Arrest records are public documents in Marquette County, Wisconsin, pursuant to Wisconsin Public Records Law (Wis. Stat. §§ 19.31-19.39). This statute establishes that records produced or maintained by government entities shall be accessible to the public unless specifically exempted by law. The Marquette County Sheriff's Office and other local law enforcement agencies maintain these records as part of their official duties. The Wisconsin Public Records Law operates under the presumption that government records should be available for inspection to ensure transparency and accountability in governmental operations.
Members of the public seeking arrest records may submit requests to the appropriate custodial agency. Pursuant to Wis. Stat. § 19.35(1), any requester has the right to inspect any record not specifically exempted by statute. Law enforcement agencies in Marquette County process these requests in accordance with statutory timelines, typically responding within 10 business days as required by law.
Marquette County provides digital access to certain arrest records through designated online platforms. The Wisconsin Circuit Court Access (WCCA) system, commonly known as CCAP, serves as the primary online resource for accessing court records related to arrests in Marquette County. This system is maintained pursuant to Wisconsin Supreme Court Rule 72, which governs the retention and maintenance of court records.
The online availability of arrest records is subject to the following provisions:
The Marquette County Sheriff's Office also maintains limited booking information on their official website, though comprehensive arrest records typically require formal requests through established channels.
Individuals seeking arrest records in Marquette County in 2025 may utilize several official channels established by county authorities. The Wisconsin Public Records Law continues to govern access to these documents, with specific procedures implemented by local agencies.
To obtain arrest records, requesters may:
The Marquette County Sheriff's Office processes record requests at their administrative office:
Marquette County Sheriff's Office
77 West Park Street
Montello, WI 53949
Phone: (608) 297-2115
Official Website
Public counter hours for records requests are Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM, excluding county holidays. Pursuant to Wis. Stat. § 19.35(3), fees may be assessed for locating, copying, and certifying records. Current fee schedules are available at the Marquette County Legal Resources page.
Arrest records maintained by Marquette County law enforcement agencies contain standardized information as prescribed by Wisconsin Administrative Code § DOJ 1.04, which establishes uniform crime reporting requirements. These records typically include comprehensive documentation of the arrest event and the individual's identifying information.
Standard components of Marquette County arrest records include:
Certain sensitive information may be redacted from public copies in accordance with Wis. Stat. § 19.36, including but not limited to social security numbers, driver's license numbers, and information related to confidential informants. The completeness of arrest records may vary based on the stage of criminal proceedings and the custodial agency maintaining the records.
The expungement process in Marquette County operates under the authority of Wisconsin Statute § 973.015, which provides a legal mechanism for sealing certain arrest and conviction records. Expungement petitions are adjudicated by the Marquette County Circuit Court, which has jurisdiction over criminal matters within the county.
Eligibility criteria for expungement in Marquette County include:
Individuals seeking expungement must file a petition with the Marquette County Circuit Court using the standardized forms available through the Wisconsin Circuit Court Forms system. The petition is typically heard by the same judge who presided over the original case, or their successor.
Upon granting an expungement order, the Marquette County Clerk of Courts notifies relevant agencies to seal the records from public view. Expunged records remain accessible to law enforcement agencies for official purposes but are removed from public databases and searches. The Marquette County Courthouse, located at 77 West Park Street, Montello, WI 53949, processes all expungement petitions through its criminal division.