Madison Arrest Records
Are Arrest Records Public in Madison, Wisconsin?
Arrest records are public documents in Madison, Wisconsin, pursuant to Wisconsin Public Records Law (Wis. Stat. §§ 19.31-19.39). This legislation establishes the presumption that all government records, including arrest records, shall be accessible to the public unless specifically exempted by statute. The Wisconsin Supreme Court has consistently upheld the public's right to access these records, emphasizing that transparency in law enforcement activities serves the public interest by promoting accountability and informed civic participation.
Members of the public should note that while arrest records are generally accessible, certain information within these records may be redacted in accordance with privacy protections outlined in Wis. Stat. § 19.36. Such redactions typically include confidential informant identities, ongoing investigation details, and juvenile information protected under Wis. Stat. § 938.396.
How to Look Up Madison Arrest Records in 2025
Multiple official channels exist through which members of the public may access arrest records in Madison as of 2025. The Wisconsin Public Records Law mandates that custodial agencies provide reasonable access to these documents through the following methods:
In-Person Requests at the Madison Police Department: Individuals may submit records requests at the Madison Police Department Records Unit located at 211 S. Carroll Street, Madison, WI 53703. The public counter operates Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM. Requesters must complete a standard records request form and may be required to present identification.
Online Records Portal: The Madison Police Department maintains an electronic records system through which certain arrest records may be accessed. Users must register an account and may be subject to verification procedures before accessing sensitive information.
Written Requests: Standard mail requests may be directed to the Records Custodian, Madison Police Department, 211 S. Carroll Street, Madison, WI 53703. Pursuant to Wis. Stat. § 19.35(1)(h), agencies must respond to records requests "as soon as practicable and without delay."
Dane County Circuit Court Records: For cases that have proceeded to court, arrest information may be obtained through the Dane County Clerk of Courts at 215 S. Hamilton Street, Room 1000, Madison, WI 53703. Phone: (608) 266-4311.
Requesters should be prepared to provide specific information to facilitate record location, including the subject's full name, date of birth, and approximate date of arrest. Fees for record reproduction are assessed in accordance with Wis. Stat. § 19.35(3), with standard copying fees of $0.25 per page and additional charges for certified copies or extensive search time.
Contents of a Madison Arrest Record
Madison arrest records typically contain standardized information as prescribed by Wisconsin Administrative Code § JUS 9.04. These official documents generally include the following elements:
Biographical Information: Full legal name, aliases, date of birth, physical descriptors (height, weight, eye and hair color), and residential address of the arrested individual
Arrest Details: Date, time, and specific location of the arrest; statutory citations for alleged violations; and the arresting agency's incident number
Procedural Information: Booking details, temporary detention location, bail determination, and initial appearance scheduling
Officer Information: Name and badge number of the arresting officer(s) and the supervising authority
Evidentiary Notes: Brief narrative of probable cause determination and notation of evidence collected (detailed evidence logs may be maintained separately)
Photographic Documentation: Booking photographs ("mugshots") taken from front and profile perspectives
Fingerprint Records: Digital or ink fingerprint impressions collected during the booking process
The comprehensiveness of arrest records may vary based on the nature of the alleged offense, with more serious charges typically generating more extensive documentation. Pursuant to Madison City Ordinance § 39.03(8)(c), all arrest records must be maintained in a manner that facilitates retrieval while preserving document integrity.
Expungement of Arrest Records in Madison
The expungement of arrest records in Madison is governed by Wisconsin Statute § 973.015, which provides limited circumstances under which arrest and conviction records may be expunged. The statutory framework establishes the following criteria and procedures:
Eligibility for expungement is restricted to:
- Individuals who committed offenses while under the age of 25
- Offenses with maximum penalties of 6 years or less (Class H felonies and below)
- Cases where the court ordered expungement at the time of sentencing
- Successful completion of the sentence, including probation terms
The expungement process requires petitioners to file formal applications with the court that handled the original case. Pursuant to Wisconsin Supreme Court Rule 72.06, the petition must include:
- Complete case identification information
- Certified documentation of sentence completion
- Statement addressing statutory eligibility criteria
- Verification of absence of subsequent criminal convictions
The Dane County Circuit Court, located at 215 S. Hamilton Street, Madison, WI 53703, processes expungement petitions for cases within its jurisdiction. The court applies a "successful completion" standard as defined in State v. Hemp, 2014 WI 129, requiring full compliance with all conditions of the sentence.
Upon approval of expungement, records are sealed but not destroyed. Law enforcement agencies retain access to expunged records for limited purposes as authorized under Wis. Stat. § 165.83(2). Expunged records are removed from public access systems maintained by the Wisconsin Circuit Court Access Program pursuant to Wisconsin Supreme Court Rule 72.01.
Individuals with arrests that did not result in charges may petition for record removal under separate provisions outlined in Wis. Stat. § 165.84(1). Such petitions must be filed with the arresting agency, which in Madison is typically the Madison Police Department Records Division.
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