Wisconsin § 778.18 - Penalty upon municipal judge.
Full text of Wisconsin Wisconsin Statutes § 778.18 — Penalty upon municipal judge., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 778.18. Penalty upon municipal judge.
If any municipal judge, of his or her own will, dismisses any action brought before the judge under this chapter, unless by order of the district attorney or attorney general or the person joined as plaintiff with the state, or renders a lesser judgment therein than is prescribed by law, or releases or discharges any such judgment or part thereof without payment or collection, the judge and the judge’s sureties shall be liable, in an action upon the judge’s bond, for the full amount of the forfeitures imposed by law or of the forfeiture imposed by the judge and for the costs, fees, and surcharges imposed under ch. 814 , or for an amount equal to the amount in which any such judgment or any part thereof is released or discharged. If any municipal judge gives time or delay to any person against whom any such judgment is rendered by the judge, or takes any bond or security for its future payment, the judge and the judge’s sureties shall also be liable for the payment of the judgment upon the judge’s bond. 778.18 History History: 1977 c. 29 ; 1979 c. 32 s. 56 ; Stats. 1979 s. 778.18; 1987 a. 27 ; 1989 a. 107 ; 1991 a. 39 ; 1993 a. 16 ; 1997 a. 27 ; 1999 a. 9 ; 2001 a. 16 ; 2003 a. 139 .
Source: official Wisconsin text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Wisconsin § 778.18
What does Wisconsin Statutes § 778.18 cover?
Section 778.18 ("Penalty upon municipal judge.") is part of the Wisconsin Statutes, the codified statutory law of Wisconsin. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite Wisconsin § 778.18?
A common citation format is "Wisconsin Statutes § 778.18" (Wisconsin). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of Wisconsin law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Wisconsin official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Wisconsin attorney.
How does Wisconsin § 778.18 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Wisconsin can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Wisconsin.