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Wrightstown Arrest Records

Are Arrest Records Public in Wrightstown, Wisconsin?

Arrest records are public documents in Wrightstown, Wisconsin, pursuant to Wisconsin's 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 law reflects Wisconsin's commitment to governmental transparency and public oversight of law enforcement activities.

The Wisconsin Supreme Court has consistently upheld the public's right to access arrest records, recognizing their importance in maintaining accountability within the criminal justice system. Members of the public may inspect these records regardless of their purpose or motivation for seeking the information, as established in Newspapers, Inc. v. Breier, 89 Wis. 2d 417 (1979).

Certain information within arrest records may be redacted or withheld if disclosure would:

  • Compromise an ongoing investigation
  • Endanger the safety of a witness or informant
  • Violate federal privacy laws such as HIPAA
  • Contain information about juveniles protected under Wis. Stat. § 938.396

The custodian of records must apply the public interest balancing test when determining whether specific information should be withheld, weighing the public interest in disclosure against potential harm that might result.

How to Look Up Wrightstown Arrest Records in 2025

Multiple avenues exist for accessing Wrightstown arrest records in 2025. The Wisconsin Department of Justice has implemented digital systems that facilitate public access while maintaining necessary security protocols. Individuals seeking arrest information may utilize the following methods:

In-Person Requests

The Wrightstown Police Department maintains physical records that may be inspected during regular business hours. Requestors must complete a public records request form and may be required to present identification. A nominal fee may apply for copies of documents.

Wrightstown Police Department
352 High Street
Wrightstown, WI 54180
Phone: (920) 532-6007
Village of Wrightstown Police Department

Office Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM

County-Level Resources

The Brown County Sheriff's Office maintains comprehensive arrest records for all jurisdictions within the county, including Wrightstown. Their records division processes public information requests pursuant to Wis. Stat. § 19.35.

Brown County Sheriff's Office
2684 Development Drive
Green Bay, WI 54311
Phone: (920) 448-4200
Brown County Sheriff's Office

Records Division Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM

Online Access Options

The Wisconsin Circuit Court Access (WCCA) website provides electronic access to court records, including information about criminal cases resulting from arrests. This resource is available 24 hours per day and is updated regularly to reflect current case status.

Additionally, the Brown County Joint Municipal Court maintains an online portal where citation and arrest information may be accessed for violations occurring within Wrightstown municipal jurisdiction.

Third-Party Background Check Services

Commercial background check services aggregate public records from multiple sources. While these services may provide convenience, the information they contain should be verified through official channels, as third-party databases may contain outdated or incomplete information.

Contents of a Wrightstown Arrest Record

Arrest records in Wrightstown typically contain standardized information as prescribed by Wisconsin Administrative Code § JUS 9.04. These documents serve as official accounts of law enforcement actions and generally include:

Demographic Information

  • Full legal name of the arrested individual
  • Any known aliases or previous names
  • Date of birth and age at time of arrest
  • Physical description including height, weight, and identifying marks
  • Residential address (may be partially redacted in public versions)

Arrest Details

  • Date, time, and location of the arrest
  • Specific statutory violations alleged (Wisconsin Statute citations)
  • Classification of offense (felony, misdemeanor, or civil violation)
  • Arresting agency and officer identification numbers
  • Circumstances leading to the arrest
  • Whether force was used during apprehension

Processing Information

  • Booking photographs (mugshots)
  • Fingerprint classification data
  • Property inventory taken during booking
  • Detention facility information
  • Bail or bond determination
  • Initial appearance court date

Case Disposition

  • Court case number if charges were filed
  • Preliminary hearing information
  • Charging decisions by the District Attorney's Office
  • Current status of the case

It should be noted that pursuant to Wis. Stat. § 165.83(2), law enforcement agencies are required to collect and maintain this information in a uniform manner to facilitate information sharing between jurisdictions and ensure accuracy of criminal history records.

Expungement of Arrest Records in Wrightstown

Wisconsin law provides limited pathways for the expungement of arrest records in Wrightstown. Expungement refers to the legal process by which arrest and conviction records are sealed or destroyed, effectively removing them from public access. The authority for expungement is established under Wis. Stat. § 973.015.

Eligibility Criteria

The following conditions must be met for an individual to qualify for expungement in Wisconsin:

  • The offense must be a misdemeanor or a Class H or I felony
  • The individual must have been under the age of 25 at the time of the offense
  • The maximum period of imprisonment for the offense must not exceed 6 years
  • The court must have determined at sentencing that expungement would benefit the person and society would not be harmed
  • The individual must have successfully completed their sentence, including any probationary period

Notably, Wisconsin law differs from many other states in that the decision for expungement must be made by the judge at the time of sentencing, not after the completion of the sentence.

Expungement Process

The process for implementing an expungement order involves:

  1. Verification by the clerk of courts that all conditions of the sentence have been satisfied
  2. Notification to the Wisconsin Department of Justice Criminal Information Bureau
  3. Sealing of court records related to the case
  4. Notification to arresting agencies to update their records

It is important to note that expunged records in Wisconsin are not completely destroyed. Law enforcement agencies and the courts retain access to these records for internal purposes, including consideration in subsequent criminal proceedings.

Records Not Eligible for Expungement

Certain arrest records cannot be expunged under current Wisconsin law, including:

  • Arrests for offenses that did not result in charges being filed
  • Cases dismissed before conviction
  • Arrests for traffic violations, including operating while intoxicated
  • Felonies classified as Class G or higher
  • Sexual offenses requiring registration

The Wisconsin State Legislature periodically reviews expungement statutes, and eligibility requirements may change. Individuals seeking current information should consult with the Brown County Joint Municipal Court or legal counsel.

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