>Sauk County Arrest Records Online

Sauk County, Wisconsin Arrest Records

Are Arrest Records Public in Sauk County, Wisconsin?

Arrest records are public documents in Sauk County, Wisconsin, pursuant to the Wisconsin Public Records Law (Wis. Stat. §§ 19.31-19.39). This statute establishes that records produced or maintained by government agencies shall be accessible to the public, with limited exceptions as defined by law. The Sauk County Sheriff's Office and other local law enforcement agencies maintain arrest records as part of their official duties, and these records are generally available for public inspection. The Wisconsin Public Records Law operates under the presumption that government records should be accessible to promote transparency, accountability, and informed citizenship.

Members of the public seeking arrest records should be aware that certain information may be redacted in accordance with Wis. Stat. § 19.36, which protects specific categories of sensitive information. Additionally, juvenile records are subject to different confidentiality standards under Wis. Stat. § 938.396 and may not be publicly accessible in the same manner as adult records.

Can Arrest Records be Found Online in Sauk County?

Sauk County arrest records are available through various online platforms, though the comprehensiveness of digital access varies by source. The Wisconsin Circuit Court Access (CCAP) provides the public with online access to court records, including information related to criminal cases that originate from arrests. The Sauk County Sheriff's Office maintains certain arrest information on their official website, including current warrant lists and press releases about significant arrests.

The Wisconsin Department of Justice offers the Wisconsin Online Record Check System (WORCS), which provides criminal history information for a fee. However, users should note that online systems may not contain complete historical records, particularly for older cases that predate digital record-keeping. Additionally, recent arrests may experience a processing delay before appearing in online databases.

For the most comprehensive and current arrest information, direct contact with the Sauk County Sheriff's Office or Clerk of Courts may be necessary, as specified in Wis. Stat. § 19.35(1) regarding record request procedures.

How to Look Up Sauk County Arrest Records in 2025

Multiple methods exist for obtaining arrest records in Sauk County, each with varying levels of comprehensiveness and convenience. Pursuant to Wisconsin's Public Records Law, the following options are available to members of the public:

Online Public Records Portal: Sauk County maintains an online records request portal through which citizens may submit formal requests for arrest records and other public documents. This system allows for electronic submission and tracking of requests.
In-Person Requests: Individuals may visit the Sauk County Sheriff's Office or Clerk of Courts office during regular business hours to submit records requests in person.

Sauk County Sheriff's Office
1300 Lange Court
Baraboo, WI 53913
Phone: (608) 355-3200
Official Website

Sauk County Clerk of Courts
515 Oak Street
Baraboo, WI 53913
Phone: (608) 355-3287
Official Website

Written Requests: Written requests may be submitted by mail to either the Sheriff's Office or Clerk of Courts, specifying the information sought in accordance with Wis. Stat. § 19.35(1)(h).
Wisconsin Circuit Court Access Program: The CCAP system provides case information for arrests that resulted in court proceedings.
Wisconsin Department of Justice: The state DOJ maintains the Wisconsin Online Record Check System for criminal history information, accessible at recordcheck.doj.wi.gov.

Requestors should provide specific identifying information when possible, including the full name of the subject, date of birth, and approximate date of arrest. Fees may apply for certain records pursuant to Wis. Stat. § 19.35(3), with standard copying fees of $0.25 per page and potential additional charges for extensive searches.

Contents of a Sauk County Arrest Record

Sauk County arrest records typically contain standardized information as required by Wisconsin law enforcement protocols and record-keeping requirements. Standard arrest records include the following categories of information:

Biographical Data: Full legal name, aliases, date of birth, gender, race, height, weight, eye and hair color, and other identifying characteristics of the arrested individual.
Arrest Information: Date, time, and specific location of the arrest; the arresting agency; names and badge numbers of arresting officers; and the statutory authority under which the arrest was made.
Criminal Charges: Specific Wisconsin statutes allegedly violated, classification of offenses (felony, misdemeanor, or civil violation), and brief description of the alleged criminal activity.
Booking Details: Booking number, fingerprint classification, and photographic identification (mugshot) taken during the booking process.
Custody Status: Information regarding bail or bond amounts, release conditions, or continued detention.
Case Disposition: If available, information regarding the resolution of charges, including dismissals, plea agreements, trial outcomes, or diversion programs.
Court Information: Case numbers, scheduled court appearances, and assigned judicial officers.

Pursuant to Wis. Stat. § 19.36, certain sensitive information may be redacted from public arrest records, including but not limited to: Social Security numbers, driver's license numbers, information related to ongoing investigations, juvenile records, and information that would endanger an individual if disclosed.

Expungement of Arrest Records in Sauk County

Wisconsin law provides limited pathways for the expungement of arrest and criminal records in Sauk County. Expungement is governed primarily by Wis. Stat. § 973.015, which establishes eligibility criteria and procedures. The expungement process legally seals or destroys records, removing them from public access.

Eligibility for expungement in Sauk County is restricted to the following circumstances:

The offense was committed when 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 serious offense)
The court ordered expungement at the time of sentencing
The individual has successfully completed their sentence, including any probationary period

Expungement is not available for certain offenses, including those requiring sex offender registration under Wis. Stat. § 301.45. Additionally, Wisconsin law does not currently provide for the expungement of records solely on the basis of an arrest that did not result in charges or conviction, though such records may be subject to removal from certain databases under specific circumstances.

The procedure for expungement requires filing a petition with the Sauk County Circuit Court where the case was adjudicated. Petitioners must provide:

Certified copies of the judgment of conviction
Documentation showing successful completion of sentence
A statement explaining why expungement serves the public interest

Upon granting expungement, the court will order all records related to the case sealed or destroyed, though certain law enforcement and court administrative records may be retained for internal purposes. Expunged records will not appear in standard background checks, though they may remain accessible to law enforcement agencies and certain governmental entities.