Corporation Counsel Office

Department HeadMike Fugle
AddressOneida County Courthouse 
P.O. Box 400, 1 S. Oneida Ave. 
Rhinelander, Wisconsin  54501
Phone Number715-369-6155
Fax Number715-369-6284
Office Hours8:00 AM to 4:30 PM; 2nd Floor
Committee Of JurisdictionPublic Safety Committee

The Oneida County Corporation Counsel is the Attorney charged with representing the interests of the county, its elected officials, departments, boards and commissions in civil legal matters. This includes both prosecutorial and defense responsibilities. Consequently, the Corporation Counsel’s Office represents the county in litigation or legal matters involving the county’s interest. Additionally, statutes require that the Corporation Counsel represent the interest of the public in all involuntary mental commitment and certain guardianship and protective placement matters.

The Corporation Counsel’s Office renders both formal and informal legal opinions to county officials and departments. While this office only represents Oneida County government and may not render a legal opinion to non-county individuals, it will to the extent permissible answer questions posed by citizens regarding county government operations.

In addition to the above, the Oneida County Corporation Counsel’s Office also represents the state of Wisconsin in paternity establishment and child support enforcement cases.

The office also provides representation in matters authorized by the following statutes:

Mental and Alcohol Commitments Chapter 51, Wis. Stats.

Guardianships Chapter 54, Wis. Stats.

Protective Placements Chapter 55, Wis. Stats.

Children in Need of Protection and Services, Minor Guardianships and Termination of Parental Rights, Chapter 48, Wis. Stats.

Juveniles in Need of Protection and Services, Chapter 938, Wis. Stats

Zoning Enforcement/Injunctions & Forfeitures Chapter 59, Wis. Stats.

Child Support Enforcement/Contempt and Paternity Chapter 767, Wis. Stats.

Small Claims/Collections Chapter 799, Wis. Stats.

These proceedings are civil and not criminal. However, many do involve liberty interests and are statutorily limited to prosecution through this office.