Janesville Arrest Records
Are Arrest Records Public in Janesville, Wisconsin?
Arrest records are public documents in Janesville, Wisconsin, accessible to all members of the public under the Wisconsin Public Records Law (Wis. Stat. §§ 19.31-19.39). This statute establishes that records created or maintained by government agencies, including law enforcement entities, shall be available for inspection and copying. The Wisconsin Supreme Court has consistently upheld the presumption of complete public access to government records, reflecting the state's commitment to governmental transparency and accountability.
The Janesville Police Department maintains arrest records as part of its official documentation. These records become public once the arrest is processed and the information is entered into the department's record management system. However, certain information may be redacted or withheld if disclosure would compromise an ongoing investigation, violate privacy rights protected by state or federal law, or endanger public safety as outlined in Wis. Stat. § 19.36.
Requesters should note that while arrest records are generally public, juvenile records are subject to different regulations under Wis. Stat. § 938.396 and may have restricted access. Additionally, records related to victims of certain crimes may have identifying information withheld pursuant to Wisconsin's victim rights provisions.
How to Look Up Janesville Arrest Records in 2025
Multiple methods exist for members of the public to access arrest records in Janesville, Wisconsin. The following official channels provide reliable access to these public documents:
- In-Person Requests at Police Department: Citizens may visit the Janesville Police Department Records Division during regular business hours to submit a records request form. Staff will assist with locating relevant arrest records.
Janesville Police Department
100 N. Jackson Street
Janesville, WI 53548
(608) 755-3100
City of Janesville Police Department
- Rock County Sheriff's Office: For arrests made by county deputies within Janesville city limits, records may be available through the Sheriff's Office.
Rock County Sheriff's Office
200 East US Highway 14
Janesville, WI 53545
(608) 757-8000
Rock County Sheriff's Office
Online Portal Access: The Janesville Police Department maintains an online records portal where certain arrest information is published. Users can search by name, date range, or case number.
Written Requests: Pursuant to Wis. Stat. § 19.35(1), written requests may be submitted via mail or email. Requests must reasonably describe the records sought and include contact information for the requester.
Rock County Clerk of Circuit Court: For arrest records that have resulted in formal charges, court records may be accessed through the Clerk's office.
Rock County Clerk of Circuit Court
51 South Main Street
Janesville, WI 53545
(608) 743-2200
Rock County Clerk of Circuit Court
Requesters should be prepared to pay applicable fees for record searches and copies as authorized under Wis. Stat. § 19.35(3). Current fee schedules are available at each agency's public counter.
Contents of a Janesville Arrest Record
Arrest records maintained by the Janesville Police Department typically contain comprehensive information about the arrest event and the individual taken into custody. Standard elements included in these official documents are as follows:
Biographical Information: Full legal name of the arrested individual, date of birth, gender, race, height, weight, eye and hair color, and any documented aliases or nicknames.
Arrest Details: Date, time, and specific location of the arrest; the name and badge number of the arresting officer(s); and the agency responsible for the arrest.
Criminal Charges: Complete listing of all charges filed at the time of arrest, including Wisconsin statute citations and charge classifications (felony, misdemeanor, or civil violation).
Booking Information: Booking number, fingerprint identification data, and mugshot photographs taken during processing.
Custody Status: Information regarding bail or bond amounts, court appearance dates, and current detention status.
Incident Narrative: A summary report describing the circumstances leading to the arrest, though certain details may be redacted if they would compromise an ongoing investigation.
Property Inventory: List of personal items taken into custody during the booking process.
Prior Criminal History: References to previous arrests or convictions may be included if relevant to the current charges.
Pursuant to Wisconsin Administrative Code § JUS 9.04, certain sensitive information may be redacted from public arrest records, including Social Security numbers, driver's license numbers, and information related to confidential informants or victims of certain crimes.
Expungement of Arrest Records in Janesville
The process for expungement of arrest records in Janesville follows Wisconsin state law under Wis. Stat. § 973.015. Expungement eligibility is limited to specific circumstances and requires judicial approval. The following criteria and procedures apply:
Eligibility Requirements: Expungement is generally available only for individuals who:
- Were under the age of 25 at the time of the offense
- Were convicted of a crime carrying a maximum period of imprisonment of 6 years or less (Class H felony or less severe offense)
- Successfully completed their sentence, including any probationary period
- Have no pending criminal charges
Excluded Offenses: Certain offenses are statutorily ineligible for expungement regardless of age, including:
- Operating while intoxicated offenses under Wis. Stat. § 346.63
- Violent felonies classified as Class G felonies or higher
- Sex offenses requiring registration under Wis. Stat. § 301.45
Application Process: Petitioners must file a Petition for Expungement with the Rock County Circuit Court where the conviction occurred. The petition must include:
- Case number and conviction details
- Documentation of sentence completion
- Statement addressing rehabilitation efforts
- Filing fee of $100 (fee waivers available for indigent petitioners)
Judicial Determination: A circuit court judge will review the petition and determine if expungement serves society's interest. Factors considered include:
- Nature of the offense
- Petitioner's character and behavior since conviction
- Employment history and community involvement
- Impact of the criminal record on petitioner's opportunities
Effect of Expungement: When granted, expungement seals the court record from public view. However, the record remains available to law enforcement agencies and may be considered in sentencing for subsequent offenses.
Individuals seeking expungement are advised that the process is discretionary, and meeting minimum eligibility requirements does not guarantee approval. The court maintains final authority in determining whether expungement is appropriate in each individual case.
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