Sheboygan County, Wisconsin Arrest Records
Are Arrest Records Public in Sheboygan County, Wisconsin?
Arrest records are public documents in Sheboygan County, Wisconsin, pursuant to the Wisconsin Public Records Law (Wis. Stat. §§ 19.31-19.39). This statute establishes that records created or maintained by government agencies in the course of official business shall be accessible to the public, with certain statutory exceptions. The Wisconsin Supreme Court has consistently upheld that arrest records fall within the category of public records that citizens have the right to inspect.
The Wisconsin Department of Justice maintains that public access to arrest records serves several governmental functions:
- Promotes transparency in law enforcement operations
- Enables citizens to monitor governmental activities
- Ensures accountability of public officials
- Facilitates public awareness of criminal activity within communities
Members of the public seeking arrest records in Sheboygan County should note that while these records are generally available, certain information may be redacted to protect ongoing investigations or the privacy of victims in accordance with Wis. Stat. § 19.36(10).
Can Arrest Records be Found Online in Sheboygan County?
Sheboygan County arrest records are accessible through various online platforms maintained by state and county agencies. The Wisconsin Court System provides a comprehensive database where members of the public may search for case information related to arrests and subsequent court proceedings. This electronic access system operates pursuant to Wisconsin Supreme Court Rule 72, which governs the retention and maintenance of court records.
The Sheboygan County Sheriff's Department maintains an online inmate lookup system that provides information about current detainees and recent arrests. This resource is updated regularly in accordance with departmental policies and state regulations regarding public information disclosure.
Additionally, the Wisconsin Department of Justice offers the Wisconsin Online Record Check System (WORCS), through which individuals may request criminal background information that includes arrest data. This system operates under the authority granted by Wis. Stat. § 165.82, which establishes procedures for criminal history search requests.
Users should be aware that online systems may not contain complete historical records, as digitization of older documents remains an ongoing process in many jurisdictions. Furthermore, pursuant to Wis. Stat. § 19.35(1)(a), certain sensitive information may be withheld from online databases even when the underlying records are technically public.
How to Look Up Sheboygan County Arrest Records in 2025
Multiple methods are available for obtaining Sheboygan County arrest records in 2025, as prescribed by Wisconsin's Public Records Law. Individuals seeking such information may utilize the following procedures:
In-Person Requests: Members of the public may visit the Sheboygan County Sheriff's Department to submit formal requests for arrest records. Requesters should be prepared to complete a standard records request form and provide identification.
Sheboygan County Sheriff's Department
525 North 6th Street
Sheboygan, WI 53081
(920) 459-3111
Sheboygan County Sheriff's Department
Hours of operation: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Online Access: The Wisconsin Circuit Court Access (WCCA) portal provides public access to court records, including information about arrests that have resulted in charges. This system is maintained pursuant to Wisconsin Supreme Court Rule 72.
Mail Requests: Written requests for arrest records may be submitted to the Records Division of the Sheboygan County Sheriff's Department. Pursuant to Wis. Stat. § 19.35(1)(h), such requests must reasonably describe the records sought and may require payment of applicable fees for reproduction and mailing.
Wisconsin Department of Justice: For comprehensive criminal history information, including arrest data, individuals may submit requests through the Wisconsin Department of Justice's Crime Information Bureau.
Wisconsin Department of Justice - Crime Information Bureau
P.O. Box 2688
Madison, WI 53701-2688
(608) 266-7314
Wisconsin Department of Justice
Requesters should note that fees may apply for record searches and reproduction, as authorized by Wis. Stat. § 19.35(3). Current fee schedules are available from each respective agency.
Contents of a Sheboygan County Arrest Record
Sheboygan County arrest records contain standardized information as prescribed by Wisconsin Administrative Code § DOJ 1.04, which establishes uniform reporting requirements for law enforcement agencies throughout the state. These official documents typically include the following elements:
Biographical Information:
- Full legal name of the arrested individual
- Date of birth
- Gender
- Race/ethnicity (as categorized by reporting standards)
- Physical descriptors (height, weight, identifying marks)
- Residential address at time of arrest
- State identification number (SID) if previously assigned
Arrest Details:
- Date and time of arrest
- Geographic location where the arrest occurred
- Statutory citations for alleged violations
- Classification of offense (felony, misdemeanor, or ordinance violation)
- Arresting agency and officer identification
- Booking number assigned by detention facility
Case Processing Information:
- Detention status (released or held in custody)
- Bail or bond information if applicable
- Court case number when assigned
- Preliminary hearing date if scheduled
- Disposition of arrest if resolved
Supplemental Documentation:
- Booking photograph ("mugshot")
- Fingerprint records
- Property inventory from booking process
- Medical screening information as required by Wis. Stat. § 302.38
Law enforcement agencies in Sheboygan County maintain these records in accordance with the records retention schedule established by the Wisconsin Public Records Board pursuant to Wis. Stat. § 16.61.
Expungement of Arrest Records in Sheboygan County
Wisconsin law provides limited pathways for the expungement of arrest records in Sheboygan County under specific circumstances. Expungement procedures are governed primarily by Wis. Stat. § 973.015, which establishes eligibility criteria and application processes.
Individuals may qualify for expungement of arrest records in the following situations:
- The arrest did not lead to formal charges
- Charges were dismissed or the individual was acquitted
- The conviction was for a non-violent offense committed before the age of 25
- The maximum penalty for the offense did not exceed 6 years imprisonment
- The court ordered expungement at the time of sentencing
- All conditions of the sentence have been satisfied
The expungement process requires filing a petition with the Sheboygan County Circuit Court. Petitioners must submit documentation demonstrating eligibility under the statutory requirements.
Sheboygan County Circuit Court
615 North 6th Street
Sheboygan, WI 53081
(920) 459-3068
Sheboygan County Circuit Court
Pursuant to Wisconsin Supreme Court Rule 72.06, expunged records are sealed from public view but remain accessible to law enforcement agencies for authorized purposes. The Wisconsin Department of Justice maintains a confidential database of expunged records in accordance with Wis. Stat. § 165.83.
Individuals should note that expungement under Wisconsin law does not completely erase all records of an arrest. Federal agencies, private background check companies, and news organizations may retain information about arrests even after court-ordered expungement. Additionally, expungement of Wisconsin records does not affect records maintained by other states or federal agencies.
Search Arrest Records in Sheboygan County
