Wausau Arrest Records
Are Arrest Records Public in Wausau, Wisconsin?
Arrest records in Wausau, Wisconsin are classified as public documents pursuant to Wisconsin Public Records Law (Wis. Stat. § 19.31-19.39). This statute establishes that records produced, collected, or maintained by government entities shall be accessible to members of the public unless specifically exempted by statutory provision. The Wisconsin Supreme Court has consistently upheld that arrest records fall within the category of public documents subject to disclosure.
The Marathon County Sheriff's Department and Wausau Police Department maintain arrest records as part of their official duties. These records document law enforcement activities and are preserved in accordance with state record retention schedules. Public access to these records serves the legislative intent of ensuring governmental transparency and accountability in law enforcement operations.
Wisconsin Statute § 19.35(1)(a) specifically provides that "any requester has a right to inspect any record." The term "record" is broadly defined under § 19.32(2) to include any material containing information that has been created or is being kept by an authority, including arrest documentation. Custodians of these records must provide access during established office hours and may charge only the actual, necessary, and direct cost of reproduction.
How to Look Up Wausau Arrest Records in 2025
Multiple methods exist for obtaining arrest records in Wausau, Wisconsin. Requesters may utilize any of the following procedures to access this information:
In-Person Requests at Law Enforcement Agencies Members of the public may submit requests directly to the records division of the appropriate law enforcement agency. The primary agencies maintaining arrest records in Wausau include:
Wausau Police Department
515 Grand Avenue
Wausau, WI 54403
Phone: (715) 261-7800
Records Division Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Wausau Police Department
Marathon County Sheriff's Department
500 Forest Street
Wausau, WI 54403
Phone: (715) 261-1200
Records Division Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Marathon County Sheriff's Department
Written Requests Pursuant to Wis. Stat. § 19.35(1)(h), requesters may submit written applications for arrest records. Such requests should include:
- Full name of the subject
- Date of birth (if known)
- Approximate date of arrest (if known)
- Case number (if available)
- Requester's contact information
Written requests may be submitted via postal mail to the respective agency addresses listed above.
Online Access Systems The Marathon County Justice System maintains a public access portal through which certain arrest information may be retrieved. This system is accessible 24 hours per day and provides basic arrest data, though complete records may require a formal request.
Public Access Terminals Dedicated computer terminals are available at the Marathon County Courthouse for public use. These terminals provide access to the Wisconsin Circuit Court Access Program (CCAP) which contains information about criminal cases resulting from arrests.
Marathon County Courthouse
500 Forest Street
Wausau, WI 54403
Public Terminal Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Contents of a Wausau Arrest Record
Arrest records maintained by Wausau law enforcement agencies typically contain standardized information as prescribed by Wisconsin Department of Justice guidelines. These records generally include the following elements:
Subject identification information:
- Full legal name
- Known aliases or alternative names
- Date of birth
- Physical descriptors (height, weight, eye color, hair color)
- Residential address at time of arrest
- Identifying numbers (driver's license, state ID)
Arrest details:
- Date and time of arrest
- Geographic location where arrest occurred
- Statutory violations cited
- Arresting officer identification
- Booking information
- Custody status
Case processing information:
- Assigned case number
- Prosecutorial referral status
- Court appearance dates
- Disposition information (if available)
Biometric data:
- Fingerprint classification
- Booking photograph ("mugshot")
- Other identifying characteristics
Pursuant to Wis. Stat. § 165.83, law enforcement agencies are required to collect and forward fingerprint data and other identifying information to the Wisconsin Department of Justice for all persons arrested for felonies and certain misdemeanors. This information becomes part of the official arrest record and is maintained in accordance with state record retention schedules.
Expungement of Arrest Records in Wausau
Wisconsin law provides limited mechanisms for the expungement of arrest records under specific circumstances. The process is governed primarily by Wis. Stat. § 973.015, which establishes eligibility criteria and procedural requirements.
Eligibility Criteria Expungement may be available when:
- The offense was committed while the individual was under the age of 25
- The maximum period of imprisonment for the offense is 6 years or less (Class H felony or less severe offense)
- The court determined at sentencing that expungement would benefit the person and society would not be harmed
- The person has successfully completed their sentence
Ineligible Offenses Certain offenses are statutorily ineligible for expungement regardless of other factors:
- Violations of Wis. Stat. § 940.22(2) (sexual exploitation by a therapist)
- Violations of Wis. Stat. § 940.225(1)-(3) (sexual assault)
- Violations of Wis. Stat. § 948.02(1)-(2) (sexual assault of a child)
- Violations of Wis. Stat. § 948.025 (engaging in repeated acts of sexual assault)
- Violations of Wis. Stat. § 948.05 (sexual exploitation of a child)
- Violations of Wis. Stat. § 948.06 (incest with a child)
- Violations of Wis. Stat. § 948.07 (child enticement)
- Violations of Wis. Stat. § 948.075 (use of a computer to facilitate a child sex crime)
Application Process Individuals seeking expungement must file a petition with the Marathon County Circuit Court. The petition must include:
- Case number and conviction information
- Date of birth
- Statement addressing statutory eligibility criteria
- Supporting documentation demonstrating successful completion of sentence
Marathon County Circuit Court
500 Forest Street
Wausau, WI 54403
Phone: (715) 261-1300
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Upon receipt of a properly filed petition, the court will schedule a hearing where the petitioner may present evidence supporting their request. The district attorney's office receives notice and may present opposing arguments. Judicial determination is based on statutory criteria and consideration of the public interest.
If granted, expungement results in sealing the record from public view, though the information remains available to law enforcement agencies and may be considered in subsequent criminal proceedings.
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