Outagamie County Criminal Records
What Is Outagamie County Criminal Records
Criminal records in Outagamie County are official documents that chronicle an individual's interactions with the criminal justice system within the county's jurisdiction. These records are maintained pursuant to Wisconsin Statute § 59.40(2), which mandates county clerks to keep and maintain court records.
Criminal records encompass several distinct categories:
- Arrest Records: Documentation of apprehensions by law enforcement agencies, which may not necessarily result in charges or convictions
- Conviction Records: Official documentation of guilty verdicts or pleas in criminal cases
- Felony Records: Documentation of serious crimes punishable by imprisonment exceeding one year
- Misdemeanor Records: Records of less serious offenses typically punishable by less than one year of incarceration
- Adult Records: Criminal proceedings for individuals 18 and older, which are generally public
- Juvenile Records: Records for individuals under 18, which are typically sealed under Wisconsin Statute § 938.396
Multiple agencies maintain these records within Outagamie County:
Outagamie County Sheriff's Office
320 S. Walnut Street
Appleton, WI 54911
(920) 832-5605
Outagamie County Sheriff's Office
Outagamie County Circuit Court
320 S. Walnut Street
Appleton, WI 54911
(920) 832-5131
Outagamie County Circuit Court
Wisconsin Department of Justice - Crime Information Bureau
17 W. Main Street
Madison, WI 53703
(608) 266-7314
Wisconsin Department of Justice
Criminal records typically include documentation of charges, arraignments, plea agreements, trial proceedings, sentencing information, and probation or parole status. The comprehensiveness of these records is governed by the Wisconsin Public Records Law, which establishes the framework for record creation, maintenance, and access.
Are Criminal Records Public In Outagamie County
Criminal records in Outagamie County are generally public documents, accessible to citizens 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 those officers and employees who represent them."
The Wisconsin Supreme Court has consistently upheld the public's right to access court records, noting in Newspapers, Inc. v. Breier that "public records are public property, and the official custodian is merely a trustee of the people's documents."
However, certain categories of criminal records maintain restricted access:
- Ongoing Investigations: Records pertaining to active law enforcement investigations may be temporarily withheld under Wisconsin Statute § 19.36(10)
- Sealed Cases: Records ordered sealed by a judge, often in cases involving first-time offenders who have completed diversion programs
- Juvenile Records: Generally confidential under Wisconsin Statute § 938.396, with limited exceptions for serious offenses
- Expunged Records: Cases removed from public access pursuant to court order under Wisconsin Statute § 973.015
- Victim Information: Personal identifying information of crime victims may be redacted under Wisconsin Statute § 950.04(1v)(ag)
The Wisconsin Department of Justice provides guidance on public records access through its Public Records Law Compliance Guide, which outlines the procedures for requesting and obtaining public records from government agencies.
How To Look Up Criminal Records In Outagamie County in 2026
Members of the public seeking criminal records in Outagamie County may utilize several methods to access this information. The Wisconsin Circuit Court Access (WCCA) provides the most comprehensive online resource for court records. Individuals may also request records in person, by mail, or through specialized databases.
To obtain criminal records through in-person requests:
- Visit the Outagamie County Clerk of Circuit Court during regular business hours:
Outagamie County Clerk of Circuit Court
320 S. Walnut Street
Appleton, WI 54911
(920) 832-5131
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Outagamie County Clerk of Circuit Court
- Complete a records request form, providing the subject's full name and, if possible, date of birth
- Present valid government-issued photo identification
- Pay applicable fees ($5.00 per name search, $1.25 per page for copies)
For mail requests:
- Send a written request to the Clerk of Circuit Court address above
- Include the subject's full name, date of birth (if known), and case number (if available)
- Enclose a self-addressed stamped envelope and payment for applicable fees
- Allow 7-10 business days for processing
For criminal history reports that include statewide information:
Wisconsin Department of Justice - Crime Information Bureau
P.O. Box 2688
Madison, WI 53701-2688
(608) 266-7314
Wisconsin Criminal History Request
Requestors must submit a DJ-LE-250 form with a $7.00 fee per name search. Processing typically takes 7-10 business days.
How To Find Criminal Records in Outagamie County Online?
Outagamie County criminal records are accessible through several online portals, each providing different types of information. The Wisconsin Circuit Court Access (WCCA) system, commonly known as CCAP, serves as the primary online resource for court records.
To access records through WCCA:
- Visit the Wisconsin Circuit Court Access website
- Select the search type (Simple, Advanced, or Case Number)
- For name searches, enter the individual's first and last name
- Narrow results by county (Outagamie) or case type (Criminal/Traffic)
- Review the case summary, which includes charges, court dates, and disposition information
The WCCA system contains records for:
- Criminal cases (felonies and misdemeanors)
- Traffic citations
- Civil cases
- Small claims actions
- Family court matters
For current inmate information, the Outagamie County Sheriff's Office maintains an online jail roster:
- Visit the Outagamie County Sheriff's Office website
- Navigate to the "Jail Information" section
- Select "Inmate Lookup"
- Search by name to view current custody status, charges, and bond information
For sex offender registration information:
- Access the Wisconsin Sex Offender Registry
- Enter a name or address to search
- Review offender profiles, which include photos, addresses, and conviction information
Users should note that while basic access to these systems is free, certain detailed documents may require in-person requests or additional fees. Additionally, some case documents are not available online and must be requested directly from the Clerk of Courts office.
Can You Search Outagamie County Criminal Records for Free?
Wisconsin law provides for free inspection of most criminal records, with nominal fees applied only for copies or certified documents. According to Wisconsin Statute § 19.35(1), "any requester has a right to inspect any record" during normal business hours.
Free resources for criminal record searches include:
-
Wisconsin Circuit Court Access (WCCA): This comprehensive online database provides free access to court case information, including criminal cases. Users can search by name, case number, or citation number at Wisconsin Court System Case Search.
-
Outagamie County Jail Roster: The Sheriff's Office maintains a free online database of current inmates, accessible through the county website.
-
In-Person Record Inspection: Citizens may visit the following locations to view records at no cost:
Outagamie County Clerk of Circuit Court
320 S. Walnut Street
Appleton, WI 54911
(920) 832-5131
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Outagamie County Law Library
320 S. Walnut Street, 5th Floor
Appleton, WI 54911
(920) 832-5189
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
While inspection is free, fees apply for copies:
- Regular copies: $1.25 per page
- Certified copies: $5.00 plus $1.25 per page
- Name searches requiring staff assistance: $5.00 per name
The Wisconsin Department of Justice charges $7.00 for criminal history reports, though certain nonprofit organizations may qualify for fee waivers under specific circumstances.
What's Included in a Outagamie County Criminal Record?
Outagamie County criminal records contain comprehensive information about an individual's interactions with the criminal justice system. These records typically include several categories of information as prescribed by Wisconsin Statute § 59.40(2)(c).
Identifying Information:
- Full legal name and known aliases
- Date of birth and age
- Physical description (height, weight, eye/hair color)
- Booking photograph (mugshot)
- Last known address
- State Identification Number (SID)
- FBI number (if applicable)
Arrest Information:
- Date and time of arrest
- Arresting agency
- Booking number
- Initial charges filed
- Bail or bond amount
- Detention facility information
Court Case Information:
- Case number and filing date
- Court of jurisdiction
- Statutory charges (Wisconsin Criminal Code citations)
- Classification of offenses (felony classes A-I or misdemeanor classes A-C)
- Attorney information (public defender or private counsel)
- Plea entered
- Pre-trial motions and rulings
Disposition and Sentencing:
- Verdict (guilty, not guilty, dismissed, etc.)
- Conviction date
- Sentence details:
- Incarceration length
- Probation terms
- Fines and court costs
- Restitution ordered
- Special conditions (treatment programs, community service)
- Appeal information
- Probation/parole status and violations
Additional Information:
- Active warrants
- Protective or restraining orders
- Sex offender registration requirements
- DUI/OWI convictions
- Traffic violations connected to criminal cases
- Pending charges in other jurisdictions
The Wisconsin Department of Corrections may supplement these records with information about an offender's institutional history, classification, and release date through their Offender Locator service.
How Long Does Outagamie County Keep Criminal Records?
Outagamie 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 vary by document type and case disposition.
For court records, the following retention periods generally apply:
- Felony Case Files: 75 years from date of filing
- Misdemeanor Case Files: 20 years from date of filing
- Criminal Traffic Cases: 10 years from date of filing
- Dismissed Cases: 10 years from date of dismissal
- Deferred Prosecution Agreements: 10 years after completion
- Search Warrants: 75 years if executed; 10 years if unexecuted
Law enforcement records follow different retention schedules:
- Arrest Reports: 10 years from date of arrest
- Investigation Files (No Arrest): 10 years from date case closed
- Homicide Investigation Files: 75 years
- Sex Offense Investigation Files: 75 years
- Juvenile Records: Until subject reaches age 25, unless ordered sealed earlier
The Wisconsin Circuit Court Automation Program (CCAP) maintains electronic court records according to these same schedules, though online public access may be limited for older cases.
Records may be retained longer than the minimum periods if:
- The case has historical significance
- Ongoing legal proceedings require retention
- The record relates to an unsolved crime
- The court orders extended retention
The Wisconsin Historical Society may select certain cases for permanent archival preservation based on historical or research value under Wisconsin Administrative Code § Adm 12.