Dane County Criminal Records
What Is Dane County Criminal Records
Criminal records in Dane County encompass official documentation of 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 framework for public records access throughout the state.
Criminal records in Dane County include several distinct categories:
- Arrest Records: Documentation of apprehensions by law enforcement agencies, which may not necessarily result in charges or convictions
- Conviction Records: Official records of guilty verdicts or pleas in criminal cases
- Felony Records: Documentation of serious crimes punishable by imprisonment of one year or more
- Misdemeanor Records: Records of less serious offenses typically punishable by less than one year of incarceration
- Adult Records: Criminal proceedings for individuals 18 and older, generally accessible to the public
- Juvenile Records: Records for offenders under 18, which are typically sealed and confidential under Wisconsin Statute § 938.396
- Warrant Information: Documentation of active warrants for arrest versus historical warrant records
Multiple agencies maintain criminal records in Dane County, each responsible for different aspects of documentation:
Dane County Sheriff's Office
115 W. Doty Street
Madison, WI 53703
(608) 284-6800
Dane County Sheriff's Office
The Sheriff's Office maintains arrest records, booking information, and jail records.
Dane County Clerk of Circuit Court
215 S. Hamilton Street, Room 1000
Madison, WI 53703
(608) 266-4311
Dane County Clerk of Courts
The Circuit Court maintains case files, dispositions, and court proceedings.
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.
Comprehensive criminal records typically include documentation of charges, arraignments, plea information, trial proceedings, sentencing details, and probation or parole status. The Dane County Circuit Court records system maintains the official court documentation for criminal cases processed through the county's judicial system.
Are Criminal Records Public In Dane County
Criminal records in Dane County are generally accessible to the public in accordance with Wisconsin's Open Records Law, formally known as the Public Records Law § 19.31-19.39. This statute establishes the presumption that government records, including criminal records, should be available for public inspection and copying.
The law specifically 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 provision creates a strong legal foundation for public access to criminal records maintained by county agencies.
However, not all criminal records are publicly accessible. Important distinctions exist regarding what information is available:
Publicly Available Records:
- Adult conviction records
- Court proceedings and case dispositions
- Booking information and mugshots
- Criminal charges filed in court
- Sentencing information
- Sex offender registry information
Restricted or Limited Access Records:
- Ongoing criminal investigations
- Records sealed by court order
- Juvenile records (with limited exceptions)
- Expunged records
- Certain victim information
- Records where disclosure would endanger public safety
The Dane County District Attorney's Office maintains prosecution records that may be subject to disclosure under the Public Records Law, though certain investigative materials may be exempt from disclosure during active cases.
Members of the public seeking criminal records should be aware that while Wisconsin law creates a presumption of openness, specific exemptions and limitations exist to protect privacy interests, ongoing investigations, and other sensitive information. Agencies may redact certain information from records prior to release in accordance with statutory exemptions.
How To Look Up Criminal Records In Dane County in 2026
Members of the public seeking criminal records in Dane County may utilize several methods to obtain this information. The county maintains multiple access points for criminal record retrieval, each serving different purposes and containing varying levels of detail.
To conduct a criminal records search in Dane County, individuals may follow these procedures:
Online Access:
- Visit the Wisconsin Circuit Court Access portal (commonly known as CCAP)
- Select "Case Search" from the available options
- Enter the individual's name or case number
- Review the results, which include criminal case information, charges, and dispositions
- Note that records date back to approximately 1984 for criminal cases
In-Person Requests:
Dane County Clerk of Circuit Court
215 S. Hamilton Street, Room 1000
Madison, WI 53703
(608) 266-4311
Hours: Monday-Friday, 7:45 AM - 4:30 PM
Dane County Clerk of Courts
- Visit the Clerk's office during business hours
- Complete a records request form, providing the subject's name and/or case number
- Pay applicable fees for copies (currently $1.25 per page for regular copies)
- For certified copies, additional fees apply
Dane County Sheriff's Office Records
115 W. Doty Street
Madison, WI 53703
(608) 284-6800
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Dane County Sheriff's Office
- Submit a public record request form in person or via mail
- Provide specific information about the record sought
- Pay applicable fees for copies and research time
- Allow processing time as specified by the department
Statewide Criminal History:
For comprehensive criminal history information beyond Dane County:
- Access the Wisconsin Online Record Check System (WORCS)
- Create an account if conducting multiple searches
- Pay the required fee (currently $7 per name-based search)
- Receive results electronically
Pursuant to Wisconsin Statute § 19.35(4)(a), agencies must respond to record requests "as soon as practicable and without delay." However, processing times vary based on the complexity of the request and agency workload.
How To Find Criminal Records in Dane County Online?
Dane County offers several online resources for accessing criminal records electronically. These digital platforms provide convenient access to various components of the criminal justice system's documentation.
The primary online resources for criminal record searches in Dane County include:
Wisconsin Circuit Court Access (CCAP)
Wisconsin Court System Case Search
This comprehensive database provides:
- Criminal case information for cases filed in Dane County Circuit Court
- Case status, charges, and disposition information
- Court dates and proceedings
- Judgment information including sentencing details
- Historical cases dating back to approximately 1984
- No registration required for basic searches
- Free public access
Dane County Sheriff's Office Inmate Lookup
Dane County Sheriff's Office
This resource offers:
- Current jail population information
- Booking details and charges
- Scheduled release dates when available
- Bail/bond information
- Daily updates
- Free public access without registration
Wisconsin Department of Justice - Wisconsin Online Record Check System (WORCS)
DOJ WORCS System
This statewide system provides:
- Criminal history information from all Wisconsin counties, including Dane
- Conviction records and pending case information
- Registration required for account creation
- Fee-based searches ($7 per name-based search)
- Results delivered electronically
- Official criminal background check documentation
Access Dane
Access Dane Portal
This county data portal includes:
- Property records that may contain criminal case liens
- Tax information potentially affected by criminal judgments
- Free access with optional registration for enhanced features
- Integrated mapping capabilities
- Mobile-friendly interface
When conducting online searches, users should note that:
- Not all criminal records are available online
- Some records may require in-person requests at the appropriate agency
- Certain case details may be redacted in online versions
- Historical records prior to digitization may have limited availability
- Case information should be verified through official sources
The online systems are regularly updated but may experience occasional maintenance periods. Users encountering technical difficulties should contact the respective agency maintaining the system.
Can You Search Dane County Criminal Records for Free?
Wisconsin law establishes the right of public access to government records, including criminal records, with provisions for free inspection under certain circumstances. According to Wisconsin Statute § 19.35(1)(a), "any requester has a right to inspect any record," though agencies may impose fees for copying and extensive search time.
Dane County offers several free options for accessing criminal records:
Free In-Person Inspection:
Dane County Clerk of Circuit Court
215 S. Hamilton Street, Room 1000
Madison, WI 53703
(608) 266-4311
Hours: Monday-Friday, 7:45 AM - 4:30 PM
- Public terminals available for searching court records
- No fee for viewing records on-site
- Staff assistance available for locating records
- Photo ID required for certain restricted records
Free Online Resources:
-
Wisconsin Circuit Court Access (CCAP)
- Completely free public access
- No registration required
- Comprehensive court case information
- Available 24/7 except during maintenance periods
- Includes criminal, civil, and traffic cases
-
Dane County Sheriff's Office Inmate Lookup
- Free access to current jail population
- No registration required
- Updated daily
- Limited to current inmates only
-
Access Dane Portal
- Free basic searches
- Property and tax records that may contain criminal case information
- Some features require registration but remain free
While inspection is free, fees may apply for:
- Printed copies of records ($1.25 per page for standard copies)
- Certified copies (additional certification fee)
- Extensive search time (if staff research exceeds a certain threshold)
- Specialized record formats or media
The Dane County public record requests system provides information about specific departmental policies regarding fees and access procedures. Requesters should note that while inspection is free, agencies may charge "the actual, necessary and direct cost" of reproduction under Wisconsin law.
For comprehensive criminal background checks, the Wisconsin Department of Justice's WORCS system charges a fee of $7 per name-based search, as this service provides official verification beyond simple record inspection.
What's Included in a Dane County Criminal Record?
Criminal records in Dane County contain comprehensive documentation of an individual's interactions with the criminal justice system. These records typically include several categories of information:
Identifying Information:
- Full legal name and known aliases
- Date of birth and age
- Physical description (height, weight, eye/hair color)
- Mugshot or booking photograph when available
- 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
- Initial charges filed by law enforcement
- Bail or bond information
- Detention facility location
- Arrest circumstances summary
Court Case Information:
- Case number and filing date
- Court of jurisdiction (specific branch of Dane County Circuit Court)
- Charges filed by the Dane County District Attorney's Office
- Statute citations for alleged violations
- Classification of charges (felony or misdemeanor)
- Plea information
- Attorney representation details
- Court appearance dates
- Pretrial motions and rulings
Disposition and Sentencing:
- Verdict or case outcome
- Conviction date (if applicable)
- Sentencing details including:
- Incarceration terms and location
- Probation conditions and duration
- Fines and court costs
- Restitution orders
- Community service requirements
- Treatment program mandates
- Appeal information
- Probation/parole status and violations
Additional Information:
- Active warrant status
- Protective or restraining orders
- Sex offender registration requirements
- DUI/OWI history
- Traffic violations connected to criminal cases
- Pending charges in other jurisdictions
- Probation/parole officer contact information
- Risk assessment classifications
The comprehensiveness of records varies based on the age of the case, the maintaining agency, and the status of the proceedings. Recent records tend to contain more detailed information due to improved digital documentation systems implemented by Dane County agencies.
Criminal records are maintained in accordance with Wisconsin's record retention schedules, with different components retained for varying periods depending on the severity of the offense and case outcome.
How Long Does Dane County Keep Criminal Records?
Dane 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 based on record type, offense severity, and case disposition.
The primary retention periods for criminal records in Dane County include:
Court Records:
- Felony case files: 75 years from case filing
- Misdemeanor case files: 20 years from case filing
- Traffic-related criminal cases: 10 years from case disposition
- Dismissed cases: 10 years from dismissal date
- Court recordings/transcripts: 10 years for misdemeanors, 75 years for felonies
- Index and docket information: Permanent retention
Law Enforcement Records:
- Arrest reports: 10 years from creation
- Investigation reports for unsolved felonies: 75 years
- Investigation reports for solved felonies: 10 years after case closure
- Misdemeanor investigation reports: 7 years after case closure
- Booking photos and fingerprints: 7 years for misdemeanors, 75 years for felonies
- Incident reports: 7 years from creation
Corrections Records:
- Inmate files for felony incarceration: 10 years after release
- Inmate files for misdemeanor incarceration: 7 years after release
- Probation/parole records: 10 years after supervision completion
Special Categories:
- Homicide case files: Permanent retention
- Sexual assault case files: 75 years
- Juvenile records: Until age 25 for most offenses, longer for serious crimes
- DNA evidence: Retained according to statute of limitations for the offense
- Expunged records: Removed from public access upon court order
The Wisconsin Public Records Board establishes these retention schedules, which Dane County agencies must follow. However, technological advancements have led to longer practical retention of digital records, even beyond minimum requirements.
It's important to note that while records may be retained for the periods specified, their accessibility to the public may be restricted by various statutes and court orders. Additionally, some historical records may have been destroyed in accordance with previous retention schedules before current digital preservation methods were implemented.
Records that have met their retention period may be destroyed through secure methods that protect confidential information, though indexes and basic case information are often retained permanently for historical and reference purposes.
Lookup Criminal Records in Dane County
Court Records | Dane County Clerk of Courts
Public Record Requests | Dane County, Wisconsin
The Dane County District Attorney's Office
Wisconsin Court System Case Search