Racine County Criminal Records

What Is Racine County Criminal Records

Criminal records in Racine County are official documents that chronicle an individual's interactions with the criminal justice system within the county's jurisdiction. These records are maintained pursuant to Wisconsin Statute § 19.35, which establishes the public's right to access government records. Criminal records encompass a variety of documentation related to alleged or proven violations of criminal law.

Several key distinctions exist within the criminal records system:

• Arrest vs. Conviction Records: Arrest records document when an individual is taken into custody based on probable cause but do not indicate guilt. Conviction records confirm that a court has determined the individual committed the offense.
• Felony vs. Misdemeanor: Felonies are serious crimes punishable by imprisonment exceeding one year, while misdemeanors are less severe offenses typically punishable by less than one year of incarceration.
• Adult vs. Juvenile Records: Adult records (18 and older) are generally public, while juvenile records are typically sealed under Wisconsin Statute § 938.396 to protect minors.
• Active Warrants vs. Historical Records: Active warrants indicate current orders for arrest, while historical records document past criminal justice interactions.

Multiple agencies maintain criminal records in Racine County:

Racine County Sheriff's Office
717 Wisconsin Avenue
Racine, WI 53403
(262) 636-3200
Racine County Sheriff's Office

The Sheriff's Office maintains arrest records, booking information, and jail records.

Racine County Circuit Court
730 Wisconsin Avenue
Racine, WI 53403
(262) 636-3333
Racine County Circuit Court

The Circuit Court maintains case files, court proceedings, dispositions, and sentencing information.

Wisconsin Department of Justice
17 W. Main Street
Madison, WI 53703
(608) 266-1221
Wisconsin Department of Justice

The state agency maintains comprehensive criminal history information.

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

Local police departments maintain records of arrests, incidents, and investigations within city limits.

Criminal records typically include documentation of charges, arraignments, pleas, trials, sentencing, and probation/parole information. These records serve as the official history of an individual's involvement with the criminal justice system in Racine County.

Are Criminal Records Public In Racine County

Criminal records in Racine County are generally accessible to the public under Wisconsin's Open Records Law, formally known as the Public Records Law § 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 those officers and employees who represent them." The law creates a presumption of accessibility that applies to criminal records maintained by government agencies.

The Wisconsin Supreme Court has consistently upheld the public's right to access court records, including criminal proceedings. In State ex rel. Youmans v. Owens, the court established that public records are presumed open unless there is a clear statutory exception or overriding public interest in nondisclosure.

Public criminal record information typically includes:

• Adult arrest records (after charging decisions are made)
• Court proceedings and schedules
• Criminal complaints and charging documents
• Conviction records
• Sentencing information
• Incarceration records
• Sex offender registry information

However, certain criminal records remain restricted from public access:

• Ongoing investigations where disclosure would impede law enforcement
• Records sealed by court order
• Juvenile records (with limited exceptions)
• Expunged records pursuant to Wisconsin Statute § 973.015
• Certain victim information protected under Wisconsin Statute § 950.04
• Records where privacy interests outweigh public disclosure interests

The Wisconsin Department of Justice provides guidance on criminal record access through its public records policies, which balance transparency with privacy and public safety considerations. While the presumption favors disclosure, each request is evaluated individually to ensure compliance with applicable laws and protections.

Law enforcement agencies in Racine County maintain discretion to withhold certain sensitive information when disclosure would compromise investigations, reveal confidential informants, or endanger individuals. This discretion is exercised within the framework established by state law and relevant court decisions.

How To Look Up Criminal Records In Racine County in 2026

Members of the public seeking criminal records in Racine County may utilize several established methods to access this information. The Wisconsin Public Records Law guarantees access to these records through specific procedures currently in place.

In-Person Requests at the Racine County Courthouse:

1. Visit the Racine County Clerk of Circuit Court office during regular business hours (Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM).
2. Complete a records request form, providing specific information about the case or individual.
3. Present valid photo identification.
4. Pay applicable fees for copies ($1.25 per page for regular copies, $5.00 for certified copies).
5. For extensive searches, staff may require additional time to compile records.

Racine County Clerk of Circuit Court
730 Wisconsin Avenue, Room 200
Racine, WI 53403
(262) 636-3333
Racine County Clerk of Circuit Court

Written Requests to Law Enforcement Agencies:

1. Submit a formal written request to the appropriate agency (Sheriff's Office or local police department).
2. Include specific details about the records sought (names, dates, case numbers if available).
3. Provide contact information and preferred delivery method.
4. Allow 5-10 business days for processing under standard procedures.

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

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

Wisconsin Department of Justice Background Check:

1. Access the Wisconsin Online Record Check System (WORCS).
2. Create an account or log in as a guest user.
3. Enter the required identifying information for the subject of the search.
4. Pay the required fee ($7 per name-based search).
5. Receive results electronically, typically within minutes for name-based searches.

For comprehensive criminal history information, the Wisconsin Department of Justice maintains the central repository and provides access through its Criminal Background Check services.

Requestors should note that certain records may require additional verification or may be subject to redaction based on privacy laws and ongoing investigations. Agencies typically process requests in the order received, with response times varying based on complexity and volume.

How To Find Criminal Records in Racine County Online?

Racine County offers several digital platforms that provide public access to criminal records information. These online resources allow individuals to conduct research without visiting government offices in person.

The Wisconsin Circuit Court Access (WCCA), commonly known as CCAP, serves as the primary online portal for accessing court records throughout Wisconsin, including Racine County. This system provides:

• Case search capabilities by name, case number, or citation number
• Criminal case information including charges, court dates, and dispositions
• Document filing history and case status updates
• Judgment information and sentencing details
• Links to related cases and parties

Users should note that CCAP does not include:

• Juvenile cases
• Expunged records
• Certain sealed documents
• Pre-charging investigation records

The Racine County Sheriff's Office maintains an Inmate Lookup System that provides:

• Current jail population information
• Booking photos
• Charges
• Bond amounts
• Scheduled release dates

For comprehensive criminal history information, the Wisconsin Online Record Check System (WORCS) allows users to:

• Conduct name-based criminal background checks
• Access conviction and non-conviction data
• Obtain official criminal history reports
• Pay fees electronically ($7 per name-based search)

Registration requirements vary by system:

• CCAP requires no registration for basic searches
• WORCS allows guest access but offers additional features for registered users
• The Sheriff's inmate lookup system is publicly accessible without registration

The City of Racine Police Department provides online access to:

• Accident reports
• Incident reports
• Selected police records

Users should be aware that online systems may not contain complete criminal history information. Certain records remain available only through in-person requests, particularly older records that have not been digitized or records containing sensitive information that requires redaction before release.

Can You Search Racine County Criminal Records for Free?

Wisconsin law establishes the public's right to inspect government records at no cost. Pursuant to Wisconsin Statute § 19.35(1)(a), "any requester has a right to inspect any record." This statutory provision ensures that individuals may examine criminal records without payment, though fees may apply for copies or certified documents.

Free inspection of criminal records is available at the following locations:

Racine County Courthouse - Clerk of Circuit Court
730 Wisconsin Avenue, Room 200
Racine, WI 53403
(262) 636-3333
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Racine County Clerk of Circuit Court

Racine County Law Enforcement Center
717 Wisconsin Avenue
Racine, WI 53403
(262) 636-3200
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Racine County Sheriff's Office

Several free online resources provide access to criminal record information:

• Wisconsin Circuit Court Access (CCAP) - Provides free access to court case information, including criminal cases, for all Wisconsin counties including Racine. This resource includes case types, filing dates, charges, dispositions, sentencing information, and scheduled court appearances.

• Racine County Sheriff's Office Inmate Lookup - Offers free access to current jail population information, including names, booking dates, charges, and scheduled release dates.

• Wisconsin Sex Offender Registry - Provides free public access to information about registered sex offenders residing in Racine County and throughout Wisconsin.

While inspection is free, fees apply for:

• Photocopies of records ($1.25 per page)
• Certified copies ($5.00 per document)
• Background checks through the Wisconsin Department of Justice ($7.00 per name-based search)
• Records requiring extensive redaction or research (fees vary)

Agencies may waive fees when the request serves the public interest or when the requester demonstrates financial hardship, though such waivers remain at the discretion of the records custodian.

What's Included in a Racine County Criminal Record?

Criminal records maintained by Racine County agencies contain comprehensive documentation of an individual's interactions with the criminal justice system. These records typically include several categories of information as outlined below.

Identifying Information:

• Full legal name and known aliases
• Date of birth and age
• Physical description (height, weight, eye/hair color, identifying marks)
• Booking photograph (mugshot)
• Last known address
• State Identification Number (SID)
• FBI number (if applicable)
• Fingerprint classification

Arrest Information:

• Date and time of arrest
• Arresting agency and officer
• Booking number and facility
• Charges filed at arrest
• Probable cause statement
• Bail or bond amount
• Detention facility information
• Property inventory

Court Case Information:

• Case number and filing date
• Court of jurisdiction (Circuit Court branch)
• Charging documents and criminal complaint
• Statute violations and charge classifications (felony/misdemeanor)
• Plea information
• Attorney representation details
• Pretrial motions and rulings
• Trial information (if applicable)

Disposition and Sentencing:

• Verdict or case outcome
• Conviction date (if applicable)
• Sentencing details including:
  • Incarceration length and facility
  • Probation terms and conditions
  • Fines and court costs
  • Restitution orders
  • Community service requirements
• Appeal information
• Probation/parole status and violations

Additional Information:

• Active warrants
• Protective/restraining orders
• Sex offender registration requirements
• Driving-related offenses (OWI/DUI)
• Traffic violations connected to criminal cases
• Pending charges in other jurisdictions
• Prior criminal history summary

The comprehensiveness of records varies based on case complexity and age. Recent records typically contain more detailed information due to improved digital record-keeping systems implemented by Racine County agencies. Records are maintained in compliance with Wisconsin Administrative Code § Jus 9, which governs criminal history record information standards.

How Long Does Racine County Keep Criminal Records?

Racine County maintains criminal records according to retention schedules established under Wisconsin Statute § 16.61, which governs records management for state and local agencies. These schedules vary by document type and severity of offense, ensuring proper preservation of criminal justice information.

The Wisconsin Public Records Board establishes minimum retention periods that Racine County must follow. For criminal records, these periods include:

• Felony Case Files: 75 years from case closure
• Misdemeanor Case Files: 20 years from case closure
• Criminal Traffic Cases: 10 years from case closure
• Arrest Records (no charges filed): 7 years from date of arrest
• Investigative Reports: 10 years for closed cases; permanent for homicide and sexual assault cases
• Booking Records: 7 years from release date
• Criminal Judgment Records: 75 years from judgment date
• Probation/Parole Records: 10 years after discharge from supervision
• Court Transcripts: Permanent retention for felony cases; 20 years for misdemeanors
• Evidence Records: Until case closure plus applicable statute of limitations
• Sex Offender Registration Information: Lifetime for certain offenses; otherwise varies by offense level

The Wisconsin Records Retention Schedule provides comprehensive guidance that Racine County agencies follow. These schedules represent minimum retention periods; many records are kept longer, particularly those with historical or ongoing legal significance.

Digital records management systems have expanded the county's capacity to maintain records beyond minimum requirements. The Racine County Clerk of Circuit Court and Sheriff's Office have implemented electronic document management systems that facilitate longer retention of criminal justice information.

Records may be transferred to the Wisconsin State Historical Society after their active retention period expires if they possess historical value. This transfer ensures permanent preservation of significant criminal cases that document important legal precedents or events in county history.

Expungement orders pursuant to Wisconsin Statute § 973.015 create exceptions to standard retention schedules. When a court orders expungement, records are removed from public access but may be retained in sealed form for limited law enforcement purposes.

Lookup Criminal Records in Racine County

Request police records from the Racine Police Department

Conduct a criminal background check through the Wisconsin Online Record Check System

Access criminal history information from the Wisconsin Department of Justice

Learn about public records access through the Wisconsin Department of Justice