the municipality's ability to provide you with copies of all or a portion of the report may be restricted by Wisconsin law or the City of Lake Geneva Police Department policies.

Photos, Maps & Drawings

If you think such evidence will help the Judge understand your case, bring them to court. However, you or whoever took the photos or drew the drawings should be prepared to testify about how and when the items came into being.

Testimony by the Defendant

If you plan to testify on your own behalf, think about what you are going to say beforehand. If you do testify, the Prosecutor will have the right to cross-examine. If you made a statement to the police or to others, these statements can be used against you at the trial. If you want to have copies of any statement you made, other witness statements or the police reports at the trial, contact the Prosecutors office no later than two weeks prior to the trial.

3. Will I have to pay more than the amount on the citation if I am found guilty?

It is a possibility. First, the prosecution may request payment for such things as witness fees, mileage and subpoenas. The forfeiture amount on your citation is not the maximum amount in most cases. The Judge has the authority to impose a higher forfeiture if he deems it appropriate. Finally, if you do subpoena witnesses, you will not be reimbursed for these expenses even if you are found not guilty.

4. If I change my mind, can I settle my case before the trial?

Usually you can settle your case before the trial simply by calling the Prosecutor who is handling your case. Do not wait until the last minute. Call at least one week in advance of your trial date.

5. What if I need a postponement?

If you have good cause to delay your trial date, you may ask the Judge for an adjournment. You must do so in writing at least one week before the trial date. The Judge will then decide whether or not to grant your request.

6. If I am found guilty, can I appeal?

Yes, if you are found guilty, you have the right to appeal to the Walworth County Circuit Court. The court will provide you with a copy of your appeal rights and the appellate fees. If the municipality loses, it also has the right to appeal the case.If you decide to appeal, you must do so by filing a written Notice of Appeal (PDF) with the Municipal Court within 20 days of the date of your conviction (judgment). At the same time, you must remit appellate fees payable to "Clerk of Courts, Walworth County". New trials in the Circuit Court are tried without a jury, unless you request a jury trial in your Notice of Appeal. Upon payment of the appellate fee, jury fee and the amount of your penalty, you will then receive a jury trial in the Circuit Court.

You also have a right to file a written Motion to Re-open (PDF) a judgment, within six months of your judgment only for good cause. There will be an additional cost ranging from $0 to $300 per Wisconsin State Statute 814.07. Your request must be accompanied by a $25 deposit in cash, check or money order. Should your request be denied, this amount will be refunded. Motions to re-open a trial decision are based upon the approval of the Municipal Judge.

7. If I do not appear, what will happen?

If you (and/or your attorney) do not appear personally, you may be deemed to have entered a plea of no contest, and a default judgment may be entered against you. Payment of at least the amount on your citation would be owed to the Court within 60 days from the date of the judgment.

Show All Answers

1. When do I need a building permit and how much will it cost?

You need a building permit for all construction that involves the construction, repair, movement to another site, removal, or demolition of any building or structure. All electrical, plumbing and mechanical work needs a separate permit for each trade. The price of the permit is calculated using the cost of the construction. View our Permits, Applications and Procedures.

2. May I start work before my permit is issued?

Work on a project may not legally begin before a permit is obtained and on the work site.

3. Do I need a permit to replace a water heater?

Water heater applications are processed at the counter.

Show All Answers

1. Should every traffic accident be reported to the Police Department?

Yes! It is always better to have police at the scene to view the conditions at the time of the accident.

Show All Answers

1. What will WI VINE do for me?

Although WI VINE was created with victims' safety in mind, it is available to anyone who wants to receive custody information about an offender in a county jail.

• You can call or log-on to WI VINE anytime to check the custody status of an offender.
• You can also register with WI VINE to receive automated notifications about changes to an offender's custody status. These notifications can be sent to you by phone and/or email, depending on how you complete your registration.

2. How do I get automated notifications?

Register for WI VINE notification using the method that is best for you:

• Using a touch-tone phone, call 888-944-8463 and follow the instructions to receive automated telephone notification. You can register for multiple telephone numbers.
• Register online to receive automated telephone and/or email notification.

If you register for telephone notification, you must select and enter a Personal Identification Number (PIN).

Show All Answers

1. Whose job is it?

The City of Lake Geneva is responsible for street snow removal and sidewalks adjacent to City properties. Individual property owners are responsible for snow removal on the sidewalks adjacent to their property.

2. What’s the rule?

City ordinance requires that sidewalks located in the Central Business Zoning District be cleared of snow and ice no later than 12 hours after it stops snowing. All other sidewalks in the City must be cleared of snow and ice no later than 24 hours after it stops snowing.

3. What are some other important tips?

• If you live on a corner, all sidewalks must be cleared. Pay special attention to crosswalks, maintaining clear paths even after the roads are plowed to maintain ADA compliance at all times.
• Do not blow snow beyond your neighbor's fence line.
• Do not shovel snow onto neighboring properties or into the street.
• Make arrangements with a neighbor or a snow removal service to care for your property if you are going to be on vacation or are otherwise unable to shovel your walk in a timely way.
• Consider helping your neighbors with snow removal when they are out of town or when health issues become obstacles.
• If for some reason the snow and ice is unable to be completely removed during the allotted time period, salt or sand will need to be applied until such time as the snow and ice can be completely removed.

4. How do I make a report?

If you notice a property in The City of Lake Geneva with a public sidewalk that has not been shoveled, please contact the Code Enforcement Office:

• Call Jim Flower, Code Enforcer: 262-249-4090
• Email Jim Flower, Code Enforcer.
• You can complete a Citizen Action Request Form (PDF) and return to City Hall

Your name will not be released to the property owner.