Milwaukee County Criminal Records
What Is Milwaukee County Criminal Records
Milwaukee County criminal records are official documents created and maintained by law enforcement agencies, courts, and correctional facilities that document an individual's interactions with the criminal justice system within Milwaukee County, Wisconsin. These records are created pursuant to Wisconsin Statute § 165.83, which mandates the collection and maintenance of criminal history data.
Criminal records in Milwaukee County encompass several distinct categories:
- Arrest Records: Documentation of when an individual is taken into custody by law enforcement, including the Milwaukee Police Department, Milwaukee County Sheriff's Office, or other municipal police departments within the county.
- Court Records: Official documentation of criminal proceedings in the Milwaukee County Circuit Court.
- Correctional Records: Information regarding incarceration in the Milwaukee County Jail or House of Correction.
- Conviction Records: Official documentation of guilty verdicts or pleas.
The distinction between arrest and conviction records is significant. Arrest records document only that an individual was taken into custody on suspicion of criminal activity, while conviction records confirm that the individual was found guilty of a criminal offense either through trial or plea. Under Wisconsin law, both types of records are generally considered public, though with different levels of accessibility.
Criminal offenses in Milwaukee County are categorized as either:
- Felonies: Serious crimes punishable by imprisonment in state prison for one year or more.
- Misdemeanors: Less serious offenses punishable by up to one year in county jail.
Juvenile records (for individuals under 17 years of age) are handled differently than adult records. Pursuant to Wisconsin Statute § 938.396, juvenile records are generally confidential and not available to the public, with limited exceptions for certain serious offenses.
The primary agencies maintaining criminal records in Milwaukee County include:
Milwaukee County Sheriff's Office
821 W State Street
Milwaukee, WI 53233
414-278-4766
Milwaukee County Sheriff's Office
Milwaukee County Circuit Court
901 N. 9th Street
Milwaukee, WI 53233
414-278-4444
Milwaukee County Circuit Court
Wisconsin Department of Justice - Crime Information Bureau
17 W. Main Street
Madison, WI 53703
608-266-7314
Wisconsin Department of Justice
Are Criminal Records Public In Milwaukee County
Criminal records in Milwaukee County are generally public documents, accessible to any member of the public under Wisconsin's Open Records Law, also known as the Public Records Law § 19.31-19.39. This statute establishes the presumption that government records, including criminal records, should be accessible to the public.
The Wisconsin Public Records Law states: "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 policy underpins the public's right to access criminal records in Milwaukee County.
However, not all criminal records are equally accessible. The following distinctions apply:
- Adult Conviction Records: These are fully public and accessible to anyone.
- Adult Arrest Records: Generally public, though agencies may have discretion to withhold certain information during active investigations.
- Court Proceedings: Criminal court hearings and trials are open to the public, and the resulting records are accessible unless specifically sealed by court order.
- Juvenile Records: Pursuant to Wisconsin Statute § 938.396, records pertaining to juveniles are generally confidential, with limited exceptions for certain serious offenses.
- Sealed or Expunged Records: Records that have been officially sealed or expunged by court order are not available to the public.
- Ongoing Investigations: Information related to active law enforcement investigations may be temporarily withheld if disclosure would impede the investigation.
The Wisconsin Department of Justice, through its Crime Information Bureau, maintains the central repository of criminal history information for the state, including records from Milwaukee County. While these records are public, accessing complete criminal history information typically requires fingerprint submission and payment of applicable fees.
Local law enforcement agencies in Milwaukee County, including the Milwaukee Police Department and Milwaukee County Sheriff's Office, maintain their own records systems that may be accessed through specific request procedures established by each agency.
How To Look Up Criminal Records In Milwaukee County in 2026
Members of the public seeking criminal records in Milwaukee County may utilize several methods to obtain this information. The following procedures are currently in effect for accessing criminal records:
In-Person Requests:
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Visit the Milwaukee County Courthouse Records Department during regular business hours.
Milwaukee County Courthouse
901 N. 9th Street, Room 104
Milwaukee, WI 53233
414-278-4120
Milwaukee County Clerk of Circuit Court
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM -
Complete a records request form, providing the subject's full name and, if possible, date of birth.
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Present valid government-issued photo identification.
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Pay applicable fees (currently $5.00 per name search plus copying fees of $1.25 per page).
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For same-day service, submit requests before 3:30 PM.
Mail Requests:
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Download and complete the Public Records Request Form from the Milwaukee County Clerk of Circuit Court website.
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Include a self-addressed stamped envelope.
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Enclose a check or money order for applicable fees.
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Mail to:
Milwaukee County Clerk of Circuit Court
Records Department
901 N. 9th Street, Room 104
Milwaukee, WI 53233
Wisconsin Department of Justice Criminal History Search:
For comprehensive statewide criminal history information:
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Visit the Wisconsin Department of Justice Crime Information Bureau website.
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Complete the Wisconsin Criminal History Request form.
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Submit the required $7.00 fee per name search.
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For fingerprint-based searches (more accurate), submit fingerprints and a $15.00 fee.
Wisconsin Department of Justice
Crime Information Bureau
P.O. Box 2688
Madison, WI 53701-2688
608-266-7314
Wisconsin Department of Justice
For Specific Case Information:
- Contact the specific court where the case was heard.
- Provide the case number if available, or the defendant's name and approximate date of the case.
- Request copies of specific documents (complaints, judgments, etc.).
Requestors should note that while criminal records are public documents, certain information may be redacted to protect privacy interests as required by Wisconsin Statute § 19.36, including social security numbers, driver's license numbers, and certain victim information.
How To Find Criminal Records in Milwaukee County Online?
Milwaukee County offers several online resources for accessing criminal records electronically. These digital platforms provide convenient access to various components of criminal records without requiring in-person visits to government offices.
Wisconsin Circuit Court Access (WCCA):
The primary online resource for court records in Milwaukee County is the Wisconsin Circuit Court Access portal, commonly known as CCAP:
- Navigate to the Wisconsin Court System Case Search.
- Select search criteria (name, case number, etc.).
- For name searches, enter at least the last name and first initial.
- Narrow results by county (select Milwaukee) or case type (criminal, traffic, etc.).
- Review case summaries, which include charges, court dates, judgments, and sentencing information.
This system provides access to circuit court records for all 72 Wisconsin counties, including Milwaukee County. Users should note that while registration is not required, the system does track search activity.
Milwaukee County Sheriff's Office Inmate Locator:
To locate individuals currently in custody:
- Visit the Milwaukee County Sheriff's In Custody Locator.
- Search by name or booking number.
- View booking information, charges, and custody status.
This database is updated regularly but includes only individuals currently in custody, not historical incarceration records.
Wisconsin Department of Corrections Offender Locator:
For information on individuals sentenced to state prison or under community supervision:
- Access the Wisconsin Department of Corrections Offender Locator.
- Search by name or DOC number.
- View current status, location, and projected release dates for incarcerated individuals.
Wisconsin Sex Offender Registry:
For information on registered sex offenders residing in Milwaukee County:
- Visit the Wisconsin Sex Offender Registry.
- Search by name, address, or zip code.
- View registration information, offense details, and residence information.
Wisconsin Department of Justice Criminal History:
For official criminal history records:
- Access the Wisconsin Online Record Check System.
- Create an account (required).
- Submit payment ($7 per name-based search).
- Receive instant results for name-based searches.
Users should be aware that online records may not be comprehensive. Certain records, particularly older cases or those that have been sealed or expunged, may not appear in online databases. Additionally, juvenile records are generally not available through these public portals unless the juvenile was waived to adult court.
Can You Search Milwaukee County Criminal Records for Free?
Milwaukee County residents and members of the public have several options for accessing criminal records without payment, as provided under Wisconsin's Public Records Law. The statute establishes that while agencies may charge for copies of records, they must permit inspection of records at no cost during normal business hours.
Free In-Person Inspection:
Pursuant to Wisconsin Statute § 19.35(1), any person has the right to inspect public records free of charge. The following locations offer free in-person access:
Milwaukee County Courthouse - Public Access Terminals
901 N. 9th Street, Room 104
Milwaukee, WI 53233
414-278-4120
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
At these terminals, members of the public may search and view court records at no cost. Printing documents from these terminals incurs a fee of $1.25 per page.
Milwaukee County Law Library
901 N. 9th Street, Room G8
Milwaukee, WI 53233
414-278-4900
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
The law library provides free public access to legal research materials and court records.
Free Online Resources:
Several online databases provide free access to criminal record information:
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Wisconsin Circuit Court Access (WCCA): This free online portal provides access to circuit court records, including criminal cases, for all Wisconsin counties. No registration or payment is required to search or view basic case information.
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Milwaukee County Sheriff's Inmate Locator: This free database allows users to search for individuals currently in custody in Milwaukee County facilities.
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Wisconsin Sex Offender Registry: This free resource provides information about registered sex offenders, including those in Milwaukee County.
Limitations of Free Access:
While free options exist, users should be aware of certain limitations:
- Free access typically does not include certified copies, which require payment of statutory fees.
- Comprehensive criminal history reports from the Wisconsin Department of Justice require payment of established fees.
- Some detailed court documents may only be available for a fee, though basic case information is free.
- Records that have been sealed, expunged, or are subject to confidentiality laws are not available through free public access.
For individuals seeking their own criminal records, the Milwaukee County Sheriff's Office provides one free copy of an individual's own record annually, as required by Wisconsin law. Additional copies within the same year incur standard fees.
What's Included in a Milwaukee County Criminal Record?
Milwaukee County criminal records contain comprehensive information documenting an individual's interactions with the criminal justice system. The content of these records is standardized in accordance with Wisconsin Statute § 165.83(2), which specifies the information to be collected and maintained. A complete criminal record typically includes the following components:
Identifying Information:
- Full legal name and known aliases
- Date of birth
- Gender and race
- Physical description (height, weight, eye color, hair color)
- Fingerprints and, in some cases, palm prints
- Photograph/mugshot
- Last known address
- State Identification Number (SID)
- FBI Number (if applicable)
Arrest Information:
- Date, time, and location of arrest
- Arresting agency and officer
- Booking number
- Charges at time of arrest (including statute numbers)
- Bail or bond information
- Detention facility information
Court Case Information:
- Court case number
- Court of jurisdiction
- Filing date
- Formal charges filed by prosecutor
- Statute citations and offense classifications (felony or misdemeanor)
- Plea entered
- Attorney information (public defender or private counsel)
- Court appearance dates
- Pretrial motions and rulings
Disposition Information:
- Verdict (guilty, not guilty, dismissed, etc.)
- Conviction date (if applicable)
- Sentencing details:
- Incarceration terms (length, facility)
- Probation terms and conditions
- Fines and court costs
- 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
- Habitual offender status
- Driving-related offenses (DUI/OWI)
- Traffic violations connected to criminal cases
- Pending charges in other jurisdictions
Criminal records in Milwaukee County are maintained in various databases depending on the type of information. Court records are primarily stored in the Consolidated Court Automation Programs (CCAP) system, while arrest and booking information is maintained by the Milwaukee County Sheriff's Office and local police departments. The Wisconsin Department of Justice maintains the central repository for comprehensive criminal history information through its Crime Information Bureau.
It is important to note that while criminal records are generally public, certain information may be redacted to protect privacy interests, including social security numbers, driver's license numbers, and certain victim information, particularly in cases involving minors or sexual assault.
How Long Does Milwaukee County Keep Criminal Records?
Milwaukee County maintains criminal records according to retention schedules established by the Wisconsin Public Records Board and in compliance with Wisconsin Statute § 16.61, which governs records management. These retention periods vary based on the type of record and the severity of the offense.
Court Records Retention:
The Milwaukee County Circuit Court retains criminal case records according to the following schedule:
- Felony Case Files: Permanently maintained. After 75 years, records may be transferred to the Wisconsin Historical Society.
- Misdemeanor Case Files: Retained for 20 years after case closure.
- Criminal Traffic Cases: Maintained for 10 years after case closure.
- Dismissed Cases: Kept for 10 years after dismissal.
- Court Recordings and Transcripts: Preserved for 10 years after case conclusion.
- Exhibits: Retained until case conclusion plus any appeal period, then returned to the submitting party or destroyed according to court order.
Law Enforcement Records Retention:
The Milwaukee County Sheriff's Office and local police departments maintain records according to these general guidelines:
- Arrest Records: Maintained for a minimum of 7 years.
- Investigation Reports for Felonies: Retained for 75 years.
- Investigation Reports for Misdemeanors: Kept for 10 years.
- Booking Photos and Fingerprints: Permanently maintained in electronic format.
- Incident Reports: Retained for 7 years.
- Body Camera and Squad Video: Preserved for a minimum of 180 days for non-evidentiary recordings; evidentiary recordings are kept until case disposition plus appeal period.
Corrections Records Retention:
- Jail Records: Maintained for 7 years after release.
- Inmate Medical Records: Retained for 7 years after release.
- Probation/Parole Records: Kept for 10 years after discharge from supervision.
Wisconsin Department of Justice Records:
The Wisconsin Department of Justice maintains criminal history information in its central repository indefinitely, unless a court order for expungement is received.
It is important to note that while physical records may be destroyed after their retention period expires, electronic indices and basic case information are often maintained permanently, particularly for felony convictions. Additionally, records that have been microfilmed or digitized may be retained longer than their paper counterparts.
Expungement of records, when granted by a court under Wisconsin Statute § 973.015, does not necessarily result in the destruction of all records but rather restricts their accessibility to the public. Law enforcement agencies may still maintain these records for their internal use.