Fond du Lac County Public Records /Fond du Lac County Criminal Records

Fond du Lac County Criminal Records

What Is Fond du Lac County Criminal Records

Criminal records in Fond du Lac County encompass official documentation of an individual's interactions with the criminal justice system within the county's jurisdiction. These records serve as the official history of arrests, charges, court proceedings, and dispositions maintained by various law enforcement and judicial agencies throughout Fond du Lac County.

Criminal records are categorized by several important distinctions:

Arrest vs. Conviction Records: Arrest records document when an individual is taken into custody by law enforcement, while conviction records indicate that a court has found the individual guilty of a criminal offense. Pursuant to Wisconsin Statute § 19.35, both types of records are generally considered public information, though with certain exceptions.
Felony vs. Misdemeanor: Felonies represent more serious offenses punishable by imprisonment exceeding one year, while misdemeanors are less severe crimes typically punishable by less than one year of incarceration. The Wisconsin Criminal Code § 939.60 establishes this classification system.
Adult vs. Juvenile Records: Records for individuals 18 and older are generally public, while juvenile records (under 18) are typically sealed and confidential under Wisconsin Statute § 938.396, with limited exceptions for serious offenses.
Active Warrants vs. Historical Records: Active warrants indicate current orders for arrest, while historical records document past criminal justice interactions.

Several agencies maintain criminal records in Fond du Lac County:

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

The Sheriff's Office maintains arrest records, booking information, and the inmate roster for the county jail.

Fond du Lac County Circuit Court
160 S. Macy Street
Fond du Lac, WI 54935
920-929-3040
Fond du Lac County Circuit Court

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

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 for the entire state, including Fond du Lac County.

Criminal records typically include documentation of:

Arrests and bookings
Formal charges filed
Arraignments and initial appearances
Plea agreements
Trial proceedings and outcomes
Sentencing information
Probation and parole status
Incarceration details

Are Criminal Records Public In Fond du Lac County

Criminal records in Fond du Lac County are generally public information 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 accessible to the public.

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 underscores Wisconsin's commitment to governmental transparency, including in matters of criminal justice.

Public criminal records in Fond du Lac County typically include:

Adult arrest records
Court case information for adults
Conviction records
Sentencing information
Incarceration records
Court proceedings and schedules
Criminal complaints and charging documents

However, certain categories of criminal records remain restricted from public access:

Active and ongoing criminal investigations
Records sealed by court order
Juvenile records (with limited exceptions for serious offenses)
Expunged records
Records where disclosure would endanger public safety
Records where privacy interests outweigh public interest in disclosure
Certain victim information, particularly in sensitive cases

The Wisconsin Department of Justice provides guidance on public records access through its Public Records Law Compliance Guide, which clarifies that while criminal records are generally public, specific exemptions exist to protect privacy, ongoing investigations, and other sensitive information.

Law enforcement agencies and courts in Fond du Lac County maintain discretion to withhold certain information when disclosure would compromise investigations, violate privacy rights, or endanger public safety. This discretion is exercised in accordance with statutory exemptions and relevant case law interpreting the Public Records Law.

How To Look Up Criminal Records In Fond du Lac County in 2026

Members of the public seeking criminal records in Fond du Lac County may utilize several methods to access this information. The county provides multiple avenues for record retrieval, both in-person and through electronic means.

For in-person requests at the Fond du Lac County Sheriff's Office:

Visit the Records Division during regular business hours (Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM).
Complete a public records request form, available at the counter.
Provide specific information about the record being sought (name, date of birth, case number if available).
Present valid photo identification.
Pay applicable fees for copies (currently $0.25 per page for standard copies).
Allow processing time, which varies based on request complexity.

Fond du Lac County Sheriff's Office Records Division
180 S. Macy Street
Fond du Lac, WI 54935
920-929-3370
Fond du Lac County Sheriff's Office

For court records at the Fond du Lac County Circuit Court:

Visit the Clerk of Courts office during regular business hours (Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM).
Request assistance from court staff to locate specific case files.
Provide case number or name information for the search.
Review records on-site or request copies at the established fee schedule.
For certified copies, additional fees apply.

Fond du Lac County Clerk of Circuit Court
160 S. Macy Street
Fond du Lac, WI 54935
920-929-3040
Fond du Lac County Clerk of Courts

For written requests by mail:

Prepare a written request clearly stating the specific records sought.
Include requestor's full name, contact information, and mailing address.
Provide as much identifying information as possible about the subject of the search.
Enclose a self-addressed stamped envelope for response.
Include payment for applicable fees (contact the specific agency for current fee schedule).
Mail to the appropriate agency (Sheriff's Office or Clerk of Courts).

For comprehensive criminal history information:

Submit a request to the Wisconsin Department of Justice through the Wisconsin Online Record Check System.
Create an account if not already registered.
Provide required information about the subject of the search.
Pay the required fee (currently $7 per name-based search).
Receive results electronically, typically within 1-3 business days.

Requests must comply with Wisconsin Public Records Law and may be subject to review to ensure compliance with privacy protections and statutory exemptions.

How To Find Criminal Records in Fond du Lac County Online?

Fond du Lac County residents and interested parties can access various criminal records through several online portals maintained by county and state agencies. These digital resources provide convenient access to public information without requiring in-person visits to government offices.

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

Case search capabilities by name, case number, or citation number
Access to criminal, traffic, and civil case information
Court calendars and scheduled hearings
Case status and disposition information
Document filing dates and case history
Judgment and sentencing details

Users should note that CCAP does not require registration for basic searches, though certain advanced features may require user accounts. The system is updated regularly but may experience delays of 24-48 hours for new case information.

The Fond du Lac County Sheriff's Office Inmate Roster provides current information about individuals currently held in the county jail, including:

Inmate name and booking information
Charges and case numbers
Bond information
Scheduled court appearances
Custody status

For comprehensive criminal history information, the Wisconsin Online Record Check System (WORCS) maintained by the Wisconsin Department of Justice allows users to:

Conduct name-based criminal background checks
Access state-maintained criminal history information
Obtain official criminal history reports
View conviction and non-conviction data as permitted by law

WORCS requires user registration and payment of fees for each search conducted. The system provides official criminal history information maintained at the state level, which may be more comprehensive than county-level records alone.

Additionally, the Wisconsin Sex Offender Registry provides information about registered sex offenders residing in Fond du Lac County, including:

Offender names and photographs
Residential addresses (when disclosure is permitted)
Conviction information
Registration status and compliance information

Users should be aware that online systems may not contain complete criminal history information, as certain records may be sealed, expunged, or otherwise restricted from public view. For the most comprehensive record searches, combining online resources with in-person requests may be necessary.

Can You Search Fond du Lac County Criminal Records for Free?

Fond du Lac County provides several options for members of the public to access criminal records without charge, in accordance with Wisconsin's Public Records Law § 19.35(1), which states that "any requester has a right to inspect any record." The statute permits agencies to charge only the "actual, necessary and direct cost" of reproduction, but inspection itself is generally free.

Free in-person inspection of criminal records is available at:

Fond du Lac County Clerk of Circuit Court
160 S. Macy Street
Fond du Lac, WI 54935
920-929-3040
Fond du Lac County Clerk of Courts
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM

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
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM

Several online resources also provide free access to criminal record information:

The Wisconsin Circuit Court Access (CCAP) portal offers free searches of court records, including criminal cases, for all Wisconsin counties including Fond du Lac. This comprehensive database includes case information, charges, court dates, judgments, and sentencing information.
The Fond du Lac County Sheriff's Office Inmate Roster provides free access to current jail population information, including inmate names, charges, and booking dates.
The Wisconsin Sex Offender Registry allows free searches for registered sex offenders residing in Fond du Lac County.

While inspection and basic online searches are free, fees may apply for:

Printed copies of records (typically $0.25 per page)
Certified copies of court documents (additional certification fee)
Comprehensive criminal history reports through the Wisconsin Department of Justice
Records requiring extensive redaction or special processing
Specialized searches requiring staff research time

Requesters should note that while inspection is free, agencies may charge for the actual cost of locating records if the cost exceeds $50, as permitted under Wisconsin Public Records Law. Additionally, certain specialized criminal history searches through the Wisconsin Department of Justice's WORCS system require payment of statutory fees.

What's Included in a Fond du Lac County Criminal Record?

Criminal records maintained by Fond du Lac County agencies typically contain comprehensive information documenting an individual's interactions with the criminal justice system. These records are structured to provide a complete overview of criminal history and case progression.

Identifying Information:

Full legal name and known aliases
Date of birth and age
Physical description (height, weight, eye and hair color)
Mugshot or booking photograph
Last known address
State Identification Number (SID)
FBI number (if applicable)
Fingerprint classification

Arrest Information:

Date and time of arrest
Arresting agency and officer information
Booking number and processing details
Initial charges filed at arrest
Bail or bond amount and status
Detention facility information
Arrest circumstances and incident reports

Court Case Information:

Case number and filing date
Court of jurisdiction (Circuit Court branch)
Judge assigned to the case
Formal charges filed by the District Attorney
Statutory citations and offense classifications (felony/misdemeanor)
Plea information and date
Defense attorney information
Prosecutor information
Pre-trial motions and rulings
Court appearance dates and outcomes

Disposition and Sentencing:

Verdict or case outcome
Conviction date (if applicable)
Dismissed or amended charges
Sentencing details, including:
- Incarceration terms and location
- Probation conditions and duration
- Fines and court costs imposed
- Restitution orders
- Community service requirements
- Treatment program mandates
Appeal information (if applicable)
Probation/parole status and violations
Sentence completion date

Additional Information:

Active warrants or pending charges
Protective or restraining orders
Sex offender registration requirements
Habitual offender status
DUI/OWI history
Traffic violations connected to criminal cases
Probation/parole officer contact information
Corrections facility assignment

The comprehensiveness of criminal records may vary based on case complexity, age of records, and the maintaining agency. Records maintained by the Wisconsin Department of Justice may contain additional information from state and federal databases not available in county-level records.

Users of criminal record information should note that pursuant to Wisconsin Statute § 111.335, certain limitations exist regarding the use of criminal records for employment, housing, and licensing decisions, particularly for arrests not resulting in conviction or for expunged records.

How Long Does Fond du Lac County Keep Criminal Records?

Fond du Lac County maintains criminal records according to retention schedules established by the Wisconsin Public Records Board under authority granted by Wisconsin Statute § 16.61. These schedules determine how long various types of criminal records must be preserved before they may be destroyed or transferred to archival storage.

The retention periods for criminal records in Fond du Lac County vary by document type and severity of offense:

Felony Case Files: Felony case records are typically retained for 75 years from the date of case closure. For homicide cases and other serious violent felonies, records are maintained permanently.
Misdemeanor Case Files: Records for misdemeanor cases are generally retained for 20 years after case disposition.
Traffic and Ordinance Violations: These records are typically kept for 5-10 years, depending on the nature of the violation.
Arrest Records: The Fond du Lac County Sheriff's Office maintains arrest records for a minimum of 10 years, with records involving serious offenses kept for longer periods.
Booking Photos and Fingerprints: These identification records are typically retained for the same duration as the corresponding case files.
Court Transcripts and Recordings: Official court proceedings are preserved according to case type, with felony proceedings kept for 75 years and misdemeanor proceedings for 20 years.
Probation and Parole Records: These records are maintained for 10 years after the completion of supervision.
Warrant Information: Active warrants remain in the system until served or recalled by the court. Records of executed or expired warrants are retained for 10 years.
Juvenile Records: Pursuant to Wisconsin Statute § 938.355(4m), juvenile records may be eligible for expungement when the individual reaches 17 years of age, depending on the offense and compliance with court orders.

The Wisconsin Supreme Court's Record Retention Schedule provides detailed guidance for court records, while law enforcement agencies follow schedules established by the Wisconsin Department of Administration's Public Records Board.

It is important to note that even after the official retention period expires, information about criminal cases may persist in various databases, news archives, and third-party background check services. Additionally, certain records, particularly those involving serious felonies, may be transferred to the Wisconsin State Historical Society for permanent preservation rather than being destroyed.

Lookup Criminal Records in Fond du Lac County

Fond du Lac County Sheriff's Office Inmate Roster

Wisconsin Court System Case Search

Wisconsin Department of Justice

Wisconsin Online Record Check System