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Walworth County Arrest Records

Are Arrest Records Public in Walworth County

Arrest records in Walworth County are considered public information under Wisconsin's Public Records Law, specifically Wisconsin Statutes § 19.31-19.39. This statute establishes that all persons are entitled to the greatest possible information regarding the affairs of government and the official acts of government officers and employees. The law presumes complete public access to governmental records, consistent with the conduct of governmental business.

The Wisconsin Department of Justice affirms that arrest records maintained by law enforcement agencies, including the Walworth County Sheriff's Office, are generally accessible to the public. However, it is important to distinguish between arrest records and conviction records:

  • Arrest records document the fact that an individual was taken into custody by law enforcement and may include details of the alleged offense
  • Conviction records confirm that an individual was found guilty of a criminal offense through the judicial process

Under Wisconsin Statutes § 165.83, law enforcement agencies are required to collect and maintain certain criminal history information, including arrest data. While most arrest records are public, certain exceptions exist under Wisconsin Statutes § 19.36 that may limit access, particularly for:

  • Ongoing investigations
  • Juvenile records
  • Records that would endanger public safety
  • Records that would compromise privacy interests that outweigh the public interest in disclosure

The Walworth County Sheriff's Office maintains arrest records in accordance with state law and provides access to these records through established procedures.

What's in Walworth County Arrest Records

Walworth County arrest records contain standardized information documenting an individual's interaction with law enforcement during and following an arrest. These records typically include the following categories of information:

Arrestee Identifying Information:

  • Full legal name (including aliases or known nicknames)
  • Date of birth
  • Physical description (height, weight, eye color, hair color)
  • Gender
  • Race/ethnicity
  • Home address
  • Identifying marks (tattoos, scars, or other distinguishing features)
  • Fingerprints
  • Photograph (mugshot)

Arrest Details:

  • Date and time of arrest
  • Location of arrest
  • Arresting agency (e.g., Walworth County Sheriff's Office, local police department)
  • Names and badge numbers of arresting officers
  • Circumstances leading to arrest
  • Whether force was used during arrest

Charge Information:

  • Criminal charges filed
  • Statute numbers of alleged violations
  • Classification of charges (felony, misdemeanor, or civil violation)
  • Description of alleged criminal activity

Warrant Information (if applicable):

  • Warrant number
  • Issuing court
  • Date of issuance
  • Type of warrant (arrest, bench, search)

Booking Information:

  • Booking number
  • Date and time of booking
  • Booking facility
  • Property inventory (items in possession at time of arrest)
  • Medical screening information (non-confidential)

Bond/Bail Information:

  • Bail amount set
  • Bond type (cash, signature, property)
  • Whether bond was posted
  • Conditions of release (if applicable)

Court Information:

  • Court case number
  • Assigned court
  • Scheduled court appearances
  • Name of judge assigned to case

Custody Status:

  • Current detention status
  • Facility where detained (if applicable)
  • Release date (if applicable)

Additional Information May Include:

  • Prior criminal history references
  • Probation/parole status at time of arrest
  • Immigration status (if relevant to the case)
  • Vehicle information (if vehicle was involved)
  • Victim information (limited to protect privacy)
  • Witness information (limited to protect privacy)

The specific content of arrest records may vary based on the circumstances of the arrest and the policies of the arresting agency. Certain sensitive information may be redacted from public versions of arrest records in accordance with Wisconsin's public records laws and privacy protections.

How To Look Up Arrest Records in Walworth County in 2026

Members of the public seeking arrest records in Walworth County may utilize several methods to obtain this information. The county maintains systematic procedures for record requests in compliance with Wisconsin's Public Records Law. Individuals may access these records through the following methods:

In-Person Requests:

  1. Visit the Walworth County Sheriff's Office Records Division during regular business hours
  2. Complete a public records request form, providing specific information about the record sought
  3. Present valid government-issued photo identification
  4. Pay applicable fees for record reproduction (fees are established pursuant to Wisconsin Statutes § 19.35(3))
  5. Wait for records staff to process the request (simple requests may be fulfilled while you wait; more complex requests may require additional time)

Walworth County Sheriff's Office
1770 County Road NN
Elkhorn, WI 53121
(262) 741-4400
Walworth County Sheriff's Office

Written Requests:

  1. Submit a written request via mail or email to the Walworth County Sheriff's Office Records Division
  2. Include specific details about the record sought (full name of subject, date of birth, date of arrest if known)
  3. Provide contact information and preferred method of receiving records
  4. Include payment for applicable fees or request fee information
  5. Allow 5-10 business days for processing (complex requests may require additional time)

Online Requests:

  1. Visit the Walworth County Sheriff's Office website
  2. Navigate to the Records Request section
  3. Complete the electronic records request form
  4. Submit payment for applicable fees using the online payment system
  5. Receive records electronically or by mail as specified in the request

For arrest records related to court proceedings, the Walworth County Clerk of Circuit Court maintains these records:

Walworth County Clerk of Circuit Court
1800 County Road NN
Elkhorn, WI 53121
(262) 741-7012
Walworth County Clerk of Circuit Court

Pursuant to Wisconsin Statutes § 19.35(4), record custodians must respond to requests "as soon as practicable and without delay." Most routine requests are processed within 10 business days, though complex requests may require additional time.

How To Find Walworth County Arrest Records Online

Walworth County provides several digital resources for accessing arrest records online. These electronic systems offer convenient alternatives to in-person requests and are maintained in accordance with Wisconsin's public records laws. The following online resources are available for locating arrest records:

Wisconsin Circuit Court Access (CCAP):

  1. Visit the Wisconsin Court System case search portal
  2. Select "Circuit Court Access" from the available options
  3. Accept the terms and conditions of use
  4. Search by name, case number, or citation number
  5. Filter results by county (select Walworth County)
  6. Review case information, including charges, court dates, and disposition
  7. Note that CCAP provides court case information related to arrests but not the complete arrest record

Walworth County Sheriff's Office Inmate Search:

  1. Navigate to the Walworth County Sheriff's Office website
  2. Locate the "Inmate Search" or "Jail Roster" section
  3. Enter search criteria (name or booking number)
  4. Review current inmate information, including booking date, charges, and bond information
  5. Be aware that this system only provides information on currently incarcerated individuals

Wisconsin Department of Corrections Offender Search:

  1. Access the Wisconsin Department of Corrections website
  2. Select "Offender Search" from the available options
  3. Enter the individual's name or DOC number
  4. Review information on individuals currently under DOC supervision
  5. Note that this system provides information on convicted offenders, not all arrests

Wisconsin Online Record Check System (WORCS):

  1. Visit the Wisconsin Department of Justice WORCS portal
  2. Create a user account or log in to an existing account
  3. Select "Public Criminal History Search"
  4. Enter the required information and pay the applicable fee
  5. Receive criminal history information, including arrest data
  6. Understand that this system provides statewide criminal history information, not just Walworth County records

When using online systems to access arrest records, users should be aware of the following limitations:

  • Not all arrest records are available online
  • Records may be incomplete or contain only summary information
  • Recent arrests may not appear immediately in online systems
  • Some sensitive information may be redacted from online records
  • Fees may apply for certain types of searches or record retrievals

For comprehensive arrest records, individuals may need to supplement online searches with formal records requests through the methods described in the previous section.

How To Search Walworth County Arrest Records for Free?

Members of the public have several options for accessing Walworth County arrest records without incurring fees. Wisconsin's Public Records Law establishes the right to inspect records at no cost, though reproduction fees may apply. The following methods provide free access to arrest record information:

In-Person Record Inspection:

  1. Visit the Walworth County Sheriff's Office during regular business hours
  2. Complete a public records request form specifying the records you wish to inspect
  3. Present valid identification
  4. Review the records on-site at no charge
  5. Note that while inspection is free, copying or printing records may incur fees

Walworth County Sheriff's Office
1770 County Road NN
Elkhorn, WI 53121
(262) 741-4400
Walworth County Sheriff's Office

Wisconsin Circuit Court Access (CCAP):

  1. Access the Wisconsin Court System case search portal
  2. Select "Circuit Court Access"
  3. Accept the terms and conditions
  4. Search by name or case number
  5. Filter results for Walworth County
  6. View case information at no cost
  7. Understand that CCAP provides court case information related to arrests but not complete arrest records

Walworth County Sheriff's Office Website:

  1. Visit the Walworth County Sheriff's Office website
  2. Navigate to the "Recent Arrests" or "Jail Roster" section
  3. Review publicly available information about recent arrests and current inmates
  4. Be aware that this information is limited to current inmates and recent bookings

Local Public Library Access:

  1. Visit a Walworth County public library
  2. Use public computers to access online resources
  3. Access the Wisconsin Circuit Court Access system and other public databases
  4. Receive assistance from library staff in navigating public records resources

Media Reports:

  1. Review local newspaper websites and archives
  2. Search for arrest information in police blotters and crime reports
  3. Understand that media reports may not include all arrests and may contain limited information

When utilizing free resources to access arrest records, individuals should be aware of certain limitations:

  • Free resources typically provide limited information compared to official record requests
  • Not all arrest records are available through free resources
  • Recent arrests may not be immediately accessible
  • Some information may be redacted or omitted from publicly available sources
  • Free resources may not be suitable for official purposes requiring certified records

For comprehensive arrest record information, individuals may need to submit formal records requests and pay applicable fees as established under Wisconsin Statutes § 19.35(3).

How To Delete Arrest Records in Walworth County

Wisconsin law provides specific mechanisms for limiting public access to arrest records under certain circumstances. These processes include expungement (legal erasure) and record sealing (restricting public access). The availability of these remedies depends on various factors, including the nature of the offense, the outcome of the case, and the individual's age at the time of the offense.

Expungement:

Expungement in Wisconsin is governed by Wisconsin Statutes § 973.015, which allows for the expungement of certain records when:

  1. The offense was committed when the individual was under the age of 25
  2. The maximum period of imprisonment for the offense is 6 years or less (Class H felony or less serious offense)
  3. The court ordered expungement at the time of sentencing
  4. The individual has successfully completed their sentence

To pursue expungement in Walworth County:

  1. Verify eligibility under Wisconsin law
  2. File a petition with the Walworth County Circuit Court if expungement was ordered at sentencing but not yet completed
  3. Provide documentation showing successful completion of all sentencing requirements
  4. Attend any required court hearings
  5. If granted, obtain certified copies of the expungement order

Record Sealing:

Wisconsin does not have a comprehensive record sealing statute for adult criminal records. However, certain records may be sealed or have access restricted under specific circumstances:

  1. Juvenile records may be sealed pursuant to Wisconsin Statutes § 938.355(4m)
  2. Records of cases resulting in acquittal or dismissal may have restricted access
  3. Certain non-conviction records may be eligible for removal from the Wisconsin Department of Justice's criminal history database

Removal from Third-Party Databases:

Even when records are expunged or sealed officially, they may persist in private databases. Steps to address this include:

  1. Contact third-party websites and databases directly to request removal
  2. Provide documentation of expungement or sealing orders
  3. Consider consulting with an attorney regarding rights under the Fair Credit Reporting Act for inaccurate information in background check reports

Legal Assistance:

Due to the complexity of record expungement and sealing processes, individuals may benefit from legal assistance:

  1. Contact the State Bar of Wisconsin's Lawyer Referral and Information Service
  2. Seek assistance from Legal Action of Wisconsin or Wisconsin Judicare for low-income individuals
  3. Consult with a private attorney specializing in criminal record expungement

Walworth County Clerk of Circuit Court
1800 County Road NN
Elkhorn, WI 53121
(262) 741-7012
Walworth County Clerk of Circuit Court

It is important to note that expungement in Wisconsin does not completely destroy all records of an arrest or conviction. Rather, it removes them from public access through court records. Law enforcement agencies may still maintain access to expunged records for certain purposes.

What Happens After Arrest in Walworth County?

Following an arrest in Walworth County, individuals enter a structured criminal justice process governed by Wisconsin state law and local procedures. This process typically progresses through several distinct phases:

Initial Custody and Booking:

  1. Transportation to the Walworth County Jail or local police holding facility
  2. Booking procedures, including fingerprinting, photographing, and personal information collection
  3. Property inventory and temporary storage
  4. Medical screening to identify immediate health concerns
  5. Initial criminal history check

Walworth County Jail
1770 County Road NN
Elkhorn, WI 53121
(262) 741-4400
Walworth County Sheriff's Office

Initial Appearance:

  1. Appearance before a judicial officer within 48 hours of arrest (excluding weekends and holidays)
  2. Formal notification of charges
  3. Advisement of constitutional rights
  4. Bail determination based on factors including:
    • Nature and severity of the alleged offense
    • Prior criminal history
    • Ties to the community
    • Risk of flight
    • Danger to the public
  5. Appointment of counsel for indigent defendants

Preliminary Hearing (Felony Cases):

  1. Held within 10 days of initial appearance if defendant is in custody, or 20 days if released on bail
  2. Prosecution presents evidence establishing probable cause
  3. Judge determines if sufficient evidence exists to proceed with the case
  4. Case may be dismissed if probable cause is not established

Arraignment:

  1. Formal reading of charges
  2. Defendant enters a plea (guilty, not guilty, no contest)
  3. Trial date may be set if not guilty plea is entered
  4. Pretrial conference may be scheduled

Pretrial Proceedings:

  1. Discovery exchange between prosecution and defense
  2. Filing and hearing of pretrial motions
  3. Plea negotiations
  4. Status conferences to monitor case progress

Trial:

  1. Jury selection (unless jury trial is waived)
  2. Opening statements by prosecution and defense
  3. Presentation of evidence and witness testimony
  4. Closing arguments
  5. Jury deliberation and verdict (or judge's decision in bench trials)

Sentencing (If Convicted):

  1. Pre-sentence investigation may be conducted
  2. Sentencing hearing scheduled
  3. Victim impact statements may be presented
  4. Judge imposes sentence based on:
    • Statutory guidelines
    • Severity of offense
    • Criminal history
    • Mitigating or aggravating factors

Post-Conviction:

  1. Right to appeal within specified timeframes
  2. Possible post-conviction relief motions
  3. Supervision under probation or extended supervision if applicable
  4. Incarceration in county jail or state prison if sentenced to confinement

Throughout this process, individuals maintain constitutional rights including the right to counsel, the right to remain silent, the right to a speedy trial, and the presumption of innocence until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. The Wisconsin Department of Corrections oversees the custody and supervision of individuals sentenced to state incarceration or community supervision.

How Long Are Arrest Records Kept in Walworth County?

Arrest records in Walworth County are maintained according to Wisconsin's public records retention requirements, which establish minimum timeframes for preserving various categories of law enforcement records. The retention of these records is governed by Wisconsin Statutes § 16.61, which establishes the Public Records Board and authorizes the creation of records retention schedules.

General Retention Periods:

Law enforcement agencies in Walworth County, including the Sheriff's Office, adhere to the following general retention guidelines:

  1. Arrest records for adults: Minimum of 7 years from the date of arrest
  2. Felony arrest records: 75 years from the date of arrest
  3. Misdemeanor arrest records: 20 years from the date of arrest
  4. Juvenile arrest records: Until the individual reaches age 25, or longer for serious offenses
  5. Homicide and sexual assault cases: Permanent retention
  6. Arrest records resulting in no charges: 7 years from the date of arrest
  7. Booking photographs (mugshots): Retained with the corresponding arrest record

Agency-Specific Retention:

Different agencies within the criminal justice system maintain records for varying periods:

  1. Walworth County Sheriff's Office: Maintains arrest records according to the Wisconsin law enforcement records retention schedule
  2. Walworth County Clerk of Circuit Court: Maintains court records related to arrests according to the Wisconsin court records retention schedule
  3. Wisconsin Department of Justice: Maintains criminal history records indefinitely for law enforcement purposes
  4. Wisconsin Department of Corrections: Maintains records of individuals who were incarcerated or under supervision according to their records retention schedule

Factors Affecting Retention:

Several factors may influence how long specific arrest records are maintained:

  1. The severity of the alleged offense
  2. Whether the arrest resulted in charges or conviction
  3. Court orders regarding expungement or sealing
  4. Special categories of offenses (e.g., sex offenses, homicides)
  5. Administrative needs of the maintaining agency

Purpose of Extended Retention:

The extended retention of arrest records serves several important public functions:

  1. Preservation of evidence for potential future legal proceedings
  2. Documentation of law enforcement activities for accountability purposes
  3. Support for ongoing criminal investigations
  4. Provision of criminal history information for background checks
  5. Statistical analysis and crime trend monitoring

It is important to note that even when the official retention period expires, information about arrests may persist in various databases, news archives, and third-party information services. Additionally, digital records have fundamentally changed the practical aspects of records retention, as electronic storage allows for longer retention periods than were previously practical with paper records.

For specific information about the retention of particular arrest records, individuals may contact the Walworth County Sheriff's Office Records Division or the Wisconsin Public Records Board.

How to Find Mugshots in Walworth County

Mugshots, or booking photographs, are created as part of the arrest and booking process in Walworth County. These photographs serve as official documentation of an individual's appearance at the time of arrest and are considered public records under Wisconsin law, with certain limitations.

What Mugshots Are:

Mugshots are standardized photographs taken by law enforcement during the booking process following an arrest. Typically, these photographs include:

  • Front-facing (frontal) view of the arrestee
  • Profile (side) view of the arrestee
  • Identifying information such as booking number and date
  • Height measurement markers in the background

Where Mugshots Are Maintained:

In Walworth County, booking photographs are primarily maintained by:

  1. Walworth County Sheriff's Office as part of arrest records
  2. Local police departments that conduct bookings
  3. The Wisconsin Department of Corrections for individuals who enter the state prison system

Finding Mugshots:

Members of the public may access mugshots through several methods:

  1. Public Records Request:
    • Submit a written request to the Walworth County Sheriff's Office Records Division
    • Provide specific information about the individual (full name, date of birth, approximate date of arrest)
    • Pay applicable fees for record reproduction
    • Allow processing time as required by law

Walworth County Sheriff's Office
1770 County Road NN
Elkhorn, WI 53121
(262) 741-4400
Walworth County Sheriff's Office

  1. In-Person Request:
    • Visit the Walworth County Sheriff's Office during business hours
    • Complete a records request form
    • Present identification
    • Pay applicable fees
    • Receive copies of requested mugshots if available

Can Mugshots Be Found Online:

Some mugshots may be available online through:

  1. The Walworth County Sheriff's Office website, which may publish recent booking photos
  2. The Wisconsin Department of Corrections offender search for individuals in state custody
  3. Third-party websites that aggregate and publish mugshots from public sources

It is important to note that online availability varies, and not all mugshots are published online by official sources.

Obtaining Mugshots Officially:

For official or verified copies of mugshots, individuals should:

  1. Submit a formal records request to the arresting agency
  2. Provide specific identifying information
  3. Explain the purpose of the request
  4. Pay applicable fees
  5. Receive certified copies if needed for official purposes

Restrictions on Mugshot Access:

Access to mugshots may be restricted in certain circumstances:

  1. Juvenile arrest records and mugshots are generally confidential under Wisconsin Statutes § 938.396
  2. Mugshots related to ongoing investigations may be temporarily withheld
  3. Expunged records may no longer include publicly accessible mugshots
  4. Certain sensitive cases may have restricted access to protect victims or witnesses

When seeking mugshots, requesters should be aware that while these images are generally considered public records, their use may be subject to legal limitations, particularly regarding commercial publication or use that could constitute defamation or invasion of privacy.

Lookup Arrest Records in Walworth County

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