>Rock County Arrest Records Online

Rock County, Wisconsin Arrest Records

Are Arrest Records Public in Rock County, Wisconsin?

Arrest records are public in Rock County, Wisconsin, pursuant to Wisconsin Public Records Law (Wis. Stat. §§ 19.31-19.39). This legislation establishes that government records, including arrest documentation, shall be accessible to the public unless specifically exempted by statute. The law operates under the principle that providing citizens with complete information regarding the affairs of government serves a vital public interest and is an essential component of representative government.

Members of the public may access these records to maintain transparency in law enforcement operations and judicial proceedings. The Wisconsin Supreme Court has consistently upheld the public's right to access arrest records, noting that such access promotes accountability within the criminal justice system and enables citizens to monitor government activities effectively.

Certain exceptions to disclosure may apply in cases involving ongoing investigations, juvenile records, or where disclosure would endanger public safety. However, these exceptions are narrowly construed to preserve the presumption of openness established by Wisconsin law.

Can Arrest Records be Found Online in Rock County?

Rock County arrest records are available through various online platforms maintained by county and state agencies. The Wisconsin Court System provides a centralized database where members of the public may search for case information related to arrests and subsequent court proceedings. This digital accessibility is consistent with Wisconsin's commitment to government transparency as codified in Wis. Stat. § 19.35(1).

The Rock County Sheriff's Office maintains an online inmate lookup system that provides information about individuals currently in custody or recently released. This system is updated regularly to ensure accuracy of information available to the public. Additionally, the Criminal/Traffic Branch of the Rock County Circuit Court offers online access to court records associated with arrests.

Digital access to these records is subject to the same legal restrictions that apply to physical records. Pursuant to Wis. Stat. § 19.36, certain information may be redacted to protect privacy interests or sensitive information while still providing substantive access to the records.

How to Look Up Rock County Arrest Records in 2025

Multiple official channels exist for accessing arrest records in Rock County. The following methods are available to members of the public seeking this information:

In-person requests may be submitted at the Rock County Sheriff's Office located at 200 East US Highway 14, Janesville, WI 53545. Office hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM. Telephone: (608) 757-8000.
The Wisconsin Court System's online case search provides access to court records related to arrests. This resource is available 24 hours per day and includes information from circuit courts throughout the state, including Rock County.
The Rock County Clerk of Circuit Court maintains public access terminals at their office located at 51 South Main Street, Janesville, WI 53545. Hours of operation are Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM. Telephone: (608) 743-2200.
Written requests may be submitted to the Records Division of the Rock County Sheriff's Office. Pursuant to Wis. Stat. § 19.35(1)(h), agencies may impose reasonable fees for the location, reproduction, and mailing of requested records.
The Wisconsin Department of Corrections maintains records of individuals who have been processed through the state correctional system following arrest and conviction.

Requestors should be prepared to provide specific information to facilitate record searches, including the full name of the subject, approximate date of arrest, and, if available, date of birth or case number.

Contents of a Rock County Arrest Record

Rock County arrest records contain standardized information as prescribed by Wisconsin Administrative Code DOC § 328.27. These records typically include the following elements:

Biographical information of the arrested individual, including full legal name, known aliases, date of birth, gender, race, and physical descriptors such as height, weight, and identifying marks
Date, time, and location of the arrest
Statutory citations and descriptions of alleged offenses
Arresting agency and officer identification
Booking information, including fingerprints and photographs (commonly referred to as "mugshots")
Custody status, including bail or bond information if applicable
Case disposition information, when available
Warrant information, if the arrest was executed pursuant to a warrant
Property inventory of items in the arrestee's possession at the time of booking

These records are maintained in accordance with Wisconsin records retention schedules as established by the Public Records Board pursuant to Wis. Stat. § 16.61. Law enforcement agencies are required to maintain accurate records while balancing privacy considerations with the public's right to information.

Expungement of Arrest Records in Rock County

Wisconsin law provides limited opportunities for the expungement of arrest records under specific circumstances. Pursuant to Wis. Stat. § 973.015, expungement may be available for certain offenses committed by individuals who were under the age of 25 at the time of the offense. The following criteria and procedures apply:

Expungement is available only for misdemeanors and certain Class H and I felonies that carry maximum periods of imprisonment of 6 years or less.
The court must determine at sentencing that the individual will benefit from expungement and that society will not be harmed.
The individual must successfully complete their sentence, including any probationary period.
Expungement is not automatic; eligible individuals must petition the court that handled their case.
Expungement applications are processed through the Rock County Circuit Court, Criminal Division, located at 51 South Main Street, Janesville, WI 53545. Telephone: (608) 743-2200.
Even when records are expunged from court databases, they may remain accessible through other sources, including news reports and private background check companies.

The Wisconsin Department of Justice maintains a record of all expungement orders to ensure proper implementation across state databases. Individuals seeking expungement are advised that the process does not remove all traces of an arrest from all possible sources, but rather limits official access to such records.

Legal Consequences of Arrest Records in Rock County

Arrest records in Rock County may have significant legal and practical implications for affected individuals. Wisconsin law recognizes the potential impact of these records in the following contexts:

Employment: Pursuant to Wis. Stat. § 111.335, employers may consider arrest and conviction records when making hiring decisions, though with certain limitations. Public employers and those in regulated industries have broader authority to consider such records.
Housing: Landlords may conduct background checks that reveal arrest records, potentially affecting housing opportunities. The Fair Housing Act (42 U.S.C. § 3601-3619) prohibits discrimination but does not specifically protect individuals with arrest records.
Professional Licensing: Many professional licensing boards in Wisconsin review arrest and conviction records when evaluating applications. Certain professions, particularly those involving vulnerable populations, maintain strict standards regarding criminal history.
Firearm Rights: Under both federal law (18 U.S.C. § 922) and Wisconsin law (Wis. Stat. § 941.29), certain arrests and convictions may result in the prohibition of firearm possession.
Immigration Status: For non-citizens, arrest records may trigger immigration proceedings or affect applications for citizenship, visas, or other immigration benefits.

Individuals with questions about the specific impact of arrest records on their legal rights should consult with legal counsel familiar with Wisconsin law. The State Public Defender's Office maintains an office at 101 East Milwaukee Street, Suite 302, Janesville, WI 53545. Telephone: (608) 758-4860.

Search Arrest Records in Rock County

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