Dodge County, Wisconsin Arrest Records
Are Arrest Records Public in Dodge County, Wisconsin?
Arrest records are public documents in Dodge County, Wisconsin, pursuant to the 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 Dodge County Sheriff's Office maintains arrest records as part of its official duties, and these records are generally available for public inspection. The Wisconsin Public Records Law operates under the principle that providing citizens with information about governmental affairs is essential to the functioning of a democratic society. Consequently, arrest records maintained by law enforcement agencies in Dodge County are presumed to be open for public examination.
The public nature of these records serves multiple purposes within the justice system. It enables community oversight of law enforcement activities, promotes transparency in the criminal justice process, and allows individuals to make informed decisions regarding their safety and security. However, certain information within arrest records may be redacted or withheld if disclosure would compromise an ongoing investigation, violate privacy rights protected by law, or potentially endanger an individual's safety.
Can Arrest Records be Found Online in Dodge County?
Dodge County arrest records are accessible through various online platforms maintained by governmental agencies. The Wisconsin Circuit Court Access (WCCA) portal, commonly known as Wisconsin Court System's case search, provides electronic access to public records of the Wisconsin circuit courts, including cases originating from arrests in Dodge County. This resource allows members of the public to search for court records by name, case number, or citation number.
The Dodge County Sheriff's Office maintains an online inmate lookup system that provides information about individuals currently in custody. This database is updated regularly and includes booking information related to recent arrests. Additionally, the Wisconsin Department of Corrections maintains an offender locator service that includes information about individuals who have been processed through the correctional system following arrest and conviction.
It should be noted that while many records are available online, the completeness of electronic records may vary. Some historical records or detailed arrest information may require direct contact with the Dodge County Sheriff's Office or the Dodge County Clerk of Circuit Court. Pursuant to Wisconsin Statute § 19.35(1), these agencies are required to make records available for inspection and copying during regular office hours.
How to Look Up Dodge County Arrest Records in 2025
Members of the public seeking Dodge County arrest records in 2025 may utilize several official channels to obtain this information. The following methods are available for accessing arrest records:
Submit a records request in person at the Dodge County Sheriff's Office located at 124 West Street, Juneau, WI 53039. Office hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM. Telephone: (920) 386-3726.
File a written request for records via mail addressed to the Records Division, Dodge County Sheriff's Office, 124 West Street, Juneau, WI 53039. Requests must include the subject's full name, date of birth, and the specific information being sought.
Access the Wisconsin Circuit Court Access website to search for court cases related to arrests. This resource provides information on charges filed, court appearances, and case dispositions.
Contact the Dodge County Clerk of Circuit Court at 210 West Center Street, Juneau, WI 53039. Telephone: (920) 386-3570. The office is open Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM.
Visit the Dodge Correctional Institution website for information about individuals who have been processed through the facility following arrest and conviction.
Requestors should be prepared to pay applicable fees for record searches and copies as authorized under Wisconsin Statute § 19.35(3). Fees are established to reflect the actual, necessary, and direct costs of location, reproduction, and mailing of records.
Contents of a Dodge County Arrest Record
Dodge County arrest records typically contain comprehensive information about the arrest event and the individual taken into custody. These records are maintained in accordance with Wisconsin Statute § 165.83, which establishes requirements for criminal identification, records, and statistics. Standard arrest records in Dodge County include the following components:
Biographical information of the arrested individual, including full legal name, known aliases, date of birth, physical description, and residential address.
Arrest details, including the date, time, and location of the arrest, the arresting agency, and the names and badge numbers of the officers involved in the arrest.
Criminal charges filed at the time of booking, including the Wisconsin Statute violations and the classification of offenses as misdemeanors or felonies.
Booking information, such as fingerprints, mugshot photographs, and personal property inventory taken at the time of processing.
Detention status, including bail or bond information, court appearance dates, and custody location.
Case disposition information, when available, indicating whether charges were pursued, dismissed, or resulted in conviction.
Prior criminal history information that may be relevant to the current arrest, including previous arrests, convictions, and incarceration records.
The Beaver Dam Municipal Court, which handles ordinance violations within the city limits, may maintain separate records for minor offenses that did not result in county-level processing. These records may contain similar information but are specific to municipal ordinance violations rather than state law violations.
Expungement of Arrest Records in Dodge County
Under Wisconsin law, certain individuals may be eligible to have their arrest records expunged in Dodge County. Expungement is governed by Wisconsin Statute § 973.015, which provides a legal mechanism for the removal of criminal records from public access under specific circumstances. The expungement process is designed to assist individuals who have satisfied their legal obligations and seek to mitigate the collateral consequences of an arrest record.
To qualify for expungement in Dodge County, the following criteria generally apply:
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 commission of the offense.
The court must have ordered expungement at the time of sentencing, contingent upon successful completion of the sentence.
The individual must have successfully completed their sentence, including any probationary period.
The expungement process requires the filing of appropriate circuit court forms with the Dodge County Circuit Court. Upon approval, records of the arrest and conviction are sealed from public view, though they remain accessible to law enforcement agencies for official purposes. It is important to note that expungement in Wisconsin does not physically destroy records but rather limits their accessibility to the public.
The Dodge County District Attorney's Office, located at 210 West Center Street, Juneau, WI 53039, telephone (920) 386-3630, can provide guidance on the expungement eligibility criteria specific to cases prosecuted within the county. The Wisconsin Department of Health Services also maintains resources related to rehabilitation programs that may support individuals seeking expungement.
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