Arrest records are public documents in Trempealeau County, Wisconsin, pursuant to the Wisconsin Public Records Law (Wis. Stat. §§ 19.31-19.39). This legislation establishes that records created or maintained by government entities, including law enforcement agencies within the county, shall be accessible to the public. The statute specifically designates that arrest records fall under the category of public documents, reflecting Wisconsin's commitment to governmental transparency and accountability. Members of the public may access these records as part of their statutory right to monitor the activities of law enforcement agencies and the judicial system.
The Wisconsin Public Records Law presumes that all government records are open to public inspection unless specifically exempted by statute. This presumption of openness applies to arrest records maintained by the Trempealeau County Sheriff's Office and other law enforcement agencies within the jurisdiction. The law serves multiple public interests, including:
It should be noted that while arrest records are generally public, certain information may be redacted to protect privacy interests or ongoing investigations as permitted under Wis. Stat. § 19.36.
Trempealeau County provides digital access to arrest records through several online platforms. The county has implemented electronic record-keeping systems that allow members of the public to search for and retrieve arrest information without visiting county offices in person. This digital accessibility aligns with Wisconsin's statutory commitment to public access to government records while enhancing efficiency for both the public and county officials.
The Trempealeau County Inmate Locator serves as a primary online resource for accessing current inmate information and recent arrest data. This system is maintained by the Trempealeau County Sheriff's Office and provides regularly updated information on individuals currently in custody or recently processed through the county jail system.
Additionally, the Wisconsin Court System maintains a comprehensive case search database that includes arrest-related court records for cases processed through Trempealeau County courts. This statewide system allows users to search for records by name, case number, or other identifiers.
Users of these online systems should be aware that pursuant to Wisconsin Statute § 111.335, it is generally unlawful to discriminate against individuals based on arrest or conviction records in employment contexts. The statute provides specific exceptions and guidelines regarding the appropriate use of such information.
Members of the public seeking Trempealeau County arrest records may utilize several official channels to obtain this information. The county has established multiple access points to accommodate different research needs and preferences. Available methods include:
Submit a records request directly to the Trempealeau County Sheriff's Office through their Records Request system. Requests may be submitted in person, by mail, or electronically.
Visit the Trempealeau County Sheriff's Office in person to request and review arrest records:
Trempealeau County Sheriff's Office
36245 Main Street
Whitehall, WI 54773
Phone: (715) 538-4351
Official Website
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Access the Trempealeau County Inmate Locator for current custody information and recent arrest data.
Search the Wisconsin Circuit Court Access portal for arrest-related court records. This system provides information on cases that have been processed through the court system.
Contact the Trempealeau County Clerk of Courts for arrest-related court documents:
Trempealeau County Clerk of Courts
36245 Main Street, Room 115
Whitehall, WI 54773
Phone: (715) 538-2311 ext. 331
Official Website
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Pursuant to Wisconsin Statute § 19.35(1), requestors may be required to pay fees reasonably related to the actual, necessary cost of locating and reproducing records. The fee schedule is established by the custodian of records and may include charges for search time, reproduction, and certification of documents.
Trempealeau County arrest records contain standardized information as required by Wisconsin state law and county regulations. These documents serve as official records of law enforcement actions and typically include the following elements:
The content and format of these records adhere to standards established by the Wisconsin Department of Justice and local record-keeping protocols. Pursuant to Wis. Stat. § 165.83, law enforcement agencies are required to collect and maintain specific information related to arrests for criminal offenses.
It should be noted that arrest records document allegations only and do not constitute proof of guilt. Under Wisconsin law and the U.S. Constitution, all individuals are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. The information contained in arrest records is subject to verification and may be updated as cases progress through the judicial system.
The expungement of arrest records in Trempealeau County is governed by Wisconsin Statute § 973.015, which provides specific criteria and procedures for the removal of certain records from public access. Expungement is a legal process that seals or destroys records related to an arrest, charge, or conviction, effectively removing them from public view while maintaining them for limited law enforcement purposes.
Eligibility for expungement in Trempealeau County is determined by several statutory factors:
The expungement process requires filing a petition with the Trempealeau County Circuit Court. Petitioners must provide:
Upon receipt of a properly filed petition, the court will schedule a hearing where the petitioner, district attorney, and any victims may present information relevant to the expungement decision. The judge will evaluate whether the statutory requirements have been met and whether expungement serves the interests of justice.
If granted, an expungement order directs all relevant agencies, including the Trempealeau County Sheriff's Office, to seal the specified records. However, pursuant to Wis. Stat. § 165.84(1), certain non-public records may be retained by law enforcement agencies for administrative purposes.