Dane County Arrest Records
Are Arrest Records Public in Dane County
Arrest records in Dane 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 governmental records, consistent with the conduct of governmental business.
The Wisconsin Department of Justice clarifies in its Wisconsin Public Records Law Compliance Guide that arrest records maintained by law enforcement agencies, including the Dane County Sheriff's Office, are subject to disclosure under the public records law. However, it is important to distinguish between arrest records and conviction records:
- Arrest Records: Document the fact that an individual was taken into custody by law enforcement on suspicion of criminal activity. These records exist regardless of whether charges were filed or the individual was convicted.
- Conviction Records: Document that an individual was found guilty of a crime, either through trial or plea agreement.
Certain exceptions may apply to the release of arrest records, particularly when:
- The record contains information about an ongoing investigation
- Release would interfere with pending prosecution
- The record contains personally identifiable information that, if disclosed, would endanger an individual's safety
- The subject is a juvenile (subject to different confidentiality standards under Wisconsin Statutes § 938.396)
The Dane County Sheriff's Office maintains and processes requests for arrest records in accordance with these state laws and local policies.
Dane County Sheriff's Office
115 W. Doty Street
Madison, WI 53703
(608) 284-6800
Dane County Sheriff's Office
What's in Dane County Arrest Records
Dane County arrest records contain standardized information documenting the apprehension and processing of individuals taken into custody. The content of these records is governed by Wisconsin law enforcement protocols and typically includes the following categories of information:
Arrestee Identifying Information:
- Full legal name (including aliases or known nicknames)
- Date of birth
- Gender
- Race/ethnicity
- Physical description (height, weight, eye color, hair color)
- Identifying marks (tattoos, scars, or other distinguishing features)
- Home address
- Driver's license or state ID number
Arrest Details:
- Date and time of arrest
- Location of arrest
- Arresting agency and officer identification
- Reason for arrest
- Use of force information (if applicable)
- Whether medical attention was required
Charge Information:
- Criminal charges filed
- Statute or ordinance numbers of alleged violations
- Classification of offense (felony, misdemeanor, or civil violation)
- Description of alleged criminal activity
Warrant Information (if applicable):
- Warrant number
- Issuing court
- Date of issuance
- Type of warrant (arrest, bench, search)
Booking Information:
- Booking number
- Date and time of booking
- Booking facility
- Property inventory
- Fingerprint and photograph documentation
Bond/Bail Information:
- Bail amount set
- Bond type (cash, signature, property)
- Bond conditions
- Release eligibility
Court Information:
- Court of jurisdiction
- Case number
- Scheduled court appearances
- Name of assigned judge
Custody Status:
- Current detention status
- Housing location (if in custody)
- Expected release date (if applicable)
Additional Information May Include:
- Prior arrest history
- Known gang affiliations
- Probation/parole status
- Immigration holds
- Special custody requirements
- Emergency contact information
The specific content of arrest records may vary depending on the circumstances of the arrest and the policies of the arresting agency. Access to certain elements of these records may be restricted based on privacy laws and ongoing investigation exemptions under Wisconsin Statutes § 19.36.
How To Look Up Arrest Records in Dane County in 2026
Members of the public seeking arrest records in Dane County may utilize several methods to obtain this information. The county maintains a structured process for public records requests pursuant to Wisconsin's Public Records Law. Individuals may pursue the following options:
In-Person Requests:
- Visit the Dane County Sheriff's Office Records Bureau during regular business hours.
- Complete a public records request form, specifying the information sought.
- Provide proper identification (government-issued photo ID).
- Pay applicable fees for record reproduction (fees vary based on record type and format).
Dane County Sheriff's Office Records Bureau
115 W. Doty Street
Madison, WI 53703
(608) 284-6800
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Dane County Sheriff's Office
Written Requests:
- Submit a written request via mail, email, or fax to the Dane County Sheriff's Office Records Bureau.
- Include specific details about the records sought (full name of subject, date of birth, date of incident).
- Provide contact information for response.
- Include payment information for applicable fees.
Written requests may be submitted to:
Dane County Sheriff's Office Records Bureau
115 W. Doty Street
Madison, WI 53703
Email: records@danesheriff.com
Fax: (608) 284-6856
Online Requests:
- Visit the Dane County Public Record Requests portal.
- Complete the electronic request form.
- Provide all required information about the records sought.
- Submit payment for applicable fees through the secure online payment system.
For arrest records related to specific court cases, the Wisconsin Circuit Court Access (CCAP) system provides public access to court records, including information about criminal cases resulting from arrests.
Pursuant to Wisconsin Statutes § 19.35(4), record custodians must respond to requests "as soon as practicable and without delay." Complex requests may require additional processing time. Requestors may be notified of any delays and provided with an estimated completion timeframe.
How To Find Dane County Arrest Records Online
Dane County provides several digital resources for accessing arrest records and related information through official online channels. Members of the public may utilize these electronic systems to locate arrest information without visiting county offices in person:
Wisconsin Circuit Court Access (CCAP):
- Navigate to the Wisconsin Court System case search portal.
- Select "Circuit Court Access" from the available options.
- Accept the terms and conditions of use.
- Search by name, case number, or citation number.
- Review case information, including criminal charges resulting from arrests.
- Note that CCAP provides court case information, not the original arrest records.
Dane County Sheriff's Office Inmate Search:
- Visit the Dane County Sheriff's Office website.
- Locate the "Inmate Search" function.
- Enter the individual's name or booking number.
- Review current custody information, including arrest date and charges.
- Note that this system only provides information on currently incarcerated individuals.
Dane County Public Records Portal:
- Access the Dane County Public Record Requests website.
- Create an account or log in to the system.
- Submit a specific request for arrest records.
- Provide all required information about the subject.
- Pay applicable fees through the secure payment system.
- Receive electronic copies of available records.
Wisconsin Department of Corrections Offender Search:
- Visit the Wisconsin Department of Corrections website.
- Access the "Offender Search" function.
- Enter the individual's name or DOC number.
- Review information about current inmates and those under community supervision.
- Note that this system provides information on convicted offenders, not all arrests.
When utilizing online systems, users should be aware that:
- Not all arrest records are available electronically
- Some information may be redacted pursuant to privacy laws
- Records may not be immediately updated following recent arrests
- Certain sensitive cases may have restricted access
- Official record requests may still be required for complete information
Online access to arrest records is provided in accordance with Wisconsin's Public Records Law while balancing privacy considerations and the integrity of the criminal justice process.
How To Search Dane County Arrest Records for Free?
Dane County residents and members of the public may access certain arrest record information without incurring fees through several government-provided resources. The following methods allow for no-cost searches of basic arrest information:
Wisconsin Circuit Court Access (CCAP): The Wisconsin Court System provides free public access to court records, including criminal cases resulting from arrests in Dane County. Users may:
- Access the CCAP website without creating an account
- Search by name, case number, or citation number
- View case information including charges, court dates, and case status
- Access judgment information and case outcomes
- Review historical case information dating back several years
Dane County Sheriff's Office Website: The Sheriff's Office maintains a free online inmate lookup tool that provides:
- Current custody status of individuals
- Basic arrest information for those currently in custody
- Scheduled release dates when available
- Charges associated with current detention
Public Access Terminals: Free public access terminals are available at:
Dane County Courthouse
215 S Hamilton St
Madison, WI 53703
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
These terminals provide access to:
- Court records related to arrests
- Case scheduling information
- Basic defendant information
Public Libraries: Several Dane County public libraries offer free internet access where users can utilize the online resources mentioned above. Major locations include:
Madison Public Library - Central Library
201 W Mifflin St
Madison, WI 53703
(608) 266-6300
Hours: Monday-Saturday, 9:00 AM - 9:00 PM; Sunday, 1:00 PM - 5:00 PM
When utilizing free search methods, users should be aware of certain limitations:
- Information may be less comprehensive than official record requests
- Recent arrests may not appear immediately in public databases
- Certain sensitive cases may have restricted public access
- Detailed arrest reports typically require formal requests and associated fees
- Free resources generally provide case status information rather than complete arrest documentation
Pursuant to Wisconsin Statutes § 19.35(3), while examination of records is free, reproduction costs may be charged for copies of records. The law permits agencies to charge the "actual, necessary and direct cost" of reproduction and transcription of records.
How To Delete Arrest Records in Dane County
Wisconsin law provides specific mechanisms for the removal or restriction of arrest records from public access under certain circumstances. The processes of expungement (legal erasure) and record sealing (restricting public access) are governed by state statutes and require formal legal procedures.
Expungement: Expungement in Wisconsin is governed by Wisconsin Statutes § 973.015, which allows for the removal of certain records from public access. Eligibility criteria include:
- 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 for the offense 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
- Providing documentation of sentence completion
- Attending a hearing if required by the court
- Receiving a court order granting expungement
Record Sealing: While Wisconsin does not have a formal "sealing" statute, individuals may petition for removal of case information from the Wisconsin Circuit Court Access website under limited circumstances through:
- Filing a petition with the court that handled the original case
- Demonstrating that the case was dismissed or resulted in acquittal
- Showing that public access to the record is causing harm
- Obtaining a court order directing removal from public access systems
Removal from Law Enforcement Databases: Complete removal of arrest records from law enforcement databases is generally not possible in Wisconsin. However, individuals may:
- Request that records be marked as "expunged" following a court order
- Petition for correction of inaccurate information
- Apply for a Governor's pardon in exceptional cases
Legal Assistance: Due to the complexity of these processes, individuals seeking expungement or record restriction are advised to consult with:
State Public Defender's Office - Madison Office
17 S. Fairchild St., Suite 500
Madison, WI 53703
(608) 266-9150
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Dane County Bar Association Lawyer Referral Service
P.O. Box 44578
Madison, WI 53744
(608) 848-1950
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
It is important to note that even when records are expunged or removed from public access, they may still be available to law enforcement agencies and certain government entities. Additionally, information that has already been disseminated to private background check companies may persist unless specifically addressed through those companies' dispute processes.
What Happens After Arrest in Dane County?
Following an arrest in Dane County, individuals enter a structured criminal justice process governed by Wisconsin state law and local procedures. This process typically progresses through several defined stages:
Initial Custody and Booking:
- Transportation to the Dane County Jail or local holding facility
- Booking procedures including fingerprinting, photographing, and personal information collection
- Property inventory and secure storage
- Medical screening and assessment
- Initial custody classification
Dane County Jail
115 W. Doty Street
Madison, WI 53703
(608) 284-6100
Initial Appearance:
- Occurs within 48 hours of arrest (excluding weekends and holidays)
- Formal reading of charges
- Bail determination by a court commissioner or judge
- Assignment of counsel for indigent defendants
- Scheduling of preliminary hearing (for felony cases)
Preliminary Hearing (Felony Cases Only):
- Typically held within 10 days of initial appearance if defendant is in custody, 20 days if released
- Prosecution presents evidence establishing probable cause
- Judge determines if sufficient evidence exists to proceed to trial
- Case may be dismissed if probable cause is not established
Arraignment:
- Formal reading of charges in circuit court
- Defendant enters plea (guilty, not guilty, no contest)
- Trial date may be set
- Pretrial conference scheduled
Pretrial Proceedings:
- Discovery exchange between prosecution and defense
- Filing and hearing of pretrial motions
- Plea negotiations
- Evidence review and witness preparation
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):
- Pre-sentence investigation may be ordered
- Victim impact statements may be presented
- Defense presents mitigating factors
- Judge imposes sentence according to Wisconsin sentencing guidelines
- Sentencing options may include incarceration, probation, fines, restitution, or community service
Post-Conviction:
- Right to appeal within specified timeframes
- Possible post-conviction relief motions
- Supervision under probation or extended supervision if applicable
- Incarceration in county jail or state prison if sentenced to confinement
Throughout this process, cases may be resolved through plea agreements, diversion programs, or dismissal of charges. The Dane County District Attorney's Office determines whether to file formal charges based on evidence provided by law enforcement.
Dane County District Attorney's Office
215 S. Hamilton St., Room 3000
Madison, WI 53703
(608) 266-4211
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
The timeframe for case resolution varies significantly based on case complexity, court calendars, and whether the defendant is in custody or released pending trial.
How Long Are Arrest Records Kept in Dane County?
Arrest records in Dane County are maintained according to Wisconsin's public records retention requirements, primarily governed by Wisconsin Statutes § 16.61 and the Public Records Board's General Records Schedules. These regulations establish minimum retention periods for various categories of government records, including those related to law enforcement activities.
Standard Retention Periods:
Law enforcement agencies in Dane County, including the Sheriff's Office and municipal police departments, typically maintain arrest records according to the following schedule:
- Arrest Reports and Booking Information: Minimum of 7 years from date of arrest
- Investigation Files: 7-10 years for most cases; permanent retention for homicide and sexual assault cases
- Fingerprint Records: Permanent retention
- Booking Photographs: Minimum of 7 years; may be retained longer
- Incident Reports: 7-10 years from date of incident
- Juvenile Arrest Records: Subject to different retention schedules and confidentiality requirements under Wisconsin Statutes § 938.396
Court Records Retention:
The Dane County Circuit Court maintains records related to criminal cases according to the Wisconsin Circuit Court Records Retention Schedule:
- Misdemeanor Case Files: 20 years after entry of final judgment
- Felony Case Files: 50 years after entry of final judgment
- Homicide Case Files: 75 years after entry of final judgment
- Court Docket Information: Permanent retention
Electronic Records Systems:
With the transition to digital record-keeping, many arrest records are now maintained in electronic format, potentially extending their practical retention period beyond the minimum requirements. Electronic systems include:
- Records management databases maintained by law enforcement agencies
- The Consolidated Court Automation Programs (CCAP) system
- The Wisconsin Department of Justice's Transaction Information for the Management of Enforcement (TIME) system
- The FBI's National Crime Information Center (NCIC) database
Factors Affecting Retention:
Several factors may influence how long specific arrest records are maintained:
- The severity of the alleged offense
- Whether the arrest resulted in charges or conviction
- Court orders related to expungement or record sealing
- Agency-specific policies that may exceed minimum retention requirements
- Storage capacity and technological considerations
- Historical or statistical value of the records
The retention of arrest records serves multiple public interests, including:
- Preserving evidence for potential future legal proceedings
- Supporting law enforcement investigations
- Maintaining statistical data for crime analysis
- Ensuring accountability and transparency in the criminal justice system
- Facilitating background checks for public safety purposes
Individuals seeking information about specific record retention policies may contact:
Dane County Sheriff's Office Records Bureau
115 W. Doty Street
Madison, WI 53703
(608) 284-6800
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
How to Find Mugshots in Dane County
What Mugshots Are
Mugshots, formally known as booking photographs, are official photographs taken during the booking process following an arrest. These images serve as visual identification records within the criminal justice system and typically include:
- Front-facing (portrait) photograph
- Profile (side-view) photograph
- Identification information (booking number, date)
- Height measurement markers in the background
In Dane County, these photographs are created pursuant to standard law enforcement protocols and become part of the official arrest record.
Where Mugshots Are Maintained
Booking photographs in Dane County are primarily maintained by:
Dane County Sheriff's Office Records Bureau
115 W. Doty Street
Madison, WI 53703
(608) 284-6800
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Municipal police departments within Dane County may also maintain booking photographs for arrests processed through their facilities. These records are typically transferred to county-level systems for centralized management.
Finding Mugshots
Members of the public seeking access to booking photographs in Dane County may utilize several methods:
-
Public Records Requests: Submit a formal request to the Dane County Sheriff's Office Records Bureau or the arresting agency, citing Wisconsin's Public Records Law.
-
In-Person Requests: Visit the Records Bureau during business hours to complete a request form. Proper identification is required, and fees may apply.
-
Written Requests: Submit a written request via mail, email, or fax to the Records Bureau, including:
- Full name of the subject
- Date of birth (if known)
- Approximate date of arrest
- Case number (if known)
- Requestor's contact information
-
Online Requests: Complete the electronic form available through the Dane County Public Record Requests portal.
Can Mugshots Be Found Online
Unlike some jurisdictions, Dane County law enforcement agencies do not maintain public-facing online databases of booking photographs. The Wisconsin Circuit Court Access system (CCAP) does not include mugshots in its publicly accessible records. However, booking photographs may appear online through:
- Media outlets that have obtained and published them
- Private mugshot websites that aggregate booking photos from various sources
- Social media sharing of publicly released images
Obtaining Mugshots Officially
To obtain official copies of booking photographs, individuals should:
- Submit a specific request identifying the subject and approximate date of booking
- Pay applicable reproduction fees (typically $1-5 per photograph)
- Provide proper identification and complete required forms
- Specify preferred format (digital or physical copy)
Restrictions on Mugshot Access
Access to booking photographs in Dane County may be restricted under certain circumstances, including:
- Cases involving juveniles (protected under Wisconsin Statutes § 938.396)
- Ongoing investigations where release could compromise public safety
- Instances where privacy interests outweigh public interest in disclosure
- Cases where records have been expunged or sealed by court order
- Situations where release would endanger an individual's safety
Law enforcement agencies balance the public's right to information under Wisconsin's Public Records Law with privacy considerations and the integrity of the criminal justice process when responding to mugshot requests.
Lookup Arrest Records in Dane County
Public Record Requests | Dane County, Wisconsin
Wisconsin Public Records Law Compliance Guide