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Find Wisconsin Criminal Records

Are Criminal Records Public in Wisconsin?

Yes, Wisconsin criminal records are public under the state’s Open Records Law. The Wisconsin Department of Justice (DoJ) is the official custodian of these records. To access these records, requesters typically need to provide the subject’s name and last known location, including cities, counties, and states. Juvenile records are an exception and are generally not available to the public.

What Constitutes a Criminal Record in Wisconsin?

A Wisconsin criminal record provides a detailed account of an individual’s criminal history. These records, often called rap sheets, compile data from various jurisdictions, including local, county, and state levels. They include information from courts, law enforcement agencies, and correctional facilities.

What Information Is Included in Wisconsin Criminal Record?

Subject’s name and personal information
Known contact details
Physical descriptors (height, weight, race, body markings, and scars)
Information on charges
Court disposition
Jail information
Parole information
Post-conviction status

How To Check Criminal Records in Wisconsin

The Wisconsin Department of Justice Crime Information Bureau (CIB) issues criminal history records. Interested persons can perform a name-based criminal record search through the Wisconsin Online Record Check System (WORCS). Applicants must create user accounts and provide exact names, dates of birth, and social security numbers. The cost is $10 per record.

Additionally, the Wisconsin Circuit Court Access page allows for a free public criminal record check. Requesters must know the defendant’s name and birth date for accurate searches.

Are Arrest Records Public in Wisconsin?

Yes, arrest records are public in Wisconsin under the state’s Open Records Law. These records are maintained by the Wisconsin Department of Justice and can be accessed through the WORCS or by visiting the arresting agency.

Interested individuals can also perform a free public arrest record check via the Wisconsin Circuit Court Access page. Both methods may incur costs, but eligible persons can obtain some records without charge.

What Are Arrest Warrants in Wisconsin?

A Wisconsin arrest warrant is an official document authorized by a judge or magistrate, allowing law enforcement to arrest or detain the named individual. There is no central repository for public warrant searches, so individuals must check county repositories. The DEA Fugitive Search tool or the U.S. Marshall's Warrant Information System can also be useful.

How To Lookup Mugshots in Wisconsin

Mugshots are photographs taken after an individual is arrested. They are publicly available and stored in databases maintained by law enforcement agencies. Mugshots can be accessed online or by visiting local police stations. Some mugshots are available for a limited time online, while others may require a formal request and a processing fee.

How To Search Inmate Records in Wisconsin

Inmate records are publicly available and managed by the Wisconsin Department of Corrections. These records can be accessed online using the Department of Corrections database. Searches can be performed using a known name or DOC number. Requests can also be sent to the Department of Corrections in Madison.

How To Find Wisconsin Criminal History Record for Free

Criminal records in Wisconsin are public records and can be accessed through various means. These records include documents detailing an individual's interactions with law enforcement.

Wisconsin Circuit Court Access page: Free public access to court case records.
Wisconsin Supreme Court and Court of Appeals Case Access: Access to cases filed in higher courts.
Department of Justice: Maintains criminal history records.

Some records may be free, while others may require a fee for access.

Are Juvenile Criminal Records Publicly Available in Wisconsin?

Juvenile records in Wisconsin document crimes committed by individuals not yet of legal adult age. These records are not publicly accessible and are limited to certain parties such as service providers, judges, the youth, and their guardians. They are stored by juvenile courts and related agencies.

How To Find Sex Offenders in Wisconsin

Sex offender records in Wisconsin are part of a public database mandated by Megan’s Law. The Wisconsin sex offender registry can be searched by name, address, or zip code. The registry is maintained by the Wisconsin Department of Corrections Sex Offender Registration Program (SORP).

Are Police Records Public Information in Wisconsin?

Yes, police records are public in Wisconsin under the Freedom of Information Act. These records are compiled by law enforcement agencies and include vital criminal history data.

Incident reports
Arrest reports
Crime reports
Accident reports

Records can be obtained from the police records bureau or online databases.

Wisconsin Misdemeanor Laws: Types of Offenses and Punishments

Misdemeanors in Wisconsin are non-indictable offenses that are less severe than felonies. They are categorized into three classes:

Class A: Fines up to $10,000 and/or up to nine months imprisonment.
Class B: Fines up to $1,000 and/or up to 90 days imprisonment.
Class C: Fines up to $500 and/or up to 30 days imprisonment.

Wisconsin Criminal Laws: Offenses and Penalties Explained

Felony laws in Wisconsin cover serious crimes punishable by incarceration. They are divided into nine classes:

Class A: Death or life imprisonment
Class B1: Up to 60 years
Class C: Up to 40 years
Class D: Up to 25 years
Class E: Up to 15 years
Class F: Up to 12 years
Class G: Up to 10 years
Class H: Up to 6 years
Class I: Up to 3 years and 6 months

Overview of Wisconsin DUI Laws

Operating a vehicle while intoxicated (OWI) in Wisconsin is a severe traffic violation. A driver is considered intoxicated if their blood alcohol content (BAC) exceeds 0.08. Penalties vary based on the offense number, ranging from fines to imprisonment. First offenders may avoid jail time, while repeat offenders face stricter penalties.

Are Wisconsin Probation Records Public?

Probation records in Wisconsin detail individuals serving probation instead of prison time. These records are generally not public and are managed by the probation office. Access is typically restricted to authorized parties.

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