Florence County, Wisconsin Arrest Records
Are Arrest Records Public in Florence County, Wisconsin?
Arrest records in Florence County, Wisconsin are considered public information 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 may inspect, copy, or receive copies of arrest records maintained by Florence County law enforcement agencies upon submission of a proper request. The Florence County Sheriff's Department serves as the primary custodian of local arrest records and processes requests in accordance with statutory guidelines.
Can Arrest Records be Found Online in Florence County?
Florence County arrest records are available through several online platforms maintained by county and state agencies. The Florence County Sheriff's Department maintains a digital database that includes recent booking information and arrest logs accessible through their official website. Additionally, the Wisconsin Circuit Court Access Program (CCAP) provides online access to court records related to arrests that have resulted in formal charges. Users should note that online records may not be comprehensive, as certain information may be redacted pursuant to Wis. Stat. § 19.36(10) to protect privacy interests or ongoing investigations. Records available online typically include basic arrest information such as the arrestee's name, charges, and court dates. For complete arrest records, including detailed reports and supplementary materials, requestors may need to submit formal requests to the appropriate agency.
How to Look Up Florence County Arrest Records in 2025
Florence County residents and other interested parties may access arrest records through multiple channels established by local authorities. The primary methods for obtaining these records include:
In-person requests at the Florence County Sheriff's Department, located at 501 Lake Avenue, Florence, WI 54121. Office hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM. Requestors should bring government-issued identification and be prepared to complete a records request form.
Electronic requests through the Florence County Sheriff's Department's online portal, which allows users to submit records requests and receive digital copies via secure transmission. Processing times for electronic requests typically range from 3-5 business days.
Written requests sent via mail to the Records Division, Florence County Sheriff's Department, 501 Lake Avenue, Florence, WI 54121. Written requests must include the requestor's full name, contact information, and specific details about the records being sought.
Utilizing the Wisconsin Department of Justice's Criminal Information Bureau services for statewide arrest record searches. This service provides access to records from multiple jurisdictions and can be particularly useful for comprehensive background checks.
Pursuant to Wis. Stat. § 19.35(3), agencies may charge reasonable fees for search, copying, and other costs associated with fulfilling records requests. Current fee schedules are available from the Florence County Sheriff's Department and typically include a base administrative fee plus per-page charges for physical copies.
Contents of a Florence County Arrest Record
Florence County arrest records contain standardized information collected during the booking process and subsequent law enforcement activities. These records typically include:
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 arresting officers.
Criminal charges filed at the time of arrest, including statutory citations and offense descriptions. These charges may differ from eventual formal charges filed by the District Attorney's Office.
Booking information, including the arrestee's booking photograph (commonly known as a "mugshot"), fingerprint records, and unique booking identification number.
Custody status information, including bail or bond amounts, release conditions, and scheduled court appearances.
Incident reports detailing the circumstances leading to the arrest, including witness statements and officer observations. These reports may be partially redacted to protect sensitive information.
Property inventory listing items in the arrestee's possession at the time of booking, including personal effects and potential evidence.
The Florence County Sheriff's Department maintains these records in accordance with Wisconsin Administrative Code § JUS 9, which establishes standards for law enforcement record-keeping and retention. Records are typically preserved for a minimum of seven years, though records related to serious felonies may be maintained permanently.
Expungement of Arrest Records in Florence County
Florence County follows Wisconsin state law regarding the expungement of arrest records, as codified in Wis. Stat. § 973.015. Expungement provides eligible individuals with the opportunity to have certain arrest and conviction records sealed from public view, thereby mitigating the collateral consequences of criminal justice involvement. The expungement process in Florence County operates under the following parameters:
Eligibility criteria include age restrictions (generally limited to offenses committed before the age of 25), offense severity limitations (typically misdemeanors and certain non-violent felonies), and successful completion of sentence requirements.
Petition procedures require filing formal documentation with the Florence County Circuit Court, located at 501 Lake Avenue, Florence, WI 54121. Court hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM, telephone: (715) 528-3346.
Judicial review involves consideration of multiple factors, including the nature of the offense, the petitioner's criminal history, rehabilitation evidence, and the public interest in maintaining record accessibility.
Effect of expungement, when granted, results in the sealing of records from public access, though law enforcement agencies and certain governmental entities retain limited access for specific purposes.
Limitations of expungement in Wisconsin should be noted, as the process does not completely destroy records but rather restricts their accessibility. Additionally, expunged records may still appear in certain private databases if they were obtained before the expungement order was issued.
Individuals seeking expungement are advised to consult with legal counsel familiar with Wisconsin expungement law, as the process involves complex procedural requirements and substantive legal standards. The Florence County Public Defender's Office, located at 501 Lake Avenue, Florence, WI 54121, may provide assistance to qualifying individuals. Office hours are Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM, telephone: (715) 528-3340.
Search Arrest Records in Florence County
- Florence County Sheriff's Department
- Wisconsin Circuit Court Access
- Wisconsin Department of Justice
- Florence County Clerk of Courts
