La Crosse County Public Records

What Is Public Records in The La Crosse County?

Public records in La Crosse County are official documents and information maintained by county government agencies that are accessible to the public under Wisconsin's Open Records Law. These records include vital records (birth, death, marriage certificates), property records, court documents, sheriff's reports, tax information, and other government-generated documents.

The La Crosse County Register of Deeds maintains land records and vital statistics, while the Sheriff's Office maintains law enforcement records. These records serve as official documentation of government activities and transactions involving county residents.

La Crosse County Register of Deeds: 212 6th Street North, Room 1800, La Crosse, WI 54601

La Crosse County Sheriff's Office: 333 Vine Street, La Crosse, WI 54601

Is La Crosse County an Open Records County?

Yes, La Crosse County is an open records county. Wisconsin has strong public records laws that apply to all counties, including La Crosse. Under Wisconsin Statute §19.31-19.39, known as the Public Records Law, there is a presumption of complete public access to government records, consistent with the conduct of governmental business.

La Crosse County government agencies are required to provide access to public records upon request unless there is a clear statutory exception or the public interest in withholding the record outweighs the strong public interest in disclosure.

The county has established procedures for requesting and obtaining public records through various departments, with the County Clerk serving as the primary records custodian.

La Crosse County Clerk's Office: 212 6th Street North, Room 1500, La Crosse, WI 54601

How Do I Find Public Records in La Crosse County in 2025

Finding public records in La Crosse County in 2025 can be accomplished through several methods:

1. Online Access: Many records are available through the county's official website. The Register of Deeds offers online access to land records through subscription services, and court records can be accessed through the Wisconsin Circuit Court Access (WCCA) portal.

2. In-Person Requests: Visit the appropriate county department during business hours:

   • For vital records: Register of Deeds Office
   • For court records: Clerk of Courts
   • For property records: Register of Deeds or Treasurer's Office
   • For law enforcement records: Sheriff's Office

3. Written Requests: Submit a written public records request to the specific department that maintains the records you seek. Include your contact information and be as specific as possible about the records you want.

4. Email Requests: Many departments accept public records requests via email.

La Crosse County Clerk of Courts: 333 Vine Street, Room 1200, La Crosse, WI 54601

La Crosse County Treasurer's Office: 212 6th Street North, Room 1900, La Crosse, WI 54601

How Much Does It Cost To Get Public Records In La Crosse County?

The cost to obtain public records in La Crosse County varies depending on the type of record and the format requested:

• Copying Fees: $0.25 per page for standard black and white copies
• Search Fees: Some departments may charge reasonable fees for extensive searches
• Specialized Records: Certified copies of vital records have specific fees:
  • Birth certificates: $20 for the first copy, $3 for additional copies
  • Death certificates: $20 for the first copy, $3 for additional copies
  • Marriage certificates: $20 for the first copy, $3 for additional copies

The Sheriff's Office and other departments may have their own fee schedules for specific records. Under Wisconsin law, fees are limited to the "actual, necessary and direct cost" of reproduction and cannot include charges for staff time spent locating records unless the cost exceeds $50.

Requesters can ask for an estimate of costs before records are produced, and payment may be required before records are released.

Does La Crosse County Have Free Public Records?

La Crosse County does offer some public records at no cost:

1. Online Access: Some basic information is available for free on the county website, including:

   • Property assessment information
   • Tax payment status
   • County Board meeting minutes and agendas
   • Basic court case information through WCCA (Wisconsin Circuit Court Access)

2. In-Person Inspection: Wisconsin law allows for free in-person inspection of records during normal business hours. While copying may incur fees, simply viewing records is typically free.

3. Fee Waivers: In some cases, fees may be reduced or waived if the request is deemed to be primarily in the public interest.

However, most certified documents, copies, and specialized searches do involve fees as outlined in the county fee schedule.

Wisconsin Circuit Court Access: https://wcca.wicourts.gov

Who Can Request Public Records In La Crosse County?

Under Wisconsin's Public Records Law, virtually anyone can request public records in La Crosse County:

• Wisconsin residents
• Out-of-state residents
• Non-U.S. citizens
• Media organizations
• Businesses and corporations
• Nonprofit organizations
• Attorneys and legal representatives
• Incarcerated individuals (with some limitations)

The law does not require requesters to identify themselves or state the purpose of their request, though some specific records (like vital records) may have stricter requirements for identification to prevent fraud.

Record custodians cannot deny access based on the requester's identity or intended use of the records, except in very limited circumstances where specific statutory exemptions apply.

What Records Are Confidential In La Crosse County?

Despite Wisconsin's strong open records laws, certain records in La Crosse County remain confidential:

1. Protected Health Information: Medical records and health information protected under HIPAA
2. Juvenile Records: Most juvenile court and law enforcement records
3. Ongoing Investigations: Active law enforcement investigation records
4. Personnel Records: Certain employee information, including medical information and performance evaluations
5. Social Security Numbers: Personal identifiers are often redacted
6. Child Welfare Records: Reports of child abuse or neglect
7. Certain Vital Records: Birth records may have restricted access for a period
8. Attorney-Client Communications: Legal advice to county officials
9. Competitive Business Information: Trade secrets or proprietary information submitted to the county
10. Computer Programs and Data: Software developed by or for the county

Records custodians must balance the presumption of openness against legitimate privacy concerns and statutory exemptions. When a record contains both public and confidential information, the confidential portions are typically redacted rather than withholding the entire record.

Wisconsin Department of Justice - Office of Open Government: 114 East, State Capitol, Madison, WI 53702

Lookup Public Records in La Crosse County

For more information on accessing public records in La Crosse County, please visit these official resources:

• Public Records Request - LaCrosseCounty - Information on requesting records from the Sheriff's Office, including available record types and the request process.

• Search Land Records Online Options - LaCrosseCounty - Options for searching La Crosse County land records online, with access to various databases for real estate professionals.

• Vital Records Information - LaCrosseCounty - Details on obtaining vital records such as birth, death, marriage, and divorce certificates, including application procedures and associated fees.