Wisconsin Criminal Records

How do I look up criminal records in Wisconsin?

The Wisconsin Court System's website, Wisconsin Circuit Court Access (WCCA), provides the user with all the information about criminal records concerning citizens of Wisconsin. It features a powerful search engine that makes the process of checking the criminal background of any subject fast and easy. Wisconsin's Law enforcement and Justice department workers use this website to look up criminal records every day.

How do I expunge my record in Wisconsin?

To expunge your criminal record in Wisconsin, you must first check and see if you're eligible. You must be under 25 years old. Additionally, the sentence must be completed and be under six years. Next, you must file a petition for expungement, and a court will decide if it should be granted or not.

How do I find an inmate in Wisconsin?

The Wisconsin inmate records will contain the location of inmates. The Wisconsin Department of Corrections provides an online inmate locator tool. Additionally, you could visit the local sheriff's office and ask about inmate records.

How do I look up sex offenders in Wisconsin?

The Wisconsin sex offender registry will contain information about sex offenders in the area. Some third-party apps and websites will show sex offenders near you. The sex offender registry will contain their basic information such as name, height, and weight, so it's easier to identify them. It will also provide their conviction(s) and recent locations.

What is considered a misdemeanor in Wisconsin?

A misdemeanor is a less serious offense in Wisconsin. The sentence will never result in serving time in prison, only a local jail at most. Misdemeanors usually result in a fine as well. Misdemeanors will be removed from your record in Wisconsin after 20 years. The only way to expunge a misdemeanor is if you were under the age of 25 when the misdemeanor was committed. Examples of misdemeanors are:

Prostitution

Battery

Assault

Resisting an officer

What is considered a felony in Wisconsin?

Felonies are the more severe class of crime in Wisconsin. They can result in going to state prison and hefty fines. They will stay on your record for either 50 or 75 years, depending on the class of felony. The expungement eligibility is the same as misdemeanors; the crime must've been committed under the age of 25. Examples of felonies are:

Homicide

Possession of cocaine

Vehicular Manslaughter

Reckless Endangerment

How do I find criminal records in Milwaukee?

Criminal records in Milwaukee can be found online, or you can visit the Clerk's office of the Circuit Court and request them for a fee. Searching for the criminal record on a statewide basis will give you the results you're looking for.

Are arrest records public in Wisconsin?

Arrest records are public information in Wisconsin and can be viewed by anyone. Arrest records are different than criminal records because they don't show if the arrest resulted in a conviction or not. It is usually possible to get arrest records removed by filing a petition for removal.

Are Juvenile criminal records sealed in Wisconsin?

When a juvenile turns 17, they are eligible to remove all convictions and arrests that they committed before that age. This helps young people who made mistakes early in their life have a fresh start. Juvenile criminal records can heavily affect employment and getting loans, so sealing them is always recommended. It is also recommended to hire an attorney for this process.

Are criminal records public in Wisconsin?

Criminal records can be viewed by anyone in Wisconsin. This because of the "Open Records" law. The purpose of this is to ensure the safety of the public. However, it can cause much frustration when trying to apply for a job or get a house. Employers are usually much less likely to look at a potential applicant if they have a criminal record.

Do I need a lawyer to expunge my criminal record in Wisconsin?

It is highly recommended to hire a lawyer for the expungement process. They will take all the work off your hands and save you many headaches. Additionally, it will increase the chances that the expungement actually goes through, as a small mistake can prevent your record from being erased.

Do arrests show up on background checks in Wisconsin?

Certain background companies choose to hide arrests on background checks since they don't mean that someone has ever committed a crime but could still cause a detriment to someone's life. However, they will sometimes show up on background checks unless the arrest is sealed.

How far does a criminal background check go in Wisconsin?

Wisconsin is not one of the seven-year states, so a criminal record will show all convictions unless expunged. However, the Wisconsin Fair Employment Act prohibits employers from discriminating against job applicants if they have a criminal record unless the crime is relevant to the job.

Can you find criminal records for free in Wisconsin?

The state of Wisconsin is one of the few states that have fully available free public records online. This means that anyone interested in checking any other individual's criminal record doesn't need to get in touch with any private provider or download any record checking tool; these records are available for free online.

Will employers check your criminal record in Wisconsin?

Employers have the ability to retrieve your criminal record; however, you have the right to receive a copy of the information they're viewing. They also can't consider arrests in an employment decision.

How do I find recent local arrests in Wisconsin?

You can visit the local sheriff's office in Wisconsin, and they will have records of the recent arrests. The local police website will also usually contain them. If there was a court hearing, you could visit the court to retrieve a transcript of the proceedings or other relevant records.

Do I need an attorney after committing a crime in Wisconsin?

If you get charged with a crime in Wisconsin, it is highly recommended to hire an attorney. Their purpose is to fight for you in court, whether you're guilty or not, and will take the work off of your hands.

What happens if I get charged with a DUI in Wisconsin?

Getting charged with a DUI can result in the suspension of your license and fines. Getting an attorney will give you the best chance of reducing the sentence or maybe altogether avoiding the conviction, given the circumstances.

Where can I find the sex offender registry in Wisconsin?

The sex offender registry can be found by searching online, or you can visit the Wisconsin Department of Corrections. The public can view the sex offender registry because of Megan's Law, which was put into place to inform people of sex offenders in their area.

How do I get off the sex offender registry in Wisconsin?

If 15 years of sex offender registration pass with no more incidents, it may be possible to get off the registry. You can file a petition for removal from the registry, and a court will hear it. Unfortunately, this is only to get removed.