Ozaukee County, Wisconsin Arrest Records
Are Arrest Records Public in Ozaukee County, Wisconsin?
Arrest records are public documents in Ozaukee 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 entities shall be accessible to the public unless specifically exempted by statute. The Ozaukee County Sheriff's Office maintains these records as part of their official duties in documenting law enforcement activities within the jurisdiction.
Members of the public may access arrest records through designated channels established by county authorities. The Wisconsin Public Records Law operates under the presumption that government records should be available for inspection and copying. This transparency serves the public interest by allowing citizens to monitor the actions of law enforcement agencies and the judicial system.
Certain exceptions to public disclosure may apply in cases involving:
- Ongoing investigations where disclosure might compromise law enforcement efforts
- Juvenile records, which are subject to additional confidentiality protections under Wis. Stat. § 938.396
- Records sealed by court order
- Information that would endanger an individual if released
The Ozaukee County Sheriff's Office serves as the primary custodian of arrest records for the county and processes requests in accordance with state law.
Can Arrest Records be Found Online in Ozaukee County?
Ozaukee County arrest records are available through several online platforms as part of the county's commitment to public information accessibility. The digitization of these records aligns with Wisconsin's open records policies and modern information management practices.
The primary online resource for accessing Ozaukee County arrest information is the Ozaukee County Inmate Search portal. This database provides current information about individuals currently in custody at the Ozaukee County Jail. The system is updated regularly to reflect recent arrests and changes in custody status.
For court records related to arrests, the Wisconsin Circuit Court Access (WCCA) system, commonly known as CCAP, provides a comprehensive database of court proceedings. This resource can be accessed through the Access Court Records page on the official Ozaukee County website.
Online access to these records is subject to the following conditions:
- Information is provided as a public service and may not be used for unlawful purposes
- Some sensitive information may be redacted in accordance with privacy laws
- Records available online may not include all details found in the complete physical records
- Historical records may not be fully digitized and might require in-person requests
The Ozaukee County Clerk of Circuit Court maintains the official court records related to arrests and prosecutions, while the Sheriff's Office maintains the initial arrest documentation.
How to Look Up Ozaukee County Arrest Records in 2025
Multiple methods exist for obtaining Ozaukee County arrest records in 2025. Individuals seeking this information may utilize the following official channels:
- In-person requests can be submitted at the Ozaukee County Sheriff's Office located at:
Ozaukee County Sheriff's Office
1201 S. Spring Street
Port Washington, WI 53074
Phone: (262) 284-7172
Official Website
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Online access is available through the Ozaukee County Look Up portal, which provides a searchable database of current inmates and recent arrests.
Court records related to arrests can be obtained from:
Ozaukee County Clerk of Circuit Court
1201 S. Spring Street
Port Washington, WI 53074
Phone: (262) 284-8409
Official Website
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
- Written requests may be submitted to the Sheriff's Office Records Division using the Record Request form available on the county website.
When requesting arrest records, individuals must provide:
- Full name of the subject
- Date of birth (if known)
- Approximate date of arrest
- Case number (if available)
- Requestor's contact information
Pursuant to Wisconsin Statute § 19.35(3), fees may be charged for searching, copying, and certifying records. The current fee schedule includes $0.25 per page for photocopies and additional charges for certified copies or extensive searches requiring staff time.
Contents of an Ozaukee County Arrest Record
Ozaukee County arrest records contain standardized information documenting the circumstances and details of an individual's arrest. These official documents serve as the initial record of law enforcement action and typically include the following elements:
- Complete legal name and any known aliases of the arrested individual
- Demographic information including date of birth, gender, race, and physical descriptors
- Date, time, and specific location of the arrest
- Statutory charges and offense descriptions
- Name and badge number of the arresting officer(s)
- Booking photographs (commonly known as mugshots)
- Fingerprint data collected during processing
- Personal property inventory taken at booking
- Initial bail or bond information
- Detention facility assignment
The level of detail in arrest records is governed by Wisconsin Administrative Code § DOC 328.27, which establishes standards for law enforcement documentation. These records form part of the individual's criminal history within Ozaukee County and may be referenced in subsequent court proceedings.
The Open Records division of the Ozaukee County Sheriff's Office maintains these documents in accordance with the Court Records Retention Schedule established under Wisconsin Supreme Court Rule Chapter 72. This schedule determines how long different categories of records must be preserved before they may be eligible for destruction.
Expungement of Arrest Records in Ozaukee County
Expungement provides a legal mechanism for eligible individuals to have their arrest records removed from public access in Ozaukee County. This process is governed by Wisconsin Statute § 973.015, which establishes specific criteria for expungement eligibility.
Individuals may qualify for expungement of arrest records under the following circumstances:
- 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 successful completion of the sentence would result in expungement
- The individual has successfully completed all conditions of their sentence
- The individual has no pending criminal charges
The expungement process requires filing a petition with the Ozaukee County Circuit Court where the case was originally heard. This petition must include:
- Case number and offense details
- Date of arrest and conviction
- Documentation showing completion of all sentence requirements
- Statement addressing the statutory criteria for expungement
Upon receipt of a properly filed petition, the court will schedule a hearing to determine whether expungement is warranted. The District Attorney's Office may provide input regarding the petition, and the judge will render a decision based on statutory requirements and the individual's post-conviction conduct.
When expungement is granted, records are sealed from public view but remain accessible to law enforcement agencies for official purposes. The practical effect is that expunged records will not appear in background checks conducted by most employers or housing providers.
Search Arrest Records in Ozaukee County
