Settlement conferences are an opportunity for defendants to ask questions and/or share information about their case. Defendants are not required to ask questions or share any information about their case at the settlement conference. During the settlement conference the prosecutor will make an offer of settlement. The settlement conference is not intended as an opportunity to try cases. Following the settlement conference and receipt of the settlement offer, defendants return to court on the date provided to them at the initial appearance. At that time, the court will be advised either that a settlement has been reached or that the case needs to be scheduled for further proceedings.
If you have been given notice to appear for a settlement conference with the District Attorney’s Office, please read this information in its entirety to avoid unnecessary delays. All settlement conferences are held by phone. At the settlement conference, the prosecutor will be prepared to discuss the case with you or your attorney in an attempt to resolve your case. Please note that the prosecutor is unable to speak with a defendant who is represented by an attorney.
The District Attorney’s Office cannot give legal advice or advise you on what action you should take in your case. You must make any decision about your case on your own and/or after consulting with an attorney. If you want the assistance of an attorney but are unsure if you can afford an attorney, you should contact the Public Defender’s Office as soon as possible to see if you qualify for an attorney through that office. If you are not eligible for an attorney through the Public Defender’s Office, you can apply for an attorney through Eau Claire County at the Clerk of Court’s Office. When you apply for an attorney at the Clerk of Court’s Office, you should have with you the documentation that you do not qualify for an attorney through the Public Defender’s Office. If you do not qualify for an attorney through either the Public Defender’s Office or Eau Claire County, you may retain a private attorney at your own expense.
The Public Defender, County appointed attorney, or your privately retained attorney that is representing you will appear for you at the settlement conference in the District Attorney’s Office. The prosecutor in the District Attorney’s Office does not represent you. If you want the assistance of a lawyer, you need to obtain that assistance through the options described in the above paragraph.
If you wish to proceed with your settlement conference without an attorney, please read and complete an Indication of Intent to Proceed form:
Settlement Conference Indication of Intent to Proceed (English)
Settlement Conference Indication of Intent to Proceed (Spanish)
You will not be able to speak with a prosecutor until this form is returned. Your signed, completed form can be returned by mail, using the dropbox outside the Government Center, fax (715-831-5818), or email (EauClaireIntake@da.wi.gov). Please call the District Attorney’s Office at 715-839-4828 during your scheduled settlement conference time.
If your case resolves by way of a misdemeanor or ordinance resolution, you will return to court to finalize the resolution of your case on the date given to you at your initial appearance. If your case is not resolved at the return court date, an additional court date will be scheduled and you will receive notice of this court date when you appear at the return court date. If you fail to appear at the return court date, or at any future court date for your case, a warrant may be issued for your arrest and there may be other consequences that impact the resolution of your case.
