Juneau County Criminal Records
How To Look Up Criminal Records In Juneau County in 2026
Members of the public seeking criminal records in Juneau County may access publicly available information through official government channels, online portals, and in-person requests. JuneauRecords.org provides a directory of resources to assist individuals in locating publicly available criminal record information maintained by county, state, and court agencies. Records accessible through these channels may include, but are not limited to, the following categories:
- Arrest records and booking information
- Circuit court case filings and dispositions
- Felony and misdemeanor conviction records
- Warrant information
- Sex offender registration data
- Jail and inmate records
- Court-ordered probation and sentencing details
Records can be searched through official government resources, clerk offices, public access terminals, and online tools. The following five methods outline the primary avenues available to members of the public.
1. County Court Records
The Juneau County Circuit Court, administered through the Clerk of Court's office, maintains the official written record of all criminal proceedings filed within the county. Members of the public may appear in person to inspect court records during regular business hours. Requestors are advised to bring the subject's full legal name, date of birth, and, where available, a case number. Public access terminals are available at the courthouse for self-service searches at no charge.
Juneau County Clerk of Court
200 Oak Street, Room 3
Mauston, WI 53948
Phone: (608) 847-9300
Clerk of Court – Juneau County, WI
2. Sheriff's Office
The Juneau County Sheriff's Office maintains arrest logs, booking records, and jail inmate information. Records personnel process requests for police reports pursuant to the Wisconsin Open Records Law. Requestors may submit requests in person or in writing. Fees may apply for copies of reports.
Juneau County Sheriff's Office
200 Oak Street
Mauston, WI 53948
Phone: (608) 847-5649
Sheriff's Office – Juneau County, WI
3. Online Court Search
The Wisconsin Court System provides a statewide public case search portal through which members of the public may search circuit court records by name, case number, or citation number. The portal covers cases from the Wisconsin Supreme Court, Court of Appeals, and all circuit courts, including Juneau County. Users should note that not all historical records are available online, and sealed or expunged records do not appear in search results.
4. State Criminal History Repository
The Wisconsin Department of Justice maintains the state's criminal history repository. Public access to criminal history record information is provided through the Wisconsin Online Record Check System (WORCS). Formal background check requests may require fingerprint submission, applicable fees, and processing time that varies by request type.
5. Written and Mail Requests
Members of the public may submit written requests for court records to the Juneau County Clerk of Court at 200 Oak Street, Room 3, Mauston, WI 53948. Requests should include the subject's full name, date of birth, and the type of record sought. Under Wis. Stat. § 19.35, custodians are required to respond to open records requests within a reasonable time.
What Is Juneau County Criminal Record
A criminal record in Juneau County is an official compilation of documented interactions between an individual and the criminal justice system, encompassing records created and maintained by law enforcement agencies, the circuit court, and the state criminal history repository. Under Wisconsin law, a criminal record may include charges filed, arraignment proceedings, plea agreements, trial outcomes, sentencing orders, and probation or parole status.
Several distinctions govern the nature and accessibility of criminal records:
- Arrest records vs. conviction records: An arrest record documents that an individual was taken into custody; a conviction record reflects a formal finding of guilt by a court of law. An arrest without a subsequent conviction does not constitute a criminal conviction.
- Felony vs. misdemeanor records: Felony offenses carry more severe penalties and are classified under Wisconsin law by letter grade (Class A through Class I). Misdemeanor offenses are less severe and classified as Class A, B, or C misdemeanors.
- Adult vs. juvenile records: Records pertaining to individuals adjudicated as juveniles are subject to confidentiality protections and are not accessible to the general public in the same manner as adult records.
- Active warrants vs. historical records: Active warrants reflect outstanding court orders for an individual's arrest, while historical records document past criminal justice involvement.
The agencies responsible for maintaining criminal records in Juneau County include the Juneau County Sheriff's Office (arrest records and jail records), the Juneau County Circuit Court through the Clerk of Court (court records, case files, and dispositions), the Wisconsin Department of Justice (state criminal history repository), and local municipal police departments. Records are created at the point of arrest and updated as a case progresses through the criminal justice system, from initial charging through final disposition.
Are Criminal Records Public In Juneau County
Criminal records in Juneau County are subject to public disclosure under Wisconsin's open records law. Pursuant to Wis. Stat. § 19.31, the legislature has declared that "the public is entitled to the greatest possible information regarding the affairs of government and the official acts of those officers and employees who represent them." This statutory presumption of openness applies to criminal court records, arrest logs, and conviction information maintained by county agencies.
Adult conviction records, court proceedings, and case dispositions are accessible to members of the public. However, certain categories of records are restricted from public disclosure:
- Ongoing criminal investigations where disclosure would compromise law enforcement operations
- Sealed court records ordered closed by a judge
- Expunged records, which are removed from public access upon court order
- Juvenile adjudication records, which are confidential under Wis. Stat. § 938.396
- Victim and witness identifying information in certain cases
- Records subject to federal privacy protections
As stated by the Wisconsin Department of Justice, "public access to criminal history record information is provided through the Wisconsin Online Record Check System (WORCS)," reflecting the state's commitment to transparency in criminal justice records while maintaining defined statutory protections.
How To Find Criminal Records in Juneau County Online
Official County Resources
The Juneau County Clerk of Court provides information on the court records request process, including case types available and applicable fees. The office handles civil, criminal, family, small claims, and traffic cases. Members of the public may also access Juneau County Sheriff's Office records for police reports and arrest information processed under the Wisconsin Open Records Law.
State-Level Resources
The Wisconsin Court System's public case search portal allows members of the public to search circuit court records statewide, including Juneau County cases. The Wisconsin Department of Justice provides access to criminal history background checks through the WORCS portal.
Search Tips
- Search using the subject's full legal name and any known aliases
- Case number searches yield the most precise results
- Cross-reference multiple databases to obtain a complete picture
- Be aware that records older than the digitization cutoff may not appear online
- Sealed and expunged records will not appear in any public search result
Limitations
Online databases may reflect a data lag of several days to weeks following a court event. Historical records predating electronic filing systems may not be available through online portals and may require in-person requests. Online searches do not substitute for official certified background checks required for employment, licensing, or housing purposes.
Can You Search Juneau County Criminal Records for Free?
Free Options
1. In-Person Inspection: Wisconsin law mandates that members of the public have the right to inspect public records at no charge. Pursuant to Wis. Stat. § 19.35(1), any person has a right to inspect any record. Copying fees may apply. In-person inspection is available at the Juneau County Clerk of Court and the Juneau County Sheriff's Office during regular business hours.
2. Free Online Databases: The Wisconsin Court System's public case search portal is available at no cost to members of the public. The Juneau County Clerk of Court and Sheriff's Office also provide online access to certain records without charge.
3. Sheriff's Logs: Daily arrest and booking reports maintained by the Juneau County Sheriff's Office may be available for public inspection at no cost, subject to applicable exemptions.
What Costs Money
| Record Type | Approximate Fee |
|---|---|
| Certified copy of court record | $1.25 per page (standard Wisconsin rate) |
| Official state background check (WORCS) | Fee set by DOJ |
| Staff-assisted record searches | Variable |
| Copies of police reports | Per-page copying fee |
State Fee Law
Under Wis. Stat. § 19.35(3), record custodians may charge fees for locating, copying, and mailing records, but fees must be limited to the actual, necessary, and direct cost of reproduction. Fee waivers may be available in certain circumstances as determined by the custodian.
What's Included in a Juneau County Criminal Record
Identifying Information: Full legal name and known aliases, date of birth, physical description, photograph (mugshot), last known address, State Identification (SID) number, and FBI number where applicable.
Arrest Information: Date and time of arrest, arresting agency, booking number, charges filed at the time of arrest, bail or bond conditions, and jail facility of detention.
Court Case Information: Case number, court and jurisdiction, filing date, charges and applicable statutes (including felony or misdemeanor classification), plea entered, and attorney of record.
Disposition: Verdict or finding, conviction date, sentencing details (type and length of sentence, fines, restitution, and conditions of supervision), appeals filed, and probation or parole status.
Additional Record Elements: Outstanding warrants, protective orders, sex offender registration status, OWI/DUI convictions, traffic violations adjudicated in circuit court, and pending charges.
NOT Included in Public Criminal Records:
- Juvenile adjudication records
- Expunged or sealed records
- Criminal records from other states
- Federal criminal records
- Records from completed diversion programs
Accuracy Note: Individuals who identify errors in their criminal record may seek correction through the originating agency or the Wisconsin Department of Justice. Maintaining accurate records is essential for employment, licensing, and housing determinations.
How Long Does Juneau County Keep Criminal Records
Legal Requirements
Wisconsin public records retention schedules, established under state administrative authority, govern how long criminal records must be maintained by county agencies. The Wisconsin Public Records Board sets minimum retention periods applicable to all government record custodians.
Retention by Record Type
| Record Type | Retention Period |
|---|---|
| Felony convictions | Permanent |
| Misdemeanor convictions | Permanent |
| Arrest records (no conviction) | Minimum 7 years |
| Dismissed or acquitted cases | Retained with disposition noted |
| Juvenile records | Sealed at age 17; subject to destruction per statute |
| Pending cases | Retained until final resolution |
Agency Differences
County circuit courts retain case records on a permanent basis in accordance with Wisconsin court records retention rules. The Juneau County Sheriff's Office retains jail and arrest records pursuant to applicable state retention schedules. The Wisconsin Department of Justice retains conviction records permanently in the state criminal history repository.
Physical vs. Electronic Records
Electronic records are retained for longer periods than paper records. Paper records may be destroyed following scanning and digitization, provided the electronic copy is preserved in accordance with applicable retention schedules.
Destruction vs. Sealing vs. Expungement
Record destruction results in permanent elimination of the physical or electronic file. Sealing restricts public access while preserving the record for law enforcement use. Expungement, available under Wis. Stat. § 973.015 for eligible offenses, removes the record from public access and directs the clerk to expunge the record upon successful completion of the sentence. Eligibility is limited to individuals who were under age 25 at the time of the offense and who meet additional statutory criteria.
Old Records Access
Records predating electronic filing systems may require special in-person requests and may be held in state archives. Members of the public seeking pre-digital records should contact the Juneau County Clerk of Court directly.
Federal Records
Criminal records maintained by the Federal Bureau of Investigation are subject to separate federal retention rules and are not governed by Wisconsin state law.
Practical Implications
Convictions of record appear on background checks regardless of age. Employment background checks conducted under the Fair Credit Reporting Act are subject to a seven-year reporting limitation for certain offenses, though professional licensing boards may require full disclosure of all convictions. Even if a county agency destroys physical records, electronic copies may exist in state databases unless the record has been legally expunged pursuant to court order.