Washington County, Wisconsin Arrest Records
Are Arrest Records Public in Washington County, Wisconsin?
Arrest records are public in Washington County, Wisconsin, pursuant to Wisconsin Public Records Law (Wis. Stat. §§ 19.31-19.39). This legislation establishes that records produced or maintained by government entities shall be accessible to the public unless specifically exempted by statute or common law. The Washington County Sheriff's Office maintains these records in accordance with state transparency requirements.
Members of the public may access arrest records through the Washington County Sheriff's Office Open Records division. Certain information may be redacted in accordance with Wisconsin Statute § 19.36, which protects confidential information such as ongoing investigations, juvenile records, and certain personal identifiers.
The Wisconsin Supreme Court has consistently upheld the public's right to access government records, including arrest information, as established in Newspapers, Inc. v. Breier, 89 Wis. 2d 417 (1979), which confirmed that arrest records are presumptively open to public inspection.
Washington County Sheriff's Office
500 N. Schmidt Road
West Bend, WI 53095
Phone: (262) 335-4378
Official Website
Can Arrest Records be Found Online in Washington County?
Washington County arrest records are available online through several official platforms. The Wisconsin Circuit Court Access (WCCA) system, commonly known as CCAP, provides electronic access to court records including those related to arrests that have resulted in criminal charges. This system is maintained pursuant to Wisconsin Supreme Court Rule 72.
The Wisconsin Court System offers a comprehensive case search function that allows users to access public court records, including those from Washington County. Additionally, the Washington County Sheriff's Office maintains limited booking information through their online jail roster system.
Online access is governed by Wisconsin Statute § 59.20(3)(a), which requires county officials to maintain records in formats that facilitate public access while protecting confidential information as defined in § 19.36.
Users should be aware that online records may not contain complete arrest information, as certain details may only be available through direct requests to the Washington County Clerk of Circuit Court or Sheriff's Office.
How to Look Up Washington County Arrest Records in 2025
Washington County provides multiple methods for accessing arrest records, in compliance with Wisconsin Statute § 19.35 regarding public records access. Individuals seeking arrest information may utilize the following procedures:
- Submit a written open records request to the Washington County Sheriff's Office Records Division, specifying the information sought and providing identifying information about the subject.
- Visit the Washington County Sheriff's Office in person to complete an open records request form during regular business hours (Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM).
- Access the Wisconsin Circuit Court Access portal for cases that have been filed with the court.
- Visit the Washington County Clerk of Circuit Court to review criminal case files in person.
- Check the Washington County Jail Roster for current inmate information.
Requests for arrest records must comply with Wisconsin Administrative Code § JUS 9.04, which governs the procedures for criminal history record information requests. Fees for copies of records are established pursuant to Wisconsin Statute § 19.35(3) and may include actual, necessary, and direct costs of reproduction.
Washington County Records Division
500 N. Schmidt Road
West Bend, WI 53095
Phone: (262) 335-4378
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Sheriff's Office Records
Contents of a Washington County Arrest Record
Washington County arrest records contain standardized information as prescribed by Wisconsin Statute § 165.83, which establishes uniform crime reporting requirements. A typical arrest record includes:
- Subject's full legal name and any documented aliases
- Date of birth and demographic information
- Physical description including height, weight, and identifying marks
- Date, time, and location of arrest
- Statutory charges and offense descriptions
- Arresting agency and officer information
- Booking photographs (mugshots)
- Fingerprint classification data
- Custody status and bail/bond information
- Case disposition if available
Certain information may be redacted from public arrest records in accordance with Wisconsin Statute § 19.36(10), which protects specific employee information, and § 19.36(13), which restricts access to information about victims of certain offenses.
The Washington County Clerk of Circuit Court maintains additional documentation related to criminal cases that result from arrests, including charging documents, court proceedings, and case dispositions.
Expungement of Arrest Records in Washington County
Expungement of arrest records in Washington County is governed by Wisconsin Statute § 973.015, which provides limited circumstances under which records may be expunged. The process requires a court order and is typically available only for:
- Misdemeanor offenses committed by individuals under the age of 25
- Certain non-violent felonies as specified by statute
- Cases where charges were dismissed or resulted in acquittal
- Arrests that did not result in charges being filed
Individuals seeking expungement must file a petition with the Washington County Circuit Court using the standardized forms available through the Wisconsin Court System. The petition must demonstrate that the statutory requirements for expungement have been met.
When granted, expungement does not physically destroy records but rather seals them from public view. Law enforcement agencies and the courts retain access to expunged records for official purposes. The expungement order applies to court records maintained by the Washington County Clerk of Circuit Court but may not automatically extend to records maintained by other agencies.
Washington County Circuit Court
432 E. Washington Street
West Bend, WI 53095
Phone: (262) 335-4301
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Circuit Court Information
Search Arrest Records in Washington County
