>Washburn County Arrest Records Online

Washburn County, Wisconsin Arrest Records

Are Arrest Records Public in Washburn County, Wisconsin?

Arrest records in Washburn County, Wisconsin are public documents pursuant to Wisconsin Public Records Law (Wis. Stat. §§ 19.31-19.39). This legislation establishes that records produced or maintained by government agencies, including law enforcement entities, shall be accessible to the public unless specifically exempted by statute. Arrest records typically contain information regarding the identity of the arrestee, the nature of the alleged offense, and the circumstances surrounding the arrest.

Members of the public seeking access to arrest records in Washburn County may obtain these documents through various official channels. The Wisconsin Public Records Law stipulates that custodians of public records must respond to requests "as soon as practicable and without delay." Requestors are not required to provide identification or state the purpose of their request, though certain records may be redacted to protect sensitive information as permitted by law.

The Washburn County Clerk of Circuit Court maintains official court records related to arrests and subsequent legal proceedings. These records form part of the public record and are available for inspection during regular business hours.

Can Arrest Records be Found Online in Washburn County?

Digital access to Washburn County arrest records is available through several authorized platforms. The Wisconsin Circuit Court Access (WCCA) system, commonly known as CCAP, provides online access to public records of the Wisconsin circuit courts, including those in Washburn County. This system is maintained by the Wisconsin Court System pursuant to Wisconsin Supreme Court Rule 72.

The Wisconsin Court System's case search function allows users to search for court records by name, case number, or citation number. While this system does not provide direct access to arrest records, it does contain information about criminal cases that result from arrests, including charges filed, court dates, and case dispositions.

Additionally, the Washburn County Sheriff's Office may maintain an online database of recent arrests and inmate information. Access to these records may be subject to specific departmental policies and procedures established in accordance with Wisconsin Public Records Law.

It should be noted that online records may not be comprehensive and may not include all historical arrest data. For complete and accurate information, requestors may need to contact the appropriate county offices directly.

How to Look Up Washburn County Arrest Records in 2025

Multiple methods exist for obtaining Washburn County arrest records in 2025. Individuals seeking such information may utilize the following options:

In-Person Requests: Individuals may visit the Washburn County Sheriff's Office or the Clerk of Circuit Court to submit a request for arrest records. Requestors should be prepared to provide identifying information about the subject of the search.

Washburn County Sheriff's Office
421 Highway 63
Shell Lake, WI 54871
Phone: (715) 468-4700
Office Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM

Washburn County Clerk of Circuit Court
10 4th Avenue
Shell Lake, WI 54871
Phone: (715) 468-4677
Office Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM

Online Access: The Wisconsin Court System's case search portal provides access to court records related to arrests. Users can search by name or case number to locate relevant information.
Written Requests: Pursuant to Wis. Stat. § 19.35(1)(h), individuals may submit written requests for arrest records to the custodian of such records. Requests should include sufficient information to identify the records sought.
Third-Party Services: Commercial background check services may compile and provide access to arrest records. However, the accuracy and comprehensiveness of such services cannot be guaranteed by Washburn County authorities.

Fees for copies of arrest records are established in accordance with Wis. Stat. § 19.35(3) and may vary depending on the volume of records requested and the format in which they are provided.

Contents of a Washburn County Arrest Record

Washburn County arrest records typically contain standardized information as required by Wisconsin law and departmental policies. These records generally include:

Full legal name of the arrested individual and any known aliases
Demographic information including date of birth, gender, and physical description
Date, time, and location of the arrest
Statutory citations and descriptions of alleged offenses
Name and badge number of the arresting officer(s)
Arresting agency information
Booking information, including photographs and fingerprints
Custody status and bail/bond information
Case number and court information for subsequent proceedings

Certain information within arrest records may be redacted prior to public disclosure in accordance with Wis. Stat. § 19.36, which provides exemptions for confidential information, including but not limited to juvenile records, ongoing investigation details, and certain personal identifying information.

The Washburn County Register of Deeds maintains various public records, though arrest records are typically maintained by law enforcement agencies and the court system rather than the Register of Deeds office.

Expungement of Arrest Records in Washburn County

Wisconsin law provides mechanisms for the expungement of certain arrest records under specific circumstances. Pursuant to Wis. Stat. § 973.015, individuals may petition for expungement if:

The arrest did not result in a criminal conviction
The conviction was for a non-violent offense committed before the age of 25
The sentence has been successfully completed
The court ordered expungement at the time of sentencing
The individual has not been convicted of a subsequent offense

The expungement process in Washburn County requires filing a petition with the court that handled the original case. Petitioners must provide documentation supporting their eligibility for expungement under Wisconsin law.

The Washburn County Justice Programs office may provide guidance regarding expungement eligibility and procedures. Individuals seeking expungement are advised to consult with legal counsel regarding their specific circumstances.

It should be noted that expungement in Wisconsin does not completely destroy all records of an arrest or conviction. Rather, it removes these records from public access while maintaining them for law enforcement purposes. Additionally, expunged records may still be accessible through certain federal databases or private background check companies that obtained the information prior to expungement.

The Wisconsin State Law Library provides resources regarding legal procedures in Washburn County, including information about expungement processes.