La Crosse County Arrest Records

Are Arrest Records Public in La Crosse County

Yes, arrest records in La Crosse County are considered public information under Wisconsin's Open Records Law. This means that most arrest records can be accessed by anyone, including employers, landlords, and the general public.

The La Crosse County Sheriff's Office maintains these records and makes them available through various methods. However, certain records may be sealed or expunged under specific circumstances, such as juvenile records or cases that have been dismissed.

For official information about public records, you can contact the La Crosse County Sheriff's Office at 333 Vine Street, La Crosse, WI 54601 or the La Crosse County Clerk of Courts at 333 Vine Street, Room 1200, La Crosse, WI 54601.

What's in La Crosse County Arrest Records

La Crosse County arrest records typically contain comprehensive information about an individual's arrest, including:

• Full name and aliases
• Date of birth
• Physical description (height, weight, eye color, hair color)
• Photograph (mugshot)
• Date and time of arrest
• Location of arrest
• Charges filed
• Arresting agency
• Booking information
• Case numbers
• Court dates
• Disposition of the case (if available)

These records are maintained by the La Crosse County Sheriff's Office at 333 Vine Street, La Crosse, WI 54601 and the La Crosse County Clerk of Courts at 333 Vine Street, Room 1200, La Crosse, WI 54601.

How To Look Up Arrest Records in La Crosse County in 2025

In 2025, there are several methods to look up arrest records in La Crosse County:

1. Visit in person: Go to the La Crosse County Sheriff's Office at 333 Vine Street, La Crosse, WI 54601 or the La Crosse County Clerk of Courts at 333 Vine Street, Room 1200, La Crosse, WI 54601.

2. Online: Use the Wisconsin Circuit Court Access (WCCA) website, also known as CCAP, which provides public access to court records.

3. Mail: Send a written request to the La Crosse County Sheriff's Office with the required information and any applicable fees.

4. Third-party websites: Various background check services can provide arrest record information, though they may charge fees and might not have the most up-to-date information.

For the most accurate and current information, contacting the Sheriff's Office or Clerk of Courts directly is recommended.

How To Find La Crosse County Arrest Records Online

Finding La Crosse County arrest records online is relatively straightforward:

1. Wisconsin Circuit Court Access (WCCA/CCAP): Visit the official Wisconsin court records website at https://wcca.wicourts.gov. This free resource allows you to search for court cases by name.

2. La Crosse County Sheriff's Office website: Check the Sheriff's Office website for inmate lookup tools or recent arrest information.

3. VINELink: The Victim Information and Notification Everyday system allows you to search for custody status information.

4. Wisconsin Department of Corrections Offender Locator: For individuals who have been convicted and are in the state prison system.

The Wisconsin Department of Corrections can be contacted at 3099 E. Washington Ave., Madison, WI 53704.

Can You Search La Crosse County Arrest Records for Free?

Yes, you can search La Crosse County arrest records for free through several methods:

1. Wisconsin Circuit Court Access (WCCA/CCAP): This free online database provides access to court records, including criminal cases.

2. La Crosse County Sheriff's Office website: Often provides basic information about recent arrests and current inmates at no cost.

3. In-person at public terminals: The La Crosse County Courthouse at 333 Vine Street, La Crosse, WI 54601 has public terminals where you can search court records for free.

While basic searches are free, there may be fees for obtaining certified copies of records or for more detailed background checks. Additionally, third-party websites typically charge for their services.

How To Delete Arrest Records in La Crosse County

Deleting or expunging arrest records in La Crosse County requires following specific legal procedures:

1. Determine eligibility: Not all records can be expunged. In Wisconsin, expungement is generally limited to certain offenses committed by those under 25 years old.

2. File a petition: If eligible, you must file a petition for expungement with the La Crosse County Circuit Court at 333 Vine Street, Room 1200, La Crosse, WI 54601.

3. Attend a hearing: The court may schedule a hearing to determine if expungement is appropriate.

4. Seek legal assistance: Consider consulting with an attorney who specializes in record expungement. The La Crosse County Bar Association at 119 North 19th Street, Suite 1, La Crosse, WI 54601 can provide referrals.

For cases that don't qualify for expungement, you may be able to seek a pardon from the governor or pursue record sealing in limited circumstances.

What Happens After Arrest in La Crosse County?

After an arrest in La Crosse County, the process typically follows these steps:

1. Booking: The arrested person is taken to the La Crosse County Jail at 333 Vine Street, La Crosse, WI 54601 for booking, which includes fingerprinting, photographs, and recording personal information.

2. Initial appearance: Within 48 hours, the arrested person appears before a judge who informs them of the charges and sets bail.

3. Bail determination: The judge decides whether to release the person on their own recognizance or set a bail amount.

4. Preliminary hearing: For felony cases, a preliminary hearing is held to determine if there's enough evidence to proceed.

5. Arraignment: The defendant enters a plea of guilty, not guilty, or no contest.

6. Pre-trial proceedings: This may include motions, discovery, and plea negotiations.

7. Trial: If the case goes to trial, it will be held at the La Crosse County Courthouse.

8. Sentencing: If convicted, the judge determines the appropriate sentence.

The La Crosse County District Attorney's Office at 333 Vine Street, Room 1100, La Crosse, WI 54601 handles the prosecution of cases.

How Long Are Arrest Records Kept in La Crosse County?

In La Crosse County, arrest records are typically kept indefinitely unless they are expunged or sealed by court order. Wisconsin does not have automatic expungement laws that remove records after a certain period.

Even if charges are dismissed or the person is found not guilty, the arrest record generally remains on file. This is why many people seek expungement when eligible.

For questions about record retention policies, contact the La Crosse County Sheriff's Office at 333 Vine Street, La Crosse, WI 54601 or the Wisconsin Department of Justice at 17 W. Main Street, Madison, WI 53703.

How to Find Mugshots in La Crosse County

Finding mugshots in La Crosse County can be done through several channels:

1. La Crosse County Sheriff's Office website: Some recent booking photos may be available on their online inmate lookup system.

2. In-person request: Visit the La Crosse County Sheriff's Office at 333 Vine Street, La Crosse, WI 54601 and submit a formal request for mugshot records.

3. Open records request: Submit a written request under Wisconsin's Open Records Law to the Sheriff's Office.

4. Third-party websites: Various websites collect and publish mugshots, though these may not always be up-to-date or accurate.

Be aware that while mugshots are generally considered public records, their publication and use are subject to ethical considerations and potential legal restrictions in some contexts.

Lookup Arrest Records in La Crosse County

Wisconsin Circuit Court Access (WCCA)

La Crosse County Sheriff's Office

Wisconsin Department of Corrections Offender Locator

VINELink Custody Status

Wisconsin Department of Justice Criminal History Background Check