Monroe County, Wisconsin Arrest Records
Are Arrest Records Public in Monroe County, Wisconsin?
Arrest records in Monroe County, Wisconsin are public documents accessible to all citizens pursuant to Wisconsin Public Records Law (Wis. Stat. § 19.31-19.39). This statute establishes that government records, including those pertaining to arrests, shall be available for inspection by any person. The Wisconsin legislature has determined that providing access to these records serves the public interest by promoting government transparency and accountability. Under this law, custodial agencies must presume that public access is permitted unless specifically exempted by statute or common law principles.
The Monroe County Sheriff's Office maintains arrest records as part of its official duties and makes these records available in accordance with state law. Members of the public seeking arrest information may submit requests to the Records Division, which processes such requests during regular business hours. The Wisconsin Department of Justice further supports this access through its public records guidelines, which affirm that arrest records fall within the category of documents subject to disclosure.
Can Arrest Records be Found Online in Monroe County?
Monroe County arrest records are accessible through various online platforms maintained by county and state agencies. The Monroe County Sheriff's Office provides digital access to current inmate information through its inmate roster system. This database is updated regularly to reflect current detention status and basic arrest information for individuals in county custody.
The Wisconsin Court System maintains a comprehensive online case search portal that includes arrest-related court proceedings in Monroe County. This system, known as Wisconsin Circuit Court Access (WCCA), provides case information including charges, court dates, and disposition information resulting from arrests. The portal operates pursuant to Wisconsin Supreme Court Rule 72, which governs retention and maintenance of court records.
Additionally, the Wisconsin Department of Corrections offers online access to information regarding individuals who have been processed through the state correctional system following arrests in Monroe County. Access to these systems is provided free of charge to promote public awareness and transparency in the criminal justice process.
How to Look Up Monroe County Arrest Records in 2025
Multiple official channels exist for accessing Monroe County arrest records in 2025. Individuals seeking this information may utilize the following methods:
Monroe County Sheriff's Office
112 South Court Street
Sparta, WI 54656
(608) 269-2117
www.monroecountysheriff.com
The Records Division accepts in-person requests Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM. Requestors must complete a public records request form and may be required to present identification. Fees for copies are assessed pursuant to Wis. Stat. § 19.35(3).
Monroe County Clerk of Circuit Court
301 North Court Street
Sparta, WI 54656
(608) 269-8745
Monroe County Court Records
The Clerk's office maintains court records related to arrests and criminal proceedings. Records may be accessed through the Wisconsin Circuit Court Access portal or by submitting requests in person during business hours (Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM).
Wisconsin Department of Justice
Crime Information Bureau
P.O. Box 2688
Madison, WI 53701-2688
(608) 266-7314
The Crime Information Bureau processes criminal history record requests for arrests throughout Wisconsin, including Monroe County. Requests require submission of form DJ-LE-250 and payment of statutory fees.
Individuals may also utilize the Wisconsin State Law Library's Monroe County Legal Resources for guidance on accessing arrest-related documents.
Contents of a Monroe County Arrest Record
Monroe County arrest records contain standardized information as prescribed by Wisconsin Administrative Code § JUS 9.04, which establishes uniform reporting requirements. These records typically include:
- Subject's full legal name and any documented aliases
- Demographic information including date of birth, gender, race, and physical descriptors
- Residential address at time of arrest
- Date, time, and specific location of the arrest
- Statutory citations for alleged violations
- Arresting agency and officer identification
- Booking photograph (mugshot)
- Fingerprint classification data
- Case disposition information, if available
- Detention status and facility location
- Bond or bail information, including amount and conditions
- Warrant information, if applicable
The level of detail contained in publicly accessible versions of these records may be limited by privacy protections established under Wis. Stat. § 19.36, which exempts certain categories of information from disclosure. Juvenile arrest records are subject to additional confidentiality requirements under Wis. Stat. § 938.396 and may not be publicly accessible except under specific circumstances.
Expungement of Arrest Records in Monroe County
Wisconsin law provides mechanisms for the expungement of certain arrest records under specific conditions. Pursuant to Wis. Stat. § 973.015, individuals may petition for expungement if:
- The offense was committed before the age of 25
- The maximum period of imprisonment for the offense is 6 years or less
- The court ordered expungement at the time of sentencing
- The individual has successfully completed their sentence
The expungement process in Monroe County requires filing a petition with the Circuit Court where the case was adjudicated. Petitioners must demonstrate compliance with all statutory requirements and may need to attend a hearing before a judge. If granted, expungement results in sealing the record from public view, though certain government agencies may retain access for law enforcement purposes.
For arrests that did not result in charges or convictions, individuals may petition for removal from public databases under Wis. Stat. § 165.84(1). This process requires submission of documentation proving the case was dismissed or resulted in acquittal. The Monroe County District Attorney's Office can provide guidance on this process:
Monroe County District Attorney's Office
301 North Court Street, Room 5
Sparta, WI 54656
(608) 269-8780
Expungement does not automatically remove records from all databases, particularly those maintained by private entities that may have previously obtained the information.
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