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Brown County, Wisconsin Arrest Records

Are Arrest Records Public in Brown County, Wisconsin?

Arrest records are public in Brown County, Wisconsin, pursuant to Wisconsin Public Records Law (Wis. Stat. §§ 19.31-19.39). This legislation establishes that records produced or maintained by government entities shall be accessible to the public unless specifically exempted by statute. The Wisconsin Supreme Court has consistently upheld the public's right to access government records, including those pertaining to arrests made by law enforcement agencies within Brown County.

Members of the public may inspect arrest records maintained by the Brown County Sheriff's Office and other local law enforcement agencies. These records typically document instances where individuals have been taken into custody by authorized officers. The Wisconsin Department of Justice further supports this transparency through its oversight of public records compliance throughout the state.

Can Arrest Records be Found Online in Brown County?

Arrest records can be accessed online in Brown County through several official digital platforms. The Brown County Sheriff's Office maintains an inmate lookup tool that provides current information about individuals in custody. This resource is updated regularly to reflect recent arrests and releases.

The Wisconsin Circuit Court Access (WCCA) system, commonly known as CCAP, offers a comprehensive case search function that includes information about criminal cases resulting from arrests in Brown County. This platform is maintained by the Wisconsin Court System and provides real-time updates on court proceedings.

Digital access to these records is governed by Wisconsin Statute § 19.35(1), which states that "any requester has a right to inspect any record." The online availability of these documents represents the county's commitment to transparency while balancing privacy considerations as required by law.

How to Look Up Brown County Arrest Records in 2025

To obtain Brown County arrest records in 2025, individuals may utilize several official channels. Each method provides access to different aspects of arrest documentation:

  • Brown County Sheriff's Office: The primary law enforcement agency maintains comprehensive arrest records and booking information.

    Brown County Sheriff's Office
    2684 Development Drive
    Green Bay, WI 54311
    (920) 448-4200
    Official Website
    Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM

  • Brown County Clerk of Circuit Court: This office maintains all court records related to arrests that have proceeded to formal charges.

    Brown County Clerk of Circuit Court
    100 S. Jefferson Street
    Green Bay, WI 54301
    (920) 448-4160
    Official Website
    Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM

  • Wisconsin Department of Justice: The state's Online Record Check System (WORCS) provides criminal history information for a nominal fee.

  • Municipal Police Departments: Local police agencies within Brown County maintain their own arrest records for incidents within their jurisdictions.

    Green Bay Police Department
    307 S. Adams Street
    Green Bay, WI 54301
    (920) 448-3200
    Hours: Records Division open Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM

Pursuant to Wisconsin Statute § 19.35(1)(a), requesters may submit applications for records in person, by mail, or electronically. Agencies must respond to requests "as soon as practicable and without delay."

Contents of a Brown County Arrest Record

Brown County arrest records contain standardized information as prescribed by Wisconsin Administrative Code § JUS 10.03. These official documents typically include:

  • Full legal name of the arrested individual and any documented aliases
  • Demographic information including date of birth, gender, and race
  • Physical descriptors (height, weight, eye and hair color, identifying marks)
  • Booking photograph (mugshot)
  • Fingerprint impressions collected during processing
  • Date, time, and location of the arrest
  • Statutory citations for alleged violations
  • Name and badge number of the arresting officer(s)
  • Agency case number and booking reference
  • Custody status information
  • Preliminary hearing date, if applicable

The Brown County Sheriff's Office Jail Division maintains these records in accordance with Wisconsin Statute § 165.83, which mandates the collection and preservation of criminal identification data. Records are retained according to the Wisconsin Public Records Board retention schedule, which typically requires preservation for a minimum of seven years.

Legal Uses of Brown County Arrest Records

Arrest records in Brown County serve multiple legitimate purposes within the criminal justice system and beyond. Wisconsin law recognizes several authorized uses for these documents:

  • Criminal Justice Operations: Law enforcement agencies utilize arrest histories to inform investigations and charging decisions. The Brown County Sheriff's Office relies on these records to identify patterns and recidivism.

  • Court Proceedings: Prosecutors and judges reference arrest documentation during bail hearings, sentencing, and other judicial processes. The Brown County Circuit Court incorporates this information into case files.

  • Background Screening: Pursuant to Wisconsin Statute § 111.335, employers may consider arrest records for certain sensitive positions, particularly those involving vulnerable populations. However, the Wisconsin Fair Employment Act prohibits discrimination based solely on arrest records that did not result in conviction.

  • Housing Applications: Landlords may review arrest histories as part of tenant screening, subject to limitations established by Wisconsin Administrative Code § ATCP 134.09.

  • Statistical Analysis: Government agencies compile anonymized arrest data to track crime trends and allocate resources effectively.

Wisconsin Statute § 19.356 provides individuals with notification rights when certain records containing personally identifiable information are released to requesters. This balances transparency with privacy protections.

Expungement of Arrest Records in Brown County

In Brown County, individuals may petition for expungement of arrest records under specific circumstances outlined in Wisconsin Statute § 973.015. Expungement eligibility is generally limited to:

  • Misdemeanor offenses committed by individuals under 25 years of age
  • Certain non-violent felonies as specified by statute
  • Cases resulting in dismissal or acquittal
  • Arrests that did not lead to formal charges

The expungement process requires filing a petition with the court that originally handled the case. The Green Bay Municipal Court and Brown County Circuit Court have jurisdiction over these petitions depending on the nature of the original case.

When granted, expungement does not physically destroy records but rather seals them from public view. Law enforcement agencies retain access to expunged records for legitimate criminal justice purposes. Wisconsin Administrative Code § JUS 11.04 establishes the technical procedures for record sealing.

Individuals seeking expungement should be aware that federal records and private database information may persist even after state-level expungement. The Wisconsin Department of Justice provides guidance on comprehensive record management through its Crime Information Bureau.

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