Waukesha County Criminal Records
What Is Waukesha County Criminal Records
Criminal records in Waukesha County constitute official documentation of an individual's interactions with the criminal justice system within the county's jurisdiction. These records are maintained pursuant to Wisconsin Statute § 19.35, which establishes the public's right to access government records. Criminal records encompass a comprehensive range of documentation related to criminal activity, investigations, and judicial proceedings.
Several key distinctions exist within the criminal records system:
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Arrest vs. Conviction Records: Arrest records document when an individual is taken into custody by law enforcement, while conviction records indicate that a court has found the individual guilty of a criminal offense. It is important to note that an arrest does not necessarily lead to a conviction.
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Felony vs. Misdemeanor: Felonies represent more serious offenses punishable by imprisonment exceeding one year, while misdemeanors are less severe crimes typically punishable by less than one year of incarceration.
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Adult vs. Juvenile Records: Records for individuals 18 and older are generally public, while juvenile records (under 18) are typically sealed and confidential under Wisconsin Statute § 938.396, with limited exceptions.
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Active Warrants vs. Historical Records: Active warrants indicate current orders for arrest, while historical records document past criminal justice interactions.
Multiple agencies maintain criminal records in Waukesha County:
Waukesha County Sheriff's Department Records Division
515 W. Moreland Boulevard
Waukesha, WI 53188
262-548-7156
Waukesha County Sheriff's Records Division
Waukesha County Clerk of Circuit Court
515 W. Moreland Boulevard, Room C-167
Waukesha, WI 53188
262-548-7484
Waukesha County Clerk of Circuit Court
Wisconsin Department of Justice - Crime Information Bureau
17 W. Main Street
Madison, WI 53703
608-266-7314
Wisconsin Department of Justice
Waukesha County criminal records typically include documentation of:
- Arrests and bookings
- Formal charges and arraignments
- Plea agreements
- Trial proceedings and outcomes
- Sentencing information
- Probation and parole status
The Wisconsin Circuit Court Access (WCCA) provides public access to the records of the Wisconsin circuit courts through the Wisconsin Court System website, offering a centralized resource for accessing court case information.
Are Criminal Records Public In Waukesha County
Criminal records in Waukesha County are generally accessible to the public in accordance with Wisconsin's Open Records Law, formally known as the Public Records Law, Wis. Stat. §§ 19.31-19.39. This statute establishes the presumption that government records, including criminal records, should be available for public inspection and copying.
The Wisconsin Public Records Law explicitly states in § 19.31: "it is declared to be the public policy of this state that all persons are entitled to the greatest possible information regarding the affairs of government and the official acts of those officers and employees who represent them." This provision underscores the state's commitment to transparency in government operations, including the criminal justice system.
However, not all criminal records are publicly accessible. Important exceptions and limitations include:
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Ongoing Investigations: Records pertaining to active law enforcement investigations may be temporarily withheld if disclosure would compromise the investigation, as permitted under Wis. Stat. § 19.36(4).
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Sealed Records: Court records that have been sealed by judicial order are not available to the public. This may include records that have been expunged or cases where the court has determined that confidentiality outweighs the public interest in disclosure.
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Juvenile Records: Records involving individuals under 18 years of age are generally confidential under Wisconsin Statute § 938.396, with limited exceptions for certain serious offenses or when access is granted by court order.
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Confidential Informant Information: Details that could identify confidential informants are protected from disclosure.
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Victim Information: Certain personal information about crime victims may be redacted to protect their privacy and safety.
The Waukesha County Sheriff's Department and the Waukesha County Clerk of Circuit Court maintain and provide access to criminal records in accordance with these statutory provisions. When records are released, they may contain redactions to protect confidential information while still providing public access to the non-confidential portions of the records.
Members of the public seeking criminal records should be aware that while the presumption favors disclosure, record custodians must balance the public interest in disclosure against competing public interests in confidentiality, privacy, and the effective functioning of government operations.
How To Look Up Criminal Records In Waukesha County in 2026
Members of the public seeking criminal records in Waukesha County may utilize several methods to access this information. The county maintains multiple access points for criminal record retrieval, each serving different purposes and containing various types of information.
In-Person Requests at the Sheriff's Department:
- Visit the Waukesha County Sheriff's Department Records Division during regular business hours.
- Complete the required records request form, specifying the information sought.
- Provide proper identification.
- Pay applicable fees for copies of records.
Waukesha County Sheriff's Department Records Division
515 W. Moreland Boulevard
Waukesha, WI 53188
262-548-7156
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Court Records Access:
- Visit the Waukesha County Clerk of Circuit Court office.
- Request access to public terminals for searching court records.
- Provide case numbers or names for specific record searches.
- Request copies of documents if needed (fees apply).
Waukesha County Clerk of Circuit Court
515 W. Moreland Boulevard, Room C-167
Waukesha, WI 53188
262-548-7484
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Written Requests:
- Submit a written request to the appropriate agency (Sheriff's Department or Clerk of Courts).
- Include specific information about the records sought (names, dates, case numbers).
- Provide contact information and preferred method of receiving records.
- Include payment for applicable fees.
Open Records Requests to City Police Departments:
For criminal records maintained by municipal police departments within Waukesha County, individuals may submit open records requests directly to the relevant department. Each municipality may have specific procedures for requesting records.
When requesting criminal records, requestors should:
- Be as specific as possible about the information sought
- Provide complete identifying information when available
- Allow sufficient processing time (typically 5-10 business days)
- Be prepared to pay applicable fees for record retrieval and copying
- Understand that some information may be redacted pursuant to statutory exemptions
Pursuant to Wisconsin Statute § 19.35(3), fees for records may include the actual, necessary, and direct cost of reproduction, location (if exceeding $50), and mailing or shipping. Fee schedules are available from each records custodian.
How To Find Criminal Records in Waukesha County Online?
Waukesha County offers several online resources for accessing criminal records electronically. These digital platforms provide convenient alternatives to in-person requests, allowing members of the public to search for and retrieve certain criminal record information remotely.
Wisconsin Circuit Court Access (WCCA):
The primary online resource for court records is the Wisconsin Circuit Court Access portal, commonly known as CCAP. This database provides access to Waukesha County court records as part of the statewide Wisconsin Court System. To use this resource:
- Navigate to the Wisconsin Circuit Court Access website
- Select the appropriate search type (name, case number, etc.)
- Enter search criteria (full or partial name, birth date if available)
- Review search results showing case types, filing dates, and disposition information
- Select specific cases to view detailed information
The WCCA database includes information on criminal, traffic, civil, and family cases. For criminal matters, users can typically view:
- Case numbers and filing dates
- Charges filed and statutes cited
- Court appearances and outcomes
- Judgment information
- Sentencing details
- Upcoming court dates
Waukesha County Jail Inmate Search:
The Waukesha County Sheriff's Department maintains an online inmate lookup system that provides information about individuals currently incarcerated in county facilities. This database is updated hourly and includes:
- Inmate name and booking photo
- Booking date
- Charges
- Bond information
- Scheduled release date (when available)
Court Records Information Portal:
The Waukesha County Circuit Court provides online access to certain court records through their information portal. While some documents require in-person retrieval, the online system offers case status information and calendaring details.
Wisconsin Department of Corrections Offender Search:
For information about individuals under state supervision (prison, probation, or parole), the Wisconsin Department of Corrections maintains an online offender lookup system that includes offenders from Waukesha County.
Important considerations when using online record systems:
- Registration is not required for basic WCCA searches
- Some detailed court documents may not be available online and require in-person requests
- Information found online should be verified through official sources for complete accuracy
- Certain case types (juvenile, sealed, expunged) will not appear in public online searches
- Online records may contain redactions to protect confidential information
Users should note that while online systems provide convenient access to criminal record information, they may not contain complete case files. For comprehensive records or certified copies, direct contact with the Clerk of Circuit Court is recommended.
Can You Search Waukesha County Criminal Records for Free?
Waukesha County provides several options for free access to criminal records, in accordance with Wisconsin's Public Records Law. Under Wisconsin Statute § 19.35(1), "any requester has a right to inspect any record" and the statute specifically provides that "any requester has a right to inspect a record and to make or receive a copy of a record."
Free In-Person Inspection:
The law mandates that agencies must permit requesters to inspect records during regular office hours at no charge. The following locations offer free in-person access to criminal records:
Waukesha County Clerk of Circuit Court
515 W. Moreland Boulevard, Room C-167
Waukesha, WI 53188
262-548-7484
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Public access terminals are available in the Clerk's office for searching court record information at no cost. Visitors may view case information and documents without charge, though printing fees apply.
Waukesha County Sheriff's Department Records Division
515 W. Moreland Boulevard
Waukesha, WI 53188
262-548-7156
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
The Sheriff's Records Division allows public inspection of certain records without charge, though specific record requests may incur fees.
Free Online Resources:
Several online platforms provide free access to criminal record information:
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Wisconsin Circuit Court Access (WCCA): This statewide database, accessible through the Wisconsin Court System, offers free searches of court cases, including criminal matters in Waukesha County. No registration or fees are required for basic searches.
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Waukesha County Inmate List: The Sheriff's Department maintains a free current inmate list that is updated hourly, providing information about individuals currently incarcerated in county facilities.
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Wisconsin Sex Offender Registry: Maintained by the Wisconsin Department of Corrections, this free database allows searches for registered sex offenders residing in Waukesha County.
While inspection and basic online searches are free, fees may apply for:
- Copies of documents (paper or electronic)
- Certified copies of records
- Record searches requiring extensive staff time
- Specialized reports or compilations
According to Wisconsin Statute § 19.35(3), agencies may charge for "the actual, necessary and direct cost" of reproduction and transcription of records, as well as location costs if they exceed $50. The Criminal & Traffic Court division maintains a fee schedule for various document requests.
What's Included in a Waukesha County Criminal Record?
Criminal records in Waukesha County typically contain comprehensive information documenting an individual's interactions with the criminal justice system. The content of these records is standardized in accordance with Wisconsin state requirements and includes several categories of information.
Identifying Information:
- Full legal name and known aliases
- Date of birth and age
- Physical description (height, weight, eye and hair color)
- Booking photograph (mugshot)
- Last known address
- State Identification Number (SID)
- FBI number (if applicable)
- Fingerprint classification
Arrest Information:
- Date and time of arrest
- Arresting agency and officer information
- Booking number and facility
- Charges filed at arrest
- Probable cause statements
- Bail or bond information
- Detention facility location
Court Case Information:
- Case number and filing date
- Court of jurisdiction (typically Waukesha County Circuit Court)
- Judge assigned to the case
- Formal charges filed by the prosecutor
- Wisconsin statutes cited and offense classification (felony/misdemeanor)
- Plea information
- Attorney representation details
- Court appearance dates
- Motions filed and rulings
Disposition and Sentencing:
- Case outcome (guilty, not guilty, dismissed, etc.)
- Conviction date (if applicable)
- Sentencing details:
- Incarceration terms and location
- Probation conditions and duration
- Fines and court costs imposed
- Restitution orders
- Community service requirements
- Treatment program mandates
- Appeal information (if applicable)
- Probation/parole status and violations
Additional Information:
- Active warrants
- Protective or restraining orders
- Sex offender registration requirements
- DUI/OWI offenses and driver's license sanctions
- Traffic violations connected to criminal cases
- Pending charges in other jurisdictions
- Prior criminal history within the county
The Waukesha County Criminal & Traffic Court maintains these records in both physical and electronic formats. Access to specific components of criminal records may vary based on statutory restrictions, court orders, or confidentiality requirements.
It should be noted that juvenile records (for offenders under 18) contain similar information but are subject to stricter confidentiality protections under Wisconsin law, with limited exceptions for certain serious offenses.
How Long Does Waukesha County Keep Criminal Records?
Waukesha County maintains criminal records according to retention schedules established by Wisconsin state law and administrative regulations. The Wisconsin Public Records Board sets minimum retention periods for various document types, while allowing counties to establish longer retention periods when deemed necessary.
Criminal records retention in Waukesha County is governed by the Wisconsin Records Retention Schedule for County and Municipal Records, which establishes the following retention periods:
Arrest Records and Booking Information:
- Arrest reports: Minimum of 10 years from date of arrest
- Booking photographs and fingerprints: 7 years after death of the subject or 75 years from creation, whichever is sooner
- Arrest logs and daily jail records: 7 years
Criminal Case Files:
- Felony case files: 75 years from case closure
- Misdemeanor case files: 20 years from case closure
- Traffic and ordinance violations: 6-10 years from case closure
- Dismissed cases: 10 years from dismissal date
Court Records:
- Criminal judgment records: Permanent retention
- Criminal case indices: Permanent retention
- Court transcripts in criminal matters: Length of sentence plus 6 years
- Probation/parole records: 7 years after discharge from supervision
Specialized Records:
- Domestic violence case files: 50 years
- Sexual assault case files: 75 years
- Homicide case files: Permanent retention
- Juvenile records: Until age 25 or 10 years after case closure, whichever is later (with exceptions)
The Waukesha County Clerk of Circuit Court and Sheriff's Department may maintain records beyond these minimum periods, particularly for cases of historical significance or ongoing legal relevance. Electronic records are subject to the same retention requirements as paper records.
Wisconsin Statute § 16.61 establishes the legal framework for records retention and authorizes the Public Records Board to establish retention schedules. Additionally, Wisconsin Supreme Court Rule 72 specifically addresses retention of court records, mandating permanent retention of judgment and lien records in criminal cases.
It is important to note that while records may be retained for extended periods, access to older records may require additional processing time, particularly if they have been transferred to archival storage or older electronic systems.
Lookup Criminal Records in Waukesha County
Waukesha County Sheriff's Records Division
Waukesha County Current Inmate List
Waukesha County Court Record Information
Wisconsin Court System Case Search
Waukesha County Clerk of Circuit Court