Milwaukee County Arrest Records
Are Arrest Records Public in Milwaukee County
Arrest records in Milwaukee County are generally considered public information under Wisconsin's Public Records Law, codified in 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 government records, consistent with the conduct of governmental business.
The Wisconsin Department of Justice maintains that arrest records are public documents subject to disclosure under the Public Records Law. However, it is important to distinguish between arrest records and conviction records. An arrest record documents that an individual was taken into custody by law enforcement on suspicion of criminal activity, while a conviction record indicates that a court has found the individual guilty of a crime.
According to Wisconsin Statute § 111.335, employers and licensing agencies face restrictions on how they may use arrest and conviction records in making employment decisions. This statute provides protections for individuals with arrest records that did not lead to convictions.
The Milwaukee County Sheriff's Office, as the primary law enforcement agency for the county, maintains arrest records and makes them available to the public with certain exceptions as provided by law.
Milwaukee County Sheriff's Office
821 W State Street
Milwaukee, WI 53233
(414) 278-4766
Milwaukee County Sheriff's Office
What's in Milwaukee County Arrest Records
Milwaukee County arrest records contain standardized information documenting the detention and processing of individuals taken into custody. These records typically include the following categories of information:
Arrestee Identifying Information:
- Full legal name
- Date of birth
- Physical description (height, weight, eye color, hair color)
- Gender
- Race/ethnicity
- Home address
- Identification numbers (state ID, driver's license)
- Fingerprints
- Photograph (mugshot)
Arrest Details:
- Date and time of arrest
- Location of arrest
- Arresting agency
- Arresting officer's name and badge number
- Reason for arrest
- Use of force information (if applicable)
Charge Information:
- Criminal charges filed
- Statute or ordinance violations cited
- Charge classification (felony, misdemeanor, or civil violation)
- Charge severity level
Warrant Information (if applicable):
- Warrant number
- Issuing court
- Date issued
- Type of warrant
Booking Information:
- Booking date and time
- Booking facility
- Booking officer
- Property inventory
Bond/Bail Information:
- Bail amount set
- Bond type
- Bond conditions
- Payment status
Court Information:
- Court of jurisdiction
- Case number
- Scheduled court appearances
- Judge assigned
Custody Status:
- Current detention status
- Expected release date (if applicable)
- Transfer information (if applicable)
Additional Information May Include:
- Prior arrest history
- Known aliases
- Gang affiliations (if documented)
- Special custody requirements
- Medical alerts
The specific content of arrest records may vary depending on the arresting agency and the circumstances of the arrest. All information is maintained in accordance with Wisconsin Statute § 165.83, which governs criminal identification, records, and statistics.
How To Look Up Arrest Records in Milwaukee County in 2026
Members of the public seeking arrest records in Milwaukee County may utilize several methods to access this information. The following procedures are currently in effect for obtaining arrest records:
-
In-Person Requests at the Milwaukee County Sheriff's Office
- Visit the Records Division during regular business hours
- Complete a public records request form
- Present valid government-issued photo identification
- Specify the information being requested with as much detail as possible
- Pay applicable fees for record retrieval and copying
-
Written Requests by Mail
- Submit a written request to the Records Division
- Include requestor's full name, contact information, and signature
- Provide specific details about the records being sought
- Enclose a self-addressed stamped envelope
- Include payment for applicable fees
-
Online Requests
- Visit the Milwaukee County Sheriff's Office Records Request Portal
- Complete the electronic records request form
- Provide all required information
- Submit payment for applicable fees electronically
-
Third-Party Background Check Services
- Commercial services may provide access to arrest records
- Accuracy and completeness of third-party records cannot be guaranteed
- Additional fees typically apply
Milwaukee County Sheriff's Office Records Division
821 W State Street
Milwaukee, WI 53233
(414) 278-4766
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Milwaukee County Sheriff's Office
Requestors should note that processing times vary depending on the volume of requests and complexity of the search. Certain information may be redacted pursuant to privacy laws and ongoing investigation exemptions under Wisconsin's Public Records Law.
How To Find Milwaukee County Arrest Records Online
Milwaukee County provides several official online resources for accessing arrest records electronically. These digital platforms offer convenient access to public information while maintaining compliance with state records laws.
The primary online resource for current custody information is the Milwaukee County Jail Inmate Search. This database provides real-time information about individuals currently in custody at Milwaukee County detention facilities. Users can search by name or booking number to access basic custody information.
For comprehensive court case information related to arrests, the Wisconsin Circuit Court Access (CCAP) system serves as the official portal. This database, maintained by the Wisconsin Court System, allows users to search for:
- Criminal cases
- Traffic cases
- Civil cases
- Family cases
- Small claims cases
When searching for arrest records online, users should have the following information ready:
- Full name of the individual (first and last name at minimum)
- Approximate date of arrest (if known)
- Date of birth (if known)
- Case number (if known)
The Milwaukee Police Department also maintains an online incident report system where certain arrest information may be available. For municipal violations, the Milwaukee Municipal Court Case Information system provides searchable access to citation and municipal court records.
Users should be aware that online systems may not contain complete arrest records, particularly for:
- Juvenile arrests (generally confidential under Wisconsin law)
- Expunged or sealed records
- Very recent arrests that have not yet been processed
- Arrests from before digital record-keeping was implemented
For the most comprehensive and up-to-date information, combining online searches with formal records requests may be necessary.
How To Search Milwaukee County Arrest Records for Free?
Milwaukee County residents and other interested parties may access arrest records without charge through several public resources. These no-cost options provide basic information while maintaining compliance with Wisconsin's Public Records Law.
The following free resources are currently available:
-
Milwaukee County Jail Inmate Lookup
- The Milwaukee County Sheriff's Office maintains a free online inmate search tool
- Provides current custody status and basic case information
- Updated regularly with new bookings and releases
- Searchable by name or booking number
-
Wisconsin Circuit Court Access (WCCA)
- The Wisconsin Court System provides free access to court records
- Includes criminal cases resulting from arrests
- Searchable by name, case number, or citation number
- Contains case status, charges, and court dates
-
Public Access Terminals
- Located at the Milwaukee County Courthouse
- Provide free access to court records
- Available during regular business hours
- No appointment necessary
Milwaukee County Courthouse
901 N. 9th Street
Milwaukee, WI 53233
(414) 278-4000
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Milwaukee County Circuit Court
- Milwaukee Municipal Court Records
- Free online access to municipal violations
- Available through the Municipal Court website
- Includes non-criminal violations and citations
- Searchable by name or citation number
While these resources provide free access to basic arrest information, users should note certain limitations:
- Detailed arrest reports typically require formal requests and may involve fees
- Historical records may not be available through online systems
- Some information may be redacted for privacy or security reasons
- Juvenile records are generally not publicly accessible
For comprehensive research, combining these free resources often provides the most complete picture of an individual's arrest history in Milwaukee County.
How To Delete Arrest Records in Milwaukee County
Wisconsin law provides specific mechanisms for limiting public access to arrest records under certain circumstances. These processes fall into two distinct categories: expungement (legal erasure) and sealing (restricting public access).
Expungement
Pursuant to Wisconsin Statute § 973.015, expungement is available under limited circumstances:
- The offense must be a misdemeanor or certain non-violent Class H or I felonies
- The offender must have been under 25 years of age at the time of the offense
- The maximum period of imprisonment must not exceed 6 years
- The court must have ordered expungement at the time of sentencing
- The offender must have successfully completed their sentence
The expungement process requires:
- Filing a petition with the court that handled the original case
- Demonstrating eligibility under the statute
- Attending a hearing if required by the court
- Receiving a court order for expungement
Record Sealing
Unlike some states, Wisconsin does not have a general record sealing statute for adult criminal records. However, certain records may be sealed under specific circumstances:
- Juvenile records may be sealed under Wisconsin Statute § 938.355(4m)
- Records related to human trafficking victims may be eligible for vacatur under Wisconsin Statute § 973.015(2m)
- Certain DNA data may be expunged under specific circumstances
Removal from Third-Party Databases
Even when records are expunged from official sources, they may persist in private databases. Individuals may need to:
- Contact third-party data providers directly
- Provide proof of expungement
- Request removal under the data provider's policies
For assistance with expungement or record sealing, individuals may contact:
State Public Defender's Office - Milwaukee Trial Office
819 North 6th Street, Room 908
Milwaukee, WI 53203
(414) 227-4130
Wisconsin State Public Defender
Legal representation is strongly recommended when pursuing expungement or sealing of arrest records, as the process involves complex legal requirements and procedures.
What Happens After Arrest in Milwaukee County?
Following an arrest in Milwaukee County, individuals enter a standardized criminal justice process governed by Wisconsin state law and local procedures. This process typically progresses through several distinct phases:
1. Booking and Initial Detention
- The arrestee is transported to a detention facility
- Personal information is recorded
- Fingerprints and photographs are taken
- Personal property is inventoried and secured
- Initial health screening is conducted
- Arrestee is placed in appropriate holding facility
2. Initial Appearance
- Occurs within 48 hours of arrest for felonies
- Judge informs defendant of charges
- Constitutional rights are explained
- Bail/bond determination is made
- Public defender may be appointed if defendant qualifies
- Next court date is scheduled
3. Preliminary Hearing (Felonies Only)
- Must occur within 10 days if defendant is in custody
- Prosecution must show probable cause
- Judge determines if case proceeds to trial
- Defendant may waive this hearing
4. Arraignment
- Formal reading of charges
- Defendant enters plea (guilty, not guilty, no contest)
- Trial date may be set
- Pretrial motions may be scheduled
5. Pretrial Proceedings
- Discovery exchange between prosecution and defense
- Motion hearings
- Plea negotiations
- Status conferences
6. Trial
- Jury selection (unless jury trial is waived)
- Opening statements
- Presentation of evidence
- Closing arguments
- Jury deliberation and verdict (or judge's decision in bench trials)
7. Sentencing (If Convicted)
- Pre-sentence investigation may be conducted
- Victim impact statements may be presented
- Judge imposes sentence based on statutory guidelines
- Sentencing options include probation, jail/prison time, fines, restitution
8. Post-Conviction
- Appeal rights explained
- Transfer to correctional facility if incarcerated
- Probation supervision if applicable
- Payment of fines and restitution
Throughout this process, defendants have constitutional rights including the right to counsel, the right to remain silent, and the right to a fair trial. The Milwaukee County criminal justice system operates under the presumption of innocence until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
The specific timeline and procedures may vary depending on the nature of the charges, court caseloads, and individual circumstances of each case.
How Long Are Arrest Records Kept in Milwaukee County?
Arrest records in Milwaukee County are subject to retention requirements established by Wisconsin state law and local records management policies. The duration for which these records are maintained varies based on several factors, including the type of record, the outcome of the case, and the agency maintaining the records.
According to the Wisconsin Public Records Board General Records Schedule, law enforcement agencies must adhere to specific retention periods for different categories of records:
- Arrest Records (No Charges Filed): Generally retained for 7 years from the date of arrest
- Arrest Records (Charges Filed): Maintained for 75 years from the date of case closure
- Felony Case Records: Typically kept for 75 years from the date of case closure
- Misdemeanor Case Records: Usually retained for 20 years from the date of case closure
- Juvenile Records: Subject to different retention schedules and confidentiality requirements under Wisconsin Statute § 938.396
The Milwaukee County Sheriff's Office maintains arrest records in accordance with these state-mandated retention schedules. Additionally, court records related to arrests are maintained by the Milwaukee County Circuit Court according to the Wisconsin Circuit Court Records Retention Schedule.
Digital records systems have extended the practical retention period for many records, as electronic storage has made long-term retention more feasible. Consequently, even records that have reached their mandatory retention period may remain accessible in electronic databases.
It is important to note that expunged records follow different protocols. When a record is legally expunged pursuant to Wisconsin Statute § 973.015, the physical and digital records should be removed from publicly accessible systems, though they may be maintained in sealed archives for administrative purposes.
The extended retention of arrest records serves several public policy objectives:
- Preserving evidence for potential future legal proceedings
- Supporting law enforcement investigations
- Maintaining historical documentation
- Ensuring accountability in the criminal justice system
Individuals with questions about specific record retention policies may contact the records custodian at the relevant agency for more detailed information.
How to Find Mugshots in Milwaukee County
Mugshots, the booking photographs taken during the arrest process, are considered part of the public arrest record in Milwaukee County. However, access to these images is governed by specific policies and procedures designed to balance public information rights with privacy considerations.
What Mugshots Are
Mugshots are official photographs taken by law enforcement during the booking process after an arrest. These typically include:
- A front-facing (portrait) photograph
- A profile (side) photograph
- A placard or identification number
- Sometimes multiple angles or views
Where Mugshots Are Maintained
In Milwaukee County, mugshots are primarily maintained by:
- The Milwaukee County Sheriff's Office
- The Milwaukee Police Department
- Suburban police departments within the county
- The Wisconsin Department of Corrections (for individuals in state custody)
Finding Mugshots
To locate mugshots through official channels, individuals may:
-
Submit a public records request to the arresting agency
- Requests must specify the individual's name and approximate arrest date
- Fees may apply for search and reproduction
- Some requests may be denied based on privacy exemptions
-
Visit the records division of the arresting agency
- Present identification
- Complete required request forms
- Pay applicable fees
Milwaukee County Sheriff's Office Records Division
821 W State Street
Milwaukee, WI 53233
(414) 278-4766
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Milwaukee County Sheriff's Office
Can Mugshots Be Found Online?
The Milwaukee County Sheriff's Office does not currently publish mugshots on its official website or inmate search portal. However, mugshots may appear online through:
- Media outlets reporting on arrests
- Third-party mugshot websites that aggregate booking photos
- Court records that sometimes include booking photos
Obtaining Mugshots Officially
The most reliable method for obtaining official mugshots is through a formal public records request to the arresting agency. These requests should include:
- Full name of the arrested individual
- Date of birth (if known)
- Approximate date of arrest
- Case number (if known)
- Requestor's contact information
Restrictions on Mugshot Access
Access to mugshots may be limited in certain circumstances:
- Juvenile arrest photos are generally confidential under Wisconsin law
- Photos related to ongoing investigations may be temporarily withheld
- Images that would endanger an individual's safety may be redacted
- Expunged records should no longer include publicly accessible mugshots
Individuals concerned about mugshots published on third-party websites should be aware that Wisconsin does not currently have specific laws regulating commercial mugshot websites, unlike some other states that have enacted restrictions on such publications.
Lookup Arrest Records in Milwaukee County
Milwaukee County Jail Inmate Search