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Jackson County, Wisconsin Arrest Records

Are Arrest Records Public in Jackson County, Wisconsin?

Arrest records are public documents in Jackson 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 agencies shall be accessible to the public unless specifically exempted by statute. The law operates under the principle that providing citizens with information about governmental affairs is essential to the functioning of a democratic society.

Jackson County arrest records contain detailed information regarding individuals apprehended by law enforcement agencies operating within county jurisdiction. These records document the official process of taking a person into custody based on probable cause or warrant. The Jackson County Sheriff's Department maintains these records as part of their statutory obligations.

Members of the public seeking access to arrest records should note that while these documents are generally available, certain information may be redacted to protect ongoing investigations, confidential informants, or juvenile information as provided under Wisconsin Statute § 938.396.

Jackson County Sheriff's Department
307 Main Street
Black River Falls, WI 54615
Phone: (715) 284-5357
Official Website

Can Arrest Records be Found Online in Jackson County?

Arrest records for Jackson County are available through several online platforms maintained by governmental agencies. The Wisconsin Circuit Court Access (WCCA) system, commonly known as CCAP, provides public access to court records including those related to arrests that have resulted in formal charges. This system is maintained pursuant to Wisconsin Supreme Court Rule 72.

The Wisconsin Court System offers a comprehensive case search function that allows users to access records from circuit courts throughout the state, including Jackson County. Records available online typically include:

  • Case numbers and filing dates
  • Party names and demographic information
  • Charge information and statute citations
  • Court appearance schedules
  • Case status and disposition information
  • Judgment and sentencing details

Additionally, the Jackson County Corrections/Jail maintains an inmate lookup system that provides information on currently incarcerated individuals, including their booking information and charges.

Users should be aware that online records may not contain complete arrest information, as certain details may only be available through direct request to the arresting agency or the Jackson County Clerk of Court.

Jackson County Clerk of Court
307 Main Street
Black River Falls, WI 54615
Phone: (715) 284-0208
Official Website

How to Look Up Jackson County Arrest Records in 2025

Multiple methods are available for accessing Jackson County arrest records in 2025. Pursuant to Wisconsin's commitment to government transparency, the following official channels provide reliable access to these public documents:

  1. Visit the Jackson County Sheriff's Department in person: The Sheriff's Department maintains comprehensive records of all arrests made within county jurisdiction. Requestors may submit a written request form and pay applicable fees for document reproduction.

  2. Access the Wisconsin Circuit Court Access (WCCA) portal: This online case search system provides information on cases that have been filed with the court, including criminal matters resulting from arrests.

  3. Contact the Jackson County Clerk of Court: The Clerk's office maintains court records related to criminal proceedings, which often contain detailed information about the underlying arrest.

  4. Submit a request to the Jackson Correctional Institution: For information about individuals currently in custody, the Jackson Correctional Institution maintains records of inmates including their arrest information.

  5. Utilize the Wisconsin State Law Library resources: The Wisconsin State Law Library provides guidance on accessing legal resources in Jackson County, including criminal background and arrest records.

When requesting arrest records, individuals must provide sufficient identifying information about the subject, including full name and, if possible, date of birth. Fees for record retrieval and copying are established pursuant to Wis. Stat. § 19.35(3) and may vary based on the volume of records requested.

Contents of a Jackson County Arrest Record

Jackson County arrest records contain standardized information documenting the apprehension and processing of individuals taken into custody. These records are maintained in accordance with Wisconsin Administrative Code DOC § 328.27 and typically include the following components:

  • Biographical information: Full legal name, known aliases, date of birth, gender, race, height, weight, eye and hair color, and any distinguishing physical characteristics such as scars or tattoos.

  • Arrest details: Date, time, and location of arrest; name and badge number of arresting officer(s); agency making the arrest; and whether the arrest was made pursuant to a warrant or probable cause determination.

  • Criminal charges: Specific violations of Wisconsin statutes or local ordinances for which the individual was arrested, including citation numbers and statutory references.

  • Booking information: Fingerprints, booking photographs (commonly known as "mugshots"), property inventory, and medical screening results.

  • Custody status: Information regarding bail or bond amounts, pretrial release conditions, or detention determinations.

  • Case disposition: Ultimate resolution of the case, including whether charges were filed, dismissed, or resulted in conviction.

The Jackson County Administration oversees the maintenance of these records in coordination with the Sheriff's Department and Clerk of Court. Pursuant to Wisconsin's records retention schedules, arrest records are maintained for a minimum of seven years, with records involving serious felonies retained permanently.

Expungement of Arrest Records in Jackson County

Expungement provides a legal mechanism for the sealing or destruction of arrest records under specific circumstances in Jackson County. This process is governed by Wisconsin Statute § 973.015, which establishes eligibility criteria and procedural requirements.

Individuals may petition for expungement of arrest records in the following circumstances:

  • The arrest did not lead to formal charges
  • Charges were dismissed or the individual was acquitted
  • The conviction was for a misdemeanor or nonviolent felony committed before the age of 25
  • The sentence has been successfully completed
  • The court ordered expungement at the time of sentencing

The expungement process requires filing a petition with the Jackson County Circuit Court where the case was adjudicated. Petitioners must demonstrate compliance with all statutory requirements and may need to provide evidence of rehabilitation. Upon granting an expungement order, records are sealed from public view but may remain accessible to law enforcement agencies for specific purposes authorized by statute.

It is important to note that expungement in Wisconsin does not completely destroy records but rather limits their accessibility. Additionally, federal arrests and convictions are not eligible for expungement through state court proceedings and require separate federal applications.

Jackson County Circuit Court
307 Main Street
Black River Falls, WI 54615
Phone: (715) 284-0208
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Official Website

Legal Restrictions on Arrest Record Access in Jackson County

Access to arrest records in Jackson County is subject to specific statutory limitations designed to balance public transparency with individual privacy rights. Wisconsin Statute § 19.36 establishes several categories of records that may be exempt from disclosure or subject to redaction:

  • Records pertaining to ongoing investigations where disclosure would impede law enforcement efforts
  • Information that would endanger the safety of witnesses or confidential informants
  • Juvenile arrest records, which are generally confidential under Wis. Stat. § 938.396
  • Records containing personally identifiable information that, if disclosed, would constitute an unwarranted invasion of personal privacy
  • Medical information obtained during booking or incarceration
  • Information specifically exempted from disclosure by other statutes or court orders

The Jackson County Sheriff's Department is responsible for reviewing record requests and applying appropriate redactions in accordance with these statutory provisions. Requestors who believe records have been improperly withheld may seek review through administrative appeal or judicial proceedings as provided under Wis. Stat. § 19.37.

Law enforcement agencies and court personnel receive specific training regarding proper handling of sensitive information contained in arrest records, as outlined in the Jackson County Employee Handbook.

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