Ashland Arrest Records
Are Arrest Records Public in Ashland, Wisconsin?
Arrest records are public in Ashland, Wisconsin, pursuant to the Wisconsin Public Records Law (Wis. Stat. §§ 19.31-19.39). This legislation establishes the presumption that all government records, including arrest documentation, shall be accessible to the public unless specifically exempted by statute. The Wisconsin Supreme Court has consistently upheld that public records laws "shall be construed in every instance with a presumption of complete public access, consistent with the conduct of governmental business" (Wis. Stat. § 19.31).
Members of the public seeking arrest records in Ashland County may access these documents through designated custodians of records. The Wisconsin Public Records Law mandates that record custodians respond to requests "as soon as practicable and without delay" (Wis. Stat. § 19.35(4)(a)). Custodians may charge reasonable fees for locating and reproducing requested records, though viewing records in person typically incurs no charge beyond duplication costs.
Certain exceptions to disclosure exist under Wisconsin law, including:
- Records related to ongoing investigations
- Information that would compromise public safety
- Juvenile records (subject to restrictions under Wis. Stat. § 938.396)
- Records where privacy interests outweigh public interest in disclosure
How to Look Up Ashland Arrest Records in 2025
Multiple methods exist for obtaining arrest records in Ashland, Wisconsin. Requestors may utilize any of the following official channels:
Ashland County Sheriff's Office
220 East Chapple Avenue
Ashland, WI 54806
(715) 682-7023
Ashland County Sheriff's Office
The Sheriff's Office maintains booking records, arrest reports, and inmate information. Records requests may be submitted in person during regular business hours (Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM-4:30 PM), by mail, or through designated electronic systems. Pursuant to Wis. Stat. § 19.35(1)(b), requestors are not required to identify themselves or state the purpose of their request, except in limited circumstances.
Ashland County Clerk of Circuit Court
201 West Main Street, Room 102
Ashland, WI 54806
(715) 682-7016
Circuit Court - Ashland County
The Clerk's Office maintains court records related to criminal proceedings following arrests. Public terminals are available for searching case information during business hours (Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM-4:30 PM). Certified copies of court records may be obtained for a fee as established by Wis. Stat. § 814.61(5).
Written requests must include sufficient information to identify the records sought, including:
- Full name of the arrested individual
- Approximate date of arrest
- Case number (if known)
- Type of records requested
Contents of an Ashland Arrest Record
Arrest records maintained by Ashland County law enforcement agencies typically contain comprehensive documentation of an individual's interaction with the criminal justice system. Standard components include:
- Biographical information: Full legal name, date of birth, physical description, address, and identifying numbers (driver's license, state ID)
- Arrest details: Date, time, location, arresting agency, officer identification, and statutory authority for arrest
- Offense information: Wisconsin statute violations, offense classification (misdemeanor/felony), and factual basis for charges
- Booking documentation: Mugshot photographs, fingerprint records, and personal property inventory
- Custody status: Detention facility, bail/bond information, and release conditions
- Procedural history: Initial appearance dates, preliminary hearing information, and case disposition if available
Law enforcement agencies in Ashland County maintain these records in accordance with Wisconsin Administrative Code § JUS 9, which establishes standards for criminal history record information. The completeness and accuracy of these records are subject to periodic audit by the Wisconsin Department of Justice as mandated by Wis. Stat. § 165.83.
Expungement of Arrest Records in Ashland
Wisconsin law provides limited pathways for the expungement of arrest records in Ashland County. Pursuant to Wis. Stat. § 973.015, expungement may be available under the following circumstances:
The primary mechanism for expungement applies when:
- The offense was committed before the age of 25
- The maximum period of imprisonment for the offense is 6 years or less
- The court ordered expungement at the time of sentencing
- The defendant has successfully completed their sentence
For arrests that did not result in charges or convictions, Wis. Stat. § 165.84(1) provides that individuals may petition for the return of fingerprints, photographs, and other identifying data. The process requires:
- Filing a petition with the Ashland County Circuit Court
- Demonstrating that charges were dismissed or never filed
- Establishing that the retention of records would cause undue hardship
The Wisconsin Department of Justice maintains oversight of criminal history records and implements expungement orders through the Crime Information Bureau. Expunged records are sealed from public view but remain accessible to law enforcement agencies for authorized purposes under Wis. Stat. § 165.83(2).
Ashland County District Attorney's Office
201 West Main Street, Room 102
Ashland, WI 54806
(715) 682-7019
Ashland County, WI
The District Attorney's Office can provide guidance on expungement eligibility and procedures specific to Ashland County cases. Consultations are available by appointment during regular business hours.
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