Sheboygan County Arrest Records

Are Arrest Records Public in Sheboygan County

Arrest records in Sheboygan County are considered public information under Wisconsin's Public Records Law, specifically Wisconsin Statute § 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 Wisconsin Department of Justice affirms that arrest records maintained by law enforcement agencies are generally accessible to the public, with certain statutory exceptions.

It is important for requestors to understand the distinction between arrest records and conviction records. An arrest record documents the apprehension and taking into custody of an individual by law enforcement, while conviction records document the final disposition of a case resulting in a finding of guilt. Under Wisconsin law, arrest records that did not lead to charges or convictions may still be accessible, though they contain a notation regarding the final disposition.

The Wisconsin Department of Justice Public Records Compliance Guide provides comprehensive information regarding public access to law enforcement records, including arrests. Certain information within arrest records may be redacted pursuant to Wisconsin Statute § 19.36, which allows for the withholding of specific information when the public interest in nondisclosure outweighs the public interest in disclosure.

What's in Sheboygan County Arrest Records

Arrest records in Sheboygan County typically contain comprehensive information about individuals who have been taken into custody. The content of these records is standardized across Wisconsin law enforcement agencies and generally includes 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)
• 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
• Names and badge numbers of arresting officers
• Circumstances leading to arrest

Charge Information:

• Criminal charges filed
• Statutory citations for alleged violations
• Classification of offense (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
• Processing officer information
• Property inventory

Bond/Bail Information:

• Bail amount set
• Bond type (cash, signature, property)
• Bond conditions
• Release status

Court Information:

• Court of jurisdiction
• Case number
• Scheduled court appearances
• Judge assigned to case

Custody Status:

• Current detention status
• Facility of incarceration (if applicable)
• Expected release date (if applicable)

Additional Information May Include:

• Prior arrest history
• Known associates
• Vehicle information
• Probation/parole status
• Victim information (often redacted in public versions)
• Witness statements (often redacted in public versions)

The specific content of arrest records may vary depending on the arresting agency and the circumstances of the arrest. Certain sensitive information may be redacted from public versions of arrest records in accordance with Wisconsin privacy laws and exemptions under the Public Records Law.

How To Look Up Arrest Records in Sheboygan County in 2026

Members of the public seeking arrest records in Sheboygan County may utilize several methods to obtain this information. The Wisconsin Public Records Law establishes that custodians of records must respond to requests "as soon as practicable and without delay." Requestors should follow these procedures:

1. Identify the specific records being sought. Requests should include the full name of the subject, date of birth, and approximate date of arrest if known.

2. Submit a written request to the appropriate agency. While verbal requests are permitted under Wisconsin law, written requests create documentation and help ensure accuracy. Requests may be submitted to:

Sheboygan County Sheriff's Department
525 North 6th Street
Sheboygan, WI 53081
(920) 459-3111
Sheboygan County Sheriff's Department

Sheboygan Police Department
1315 North 23rd Street, Suite 101
Sheboygan, WI 53081
(920) 459-3333
Sheboygan Police Department

3. Complete any required forms. The Sheboygan County Sheriff's Department provides a public records request form on their website that may be downloaded, completed, and submitted.

4. Pay applicable fees. Pursuant to Wisconsin Statute § 19.35(3), agencies may charge for the actual, necessary, and direct cost of reproduction and mailing of records. Current fees include:

   • $0.25 per page for photocopies
   • $5.00 for each CD/DVD
   • $15.00 for certified copies
   • Additional fees may apply for extensive searches

5. Present valid identification when collecting records in person. Government-issued photo identification is required when picking up records at agency offices.

6. Be prepared to receive redacted information. Certain information may be withheld pursuant to statutory exemptions or balancing test considerations.

The Sheboygan County Clerk of Circuit Court also maintains records related to criminal cases that result from arrests:

Sheboygan County Clerk of Circuit Court
615 North 6th Street
Sheboygan, WI 53081
(920) 459-3068
Sheboygan County Clerk of Circuit Court

How To Find Sheboygan County Arrest Records Online

Sheboygan County provides several digital resources for accessing arrest records online. These electronic systems offer convenient alternatives to in-person requests. The following online methods are currently available:

1. Wisconsin Circuit Court Access (WCCA) - This statewide database, commonly known as CCAP, provides public access to court records for the Wisconsin circuit courts. While not a direct source of arrest records, it contains information about criminal cases resulting from arrests:

   • Visit the Wisconsin Circuit Court Access website
   • Select "Sheboygan County" from the county dropdown menu
   • Enter the name of the individual in the search fields
   • Review case information, including charges and disposition

2. Sheboygan County Sheriff's Department Inmate Lookup - This resource provides information about individuals currently in custody:

   • Navigate to the Sheboygan County Sheriff's Department website
   • Select "Corrections Division" from the menu
   • Click on "Inmate Lookup"
   • Search by name to view booking information and charges

3. Wisconsin Department of Corrections Offender Locator - For individuals who have been sentenced to state prison or are under supervision:

   • Access the Wisconsin Department of Corrections Offender Locator
   • Enter the individual's name
   • Review custody status and location information

4. Wisconsin Department of Justice Criminal History Request - For official criminal history records:

   • Visit the Wisconsin Department of Justice Crime Information Bureau
   • Complete the online request form
   • Pay the required fee ($7.00 per record)
   • Receive results electronically

When using online systems, users should be aware that information may be limited compared to official records obtained directly from law enforcement agencies. Additionally, pursuant to Wisconsin Statute § 19.356, certain individuals may have the right to seek judicial review before their records are released.

How To Search Sheboygan County Arrest Records for Free?

Members of the public have several options for accessing Sheboygan County arrest records without incurring fees. Wisconsin's Public Records Law establishes the right to inspect records during normal business hours without charge, though fees may apply for copies. The following methods provide free access to arrest information:

1. In-person inspection at law enforcement agencies:
   • Visit the Sheboygan County Sheriff's Department or local police department during regular business hours
   • Complete a records request form specifying the desire to inspect rather than receive copies
   • Present identification and wait for records to be retrieved
   • Review documents on-site without charge

Sheboygan County Sheriff's Department
525 North 6th Street
Sheboygan, WI 53081
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
(920) 459-3111

2. Wisconsin Circuit Court Access (WCCA):

   • This free online resource provides information about criminal cases resulting from arrests
   • Access is available 24/7 at Wisconsin Circuit Court Access
   • No registration or fees are required
   • Search by name to view case information, including charges and court dates

3. Sheboygan County Sheriff's Department website:

   • The department maintains a free inmate lookup tool
   • Visit the Sheboygan County Sheriff's Department website
   • Navigate to the Corrections Division section
   • Use the inmate search function to view current custody information

4. Local newspaper police reports:

   • The Sheboygan Press and other local publications regularly publish arrest information
   • Access recent editions at the Sheboygan Public Library without charge
   • Online archives may be available through the library's digital resources

Mead Public Library
710 North 8th Street
Sheboygan, WI 53081
(920) 459-3400
Mead Public Library

5. Public access terminals at the courthouse:
   • Computer terminals are available for public use at the Sheboygan County Courthouse
   • These provide free access to court records related to criminal cases
   • No appointment is necessary, though usage time may be limited during busy periods

Sheboygan County Courthouse
615 North 6th Street
Sheboygan, WI 53081
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

When utilizing free resources, requestors should be aware that information may be limited compared to official records obtained through formal requests. Additionally, some records may not be immediately available for inspection and may require advance notice to retrieve from archives.

How To Delete Arrest Records in Sheboygan County

Wisconsin law provides specific mechanisms for limiting public access to arrest records under certain circumstances. It is important to distinguish between expungement (legal erasure) and sealing (restricting public access) of records. In Sheboygan County, as throughout Wisconsin, the process is governed by state statutes and requires court approval.

Expungement in Wisconsin is governed by Wisconsin Statute § 973.015, which allows for the expungement of records under limited circumstances:

1. Eligibility requirements for expungement:

   • The offense must be a misdemeanor or a non-violent Class H or I felony
   • The individual must have been under the age of 25 at the time of the offense
   • The maximum period of imprisonment for the offense must not exceed 6 years
   • The court must have ordered expungement at the time of sentencing
   • The individual must have successfully completed their sentence

2. Process for requesting expungement:

   • If expungement was ordered at sentencing, file a petition with the Sheboygan County Clerk of Circuit Court after completing the sentence
   • Include documentation showing successful completion of all sentencing requirements
   • Submit the petition to the court that handled the original case
   • Attend any scheduled hearings regarding the petition

For cases where expungement was not ordered at sentencing, or for individuals who do not meet the statutory requirements, alternative remedies may include:

1. Governor's pardon:

   • Apply through the Wisconsin Governor's Office
   • A pardon does not erase the record but acknowledges rehabilitation
   • The process requires extensive documentation and character references

2. Removal from online court records:

   • Under limited circumstances, individuals may petition for removal of information from the Wisconsin Circuit Court Access website
   • This does not remove the actual court record but limits online visibility
   • Requests are submitted to the Director of State Courts pursuant to Wisconsin Statute § 801.21

3. Record sealing for non-conviction records:

   • If an arrest did not lead to charges or resulted in dismissal, petition the court for sealing
   • Demonstrate that the public interest in sealing outweighs the public interest in disclosure
   • File the petition in the county where the arrest occurred

Individuals seeking to delete or limit access to arrest records should be aware that even if a record is expunged or sealed, certain government agencies and law enforcement may still have access to the information. Additionally, private companies that previously collected the data may continue to maintain it in their databases.

Legal assistance is strongly recommended for navigating the complex process of expungement or record sealing. The State Public Defender's Office or local legal aid organizations may provide guidance to eligible individuals.

What Happens After Arrest in Sheboygan County?

Following an arrest in Sheboygan County, individuals enter a structured criminal justice process governed by Wisconsin state law and local procedures. This process typically follows these sequential steps:

1. Booking and Processing:

   • The arrestee is transported to the Sheboygan County Detention Center
   • Personal information is recorded, including fingerprints and photographs
   • Personal property is inventoried and secured
   • A medical screening is conducted
   • The arrestee is placed in appropriate housing within the facility

2. Initial Appearance:

   • Occurs within 48 hours of arrest (excluding weekends and holidays)
   • The judge informs the defendant of the charges and potential penalties
   • Bail or bond conditions are established
   • A determination regarding legal representation is made
   • A preliminary hearing date is set for felony cases

3. Bail Determination:

   • The court considers factors including:
     • Severity of the alleged offense
     • Prior criminal history
     • Ties to the community
     • Risk of flight
     • Danger to the public
   • Bail may be set as cash, signature bond, or property bond
   • Conditions of release may include no-contact orders or monitoring

4. Preliminary Hearing (felony cases only):

   • Must occur within 10 days if the defendant is in custody, 20 days if released
   • The prosecution must establish probable cause that a felony was committed
   • If probable cause is found, the case proceeds to arraignment
   • If not, charges may be dismissed or reduced

5. Arraignment:

   • Formal reading of charges
   • Defendant enters a plea (guilty, not guilty, no contest)
   • Trial date is scheduled if a not guilty plea is entered
   • Pretrial conference may be scheduled

6. Pretrial Proceedings:

   • Discovery exchange between prosecution and defense
   • Motion hearings for evidence suppression or other legal issues
   • Plea negotiations may occur
   • Case may be resolved through plea agreement

7. Trial:

   • Jury selection (voir dire)
   • Opening statements
   • Presentation of evidence and witness testimony
   • Closing arguments
   • Jury deliberation and verdict
   • For misdemeanors, a six-person jury is used
   • For felonies, a twelve-person jury is required

8. Sentencing:

   • Occurs after conviction (either by plea or trial)
   • Pre-sentence investigation may be conducted
   • Victim impact statements may be presented
   • Judge imposes sentence based on statutory guidelines and case factors
   • Sentences may include incarceration, probation, fines, or community service

9. Post-Conviction:

   • Right to appeal within specified timeframes
   • Possible post-conviction relief motions
   • Supervision under probation or extended supervision if applicable

Throughout this process, records are generated and maintained by various agencies, including the Sheboygan County Sheriff's Department, Clerk of Circuit Court, and District Attorney's Office. These records become part of the individual's criminal history and are generally accessible to the public under Wisconsin's Public Records Law, with certain statutory exceptions.

How Long Are Arrest Records Kept in Sheboygan County?

Arrest records in Sheboygan County are maintained according to retention schedules established by Wisconsin state law, specifically Wisconsin Statute § 16.61 governing public records and the Wisconsin Public Records Board retention schedules. These schedules mandate minimum retention periods for various categories of law enforcement records.

The Wisconsin Public Records Board has established the following retention requirements for arrest-related records:

1. Arrest and Booking Records:

   • Records must be retained for a minimum of 7 years after the date of arrest
   • For serious felonies (Class A-C), records are maintained for 75 years
   • Juvenile arrest records are subject to different retention requirements under Wisconsin Statute § 938.396

2. Investigation Case Files:

   • For cases resulting in arrest, records must be maintained for 75 years after closure for homicides and sexual assaults
   • Other felony investigations must be retained for 50 years
   • Misdemeanor investigations must be kept for 25 years
   • Non-criminal investigations are typically retained for 7 years

3. Fingerprint Records:

   • Maintained permanently by the Wisconsin Department of Justice Crime Information Bureau
   • Local copies may be retained according to agency policy, typically matching case file retention

4. Booking Photographs (Mugshots):

   • Retained with the corresponding arrest record
   • Subject to the same retention requirements as the arrest documentation

5. Court Records Related to Arrests:

   • Felony case files are retained 75 years after case closure
   • Misdemeanor case files are retained 20 years after case closure
   • Traffic and ordinance violations are typically retained for 5-10 years

Different agencies within Sheboygan County may have varying retention requirements based on their specific functions. The Sheboygan County Sheriff's Department, municipal police departments, and the Clerk of Circuit Court each maintain their own records according to applicable retention schedules.

It is important to note that even after the minimum retention period has expired, agencies may choose to maintain records for longer periods, particularly for cases of historical or continuing significance. Additionally, records that have been digitized may be retained indefinitely due to the minimal storage requirements of electronic formats.

The retention of arrest records serves several important public interests, including:

• Preserving evidence for potential future legal proceedings
• Maintaining accountability and transparency in law enforcement
• Supporting crime analysis and pattern recognition
• Providing information for background checks authorized by law
• Documenting law enforcement activities for historical and statistical purposes

Individuals with questions about specific record retention policies should contact the agency that created or maintains the records in question.

How to Find Mugshots in Sheboygan County

What Mugshots Are

Mugshots, formally known as booking photographs, are official photographs taken during the booking process following an arrest. In Sheboygan County, these photographs typically include front-facing and profile (side) views of the arrested individual. Mugshots serve as visual identification records within the criminal justice system and are considered part of the official arrest record.

Where Mugshots Are Maintained

In Sheboygan County, booking photographs are primarily maintained by:

Sheboygan County Sheriff's Department
525 North 6th Street
Sheboygan, WI 53081
(920) 459-3111
Sheboygan County Sheriff's Department

Municipal police departments also maintain mugshots for arrests they process, though many jurisdictions transfer arrestees to the county detention facility for booking.

Finding Mugshots

Members of the public seeking mugshots in Sheboygan County have several options:

1. Submit a public records request to the arresting agency or the Sheboygan County Sheriff's Department:

   • Requests should include the full name of the subject, date of birth if known, and approximate date of arrest
   • Specify that you are requesting the booking photograph
   • Be prepared to pay applicable fees for reproduction

2. Check the Sheboygan County Sheriff's Department website:

   • The department maintains an online inmate lookup system
   • Current inmates' booking photos may be displayed
   • This resource only includes individuals currently in custody

3. Review court records:

   • In some cases, mugshots may be included in court files
   • Visit the Sheboygan County Clerk of Circuit Court to review case files
   • Not all court files will contain booking photographs

Can They Be Found Online

While some mugshots may be available online, Wisconsin does not maintain a comprehensive public database of booking photographs. Online availability is limited to:

1. Current inmates in the Sheboygan County Detention Center through the Sheriff's Department website
2. Photographs published by local media outlets in news stories
3. Third-party websites that aggregate mugshots from various sources

It is important to note that third-party mugshot websites may not maintain accurate or up-to-date information regarding case dispositions or outcomes.

Obtaining Mugshots Officially

To officially obtain a mugshot from Sheboygan County authorities:

1. Submit a written public records request to the Sheboygan County Sheriff's Department or the arresting agency
2. Include specific identifying information about the subject and arrest
3. Pay the applicable reproduction fee (typically $1-5 per photograph)
4. Provide identification when collecting the records

Restrictions on Mugshot Access

Access to mugshots in Sheboygan County is subject to certain restrictions under Wisconsin law:

1. Juvenile mugshots (under age 17) are generally not public records pursuant to Wisconsin Statute § 938.396
2. Photographs related to sensitive investigations may be temporarily withheld
3. Images may be redacted to protect the identity of undercover officers or confidential informants
4. Mugshots related to certain offenses (such as those involving sexual assault victims) may have restricted access

Wisconsin law does not currently have specific restrictions on commercial use of mugshots, though legislation has been proposed in recent years to limit the ability of websites to charge fees for removing booking photographs.

Lookup Arrest Records in Sheboygan County