Juneau County Arrest Records
How To Look Up Arrest Records in Juneau County in 2026
JuneauRecords.org provides access to publicly available information related to arrest records in Juneau County, Wisconsin. Members of the public may find booking details, charge information, custody status, and associated court case data through this resource. Record categories available through official and third-party sources include arrest logs, booking records, criminal court cases, sheriff's office reports, and inmate rosters. Access and completeness of records may vary depending on the source and the disposition of the underlying case.
Records may be searched through official county resources, the Wisconsin court system's online portal, public access terminals at the courthouse, and the Sheriff's Office records division. The following sections outline available methods for locating arrest records in Juneau County.
Online Methods:
1. County Sheriff's Office Arrest Records
The Juneau County Sheriff's Office Records Division is the primary custodian of arrest and booking records generated by the Sheriff's Office. Records personnel process requests for police reports and related documentation. The division maintains booking records that include the arrestee's name, charges, booking number, and custody status. Members of the public may submit requests directly to the Records Division by visiting in person, by mail, or by phone. Records are updated as new arrests are processed and as case dispositions are entered into the records management system.
The Juneau County Jail maintains current inmate information. As stated on the official county website, "Our mission is to provide a safe, secure, and professional correctional environment for inmates, staff, and the public while ensuring compliance with all applicable laws and standards." Inmate roster information reflects current custody status and is subject to change as individuals are booked, released, or transferred.
2. Local Police Departments
Juneau County includes several municipalities with their own law enforcement agencies. The City of Mauston Police Department serves the county seat and maintains its own arrest records separate from the Sheriff's Office. Members of the public seeking arrest records from a specific municipal jurisdiction should contact the relevant police department directly. Press releases and public arrest logs may be issued periodically by local departments, though availability varies by agency.
Mauston Police Department
400 Elm Street
Mauston, WI 53948
Phone: (608) 847-6677
City of Mauston
3. County Clerk of Court Case Search
Arrest records are frequently linked to criminal court cases filed in the Juneau County Circuit Court. The Wisconsin Court System's case search portal allows members of the public to search by name, case number, or citation number to locate associated court proceedings. This tool provides access to case records from the Wisconsin Supreme Court, Court of Appeals, and all circuit courts, including Juneau County. Searching an arrestee's name through this system may reveal the court case number, charges filed, hearing dates, and case disposition.
The Juneau County Clerk of Court maintains the official written record of all court proceedings. As stated in the office's mission, "The mission of the Clerk of Courts is to facilitate the creation, maintenance, disposition, and preservation of the written record of all proceedings." Court records linked to arrests are accessible through the clerk's office for civil, criminal, family, and traffic matters.
4. State Law Enforcement Database
The Wisconsin Department of Justice maintains the state's criminal history repository, which includes arrest and conviction records from law enforcement agencies across Wisconsin. Members of the public may request a criminal history search through the Wisconsin DOJ Crime Information Bureau. A fee applies for public criminal history searches. The database includes arrest records, charges, and dispositions reported by Wisconsin law enforcement agencies and courts. Employers and licensing agencies conducting background checks may access this system under applicable state and federal law.
In-Person Access:
Sheriff's Office:
Juneau County Sheriff's Office – Records Division
200 Oak Street
Mauston, WI 53948
Phone: (608) 847-5649
Juneau County Sheriff's Office Records
- Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
- Members of the public should bring a valid government-issued photo ID and any known details about the arrest, including the subject's full name, date of birth, and approximate arrest date.
- Copy fees apply per page; the current standard rate under Wis. Stat. § 19.35 is $0.25 per page for paper copies.
Clerk of Court:
Juneau County Clerk of Court
220 East State Street
Mauston, WI 53948
Phone: (608) 847-9356
Clerk of Court – Juneau County
- Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
- Criminal case files are available for public inspection at the clerk's office.
- Copy fees are assessed per page in accordance with state statute.
By Mail:
Written requests for arrest records may be submitted to the Juneau County Sheriff's Office Records Division at 200 Oak Street, Mauston, WI 53948. Requests should include the following:
- Full legal name of the subject
- Date of arrest, if known
- Booking number, if known
- Requestor's name, mailing address, and contact information
- Payment for applicable copy fees
Processing time varies depending on the volume of requests and the complexity of the record sought.
By Phone:
- Sheriff's Office Records Division: (608) 847-5649
- Callers should have the subject's full name, date of birth, and approximate arrest date available.
- Detailed record information is not released by phone; callers may be directed to submit a written request or visit in person.
Through Legal Channels:
Attorneys may request arrest records and associated documentation through formal discovery in criminal proceedings. Subpoenas may be issued for records not otherwise available through public access channels. Records obtained through legal process may include materials not available to the general public, such as detailed investigative reports and witness statements.
Information Needed for Search:
- Full legal name (first and last at minimum)
- Date of birth or approximate age
- Approximate date of arrest
- Booking number, if known
- Jurisdiction of arrest (Sheriff's Office, municipal police department, or other agency)
Are Arrest Records Public in Juneau County
Arrest records in Juneau County are public records under Wisconsin's open records law. Wis. Stat. § 19.35 establishes that members of the public have a right to inspect and copy records maintained by government agencies, including law enforcement. Arrest records are made available to support government transparency, public safety awareness, community notification, journalistic inquiry, background screening, and legal proceedings. The presumption under Wisconsin law favors disclosure, and any denial of access must be supported by a specific legal basis.
What Arrest Information Is Public:
- Arrestee name and aliases
- Date and time of arrest
- Location of arrest
- Arresting agency
- Charges filed at time of arrest
- Booking number
- Mugshot/booking photograph
- Bond and bail information
- Current custody status
- Basic demographic information, including age and physical description
Limitations on Public Access:
- Juvenile arrest records are restricted or sealed under Wisconsin law
- Expunged arrest records are removed from public access following a court order
- Sealed records are subject to court-ordered confidentiality
- Information related to active investigations may be withheld
- Undercover officer identities are protected
- Confidential informant information is not disclosed
- Victim identifying information may be withheld in certain cases
- Witness protection participants are not identified in public records
Constitutional and Legal Basis:
Wisconsin's open records law reflects the state's constitutional commitment to transparent government. The balance between public access and individual privacy is addressed through statutory exemptions and judicial interpretation. The First Amendment supports press access to arrest information as a matter of public interest. Due process considerations inform the distinction between an arrest record and a record of conviction, as an arrest does not constitute a finding of guilt.
Who Can Access Arrest Records:
- General public
- Media organizations
- Employers, subject to restrictions under the federal Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA)
- Landlords, subject to applicable restrictions
- Licensing agencies
- Background check companies operating under FCRA compliance
- Attorneys and legal professionals
- Academic and policy researchers
Restrictions on Use:
The FCRA governs the use of arrest records in employment and housing screening. Employers and landlords must comply with applicable federal and state requirements when using arrest information in decision-making. Wisconsin does not currently have a statewide "ban the box" law applicable to private employers, though certain municipalities may have local ordinances. An arrest record does not constitute evidence of guilt, and the distinction between an arrest and a conviction is legally significant in employment and housing contexts.
What's in Juneau County Arrest Records
Arrest records maintained by the Juneau County Sheriff's Office and associated agencies contain several categories of information.
Personal Identification Information:
- Full legal name and any aliases
- Date of birth and age at time of arrest
- Sex and gender
- Race and ethnicity
- Height and weight
- Eye color and hair color
- Identifying marks such as scars or tattoos
- Address at time of arrest, which may be partially redacted
Arrest Details:
- Date and time of arrest
- Location of arrest
- Arresting agency and, in some cases, the name and badge number of the arresting officer
- Booking date and time
- Booking number or arrest number
- Warrant information, if applicable
Charges Information:
- Specific criminal charges
- Wisconsin statute numbers alleged to have been violated
- Charge descriptions and classifications, including felony degree or misdemeanor class
- Number of counts for each charge
- Domestic violence designation, if applicable
Booking Information:
- Name and location of the booking facility
- Intake timestamp
- Booking photograph (mugshot)
- Fingerprints are collected during booking but are not included in public records
Custody and Bond Information:
- Current custody status (in custody, released, or bonded out)
- Bond amount set by the court
- Bond type, which may include cash bond, surety bond, personal recognizance, or no bond
- Release date and time, if applicable
- Release conditions, if made public
Court Information:
- Court case number assigned following arrest
- Court jurisdiction
- Scheduled arraignment date
- Judge assignment, if available
What Is Typically NOT in Public Arrest Records:
- Detailed narrative of the arrest or police report
- Witness statements
- Victim identifying information
- Evidence collected during investigation
- Investigative techniques
- Medical or mental health information
- Social Security number (redacted)
- Financial account information
Difference Between Arrest Records and Related Documents:
- Police reports contain more detailed incident narratives and investigative information
- Court records document legal proceedings that occur after an arrest
- Criminal records reflect convictions and sentences imposed by a court
- Background checks compile information from multiple sources, including court records, law enforcement databases, and state repositories
How Much Does It Cost to Get Arrest Records in Juneau County?
The cost of obtaining arrest records in Juneau County is governed by Wis. Stat. § 19.35, which sets the framework for public records fees in Wisconsin. Current fees are as follows:
| Record Type | Fee |
|---|---|
| Paper copies (per page) | $0.25 |
| Certification of records | Varies by office |
| Electronic copies | May be provided at no charge or at cost of reproduction |
| Record search fee | Not permitted under Wisconsin law as a standalone charge |
- Inspection of records is available at no charge; fees apply only when copies are requested.
- Certification fees vary by office and are assessed when a certified copy is required for legal or official purposes.
- Electronic records may be provided without charge when no reproduction cost is incurred, or at the actual cost of reproduction.
- Fee waivers may be available in limited circumstances; requestors should inquire directly with the relevant office.
- Accepted payment methods at the Sheriff's Office Records Division include cash, check, and money order payable to Juneau County.
- The Wisconsin Court System's online case search portal is available at no charge for basic case lookups. Copies of court documents obtained through the Clerk of Court are subject to the standard per-page fee.
- Criminal history searches through the Wisconsin DOJ Crime Information Bureau are subject to a fee set by the Department of Justice, currently $7.00 for a public name-based search.
How To Delete Arrest Records in Juneau County
Wisconsin law provides two primary mechanisms for limiting public access to arrest records: expungement and sealing. Expungement refers to the legal erasure or destruction of a record, while sealing restricts public access without physically destroying the underlying documentation. Under Wis. Stat. § 973.015, a court may expunge a record of conviction if the offender was under 25 years of age at the time of the offense, the offense carries a maximum period of imprisonment of six years or less, and the offender successfully completes the sentence. The expungement order must be requested at the time of sentencing; it cannot be sought after the sentence is completed under current Wisconsin law for most offenses.
For arrests that did not result in conviction, individuals may petition the court to seal or expunge the arrest record. If charges were dismissed, the defendant was acquitted, or the prosecutor declined to file charges, the individual may have grounds to seek removal of the arrest record from public access. The petition is filed with the Juneau County Circuit Court, and the court evaluates the request based on the circumstances of the case.
Steps to pursue expungement or sealing in Juneau County:
- Obtain a copy of the arrest record and associated court case information from the Clerk of Court
- Confirm eligibility based on the nature of the offense, the outcome of the case, and the age of the offender at the time of the offense
- File a petition for expungement with the Juneau County Circuit Court
- Serve the petition on the District Attorney's Office, which may respond in support or opposition
- Attend the scheduled hearing before the circuit court judge
- If the order is granted, provide certified copies to the Sheriff's Office Records Division and the Wisconsin DOJ Crime Information Bureau for record updates
Juneau County Circuit Court
220 East State Street
Mauston, WI 53948
Phone: (608) 847-9356
Clerk of Court – Juneau County
Juneau County District Attorney's Office
220 East State Street
Mauston, WI 53948
Phone: (608) 847-9371
Members of the public seeking expungement are encouraged to consult with a licensed Wisconsin attorney. The Wisconsin State Law Library's Juneau County legal resources page provides referrals to legal aid organizations and self-help resources for individuals navigating the expungement process without counsel.
What Happens After Arrest in Juneau County?
Immediate Post-Arrest Process:
1. Transport to Jail
Following an arrest, the individual is transported to the Juneau County Jail, which serves as the county's primary detention facility. Transport time varies based on the location of the arrest within the county. The arrested person is handcuffed during transport and may be held briefly at the scene if investigation activities require completion before transport.
Juneau County Jail
200 Oak Street
Mauston, WI 53948
Phone: (608) 847-5649
Juneau County Jail
2. Booking Process
Upon arrival at the jail, the booking process is initiated. The process typically takes one to four hours depending on facility volume. Steps in the booking process include:
- Recording of personal identification information
- Advisement of Miranda rights, if not previously given
- Booking photograph (mugshot)
- Collection of fingerprints
- Criminal history check
- Outstanding warrants check
- Inventory and storage of personal property
- Exchange of personal clothing for jail-issued clothing
- Medical screening
- Brief mental health screening
- Housing classification based on charges and risk assessment
3. First Appearance/Initial Hearing
Under Wisconsin law, an arrested individual must be brought before a judge or court commissioner within 48 hours of arrest for an initial appearance. At this hearing:
- The individual is formally notified of the charges
- The right to appointed counsel is addressed for those who qualify based on financial need
- Bond or bail is determined
- Rights are explained
Initial appearances in Juneau County may be conducted in person or via video conference. Court schedules are available through the Wisconsin Court System case search.
Bond/Bail Process:
Types of Bond:
Cash Bond:
- The full bond amount must be paid in cash or certified funds
- The amount is refunded at the conclusion of the case, minus applicable fees
- The amount is set by the presiding judge or court commissioner
Surety Bond:
- A licensed bail bondsman posts the full bond amount on behalf of the defendant
- The defendant pays a non-refundable premium, which is set by state regulation
- The bondsman assumes financial responsibility for the defendant's appearance
Personal Recognizance (PR Bond):
- The defendant is released on a written promise to appear at all court dates
- No monetary payment is required
- Eligibility is based on community ties, employment history, criminal history, the nature of the charges, and assessed flight risk
No Bond:
- The individual is held without the possibility of release on bond
- Grounds include serious violent offenses, demonstrated flight risk, danger to the community, probation or parole violations, immigration holds, or out-of-state warrants
Conditions of Release:
Conditions imposed at the time of release may include:
- Regular check-in with pretrial services
- Travel restrictions
- No-contact orders
- Drug and alcohol testing
- GPS monitoring
- Pretrial supervision requirements
4. Release or Continued Detention
If Bond Is Posted:
- Processing for release typically takes one to eight hours
- Personal property is returned
- The defendant receives written notice of upcoming court dates
- Written conditions of release are provided
- Failure to appear results in bond forfeiture and issuance of an arrest warrant
If Bond Is Not Posted:
- The individual remains in custody at the Juneau County Jail
- A housing assignment is made based on classification
- Inmate orientation is conducted
- Commissary account setup, phone privileges, and visitation schedules are explained
Accessing Legal Representation:
Public Defender:
Individuals who cannot afford private counsel may apply for representation through the Wisconsin State Public Defender's Office. Eligibility is based on income. The application is submitted at or before the initial appearance.
Wisconsin State Public Defender – District 9 (Juneau County)
Phone: (608) 266-0087
Wisconsin State Public Defender
Private Attorney:
Defendants have the right to retain private counsel at any stage of the proceedings. The State Bar of Wisconsin provides a lawyer referral service for individuals seeking private representation. Attorney visits at the Juneau County Jail are conducted in a confidential setting.
Charging Decision:
Prosecutor's Review:
The Juneau County District Attorney's Office reviews the arrest and determines whether to file formal charges. The review typically occurs within days of the arrest. The prosecutor may file formal charges, request additional investigation, decline to prosecute, or file charges different from those listed at booking.
Arraignment:
Following the filing of charges, the defendant is arraigned in the Juneau County Circuit Court. At arraignment:
- Charges are formally read
- The defendant enters a plea of not guilty, guilty, or no contest
- Additional court dates are scheduled
- Most defendants enter a not guilty plea at arraignment to preserve time for case review
Court Process Overview:
Pretrial Phase:
Discovery involves the exchange of evidence between the prosecution and defense, including police reports, witness statements, physical evidence, and audio or video recordings.
Pretrial motions may include motions to suppress evidence, motions to dismiss, and motions for additional discovery. Hearings are scheduled by the court.
Pretrial conferences bring together the attorneys and the judge to discuss case resolution, plea negotiations, and trial readiness.
Plea negotiations may result in an offer from the prosecutor for reduced charges or a recommended sentence. The defendant decides whether to accept the offer or proceed to trial.
Case Resolution Options:
Dismissal: Charges may be dropped due to insufficient evidence, witness unavailability, or legal deficiencies in the case. A dismissal may support a petition for expungement.
Diversion Programs: Eligible defendants may participate in pretrial intervention, drug court, mental health court, or veterans court. Successful completion results in dismissal of charges.
Plea Agreement: The defendant accepts a guilty or no contest plea to agreed-upon charges, and a sentencing hearing is scheduled.
Trial: The defendant may elect a jury trial or a bench trial. The prosecution presents its case, followed by the defense. A verdict of guilty or not guilty is returned. If guilty, a sentencing hearing is scheduled.
Sentencing (If Convicted):
The judge imposes a sentence that may include incarceration, probation, fines, restitution, community service, treatment requirements, or a combination of these. Credit is applied for time served in pretrial detention. The defendant is advised of appeal rights at sentencing.
Timeline Overview:
- Arrest to first appearance: Within 48 hours
- First appearance to arraignment: Days to several weeks
- Arraignment to trial or resolution: Several months, depending on case complexity
- Misdemeanors: Resolved within weeks to a few months in many cases
- Felonies: May take six months to over a year depending on complexity
- Wisconsin's right to a speedy trial is established under Article I, Section 7 of the Wisconsin Constitution
Rights Throughout the Process:
- Right to remain silent
- Right to an attorney
- Right to a speedy trial
- Right to confront witnesses
- Right to present a defense
- Right against self-incrimination
- Right to appeal a conviction
Important Contacts:
Sheriff's Office (Jail):
Juneau County Sheriff's Office
200 Oak Street
Mauston, WI 53948
Phone: (608) 847-5649
Juneau County Sheriff's Office
Clerk of Court:
Juneau County Clerk of Court
220 East State Street
Mauston, WI 53948
Phone: (608) 847-9356
Clerk of Court – Juneau County
District Attorney's Office:
Juneau County District Attorney's Office
220 East State Street
Mauston, WI 53948
Phone: (608) 847-9371
Public Defender's Office:
Wisconsin State Public Defender
Phone: (608) 266-0087
Wisconsin State Public Defender
What to Do If Arrested:
- Remain calm and cooperative with law enforcement
- Do not physically resist arrest
- Exercise the right to remain silent by politely declining to answer questions
- Request an attorney immediately and do not discuss the case until counsel is present
- Do not discuss the case with other inmates, family members, or anyone other than an attorney
- Contact family or friends who may assist with bail
- Attend all scheduled court dates without exception
- Comply with all conditions of release
How Long Are Arrest Records Kept in Juneau County?
Records Retention Overview:
Retention of arrest records in Juneau County is governed by Wisconsin's public records law and the state's general records retention schedules established by the Wisconsin Public Records Board. Under Wis. Stat. § 19.21, government agencies are required to maintain records in accordance with approved retention schedules and may not destroy records without authorization. The Wisconsin Public Records Board publishes retention schedules applicable to law enforcement and court records.
Arrest Records Retention by Type:
Active Arrest Records (Conviction Resulted):
Felony Convictions:
- Retained permanently by the Sheriff's Office, Clerk of Court, and the Wisconsin DOJ Criminal History Repository
- Maintained in the FBI's National Crime Information Center (NCIC) and Interstate Identification Index (III) indefinitely
- Accessible to law enforcement agencies nationwide
Misdemeanor Convictions:
- Retained permanently in most cases by local law enforcement and the state repository
- Court records are maintained permanently in electronic form
- Local law enforcement retention follows the Wisconsin Public Records Board schedule
Arrest Records (No Conviction):
Dismissed Charges:
- Local law enforcement records are retained for a period determined by the applicable retention schedule, which may be several years
- Court records may be retained permanently in electronic form
- Records may remain accessible unless expunged by court order
Acquittals (Not Guilty):
- Local law enforcement records are retained per the applicable schedule
- Court records are often retained permanently
- Individuals may petition for expungement of the underlying arrest record
Charges Not Filed:
- Booking records are retained for a period set by the retention schedule
- Individuals may be eligible to seek removal of the arrest record through a court petition
Digital vs. Physical Records:
Physical Records:
- Booking paperwork, fingerprint cards, and photographs are retained per the Wisconsin Public Records Board schedule
- Evidence retention varies based on case outcome and the nature of the offense
Digital Records:
- Computer-aided dispatch (CAD) records and records management system entries are often retained for extended periods
- Court electronic records are maintained permanently in the Wisconsin Court System's database
- Mugshot databases maintained by third parties may retain records indefinitely and are not subject to law enforcement retention schedules
Third-Party Databases:
- Commercial background check companies may retain arrest records indefinitely
- These databases are not controlled by law enforcement and may not reflect expungements or dismissals
- The FCRA requires that consumer reporting agencies maintain accurate and current information
Retention by Agency:
Sheriff's Office:
Juneau County Sheriff's Office – Records Division
200 Oak Street
Mauston, WI 53948
Phone: (608) 847-5649
Sheriff's Office Records
- Booking records and arrest reports are retained per the Wisconsin Public Records Board law enforcement retention schedule
- Investigative files are retained based on the nature and disposition of the case
Clerk of Court:
Juneau County Clerk of Court
220 East State Street
Mauston, WI 53948
Phone: (608) 847-9356
Clerk of Court – Juneau County
- Felony case files are retained permanently
- Misdemeanor and traffic case files are retained per the applicable court records retention schedule
- Electronic records are maintained permanently in the Wisconsin Court System's database
State Repository:
The Wisconsin Department of Justice Crime Information Bureau maintains the state's criminal history repository, which includes arrest and disposition records from all Wisconsin law enforcement agencies. Retention at the state level follows DOJ policy and applicable state law. The repository is accessible to law enforcement statewide and to authorized entities conducting background checks.
FBI Database:
The FBI's NCIC and Interstate Identification Index retain records from Wisconsin law enforcement agencies. Federal retention is permanent for most records. These databases are accessible to law enforcement agencies nationwide and are used in employment background checks for positions requiring federal clearance, firearms purchases, and other regulated activities.
Effect of Disposition on Retention:
Conviction: Records are retained permanently in most databases and appear on background checks indefinitely.
Dismissal: Records may remain in databases unless expunged. Dismissed charges are not reported as convictions on background checks, though the arrest itself may appear.
Expungement: Following a court order, local records are sealed or destroyed, and the state repository updates its records. The FBI database may retain a notation of the expungement. The timeframe for removal from all systems varies.
No Charges Filed: Booking records are subject to the shortest retention periods and may be purged automatically after the applicable retention period expires.
Accessing Historical Arrest Records:
- Recent arrests are accessible online through the Sheriff's Office and the Wisconsin Court System case search portal
- Older arrests may require an in-person request to the Records Division and may involve a retrieval fee
- Very old records may not be digitized and may exist only in paper form in the county archives; some records may have been destroyed per the applicable retention schedule
Impact on Background Checks:
Under the FCRA, most employment background checks cover a seven-year period for non-conviction records. Convictions may be reported indefinitely. Wisconsin law does not currently impose a shorter reporting period for convictions. Arrests without conviction may not be used as the sole basis for adverse employment decisions in certain contexts, and employers must comply with applicable equal employment opportunity guidance.
How to Check Retention Status:
Members of the public seeking information about the retention status of a specific arrest record may contact the Juneau County Sheriff's Office Records Division at (608) 847-5649 or submit a written public records request. Fees may apply for copies of records provided in response to the request.