Terms Used In Wisconsin Statutes 345.40

  • Complaint: A written statement by the plaintiff stating the wrongs allegedly committed by the defendant.
  • Defendant: In a civil suit, the person complained against; in a criminal case, the person accused of the crime.
  • Plea: In a criminal case, the defendant's statement pleading "guilty" or "not guilty" in answer to the charges, a declaration made in open court.

A citation which complies with s. 345.11 or a complaint which complies with the appropriate provisions of ch. 968 may be used as the initial pleading, or the municipal judge, clerk or a deputy of the clerk may enter upon the records of the court a statement of the offense charged, which shall stand as a complaint, unless the court directs that formal complaint be made. Several counts may be joined in one complaint or a separate complaint may be prepared for each separate violation. The defendant‘s plea shall be guilty, no contest or not guilty and shall be entered as not guilty upon failure to plead. A plea of not guilty shall put all matters in such case at issue.