La Crosse County Arrest Records
Are Arrest Records Public in La Crosse County
Arrest records in La Crosse County are considered public information pursuant to Wisconsin's Open Records Law (Wis. Stat. §§ 19.31-19.39). This statute establishes the presumption that all government records, including arrest records, are accessible to the public unless specifically exempted by law. Members of the public may request and obtain arrest records maintained by the La Crosse County Sheriff's Office and other law enforcement agencies within the county.
The public status of arrest records serves several governmental purposes:
• Promotes transparency in law enforcement operations • Ensures accountability of public officials • Facilitates public awareness of criminal activity • Supports the constitutional right to information about government activities
Certain exceptions to public disclosure may apply in specific circumstances, including:
• Records pertaining to ongoing investigations • Juvenile arrest records (subject to restrictions under Wis. Stat. § 938.396) • Records that may compromise victim safety • Information that would interfere with due process rights
The La Crosse County Sheriff's Office maintains and provides access to arrest records in accordance with state law. Interested parties may contact:
La Crosse County Sheriff's Office 333 Vine Street La Crosse, WI 54601 (608) 785-9629 La Crosse County Sheriff's Office
What's in La Crosse County Arrest Records
La Crosse County arrest records contain comprehensive documentation of an individual's interaction with law enforcement during and following an arrest. These records typically include standardized information collected pursuant to Wisconsin Administrative Code DOC § 328.27, which governs record-keeping requirements for criminal justice agencies.
Standard information contained in La Crosse County arrest records includes:
• Arrestee's full legal name and any known aliases • Date of birth and demographic information • Physical description (height, weight, identifying marks) • Date, time, and location of arrest • Arresting agency and officer information • Criminal charges filed at the time of arrest • Booking photographs ("mugshots") • Fingerprint records • Incident report detailing the circumstances of the arrest • Property inventory of items in possession at time of arrest • Initial appearance information • Bail or bond determination
Additional information that may be included:
• Prior arrest history within La Crosse County • Detention location following arrest • Case disposition information if available • Court docket numbers for associated cases
The La Crosse County Jail maintains booking records that contain much of this information and can be accessed through the inmate locator service. For complete arrest record information, interested parties may contact:
La Crosse County Jail 333 Vine Street La Crosse, WI 54601 (608) 785-9630 La Crosse County Jail Services
How To Look Up Arrest Records in La Crosse County in 2025
La Crosse County provides multiple methods for accessing arrest records in 2025, pursuant to Wisconsin's commitment to government transparency. Members of the public seeking arrest information may utilize several official channels to obtain these records.
The primary methods for looking up arrest records include:
• In-person requests: Individuals may visit the La Crosse County Sheriff's Office Records Division during regular business hours (Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM) to submit a records request. Photo identification is required, and standard fees apply for document reproduction.
• Online portal access: The La Crosse County Sheriff's Office maintains an inmate locator system that provides basic booking information for currently incarcerated individuals. This resource is available 24 hours a day.
• Written requests: Records may be requested via mail by sending a detailed written request including the subject's full name, date of birth, and approximate date of arrest. Requests should be addressed to:
La Crosse County Sheriff's Office - Records Division 333 Vine Street La Crosse, WI 54601 (608) 785-9629
• Court records search: For cases that have proceeded to court, the La Crosse County Clerk of Courts maintains records that often contain arrest information. These records can be accessed at:
La Crosse County Clerk of Courts 333 Vine Street, Room 1200 La Crosse, WI 54601 (608) 785-9590 La Crosse County Clerk of Courts
• Municipal police departments: Local arrests may be documented by municipal agencies such as:
Town of Shelby Police Department 2800 Ward Avenue La Crosse, WI 54601 (608) 788-6595 Town of Shelby Police Department
Requestors should note that processing times vary based on record age, complexity, and departmental workload.
How To Find La Crosse County Arrest Records Online
La Crosse County provides digital access to certain arrest records through several online platforms maintained by county and state agencies. These electronic resources allow for remote access to public safety information in accordance with Wisconsin's Open Records Law.
The following online resources are available for locating La Crosse County arrest records:
• La Crosse County Sheriff's Inmate Locator: This database provides real-time information about individuals currently held in the La Crosse County Jail, including booking date, charges, and basic demographic information. The inmate locator tool is updated regularly as bookings occur.
• Wisconsin Circuit Court Access (WCCA): Commonly known as CCAP, this statewide database includes court records for cases that have proceeded to prosecution. While not specifically an arrest database, it contains information about criminal charges that typically stem from arrests. The system is accessible at https://wcca.wicourts.gov.
• Wisconsin Department of Corrections Offender Locator: For individuals who have been sentenced to state custody following conviction, the Wisconsin DOC offender database provides custody status and location information.
• La Crosse County Sheriff's Office Website: The Sheriff's Office periodically posts information about significant arrests and public safety concerns on their official website.
Users should be aware of the following limitations when searching online:
• Not all arrest records are digitized or available online • Historical records may require in-person requests • Information may be limited compared to complete paper records • Some online systems require registration or fees for full access • Records may be removed or restricted based on case disposition
For technical assistance with online systems, users may contact the La Crosse County Information Technology Department at (608) 785-9770.
Can You Search La Crosse County Arrest Records for Free?
La Crosse County provides several no-cost options for accessing basic arrest record information in accordance with Wisconsin's public records statutes. These free resources offer varying levels of detail and accessibility to meet different informational needs.
Free arrest record search options include:
• La Crosse County Jail Inmate Lookup: The Sheriff's Office maintains a free online inmate locator that provides current booking information for individuals in custody. This resource is available without charge and requires no registration.
• Public Access Terminals: Computer terminals available at the La Crosse County Justice Center provide free access to basic court records that often contain arrest information. These terminals are available during regular business hours at:
La Crosse County Justice Center 333 Vine Street La Crosse, WI 54601 (608) 785-9600
• Wisconsin Circuit Court Access (WCCA): This free statewide database includes court records for cases that have proceeded to prosecution, often containing information about the underlying arrest. The system is accessible at https://wcca.wicourts.gov.
• In-Person Record Review: Pursuant to Wis. Stat. § 19.35(1), individuals may inspect arrest records in person at the Sheriff's Office at no charge, though fees apply for copies.
Limitations of free search options:
• Basic information only (detailed reports may require payment) • Limited search functionality • No access to historical archives through online systems • Possible waiting periods for in-person record inspection • No certified copies without payment of statutory fees
For comprehensive arrest record searches, particularly for employment background checks or legal proceedings, users may need to utilize fee-based services or submit formal records requests with applicable processing fees.
How To Delete Arrest Records in La Crosse County
The process for removing or limiting access to arrest records in La Crosse County is governed by Wisconsin Statutes Chapter 973.015 and related provisions. Under Wisconsin law, complete deletion of arrest records is generally not available; however, certain remedies exist to limit their accessibility and impact.
Legal mechanisms for addressing arrest records include:
• Expungement: Available only for certain offenses committed by individuals under age 25 at the time of the offense, and only when ordered by a judge at the time of sentencing. Expungement does not physically destroy records but seals them from public view. Applications must be filed with:
La Crosse County Circuit Court 333 Vine Street La Crosse, WI 54601 (608) 785-9590
• Record Sealing: Limited availability under specific circumstances for non-conviction records. Petitions must demonstrate clear and convincing evidence that public interest in sealing outweighs public interest in disclosure.
• Governor's Pardon: While not removing the record, a pardon from the Wisconsin Governor can restore certain rights and may improve employment prospects. Applications are submitted to:
Wisconsin Governor's Office 115 East State Capitol Madison, WI 53702 (608) 266-1212
• Error Correction: If arrest records contain factual errors, individuals may submit documentation supporting correction to:
La Crosse County Sheriff's Office - Records Division 333 Vine Street La Crosse, WI 54601 (608) 785-9629
Individuals seeking to address arrest records should be aware that:
• The process requires strict adherence to statutory requirements • Legal representation is strongly recommended • Outcomes are not guaranteed • Timeframes for processing can be lengthy • Even when successful, digital traces may remain in private databases
Pursuant to Wisconsin Administrative Code § JUS 9.04, individuals may also request that the Wisconsin Department of Justice remove their information from the state's online court records system in certain limited circumstances.
What Happens After Arrest in La Crosse County?
Following an arrest in La Crosse County, individuals enter a standardized criminal justice process governed by Wisconsin state law and local procedures. This process includes several key stages that occur in a prescribed sequence.
The post-arrest procedure typically includes:
• Booking Process: Arrestees are transported to the La Crosse County Jail where they undergo fingerprinting, photographing, personal property inventory, and basic health screening. This information becomes part of the arrest record maintained at:
La Crosse County Jail 333 Vine Street La Crosse, WI 54601 (608) 785-9630 La Crosse County Jail Services
• Initial Appearance: Within 48 hours of arrest (excluding weekends and holidays), arrestees appear before a judicial officer who:
- Informs them of charges
- Advises them of constitutional rights
- Makes preliminary bail determinations
- Appoints counsel if the defendant qualifies
• Bail Determination: The court sets conditions for pre-trial release based on:
- Nature of alleged offense
- Prior criminal history
- Community ties
- Flight risk assessment
- Public safety considerations
• Charging Decision: The La Crosse County District Attorney's Office reviews the case and determines whether to:
- File formal charges
- Decline prosecution
- Refer for alternative disposition
- Request additional investigation
• Preliminary Hearing: For felony cases, a hearing to determine if sufficient evidence exists to proceed to trial (may be waived)
• Arraignment: Formal reading of charges where defendant enters a plea
• Pre-trial Proceedings: May include motion hearings, discovery exchanges, and plea negotiations
• Case Resolution: Through trial, plea agreement, diversion program, or dismissal
Throughout this process, arrest records are updated to reflect case progression and are maintained according to Wisconsin records retention schedules.
How Long Are Arrest Records Kept in La Crosse County?
Arrest records in La Crosse County are maintained according to Wisconsin's Public Records Law and the specific retention schedules established by the Wisconsin Public Records Board. These schedules determine the minimum period during which different categories of records must be preserved.
The retention periods for arrest-related records vary by record type:
• Arrest Reports and Booking Information: Maintained permanently by the La Crosse County Sheriff's Office in accordance with Wisconsin Administrative Code § PW-ADM 17.10, which governs law enforcement record retention.
• Fingerprint Cards: Retained permanently in both physical and digital formats, with copies forwarded to the Wisconsin Department of Justice Crime Information Bureau and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
• Booking Photographs: Maintained permanently as part of the arrest record, though public access may be restricted based on case disposition.
• Incident Reports: Preserved for a minimum of 7 years for misdemeanors and permanently for felonies, pursuant to Wisconsin Public Records Board Schedule for Public Safety Records.
• Investigation Files: Retention periods vary based on case type:
- Homicide cases: Permanent retention
- Felony cases: 75 years
- Misdemeanor cases: 7 years after case closure
- Non-charged incidents: 7 years
• Court Records Related to Arrests: Circuit court records are maintained according to Wisconsin Supreme Court Rule 72, with most criminal case records retained for 75 years after entry of final judgment.
Exceptions to standard retention periods may apply in cases where:
• Records have been ordered expunged by judicial action • Records pertain to juvenile offenders (subject to different retention schedules) • Records have historical significance warranting permanent preservation
For specific information about record retention for a particular arrest, interested parties may contact:
La Crosse County Sheriff's Office - Records Division 333 Vine Street La Crosse, WI 54601 (608) 785-9629 La Crosse County Sheriff's Office
How to Find Mugshots in La Crosse County
Booking photographs, commonly referred to as "mugshots," are created during the arrest process in La Crosse County and are considered public records under Wisconsin's Open Records Law. These photographs serve as official documentation of an individual's appearance at the time of booking.
Members of the public seeking mugshots may utilize the following methods:
• Sheriff's Office Records Request: Individuals may submit a specific request for booking photographs to the La Crosse County Sheriff's Office Records Division. Requests should include the subject's full name, date of birth, and approximate date of arrest. Standard reproduction fees apply.
La Crosse County Sheriff's Office - Records Division 333 Vine Street La Crosse, WI 54601 (608) 785-9629 Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM
• Inmate Information System: Current booking photographs may be visible through the La Crosse County Jail inmate locator system for individuals currently in custody.
• Criminal Case Files: For cases that have proceeded to court, booking photographs may be included in the case file accessible through:
La Crosse County Clerk of Courts 333 Vine Street, Room 1200 La Crosse, WI 54601 (608) 785-9590 La Crosse County Clerk of Courts
Important considerations regarding mugshot access:
• Pursuant to Wisconsin Statute § 165.83(2), law enforcement agencies are required to take photographs of arrested individuals for identification purposes • Access may be restricted for ongoing investigations • Juvenile mugshots are generally not publicly available • Some booking photos may be withheld if release would endanger an individual's safety • Commercial use of mugshots may be subject to restrictions under Wisconsin law • Reproduction fees typically range from $1-5 per photograph
Requestors should note that while mugshots are generally available, La Crosse County agencies follow Wisconsin Department of Justice guidance regarding the balancing test between public interest in disclosure and potential privacy concerns.
Lookup Arrest Records in La Crosse County
La Crosse County Jail inmate information
Sheriff's Office records and reports
La Crosse County Jail booking records
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