Fond du Lac County Arrest Records
Are Arrest Records Public in Fond du Lac County
Arrest records in Fond du Lac 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 law presumes complete public access to governmental records, consistent with the conduct of governmental business.
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. 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.
Under Wisconsin law, both arrest and conviction records are generally accessible to the public, though certain exceptions may apply. The Wisconsin Department of Justice maintains policies regarding the dissemination of criminal history information, including arrest records.
Law enforcement agencies in Fond du Lac County, including the Sheriff's Office and local police departments, maintain arrest records as part of their official duties. While these records are presumptively public, access may be restricted in certain circumstances, such as ongoing investigations or cases involving juveniles.
What's in Fond du Lac County Arrest Records
Arrest records in Fond du Lac County typically contain comprehensive information about individuals who have been taken into custody. The content of these records generally includes:
Arrestee Identifying Information:
- Full legal name (including aliases or known nicknames)
- Date of birth
- Physical description (height, weight, eye color, hair color)
- Gender
- Race/ethnicity
- Home address
- Identifying marks (tattoos, scars, etc.)
- Fingerprints
- Photograph (mugshot)
Arrest Details:
- Date and time of arrest
- Location of arrest
- Arresting agency
- Arresting officer's name and badge number
- Reason for arrest
- Use of force information (if applicable)
Charge Information:
- Criminal charges filed
- Statute numbers of alleged violations
- Charge classification (felony, misdemeanor, or civil violation)
- Charge severity level
- Description of alleged criminal activity
Warrant Information (if applicable):
- Warrant number
- Issuing court
- Date issued
- Type of warrant (arrest, bench, search)
Booking Information:
- Booking date and time
- Booking number
- Processing officer information
- Property inventory
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
- Judge assigned
Custody Status:
- Current detention status
- Facility where detained
- Expected release date (if applicable)
Additional Information May Include:
- Prior arrest history
- Probation/parole status
- Risk assessment scores
- Medical or mental health alerts
- Special custody requirements
The specific content of arrest records may vary depending on the arresting agency and the circumstances of the arrest. Records maintained by the Fond du Lac County Sheriff's Office may differ slightly from those maintained by municipal police departments within the county.
How To Look Up Arrest Records in Fond du Lac County in 2026
Members of the public seeking arrest records in Fond du Lac County may utilize several methods to obtain this information. The following procedures are currently in effect:
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Submit a Public Records Request to the Fond du Lac County Sheriff's Office:
- Complete an official records request form
- Provide specific information about the record being sought
- Submit the request in person, by mail, or via email
Fond du Lac County Sheriff's Office
180 S. Macy Street
Fond du Lac, WI 54935
920-929-3370
Fond du Lac County Sheriff's Office -
Contact the Fond du Lac Police Department Records Bureau:
- Submit a records request form
- Provide identification and specify the records being requested
- Pay applicable fees for record reproduction
Fond du Lac Police Department
126 N. Main Street
Fond du Lac, WI 54935
920-322-3700
Fond du Lac Police Department Records -
Visit the Fond du Lac County Clerk of Courts Office:
- Request court records related to arrests and subsequent proceedings
- Provide case numbers or identifying information
- Pay applicable fees for document copies
Fond du Lac County Clerk of Courts
160 S. Macy Street
Fond du Lac, WI 54935
920-929-3038
Fond du Lac County Clerk of Courts -
Submit a Request to the Wisconsin Department of Justice:
- Complete a Criminal History Request form
- Provide required identifying information
- Submit payment for the background check
Wisconsin Department of Justice
Crime Information Bureau
P.O. Box 2688
Madison, WI 53701-2688
608-266-7314
Wisconsin Department of Justice
Pursuant to Wisconsin Statutes § 19.35, agencies must respond to records requests "as soon as practicable and without delay." Requesters may be required to pay the actual, necessary, and direct costs of locating and reproducing records.
How To Find Fond du Lac County Arrest Records Online
Fond du Lac County provides several online resources for accessing arrest records and related information. The following digital platforms are currently available:
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Fond du Lac County Sheriff's Office Inmate Roster:
- Visit the Fond du Lac County Sheriff's Office website
- Navigate to the "Inmate Roster" or "Jail Information" section
- Search by name to view current inmates and their charges
- Information is typically updated daily
-
Wisconsin Circuit Court Access (WCCA):
- Access the Wisconsin Court System case search portal
- Select "Circuit Court Access"
- Search by name, case number, or citation number
- View case information, including charges, court dates, and disposition
- Note that this system shows court records, not necessarily arrest records
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Wisconsin Department of Corrections Offender Locator:
- Visit the Wisconsin Department of Corrections website
- Use the "Offender Locator" tool
- Search by name or offender ID number
- View information about individuals currently under DOC supervision
-
City of Fond du Lac Police Department Records:
- Visit the Fond du Lac Police Department Records page
- Follow instructions for requesting records electronically
- Submit required information and payment through the online portal
When using online resources, users should be aware that:
- Information may not be comprehensive or complete
- Recent arrests may not appear immediately
- Some details may be redacted for privacy or security reasons
- Online records should not be considered official for legal purposes
Pursuant to Wisconsin Statutes § 19.36, certain information may be exempt from disclosure or subject to redaction, even in otherwise public records.
How To Search Fond du Lac County Arrest Records for Free?
Members of the public have several options for accessing Fond du Lac County arrest records without incurring fees. The following methods are currently available at no cost:
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Fond du Lac County Sheriff's Office Inmate Roster:
- The Sheriff's Office maintains a free online inmate roster showing current jail inmates
- Information includes name, booking date, and charges
- This resource is updated regularly and accessible 24/7
-
Wisconsin Circuit Court Access (WCCA):
- The Wisconsin Court System provides free public access to court records
- Search by name to find criminal cases resulting from arrests
- View case status, charges, court dates, and outcomes
- This system is commonly known as "CCAP" (Consolidated Court Automation Programs)
-
In-Person Record Inspection:
- Visit the Fond du Lac County Sheriff's Office during business hours
- Request to inspect specific arrest records
- Under Wisconsin Statutes § 19.35(1)(b), agencies must permit inspection of records during regular office hours
Fond du Lac County Sheriff's Office
180 S. Macy Street
Fond du Lac, WI 54935
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
920-929-3370 -
Local Newspaper Archives:
- The Fond du Lac Reporter and other local publications often report on arrests
- Public libraries provide free access to newspaper archives
- Online archives may be accessible through library websites with a library card
Fond du Lac Public Library
32 Sheboygan Street
Fond du Lac, WI 54935
920-929-7080
While inspection of records is generally free, agencies may charge for copies or certified records. Additionally, while basic searches are free, comprehensive criminal history reports from the Wisconsin Department of Justice require payment of statutory fees.
It is important to note that free resources may not provide complete information, and records may be subject to redaction or withholding pursuant to applicable exemptions under Wisconsin's Public Records Law.
How To Delete Arrest Records in Fond du Lac County
Wisconsin law provides specific mechanisms for limiting public access to arrest records under certain circumstances. The processes of expungement and record sealing are governed by state statutes and administered through the court system.
Expungement vs. Sealing:
- Expungement: The legal process of erasing or removing arrest and conviction records from public view. In Wisconsin, expungement does not physically destroy records but rather seals them from public access.
- Record Sealing: The process of restricting public access to records without completely removing them from government databases.
Under Wisconsin Statutes § 973.015, expungement may be available in the following circumstances:
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Eligibility Requirements:
- The offense was committed before the age of 25
- The maximum penalty for the offense does not exceed 6 years imprisonment
- The court determined at sentencing that expungement would benefit the person and society
- The person has successfully completed their sentence
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Process for Requesting Expungement:
- File a petition with the court that handled the original case
- Provide documentation showing completion of sentence requirements
- Attend a hearing if scheduled by the court
- Receive a court order if expungement is granted
-
Non-Conviction Records:
- For arrests that did not result in charges or convictions, individuals may petition for removal from the Wisconsin Criminal History Database
- Submit a request to the Wisconsin Department of Justice Crime Information Bureau
- Provide documentation showing the case was dismissed or resulted in acquittal
Wisconsin Department of Justice
Crime Information Bureau
P.O. Box 2688
Madison, WI 53701-2688
608-266-7314 -
Governor's Pardon:
- For convictions that do not qualify for expungement, a governor's pardon may be sought
- Pardons do not erase records but restore certain rights and may improve employment prospects
- Applications must be submitted to the Wisconsin Pardon Advisory Board
It is important to note that even when records are expunged or sealed, they may still be accessible to law enforcement agencies and certain government entities. Additionally, information that has already been published or distributed (such as news reports or third-party background check databases) may remain publicly available.
Legal assistance is strongly recommended when seeking expungement or record sealing. The State Bar of Wisconsin can provide referrals to attorneys specializing in criminal record expungement.
What Happens After Arrest in Fond du Lac County?
Following an arrest in Fond du Lac County, individuals enter a structured criminal justice process governed by Wisconsin state law and local procedures. The typical progression includes:
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Booking Process:
- Arrestee is transported to the Fond du Lac County Jail
- Personal information is recorded
- Fingerprints and photographs are taken
- Personal property is inventoried and secured
- Medical screening is conducted
- Initial custody classification is determined
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Initial Appearance:
- Occurs within 48 hours of arrest (excluding weekends and holidays)
- Judge informs the defendant of charges and constitutional rights
- Bail/bond determination is made
- Public defender may be appointed if defendant qualifies
- Preliminary hearing date is set for felony cases
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Bail/Bond Considerations:
- Cash bail may be required
- Signature bonds may be permitted for lower-risk cases
- Conditions of release may include:
- No contact with alleged victims
- Travel restrictions
- Alcohol/drug testing
- Electronic monitoring
-
Preliminary Hearing (Felony Cases Only):
- Must occur within 10 days if defendant is in custody
- Prosecution must show probable cause that a felony was committed
- If probable cause is found, 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 is set if not guilty plea is entered
- Pretrial conference may be scheduled
-
Pretrial Proceedings:
- Discovery exchange between prosecution and defense
- Motion hearings
- Plea negotiations
- Status conferences
-
Trial:
- Jury selection
- Opening statements
- Presentation of evidence
- Closing arguments
- Jury deliberation and verdict
- Bench trials (judge only) are also possible
-
Sentencing (if convicted):
- Pre-sentence investigation may be conducted
- Victim impact statements may be presented
- Judge imposes sentence based on:
- Statutory guidelines
- Criminal history
- Nature of offense
- Mitigating/aggravating factors
-
Post-Conviction:
- Incarceration in county jail or state prison
- Probation supervision
- Payment of fines and restitution
- Completion of court-ordered programs
- Possible appeal of conviction or sentence
Throughout this process, cases may be resolved through plea agreements, diversion programs, or dismissal of charges. The Wisconsin Department of Corrections oversees the supervision of individuals sentenced to probation or released from incarceration on extended supervision.
How Long Are Arrest Records Kept in Fond du Lac County?
Arrest records in Fond du Lac County are subject to retention requirements established by Wisconsin state law and administrative rules. The Wisconsin Public Records Board establishes retention schedules for various government records, including those related to law enforcement activities.
Under Wisconsin Administrative Code § Adm 12, law enforcement agencies must maintain records according to established schedules. For arrest records specifically:
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Basic Retention Requirements:
- Arrest records for adults are typically retained for a minimum of 7 years
- Records related to felony arrests may be retained for 50 years or longer
- Juvenile arrest records have different retention periods and access restrictions
- Records related to unsolved major crimes may be retained permanently
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Agency-Specific Retention:
- The Fond du Lac County Sheriff's Office maintains arrest records according to their approved records retention schedule
- Municipal police departments within the county may have slightly different retention periods
- Court records related to arrests follow judicial branch retention schedules
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Factors Affecting Retention:
- Severity of the alleged offense
- Disposition of the case (conviction, acquittal, dismissal)
- Statute of limitations for the offense
- Whether the case remains open or unsolved
- Legal holds due to appeals or post-conviction proceedings
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Electronic Records:
- Digital arrest records are subject to the same retention requirements as paper records
- Fingerprint data and photographs may be maintained in state and federal databases indefinitely
- Electronic booking information may be archived rather than deleted after retention periods expire
The retention of arrest records serves several important public purposes:
- Preserves evidence for potential future legal proceedings
- Maintains accountability in the criminal justice system
- Provides historical data for crime analysis and policy development
- Supports background checks for public safety positions
It is important to note that even after local retention periods expire, information about arrests may remain in state and federal databases, including the Wisconsin Criminal History Database maintained by the Wisconsin Department of Justice and the FBI's National Crime Information Center (NCIC).
How to Find Mugshots in Fond du Lac County
Mugshots, or booking photographs, are created as part of the arrest and booking process in Fond du Lac County. These images serve as official documentation and identification of individuals processed through the criminal justice system.
What Mugshots Are: Mugshots are official photographs taken by law enforcement during the booking process after an arrest. They typically include:
- Front-facing (portrait) view of the arrestee
- Side profile view (in some cases)
- Identifying information such as booking number and date
- Height measurement markers in the background
Where Mugshots Are Maintained: In Fond du Lac County, booking photographs are primarily maintained by:
- The Fond du Lac County Sheriff's Office for county-wide arrests
- The Fond du Lac Police Department for arrests within city limits
- Other municipal police departments for arrests in their jurisdictions
Finding Mugshots: To locate mugshots in Fond du Lac County, individuals may:
- Submit a public records request to the arresting agency
- Specify the name and date of arrest for the person in question
- Pay any applicable fees for record reproduction
Fond du Lac County Sheriff's Office
180 S. Macy Street
Fond du Lac, WI 54935
920-929-3370
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Can They Be Found Online: The Fond du Lac County Sheriff's Office currently provides limited online access to mugshots through their inmate roster. However, this typically only includes individuals currently in custody. Historical mugshots generally require a formal records request.
Obtaining Mugshots Officially: To officially request mugshots:
- Complete a public records request form
- Provide specific information about the individual
- Submit the request to the appropriate law enforcement agency
- Pay applicable fees (typically per-page copying fees)
Restrictions on Mugshot Access: Access to mugshots may be restricted in certain circumstances:
- Juvenile arrestees (under 17 years old)
- Ongoing investigations where release could compromise public safety
- Cases where charges were dismissed or the individual was acquitted
- Expunged or sealed records
Under Wisconsin Statutes § 19.36(8), certain information in law enforcement records may be withheld if disclosure would:
- Endanger an individual's life or safety
- Identify a confidential informant
- Compromise an ongoing investigation
- Reveal confidential investigation techniques
It is important to note that while mugshots are generally considered public records, their use and distribution by commercial websites has become controversial. Some states have enacted legislation restricting the commercial use of mugshots, particularly by websites that charge fees for removal.
Lookup Arrest Records in Fond du Lac County
Fond du Lac County Sheriff's Office inmate roster
Fond du Lac Police Department Records