Racine Public Records / Racine County Arrest Records

Racine County Arrest Records

Are Arrest Records Public in Racine County

Arrest records in Racine 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 Wisconsin Department of Justice affirms that arrest records maintained by law enforcement agencies are generally accessible to the public, with certain exceptions for ongoing investigations, juvenile records, and other statutorily protected information.

It is important for requesters 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, an arrest without a subsequent conviction may have different disclosure requirements and potential for expungement than records of convictions.

The Wisconsin Department of Justice's Public Records Law Compliance Guide provides comprehensive information regarding public access to law enforcement records, including those maintained by Racine County agencies. While most arrest records are public, certain information may be redacted to protect privacy interests, confidential informants, or ongoing investigations pursuant to Wisconsin Statutes § 19.36.

What's in Racine County Arrest Records

Arrest records in Racine County typically contain comprehensive documentation of an individual's interaction with law enforcement during and following an arrest. These records are maintained by various agencies including the Racine County Sheriff's Office and municipal police departments within the county. Standard arrest records include:

Arrestee Identifying Information:

Full legal name and any known aliases
Date of birth and age at time of arrest
Physical description (height, weight, eye color, hair color)
Identifying marks such as tattoos or scars
Residential address
Driver's license number (if applicable)
Fingerprints and, in most cases, photographs (mugshots)

Arrest Details:

Date, time, and location of arrest
Arresting agency and officer identification
Circumstances leading to the arrest
Whether force was used during the arrest
Whether weapons were involved or seized

Charge Information:

Criminal charges filed
Statutory citations for alleged violations
Classification of charges (misdemeanor or felony)
Description of the alleged criminal activity

Warrant Information (if applicable):

Warrant number and issuing court
Date of issuance
Judge who signed the warrant
Basis for the warrant

Booking Information:

Date and time of booking
Booking facility
Booking number or identification
Property inventory taken during booking

Bond/Bail Information:

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

Court Information:

Court of jurisdiction
Case number
Scheduled court appearances
Name of assigned judge

Custody Status:

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

Additional Information May Include:

Prior arrest history
Known associates
Vehicle information
Probation or parole status
Immigration status (if relevant)

How To Look Up Arrest Records in Racine County in 2026

Members of the public seeking arrest records in Racine County may utilize several methods to obtain this information. The county maintains current systems for public access to these records in accordance with Wisconsin's Public Records Law. Requesters may pursue the following options:

Submit a written request to the appropriate law enforcement agency:
- Prepare a detailed written request specifying the records sought
- Include the full name of the subject, date of birth, and approximate date of arrest if known
- Submit the request in person, by mail, or via email to the records division
Visit the records division in person:

Racine County Sheriff's Office
717 Wisconsin Avenue
Racine, WI 53403
(262) 636-3822
Racine County Sheriff's Office

Racine Police Department Records Bureau
730 Center Street
Racine, WI 53403
(262) 635-7725
Racine Police Department

Complete an official records request form:
- Forms are available at law enforcement agency offices
- Forms may also be downloaded from agency websites
- Submit completed forms according to the instructions provided
Provide proper identification:
- Government-issued photo identification is required when requesting records in person
- Copies of identification may be required for mailed or emailed requests
Pay applicable fees:
- Fees vary based on the type and volume of records requested
- Payment methods include cash, check, or credit card depending on the agency
- Fee waivers may be available in certain circumstances

Requesters should note that processing times vary depending on the complexity of the request and current workload of the records division. Some requests may be fulfilled immediately while others may take several days or weeks to process.

How To Find Racine County Arrest Records Online

Racine County provides several digital resources for accessing arrest records online. These electronic systems offer convenient alternatives to in-person requests. Members of the public may utilize the following online methods:

Access the Wisconsin Circuit Court Access (WCCA) portal:
- Navigate to the official WCCA website
- Select "Case Search" from the available options
- Enter the individual's name or case number
- Filter results by county (select "Racine")
- Review case information, including arrest details if available
Utilize the Racine County Sheriff's Office Inmate Lookup:
- Visit the Racine County Sheriff's Office website
- Navigate to the "Jail Division" section
- Select "Inmate Search" from the available options
- Enter the individual's name or booking number
- Review current custody status and booking information
Submit an electronic records request:
- Visit the Racine Police Department Records page
- Locate the online records request form
- Complete all required fields, including requestor information
- Specify the arrest record being sought
- Submit the form electronically
- Pay any applicable fees using the online payment system
Check the Wisconsin Department of Corrections Offender Locator:
- Navigate to the DOC website
- Select "Offender Locator" from the available options
- Enter the individual's name or DOC number
- Review information about current inmates or those under supervision

When utilizing online resources, requesters should be aware that certain information may be redacted in accordance with privacy laws and that not all arrest records are available through public-facing databases. Additionally, online systems may not contain complete arrest information, particularly for recent arrests that have not yet been fully processed in the records management system.

How To Search Racine County Arrest Records for Free?

Racine County residents and other interested parties may access certain arrest records without incurring fees through several publicly available resources. The following methods provide cost-free options for obtaining arrest record information:

Utilize the Wisconsin Circuit Court Access (WCCA) system:
- This free online resource, commonly known as CCAP, provides public access to court records
- Navigate to the Wisconsin Court System website
- Search by name, case number, or citation number
- Filter results to Racine County cases
- Review case information including charges, court dates, and disposition
Visit the Racine County Law Enforcement Center in person:

Racine County Law Enforcement Center
717 Wisconsin Avenue
Racine, WI 53403
(262) 636-3822
Racine County Sheriff's Office

Request to view public arrest logs or booking reports
Specify the date range of interest
Review records on-site without requesting copies

Access the Racine County Sheriff's Office website:
- Navigate to the Racine County Sheriff's Office website
- Check for recent arrest information in press releases or news sections
- Use the inmate lookup feature to find current custody information
Review public terminals at the Racine County Courthouse:

Racine County Courthouse
730 Wisconsin Avenue
Racine, WI 53403
(262) 636-3121
Racine County Circuit Court

Visit during regular business hours (Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM)
Use public access terminals in the Clerk of Courts office
Search for criminal cases that may contain arrest information

While these methods provide free access to view records, requesters should note that fees may still apply for obtaining copies of documents. Additionally, pursuant to Wisconsin Statutes § 19.35(3), agencies may charge the actual, necessary, and direct cost of reproduction of records, but viewing records in person typically incurs no charge.

How To Delete Arrest Records in Racine County

The process of removing arrest records from public access in Racine County involves either expungement (legal erasure) or record sealing (restricting public access). These distinct legal remedies are governed by Wisconsin state law and have specific eligibility requirements and procedures.

Expungement in Wisconsin is governed by Wisconsin Statutes § 973.015, which permits the expungement of certain records under limited circumstances. The following conditions apply:

Eligibility requirements for expungement:
- The offense must be a misdemeanor or a Class H or I felony
- The offender must have been under the age of 25 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
Process for seeking expungement:
- File a petition with the Racine County Circuit Court
- Include all relevant case information and grounds for expungement
- Provide documentation showing completion of sentence requirements
- Attend any scheduled court hearings
- If granted, obtain a certified copy of the expungement order

For cases where expungement was not ordered at sentencing, individuals may pursue record sealing through a petition for discretionary sealing. This process is more limited but may be available in certain circumstances:

File a petition with the court that handled the original case
Demonstrate compelling reasons why the record should be sealed
Show rehabilitation and the negative impact of the public record
Attend a hearing where a judge will make a determination

For arrests that did not result in charges or convictions, individuals may petition for removal from the Wisconsin Criminal History Database by contacting:

Wisconsin Department of Justice Crime Information Bureau
P.O. Box 2688
Madison, WI 53701-2688
(608) 266-7314
Wisconsin Department of Justice

Individuals with arrest records in Racine County should be aware that even if records are expunged or sealed at the county level, they may still exist in federal databases or private background check companies' records. Additional steps may be necessary to address these repositories.

What Happens After Arrest in Racine County?

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

Booking and Initial Processing:
- The arrestee is transported to a detention facility, typically the Racine County Jail
- 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
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 may be set for felony cases
Bail Determination:
- The court considers factors including:
  - Nature and severity of the alleged offense
  - Prior criminal history
  - Ties to the community
  - Risk of flight
  - Danger to the public
- Cash bail or signature bonds may be ordered
- Conditions of release may include reporting requirements or restrictions
Preliminary Hearing (Felony Cases Only):
- Held within 10 days if the defendant is in custody or 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
Arraignment:
- Formal reading of charges
- Defendant enters a plea (guilty, not guilty, no contest)
- Trial date may be set if a not guilty plea is entered
- Pretrial conference may be scheduled
Pretrial Proceedings:
- Discovery exchange between prosecution and defense
- Filing and hearing of motions
- Plea negotiations
- Status conferences to monitor case progress
Trial:
- Jury selection (unless jury trial is waived)
- Opening statements
- Presentation of evidence and witness testimony
- Closing arguments
- Jury deliberation and verdict (or judge's decision in bench trials)
Sentencing (if convicted):
- Presentence investigation may be conducted
- Victim impact statements may be presented
- Court imposes sentence which may include:
  - Incarceration
  - Probation
  - Fines
  - Restitution
  - Community service
  - Treatment programs

Throughout this process, defendants have constitutional rights including the right to counsel, the right to remain silent, and the right to a fair and speedy trial as guaranteed by the U.S. Constitution and Wisconsin law.

How Long Are Arrest Records Kept in Racine County?

Arrest records in Racine County are maintained according to Wisconsin's public records retention requirements, primarily governed by Wisconsin Statutes § 16.61 and the Wisconsin Public Records Board retention schedules. These regulations establish minimum retention periods for various categories of law enforcement records.

The retention periods for arrest records vary based on several factors:

Adult arrest records:
- Felony arrests: Typically maintained for a minimum of 75 years from the date of arrest
- Misdemeanor arrests: Generally kept for at least 10 years from the date of arrest
- Non-criminal arrests (civil violations): Usually retained for 7 years
Juvenile arrest records:
- Subject to different retention requirements under Wisconsin Statutes § 938.396
- Generally maintained until the individual reaches 25 years of age
- May be sealed or expunged earlier under certain circumstances
Booking photographs and fingerprints:
- Maintained by the Wisconsin Department of Justice Crime Information Bureau
- Retained permanently in the state's criminal history database
- Subject to removal only through formal expungement proceedings
Arrest-related documents:
- Incident reports: Typically retained for 7-10 years
- Investigation files: Usually kept for the statute of limitations period plus additional years
- Booking logs: Generally maintained for 7 years

Different agencies within Racine County may have varying retention practices within these guidelines:

The Racine County Sheriff's Office maintains records according to the county's retention schedule
Municipal police departments may follow city-specific retention policies
The Racine County District Attorney's Office maintains case files according to prosecution record retention requirements

These retention periods serve several important purposes:

Preservation of evidence for potential future legal proceedings
Documentation of law enforcement activities for accountability
Statistical analysis and crime pattern recognition
Historical documentation of criminal justice system operations

Individuals seeking information about specific record retention periods should consult the Wisconsin Public Records Board General Records Schedules or contact the specific agency that maintains the records in question.

How to Find Mugshots in Racine County

Mugshots, officially known as booking photographs, are created during the arrest booking process in Racine County. These photographs serve as official documentation of an individual's appearance at the time of arrest and become part of the arrest record. Members of the public seeking access to mugshots should understand the following information:

What Mugshots Are Booking photographs are standardized images taken by law enforcement during the booking process. These typically include front-facing and profile (side) views of the arrestee, often with identifying information such as a booking number visible in the image. Mugshots are considered official law enforcement records and are maintained as part of the booking documentation.

Where Mugshots Are Maintained In Racine County, booking photographs are primarily maintained by:

Racine County Sheriff's Office
717 Wisconsin Avenue
Racine, WI 53403
(262) 636-3822
Racine County Sheriff's Office

Racine Police Department
730 Center Street
Racine, WI 53403
(262) 635-7700
Racine Police Department

Finding Mugshots To obtain booking photographs, interested parties may:

Submit a public records request specifically requesting the booking photograph
Include the full name of the subject, date of birth, and date of arrest if known
Provide a reason for the request (though this is not legally required under Wisconsin law)
Pay any applicable fees for reproduction of the records

Can They Be Found Online Racine County law enforcement agencies do not currently maintain a public-facing database of booking photographs. Unlike some jurisdictions, Racine County does not publish mugshots on sheriff's office or police department websites as a standard practice. However, booking photos may occasionally appear:

In press releases about significant arrests
On third-party websites that aggregate mugshots from various sources
In news media coverage of arrests

Obtaining Mugshots Officially The most reliable method for obtaining an official booking photograph is through a formal public records request:

Submit a written request to the law enforcement agency that made the arrest
Specify that you are seeking the booking photograph
Provide as much identifying information as possible
Be prepared to pay reproduction fees (typically $1-5 per photograph)

Restrictions on Mugshot Access Access to booking photographs may be restricted in certain circumstances:

Juvenile arrestees (under 17 years of age) have protected records under Wisconsin Statutes § 938.396
Ongoing investigations may result in temporary withholding of booking photographs
Certain sensitive cases (e.g., sexual assault victims, undercover operations) may have restricted access
Expunged records will not include publicly accessible booking photographs

Requesters should note that while mugshots are generally considered public records in Wisconsin, their use and publication, particularly by commercial websites, has become increasingly regulated in many states.

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