Outagamie County Arrest Records
Are Arrest Records Public in Outagamie County
Arrest records in Outagamie County are considered public information under Wisconsin's Public Records Law, specifically Wisconsin Statute § 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 Wisconsin Department of Justice affirms that arrest records maintained by law enforcement agencies are generally accessible to the public, with certain exceptions for ongoing investigations, juvenile records, and other statutorily protected information.
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 based on probable cause that they committed a crime. A conviction record, by contrast, indicates that the individual was found guilty of a criminal offense through the judicial process. Under Wisconsin law, both types of records are generally public, though arrest records that did not lead to charges or convictions may be subject to different disclosure standards pursuant to Wisconsin Statute § 165.83.
The Wisconsin Department of Justice's Crime Information Bureau maintains the official policy regarding law enforcement records access, which applies to records maintained by Outagamie County law enforcement agencies. Members of the public should be aware that while arrest records are public, certain information within these records may be redacted to protect privacy interests or ongoing investigations.
What's in Outagamie County Arrest Records
Arrest records in Outagamie County typically contain comprehensive documentation of an individual's interaction with law enforcement during and following an arrest. These records are standardized across Wisconsin jurisdictions and generally include the following components:
Arrestee Identifying Information:
- Full legal name and any known aliases
- Date of birth
- Physical description (height, weight, eye color, hair color)
- Home address
- Identification numbers (Wisconsin ID or driver's license number)
- Fingerprints and, in most cases, photographs (mugshots)
- Gender and race (for statistical purposes)
Arrest Details:
- Date, time, and location of arrest
- Arresting agency and officer identification
- Circumstances leading to the arrest
- Whether force was used during the arrest
- Whether the arrestee was armed
Charge Information:
- Criminal charges filed at the time of arrest
- Statutory citations for alleged violations
- Classification of charges (misdemeanor or felony)
- Description of the alleged criminal activity
Warrant Information (if applicable):
- Warrant number and issuing court
- Date of issuance
- Judge who signed the warrant
- Probable cause statement
Booking Information:
- Date and time of booking
- Facility where the individual was processed
- Property inventory taken during booking
- Medical screening information (with certain privacy protections)
Bond/Bail Information:
- Amount of bail set
- Bond conditions
- Whether bond was posted
- Release date if applicable
Court Information:
- Court case number
- Scheduled court appearances
- Name of assigned judge
- Court of jurisdiction
Custody Status:
- Current detention status
- Facility where individual is being held
- Expected release date if sentenced
Additional Information May Include:
- Prior arrest history in Outagamie County
- Known associates documented during investigation
- Vehicle information if relevant to the arrest
- Victim information (often redacted in public versions)
- Witness statements (often redacted in public versions)
The comprehensiveness of arrest records may vary depending on the nature of the arrest and the policies of the specific law enforcement agency within Outagamie County that processed the arrest.
How To Look Up Arrest Records in Outagamie County in 2026
Members of the public seeking arrest records in Outagamie County may utilize several official channels to obtain this information. The following procedures are currently in effect for requesting and accessing arrest records:
- Contact the Outagamie County Sheriff's Office directly:
- Submit a written public records request specifying the information sought
- Provide sufficient identifying information about the subject of the records
- Pay any applicable fees for record retrieval and copying
Outagamie County Sheriff's Office
320 S. Walnut Street
Appleton, WI 54911
(920) 832-5605
Outagamie County Sheriff's Office
- Visit the Outagamie County Clerk of Courts Office:
- Request court records related to arrests that resulted in criminal charges
- Provide case numbers if available, or name and date of birth of the subject
- Court records may be viewed on public terminals at no cost, with printing fees applicable
Outagamie County Clerk of Courts
320 S. Walnut Street
Appleton, WI 54911
(920) 832-5131
Outagamie County Clerk of Courts
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Submit a request to the arresting agency:
- Identify the specific law enforcement agency that made the arrest
- Submit a written public records request pursuant to Wisconsin Statute § 19.35
- Provide specific details about the arrest record being sought
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Request records from the Wisconsin Department of Justice:
- For statewide criminal history information that includes Outagamie County arrests
- Complete a Criminal History Request form
- Pay the required fee ($7 per name-based search)
- Submit fingerprints for a more comprehensive search
Wisconsin Department of Justice - Crime Information Bureau
P.O. Box 2688
Madison, WI 53701-2688
(608) 266-7314
Wisconsin Department of Justice
When requesting arrest records, requestors should be prepared to provide:
- Full name of the individual
- Date of birth
- Approximate date of arrest
- Case number (if known)
- Requestor's contact information
Pursuant to Wisconsin's Public Records Law, agencies must respond to requests "as soon as practicable and without delay." Fees for copies of records are limited to the "actual, necessary and direct cost" of reproduction and location, if the cost exceeds $50.
How To Find Outagamie County Arrest Records Online
Outagamie County provides several digital resources for accessing arrest records and related information online. These electronic systems offer convenient alternatives to in-person requests:
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Outagamie County Sheriff's Office Inmate Lookup:
- Access current inmate information for individuals held in the Outagamie County Jail
- Search by name to find booking information, charges, and custody status
- Information is updated regularly but may not include historical arrest data
- Visit the Outagamie County Sheriff's Office Inmate Lookup portal
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Wisconsin Circuit Court Access (CCAP):
- Search for court cases related to arrests in Outagamie County
- Access case information including charges, court dates, and disposition
- Information is limited to arrests that resulted in court cases
- Navigate to the Wisconsin Circuit Court Access website
- Select "Outagamie County" from the county dropdown menu
- Enter the name of the individual in the search fields
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Wisconsin Department of Corrections Offender Locator:
- Find information about individuals who have been sentenced to state prison
- Includes data on current inmates and those on community supervision
- Search by name or offender number
- Visit the Wisconsin Department of Corrections Offender Locator website
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Wisconsin Online Record Check System (WORCS):
- Conduct criminal background checks that include arrest information
- Requires creation of an account and payment of fees
- Provides official criminal history information from the Wisconsin Department of Justice
- Access the system through the Wisconsin Department of Justice Criminal Background Check portal
When using online systems to access arrest records, users should note that:
- Information may not be comprehensive or complete
- Recent arrests may not appear immediately in online databases
- Some details may be redacted in accordance with privacy laws
- Online records should not be considered official for legal purposes without verification
For the most accurate and complete arrest record information, direct contact with the Outagamie County Sheriff's Office or Clerk of Courts is recommended, particularly for records that are not recent or for detailed information not available through online portals.
How To Search Outagamie County Arrest Records for Free?
Members of the public have several options to access Outagamie County arrest records without incurring fees. Wisconsin's Public Records Law supports public access to government records at minimal cost, and several resources are available at no charge:
- In-Person Inspection at the Sheriff's Office:
- Visit the Outagamie County Sheriff's Office during regular business hours
- Request to inspect (not copy) specific arrest records
- Under Wisconsin Statute § 19.35(1)(b), agencies must permit inspection free of charge
- Take notes on the information without requesting copies to avoid fees
Outagamie County Sheriff's Office
320 S. Walnut Street
Appleton, WI 54911
(920) 832-5605
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
- Public Access Terminals at the Courthouse:
- Use the public computer terminals at the Outagamie County Courthouse
- Access court records related to arrests that proceeded to criminal charges
- Viewing records on-screen is free (printing may incur fees)
Outagamie County Justice Center
320 S. Walnut Street
Appleton, WI 54911
(920) 832-5131
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
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Wisconsin Circuit Court Access (CCAP):
- Access this free online resource from any internet-connected device
- Search for criminal cases by name in Outagamie County
- View case information including charges, court dates, and outcomes
- Available at Wisconsin Circuit Court Access
-
Outagamie County Sheriff's Office Website:
- Check the current inmate roster and recent booking information
- Access press releases about significant arrests
- View information about individuals currently in custody
- Available at Outagamie County Sheriff's Office
-
Local Public Library Resources:
- Use public computers at Appleton Public Library to access online records
- Librarians may assist with navigating public records databases
- Access historical newspaper archives that may contain arrest information
Appleton Public Library
225 N. Oneida Street
Appleton, WI 54911
(920) 832-6173
Appleton Public Library
When searching for free arrest records, requestors should be aware of certain limitations:
- Records for ongoing investigations may be withheld
- Some personal identifying information may be redacted
- Juvenile records are generally not publicly accessible
- Historical records may not be available through online systems
- Complex or voluminous record requests may incur location fees even if inspection is free
For the most comprehensive free access, combining online resources with in-person inspection at the Sheriff's Office or Courthouse provides the best results. Pursuant to Wisconsin Statute § 19.35(3)(a), agencies may only charge for "the actual, necessary and direct cost of reproduction," not for inspection of records.
How To Delete Arrest Records in Outagamie County
Wisconsin law provides specific mechanisms for the removal of arrest records from public access through expungement or sealing processes. These legal remedies differ significantly in their application and effect:
Expungement (Record Erasure): Expungement in Wisconsin is governed by Wisconsin Statute § 973.015, which allows for the removal of certain records from public access. When a record is expunged, it is removed from public databases and court files, though it may still exist in sealed form for certain law enforcement purposes.
Eligibility requirements for expungement in Outagamie County include:
- The offense must be a misdemeanor or a non-violent Class H or I felony
- The offender must have been under 25 years of age when the crime was committed
- The maximum period of imprisonment for the offense must not exceed 6 years
- The court must have ordered expungement at the time of sentencing
- The offender must have successfully completed their sentence
Record Sealing (Restricting Public Access): Record sealing limits public access to records without completely removing them from government databases. Wisconsin has limited provisions for sealing records compared to expungement.
To pursue expungement of arrest records in Outagamie County, individuals must:
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Determine eligibility:
- Verify that the offense meets statutory requirements
- Confirm that expungement was ordered at sentencing
- Ensure all conditions of the sentence have been satisfied
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File a petition with the court:
- If expungement was ordered at sentencing, file a petition showing successful completion of sentence
- If seeking expungement for an arrest that did not result in conviction, file a petition under Wisconsin Statute § 165.84(1)
- Submit the petition to the Outagamie County Circuit Court
Outagamie County Circuit Court
320 S. Walnut Street
Appleton, WI 54911
(920) 832-5131
Outagamie County Circuit Court
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Attend any required hearings:
- Be prepared to demonstrate eligibility and completion of all requirements
- Provide evidence of rehabilitation if relevant
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If granted, ensure implementation:
- Follow up with relevant agencies to verify records have been expunged
- Request confirmation from the Wisconsin Crime Information Bureau
For arrests that did not result in charges or convictions, individuals may petition for removal from the Wisconsin Criminal History Database under Wisconsin Administrative Code § JUS 10. This process requires demonstrating that maintaining the record is not in the public interest.
Legal assistance is strongly recommended when seeking expungement or sealing of arrest records, as the process can be complex and requirements strict. The State Public Defender's Office may provide assistance to eligible individuals:
Wisconsin State Public Defender - Appleton Office
135 W. College Avenue, Suite 300
Appleton, WI 54911
(920) 832-1747
Wisconsin State Public Defender
It should be noted that even when records are expunged from official government databases, information may persist in private databases, news reports, or other sources not subject to expungement orders.
What Happens After Arrest in Outagamie County?
The post-arrest process in Outagamie County follows a structured sequence of events within Wisconsin's criminal justice system. This process typically includes:
1. Booking and Initial Processing: After arrest, individuals are transported to the Outagamie County Jail for booking, which includes:
- Photographing and fingerprinting
- Collection of personal information
- Medical screening
- Property inventory
- Criminal history check
2. Initial Appearance: Within 48 hours of arrest (excluding weekends and holidays), arrestees appear before a judge for:
- Formal reading of charges
- Advisement of constitutional rights
- Bail/bond determination
- Appointment of counsel if the defendant qualifies
- Setting of future court dates
3. Bail Determination: The court considers several factors when setting bail, including:
- Severity of the alleged offense
- Prior criminal history
- Ties to the community
- Risk of flight
- Danger to the public
- Pursuant to Wisconsin Statute § 969.01, bail may be set with conditions or as a cash amount
4. Charging Decision: The Outagamie County District Attorney's Office reviews the case and decides whether to:
- File formal charges
- Reduce charges from those initially recommended by police
- Decline prosecution
- Refer the case for diversion programs
Outagamie County District Attorney's Office
320 S. Walnut Street
Appleton, WI 54911
(920) 832-5024
Outagamie County District Attorney
5. Preliminary Hearing (Felony Cases Only): For felony charges, a preliminary hearing is held to:
- Determine if probable cause exists to believe the defendant committed a felony
- Typically occurs within 10 days of initial appearance if the defendant is in custody
- May be waived by the defendant
6. Arraignment: The defendant enters a plea of:
- Not guilty
- Guilty
- No contest
- Not guilty by reason of mental disease or defect
7. Pre-trial Proceedings: This phase includes:
- Discovery (exchange of evidence)
- Filing of motions (e.g., to suppress evidence)
- Plea negotiations
- Status conferences
8. Trial: If the case proceeds to trial, it may be:
- A jury trial (12 jurors for felonies, 6 for misdemeanors)
- A bench trial (judge decides the case without a jury)
- The prosecution must prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt
9. Sentencing (If Convicted): Sentencing considerations include:
- Statutory guidelines
- Pre-sentence investigation report
- Victim impact statements
- Defendant's criminal history
- Mitigating and aggravating factors
10. Post-Conviction: After conviction, options include:
- Appeal to higher courts
- Motion for sentence modification
- Application for clemency or pardon
- Petition for expungement (if eligible)
Throughout this process, defendants have constitutional rights including the right to counsel, the right to remain silent, the right to confront witnesses, and the right to a speedy trial. The Outagamie County criminal justice system operates under both Wisconsin state law and federal constitutional protections.
How Long Are Arrest Records Kept in Outagamie County?
Arrest records in Outagamie County are maintained according to Wisconsin's public records retention requirements, primarily governed by Wisconsin Statute § 16.61 - Records and Forms Management. This statute establishes the legal framework for the preservation and disposition of government records, including those related to law enforcement activities.
The Wisconsin Public Records Board, in conjunction with the Wisconsin Department of Administration, has established specific retention schedules that apply to law enforcement agencies throughout the state, including those in Outagamie County. These schedules mandate different retention periods based on record type and significance:
Arrest Records Retention Periods:
- Basic Arrest Information: Maintained permanently in the master name index of the arresting agency
- Arrest Reports: Retained for a minimum of 75 years from the date of creation
- Booking Records: Kept for at least 7 years after the individual's release from custody
- Fingerprint Cards: Maintained permanently by the Wisconsin Department of Justice Crime Information Bureau
- Mugshot Photographs: Retained for at least 7 years; longer for serious offenses
- Investigation Reports: For felonies, retained for 75 years; for misdemeanors, 7 years after case closure
- Juvenile Arrest Records: Subject to different retention requirements under Wisconsin Statute § 938.396, generally sealed at age 17 unless serious offenses
Different agencies within Outagamie County maintain separate record systems with varying retention requirements:
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Outagamie County Sheriff's Office: Maintains arrest records according to the Wisconsin Law Enforcement Records Retention Schedule, with most records kept for decades.
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Municipal Police Departments: Local departments within Outagamie County (such as Appleton Police Department) follow the same state retention schedules but may have supplementary policies.
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Outagamie County Clerk of Courts: Court records related to arrests are generally permanent records, maintained indefinitely in either paper or electronic format.
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Wisconsin Department of Justice: Maintains a central repository of arrest fingerprints and criminal history information permanently.
The extended retention of arrest records serves several important public purposes:
- Preserves evidence that may be needed for future legal proceedings
- Supports law enforcement investigations of related or pattern crimes
- Provides accountability and transparency in the criminal justice system
- Enables accurate background checks for employment and licensing
- Facilitates statistical analysis of crime patterns and trends
It is important to note that even when physical records reach the end of their retention period, information about arrests may be maintained indefinitely in electronic databases. Additionally, expunged records may be physically destroyed or sealed from public view before the end of their standard retention period, pursuant to court order.
The official Wisconsin Public Records Board General Records Schedule for Law Enforcement Records provides comprehensive details on specific retention requirements for all categories of law enforcement records.
How to Find Mugshots in Outagamie County
What Mugshots Are
Mugshots, formally known as booking photographs, are official photographs taken by law enforcement during the booking process following an arrest. In Outagamie County, these photographs typically include front-facing and profile (side) views of the arrested individual. Mugshots serve as visual identification records within the criminal justice system and are considered part of the official arrest record. They are taken to document the appearance of the individual at the time of arrest and to assist in identification throughout the criminal justice process.
Where Mugshots Are Maintained
In Outagamie County, booking photographs are primarily maintained by:
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Outagamie County Sheriff's Office
320 S. Walnut Street
Appleton, WI 54911
(920) 832-5605
Outagamie County Sheriff's Office -
Municipal Police Departments that conduct bookings, such as:
Appleton Police Department
222 S. Walnut Street
Appleton, WI 54911
(920) 832-5500
Appleton Police Department -
Wisconsin Department of Justice Crime Information Bureau maintains a central repository of booking photographs from throughout the state, including those from Outagamie County.
Finding Mugshots
To locate mugshots in Outagamie County, individuals may:
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Submit a public records request directly to the arresting agency, specifying:
- Full name of the arrested individual
- Date of birth (if known)
- Approximate date of arrest
- Case number (if available)
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Contact the Outagamie County Sheriff's Office Records Division:
- Submit a written request for specific booking photographs
- Pay applicable fees for reproduction (typically $1-5 per photograph)
- Provide proper identification when requesting records
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Request court records that may include booking photographs for cases that proceeded to prosecution:
- Visit the Outagamie County Clerk of Courts Office
- Provide case number or defendant information
- Review case files that may contain booking photographs
Can They Be Found Online
Outagamie County has limited official online access to booking photographs. Currently:
- The Outagamie County Sheriff's Office does not maintain a public-facing online mugshot database
- The Wisconsin Circuit Court Access (CCAP) system does not include photographs
- Some municipal police departments may include recent booking photos in press releases on their websites
Certain third-party websites aggregate and publish mugshots obtained from public records, but these sites:
- May not have current or accurate information
- Often charge fees for removal of photographs
- Are not officially affiliated with Outagamie County law enforcement
- May continue to display mugshots even after cases have been dismissed
Obtaining Mugshots Officially
The most reliable method to obtain official booking photographs is through formal channels:
- Submit a written public records request pursuant to Wisconsin Statute § 19.35
- Include specific identifying information about the arrest
- Be prepared to pay reasonable reproduction fees
- Allow sufficient time for processing (typically 5-10 business days)
Restrictions on Mugshot Access
Access to booking photographs in Outagamie County is subject to certain limitations:
- Juvenile mugshots (under age 17) are generally not public records under Wisconsin law
- Photographs related to ongoing investigations may be temporarily withheld
- Images may be redacted to protect certain sensitive information
- Booking photographs from expunged cases should not be publicly available
- Wisconsin's Public Records Law balances public access rights with privacy considerations
Law enforcement agencies in Outagamie County generally treat mugshots as public records, but they evaluate each request individually to ensure compliance with applicable privacy laws and investigative integrity.