*Disclaimer*  This question and answer series is informational only. It is not legal advice and is not intended to be used in place of legal advice.  You should consult your own attorney for legal counsel.  As with any general information, the answers provided may not specifically apply to you.

Who is the City Attorney?
James P. Walsh

Where is the City Attorney's Office?
The City Attorney's Office can be found on the 6th floor of Appleton City Hall.  City Hall is located at 100 North Appleton Street.  

I am a City of Appleton resident and would like some legal advice.  May I speak to the City Attorney?
The City Attorney's Office does not provide legal advice on private matters.  You would need to contact a private attorney or call 1-800-362-9082 for the State Bar of Wisconsin Lawyer Referral and Information Service.  If you meet certain eligibility requirements regarding your income, you may also be able to utilize Legal Services of Northeastern Wisconsin.  If you live in Outagamie or Calumet County, contact them by calling 1-800-236-1127.  If you live in Winnebago County, contact them by calling 1-800-236-1128.

I want to sue someone because they did not pay me for work that I did.  Can you help me?
As stated previously, the City Attorney's Office cannot provide legal assistance on personal matters.  For actions in an amount of $5,000 or less, you should contact the appropriate county Clerk of Circuit Court, Small Claims Division.  You can contact the Outagamie County Clerk of Circuit Court Small Claims Division by calling 920/832-5135, Calumet County by calling 920/849-1415 or Winnebago County by calling 920/727-2880.

I am having a dispute with my landlord, can you help me?
The City Attorney's Office would not be able to help you as this is a private matter.  For assistance with this type of situation, you may contact the Consumer Office Hotline at 1-800-422-7128.

There is a tree on the property line between my and my neighbor's house.  If the branches of the tree are hanging over onto my property, can I trim the branches or will the City trim the branches?
If the tree is on private property, the City Attorney's Office would not be able to assist you with this.  You should try to work this out with your neighbor.  The City of Appleton does not have any ordinances regarding trees/branches on private property.

If the tree in question in on public/City property (on the terrace or other rights-of-way), please contact the City of Appleton Parks and Recreation Department, Forestry Division at 920/832-5910.

I have received a municipal citation (violation of a City ordinance) in the City of Appleton.  What do I do?
If you have a question regarding your citation, you can contact the Appleton Police Department at 920/832-5573.

If you have a question regarding what happens in court, you can contact the Appleton Police Department at 920/832-1580.

If you would like to contest your citation, you may either file a written 'not guilty' plea with the Clerk of Courts or you may attend the initial appearance, which is the date listed on the citation/ticket.  At that time you will need to ask for a pre-trial conference.  If you are not satisfied with the results of the pre-trial conference, you may ask to schedule a trial date.

I need to change my court date (the date listed on my citation).  How do I do that?
To request a change in your initial appearance date, you must send a written request to the Court Commissioner at the following address: Outagamie County Justice Center, Attn: Court Commissioner, 320 South Walnut Street, Appleton, WI  54911.  

Phone calls will not be accepted . . . all requests must be made in writing.

Where do I pay for my citation or traffic ticket?
You can pay for your ticket at the Outagamie County Clerk of Courts located at the Outagamie County Justice Center, 1st floor, 320 South Walnut Street, Appleton.  If you pay by mail, do not send cash!

Where do I pay for my City of Appleton parking ticket?
Parking tickets can be paid either in person at City Hall, 100 North Appleton Street, at the 1st floor cashier/information counter, or by mailing it to City of Appleton Finance Department, P.O. Box 2519, Appleton, WI  54913.  Please note: the yellow envelope provided with the ticket can be sealed, stamped and mailed as well.