Eau Claire County Arrest Records
Are Arrest Records Public in Eau Claire County
Arrest records in Eau Claire 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. An arrest record documents that an individual was taken into custody by law enforcement on suspicion of criminal activity, while a conviction record indicates that the individual was found guilty of a crime through the judicial process. Under Wisconsin law, both arrest and conviction records are generally accessible to the public, though certain exceptions may apply.
The Wisconsin Department of Justice oversees the administration of public records law and provides guidance on access to criminal justice information. Law enforcement agencies in Eau Claire County, including the Sheriff's Office, maintain arrest records and make them available to the public in accordance with state statutes, though some information may be redacted to protect ongoing investigations or personal privacy in certain circumstances.
What's in Eau Claire County Arrest Records
Eau Claire County arrest records contain comprehensive information about individuals who have been taken into custody by law enforcement agencies within the county. These records typically include the following categories of information:
Arrestee Identifying Information:
- Full legal name
- Date of birth
- Gender
- Race
- Height and weight
- Address (may be partially redacted in public versions)
- Identifying marks such as tattoos or scars
- Fingerprints (not included in public versions)
- State ID number or FBI number (if applicable)
Arrest Details:
- Date and time of arrest
- Location of arrest
- Arresting agency
- Name and badge number of arresting officer(s)
- Reason for arrest
Charge Information:
- Criminal charges filed
- Statute numbers of alleged violations
- Charge classification (felony, misdemeanor, or civil violation)
- Charge description
- Charge severity level
Warrant Information (if applicable):
- Warrant number
- Issuing court
- Date issued
- Type of warrant
Booking Information:
- Booking date and time
- Booking number
- Processing facility
Bond/Bail Information:
- Bond amount
- Bond type (cash, signature, property)
- Bond status (posted or not)
- Conditions of release
Court Information:
- Court case number
- Assigned court
- Scheduled court appearances
- Judge assigned to the case
Custody Status:
- Current detention status
- Projected release date (if applicable)
- Facility where detained
Additional Information May Include:
- Prior arrest history
- Probation/parole status
- Vehicle information related to arrest
- Property seized during arrest
- Victim information (typically redacted in public versions)
- Witness information (typically redacted in public versions)
The specific content of arrest records may vary depending on the arresting agency and the circumstances of the arrest. Certain sensitive information may be redacted from public versions of arrest records in accordance with Wisconsin Statutes § 19.36, which outlines limitations on access to certain types of records.
How To Look Up Arrest Records in Eau Claire County in 2026
Members of the public seeking arrest records in Eau Claire County may utilize several methods to access this information. The county maintains systems that allow for both in-person and remote access to these public records.
To obtain arrest records in person, individuals may visit:
Eau Claire County Sheriff's Office
721 Oxford Avenue
Eau Claire, WI 54703
Phone: (715) 839-4709
Eau Claire County Sheriff's Office
Public counter hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM, excluding holidays
The process for requesting arrest records in person typically involves:
- Completing a public records request form, which is available at the Sheriff's Office
- Providing the full name and, if possible, the date of birth of the individual whose records are being sought
- Presenting valid government-issued photo identification
- Paying applicable fees for record retrieval and copying (fees are established pursuant to Wisconsin Statutes § 19.35(3))
- Waiting for staff to process the request, which may be fulfilled immediately for simple requests or may take several business days for more complex searches
For written requests, individuals may submit a formal public records request to:
Eau Claire County Records Custodian
721 Oxford Avenue
Eau Claire, WI 54703
Written requests should include:
- Requestor's full name and contact information
- Specific information being requested
- Name and identifying information of the subject of the arrest record
- Preferred format for receiving the records (paper copies, digital files, etc.)
- Signature and date
Pursuant to Wisconsin's Public Records Law, the records custodian must respond to requests "as soon as practicable and without delay." Complex requests may take longer to fulfill than simple, straightforward requests.
How To Find Eau Claire County Arrest Records Online
Eau Claire County provides several digital resources for accessing arrest records online. These electronic systems offer convenient alternatives to in-person requests and are accessible at any time.
The primary online resources for arrest records in Eau Claire County include:
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Eau Claire County Sheriff's Office Inmate Listing - The Sheriff's Office maintains an online jail roster that provides information about individuals currently in custody. This resource is updated Monday through Friday between 8:00 AM and 10:00 AM and includes basic information such as name, booking date, and charges.
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Wisconsin Circuit Court Access (CCAP) - The Wisconsin Court System provides a comprehensive database of court records, including criminal cases resulting from arrests. Users can search by name to find information about criminal proceedings, including case status, scheduled court dates, and case outcomes.
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Wisconsin Department of Justice Criminal History Record Information - The Wisconsin Department of Justice maintains a database of criminal history records that can be searched for a fee. This system provides more comprehensive information than the public court records system.
To search for arrest records online, users should:
- Select the appropriate database based on the information needed
- Enter the individual's name (first and last name at minimum)
- Provide additional identifying information if available (date of birth, case number, etc.)
- Review search results carefully, as common names may return multiple records
- Follow the specific system's instructions for viewing or requesting detailed record information
Online searches may require the payment of fees, particularly for official criminal history records from the Wisconsin Department of Justice. These fees are authorized under Wisconsin Statutes § 165.82, which establishes the department's authority to charge for criminal history searches.
How To Search Eau Claire County Arrest Records for Free?
Members of the public have several options for accessing Eau Claire County arrest records without incurring fees. Wisconsin's Public Records Law emphasizes public access to government information, and several resources are available at no cost.
Free methods to search arrest records include:
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Eau Claire County Sheriff's Office Inmate Listing - The Sheriff's Office provides a free online jail roster that lists individuals currently in custody. This resource is updated each weekday and includes basic information about current inmates.
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Wisconsin Circuit Court Access (CCAP) - The Wisconsin Court System's public access portal allows free searches of court records, including criminal cases. This system provides information about charges, court dates, and case dispositions for individuals who have been processed through the court system following arrest.
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In-Person Record Inspection - Under Wisconsin Statutes § 19.35(1), any person has the right to inspect records maintained by government agencies during normal business hours. While copying fees may apply, inspection of records is generally free of charge. Individuals may visit the Eau Claire County Sheriff's Office during business hours to request to inspect arrest records.
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Local Newspaper Police Blotters - Local news publications often maintain police blotters or crime reports that include information about recent arrests. These resources are typically available online or in print editions of local newspapers.
When conducting free searches, users should be aware of certain limitations:
- Free resources may not provide comprehensive criminal history information
- Information may be limited to recent arrests or current inmates
- Some personal identifying information may be redacted
- Records for juvenile offenders are generally not available through public access systems
- Expunged or sealed records will not appear in public databases
For the most comprehensive search results, individuals should provide as much identifying information as possible, including full name and date of birth when available.
How To Delete Arrest Records in Eau Claire County
Wisconsin law provides specific mechanisms for limiting public access to arrest records under certain circumstances. It is important to understand the distinction between expungement (legal erasure) and sealing (restricting public access) of records.
Expungement in Wisconsin is governed by Wisconsin Statutes § 973.015, which allows for the expungement of certain records when:
- The offense was committed by a person under the age of 25
- The maximum period of imprisonment for the offense is 6 years or less (Class H felony or less severe)
- The court determines at sentencing that the person will benefit and society will not be harmed by the expungement
- The person successfully completes their sentence
Expungement is not automatic and must be ordered by the court at the time of sentencing. If granted, expungement occurs after the individual successfully completes their sentence, including any probation period.
For records that do not qualify for expungement, individuals may petition for sealing under limited circumstances. The process typically involves:
- Filing a petition with the court that handled the original case
- Demonstrating compelling reasons why the record should be sealed
- Attending a hearing where a judge will consider the petition
- If granted, obtaining a court order directing agencies to seal the record
Specific situations where records may be eligible for sealing or removal include:
- Cases where charges were dismissed
- Cases resulting in acquittal
- Cases where the individual was found not guilty
- Arrests that did not result in charges being filed
- First-time, non-violent offenses in certain circumstances
To initiate the process, individuals should:
- Consult with an attorney specializing in criminal record expungement
- Obtain copies of all relevant criminal records
- File the appropriate petition with the Eau Claire County Circuit Court:
Eau Claire County Courthouse
721 Oxford Avenue
Eau Claire, WI 54703
Phone: (715) 839-4816
Eau Claire County Circuit Court
It is important to note that even if records are expunged or sealed at the county level, they may still exist in other databases, including those maintained by the Wisconsin Department of Justice or federal agencies. A comprehensive approach to record clearing may require petitioning multiple agencies.
What Happens After Arrest in Eau Claire County?
Following an arrest in Eau Claire County, individuals enter a structured criminal justice process governed by Wisconsin state law and local procedures. This process typically follows these sequential steps:
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Booking Process: Upon arrival at the Eau Claire County Jail, the arrestee undergoes booking, which includes:
- Photographing (mugshot)
- Fingerprinting
- Collection of personal information
- Health screening
- Property inventory
- Assignment to appropriate housing
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Initial Appearance: Within 48 hours of arrest (excluding weekends and holidays), the arrestee appears before a judge for an initial hearing where:
- Charges are formally read
- Constitutional rights are explained
- Bail/bond decisions are made
- Preliminary hearing dates are set (for felony cases)
- Public defender may be appointed if the defendant qualifies
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Bail Determination: The court sets bail based on:
- Severity of the alleged offense
- Criminal history
- Flight risk assessment
- Danger to the community
- Ties to the community
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Preliminary Hearing (felony cases only): Held within 10 days if the defendant is in custody or 20 days if released on bail, where:
- Prosecution must show probable cause that a felony was committed
- Judge determines if case proceeds to trial
- Case may be dismissed if insufficient evidence exists
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Arraignment: Formal reading of charges where the defendant enters a plea:
- Not guilty
- Guilty
- No contest
- Not guilty by reason of mental disease or defect
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Pre-trial Proceedings:
- Discovery exchange between prosecution and defense
- Motion hearings
- Plea negotiations
- Status conferences
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Trial: If no plea agreement is reached, the case proceeds to trial:
- Jury trial (12 jurors for felonies, 6 for misdemeanors)
- Bench trial (judge only, no jury)
- Prosecution must prove guilt beyond reasonable doubt
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Sentencing: If convicted, sentencing follows:
- Pre-sentence investigation may be conducted
- Victim impact statements may be presented
- Judge imposes sentence based on statutory guidelines
- Sentences may include incarceration, probation, fines, restitution, or community service
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Post-Conviction: After sentencing, options include:
- Appeal to higher courts
- Motion for sentence modification
- Petition for expungement (if eligible)
Throughout this process, arrest records are created and maintained by various agencies, including the Eau Claire County Sheriff's Office and the Eau Claire County Circuit Court. These records become part of the individual's criminal history and are generally accessible to the public unless sealed or expunged.
How Long Are Arrest Records Kept in Eau Claire County?
Arrest records in Eau Claire County are maintained according to Wisconsin's public records retention requirements, primarily governed by Wisconsin Statutes § 16.61, which establishes the Public Records Board and its authority to set retention schedules. Law enforcement agencies must adhere to these schedules when maintaining arrest records.
The Wisconsin Public Records Board has established the following retention periods for various types of arrest records:
- Arrest Reports: Minimum retention of 7 years after the case is closed
- Booking Records: Minimum retention of 7 years after the individual is released from custody
- Investigation Files: Minimum retention of 7 years after the case is closed for most cases; permanent retention for homicide cases
- Fingerprint Cards: Retained permanently by the Wisconsin Department of Justice
- Photographs/Mugshots: Minimum retention of 7 years after the case is closed
- Incident Reports: Minimum retention of 7 years after the case is closed
Different agencies within Eau Claire County may have different retention requirements:
- The Eau Claire County Sheriff's Office maintains arrest records according to the state-mandated minimum retention periods, but may keep records longer for administrative purposes
- The Eau Claire County District Attorney's Office maintains case files related to prosecutions, typically for a minimum of 7 years after case closure
- The Eau Claire County Circuit Court maintains court records related to criminal cases permanently, though some may be archived after a certain period
It is important to note that even after physical records may have been destroyed according to retention schedules, electronic records and database entries may be maintained for longer periods or indefinitely. Additionally, information that has been published in court records, news reports, or third-party databases may persist even after official records have been destroyed or sealed.
The retention of these records serves several important purposes:
- Preserves evidence for potential future legal proceedings
- Maintains accountability and transparency in the criminal justice system
- Provides historical documentation for statistical and research purposes
- Supports law enforcement investigations of related or subsequent crimes
How to Find Mugshots in Eau Claire County
Mugshots, the photographs taken during the booking process following an arrest, are considered public records in Eau Claire County under Wisconsin's Public Records Law. These images serve as official documentation of an individual's appearance at the time of arrest and are maintained by law enforcement agencies.
What Mugshots Are
Mugshots typically consist of front-facing and profile (side) photographs of an arrested individual, taken against a standardized background with identifying information. These photographs become part of the official arrest record and booking documentation.
Where Mugshots Are Maintained
In Eau Claire County, mugshots are primarily maintained by:
Eau Claire County Sheriff's Office
721 Oxford Avenue
Eau Claire, WI 54703
Phone: (715) 839-4709
Eau Claire County Sheriff's Office
The Sheriff's Office is the primary custodian of booking photographs for individuals processed through the county jail. Municipal police departments may also maintain mugshots for arrests they process before transferring individuals to county custody.
Finding Mugshots
To obtain mugshots from Eau Claire County agencies, individuals may:
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Submit a public records request to the Eau Claire County Sheriff's Office, specifying:
- The name of the individual
- Date of arrest (if known)
- Case number (if known)
- Requestor's contact information
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Pay applicable fees for reproduction of the photographs, which typically range from $1-5 per image, as authorized under Wisconsin Statutes § 19.35(3)
Can They Be Found Online
Currently, Eau Claire County does not maintain a public-facing database specifically for mugshots. However, limited information about current inmates, sometimes including booking photos, may be available through the Eau Claire County Sheriff's Office Inmate Listing. This resource is updated weekdays between 8:00 AM and 10:00 AM.
Third-party websites may aggregate and publish mugshots obtained from public records, but these sites are not officially affiliated with Eau Claire County government agencies and may contain outdated or inaccurate information.
Obtaining Mugshots Officially
The most reliable method for obtaining official mugshots is through a formal public records request to the Sheriff's Office. Requests can be submitted:
- In person during business hours
- By mail to the Sheriff's Office address
- By email to the designated records custodian
Restrictions on Mugshot Access
While mugshots are generally considered public records, access may be restricted in certain circumstances:
- Juvenile arrest records and mugshots are confidential under Wisconsin law
- Mugshots related to ongoing investigations may be temporarily withheld
- Images may be redacted if they contain information that would compromise security
- Records that have been expunged or sealed by court order are not available to the public
Individuals seeking mugshots should be aware that the Sheriff's Office may require verification of the requestor's identity before releasing these records, particularly if the request involves recent arrests or sensitive cases.
Lookup Arrest Records in Eau Claire County
Eau Claire County Jail Inmate Listing
Eau Claire County Sheriff's Office Records