St. Croix County Arrest Records
Are Arrest Records Public in St. Croix County
Arrest records in St. Croix County are considered public information under Wisconsin's Public Records Law, specifically Wisconsin Statutes § 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 statutory exceptions.
It is important for requesters to understand the distinction between arrest records and conviction records. An arrest record documents the apprehension and taking into custody of an individual by law enforcement, while conviction records document the final disposition of a case resulting in a finding of guilt. Under Wisconsin law, arrest records that did not lead to charges or convictions remain public, though individuals may have certain rights to petition for expungement or sealing under specific circumstances as outlined in Wisconsin Statutes § 973.015.
The St. Croix County Sheriff's Office maintains arrest records in accordance with the Wisconsin Public Records Law and makes these records available through established procedures. While most arrest information is public, certain information may be redacted to protect ongoing investigations, confidential informants, or juvenile records pursuant to Wisconsin Statutes.
What's in St. Croix County Arrest Records
St. Croix County arrest records contain comprehensive documentation of an individual's interaction with law enforcement during and following an arrest. These records typically include the following categories of information:
Arrestee Identifying Information:
- Full legal name and any known aliases
- Date of birth
- Physical description (height, weight, eye color, hair color)
- Identifying marks such as tattoos or scars
- Home address
- Driver's license number
- Fingerprints and, in most cases, photographs (mugshots)
Arrest Details:
- Date, time, and location of arrest
- Arresting agency and officer identification
- Circumstances leading to the arrest
- Whether the arrest was made pursuant to a warrant or probable cause
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
- Booking number or identification
- Processing officer information
- Property inventory taken during booking
Bond/Bail Information:
- Bail amount set
- Bond type (cash, signature, property)
- Bond conditions
- Release status
Court Information:
- Court of jurisdiction
- Case number
- Scheduled court appearances
- Name of assigned judge
Custody Status:
- Current detention status
- Facility of incarceration if in custody
- Release date if applicable
Additional Information May Include:
- Prior arrest history in St. Croix County
- Known associates documented during investigation
- Vehicle information related to the arrest
- Victim information (often redacted in public records)
- Witness statements (often redacted in public records)
The specific content of arrest records may vary based on the nature of the arrest, the arresting agency's protocols, and applicable Wisconsin laws governing record-keeping requirements.
How To Look Up Arrest Records in St. Croix County in 2026
Members of the public seeking arrest records in St. Croix County may utilize several methods to obtain this information. The county maintains current procedures for public access to these records in compliance with Wisconsin's Public Records Law.
To request arrest records in person:
- Visit the St. Croix County Sheriff's Office Records Division during regular business hours.
St. Croix County Sheriff's Office
1101 Carmichael Road
Hudson, WI 54016
(715) 381-4320
St. Croix County Sheriff's Office
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Complete a public records request form, providing specific information about the record being sought, including:
- Full name of the individual
- Date of birth or approximate age
- Date or approximate date of arrest
- Reason for the request (optional, but may help expedite processing)
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Present valid government-issued photo identification.
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Pay applicable fees for record retrieval and copying. The current fee schedule is established pursuant to Wisconsin Statutes § 19.35(3), which allows agencies to charge the actual, necessary, and direct cost of reproduction.
To request arrest records by mail:
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Submit a written request to the St. Croix County Sheriff's Office Records Division at the address listed above.
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Include all relevant identifying information as noted in the in-person request process.
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Enclose a self-addressed stamped envelope and payment for applicable fees.
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Allow 5-10 business days for processing, as required by Wisconsin law.
For electronic requests:
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Visit the St. Croix County website and navigate to the Sheriff's Office public records request portal.
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Complete the online form with all required information.
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Submit payment for any applicable fees using the county's secure payment system.
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Receive notification when records are available for electronic delivery or pickup.
The St. Croix County Sheriff's Office processes all requests in accordance with Wisconsin's Public Records Law, which requires a response "as soon as practicable and without delay." Complex requests may require additional processing time.
How To Find St. Croix County Arrest Records Online
St. Croix County provides several digital resources for accessing arrest records online. These electronic systems offer convenient alternatives to in-person requests while maintaining compliance with Wisconsin public records laws.
The primary online resource for St. Croix County arrest information is the county's inmate lookup system, accessible through the St. Croix County Jail website. This database provides real-time information on currently incarcerated individuals, including:
- Basic identifying information
- Current charges
- Booking date
- Bond information
- Scheduled court dates
For more comprehensive arrest record searches, including historical arrests, the Wisconsin Circuit Court Access (WCCA) system, commonly known as Wisconsin Court System case search, provides public access to court records from all 72 Wisconsin counties, including St. Croix. To utilize this system:
- Navigate to the WCCA website
- Select "Simple Search" or "Advanced Search" options
- Enter the individual's name and, if available, date of birth
- Narrow results by selecting St. Croix County from the county dropdown menu
- Review case records, which often include arrest information for cases that proceeded to court
Additionally, the St. Croix County Sheriff's Office maintains limited arrest information through their online records portal. Users must register for an account and may be subject to verification procedures before accessing certain records.
When using online systems, requesters should note:
- Information may be limited compared to complete arrest records
- Recent arrests may not appear immediately in online databases
- Some sensitive information may be redacted from online versions
- Older records may not be digitized and therefore unavailable online
For the most comprehensive arrest record information, combining online searches with formal records requests often yields the most complete results.
How To Search St. Croix County Arrest Records for Free?
St. Croix County residents and other interested parties have several options for accessing arrest records without incurring fees. These no-cost methods are provided in accordance with Wisconsin's commitment to government transparency and public information access.
The most accessible free resource is the Wisconsin Court System case search portal, which provides public access to court records including criminal cases stemming from arrests in St. Croix County. This system, maintained by the Wisconsin Court System, allows users to search by name and view:
- Case numbers and filing dates
- Charges filed following arrest
- Court proceedings and schedules
- Case outcomes and sentencing information
- Bond/bail information
The St. Croix County Sheriff's Office also maintains a free inmate lookup tool on their website, which provides current custody information for individuals recently arrested and booked into the county jail. This resource is updated regularly and includes basic arrest information for currently incarcerated individuals.
Local public libraries in St. Croix County offer free internet access and assistance with navigating public records websites. The following locations provide these services:
Hudson Area Public Library
700 First Street
Hudson, WI 54016
(715) 386-3101
Hudson Area Public Library
New Richmond Public Library
155 East 1st Street
New Richmond, WI 54017
(715) 243-0431
New Richmond Public Library
For individuals seeking to inspect physical arrest records without obtaining copies, the St. Croix County Sheriff's Office provides free public viewing of non-confidential records during regular business hours. While inspection is free, standard fees apply for any requested copies of records.
It should be noted that while basic searches are free, comprehensive background checks or certified copies of records typically involve fees as permitted under Wisconsin Statutes.
How To Delete Arrest Records in St. Croix County
Wisconsin law provides specific mechanisms for the removal of arrest records from public access under certain circumstances. In St. Croix County, these processes are governed by state statutes and administered through the county court system.
The two primary legal remedies available are expungement and record sealing. Expungement refers to the legal erasure of records, while sealing restricts public access while maintaining the records for certain official purposes. These distinct remedies have different eligibility requirements and outcomes.
Expungement eligibility in St. Croix County is governed by Wisconsin Statutes § 973.015, which permits expungement when:
- The offense was committed before the individual turned 25 years old
- The maximum period of imprisonment for the offense is 6 years or less (Class H felony or less severe)
- The court ordered expungement at the time of sentencing
- The individual has successfully completed their sentence
For arrests that did not result in charges or convictions, Wisconsin law provides a process for removal from public databases through Wisconsin Statutes § 165.84(1), which allows individuals to petition for the return of fingerprints, photographs, and other identifying data.
To initiate the expungement or record sealing process in St. Croix County:
- Obtain and complete the appropriate petition form from the St. Croix County Clerk of Circuit Court
St. Croix County Clerk of Circuit Court
1101 Carmichael Road
Hudson, WI 54016
(715) 386-4630
St. Croix County Clerk of Circuit Court
- File the petition with the court that handled the original case
- Pay any applicable filing fees (fee waivers may be available for eligible individuals)
- Attend any scheduled hearings regarding the petition
- If granted, ensure the order is properly distributed to all relevant agencies
It is important to note that expungement in Wisconsin does not completely destroy all records. Certain law enforcement and court records may be maintained for official purposes even after expungement is granted. Additionally, federal agencies and private companies that previously obtained the records may still maintain copies.
What Happens After Arrest in St. Croix County?
Following an arrest in St. Croix County, individuals enter a structured criminal justice process governed by Wisconsin state law and local court procedures. This process typically follows a sequential progression through several key stages.
The initial post-arrest procedure involves booking at the St. Croix County Jail, where the arrested individual is:
- Photographed and fingerprinted
- Searched for contraband
- Interviewed for basic identifying information
- Assessed for medical needs
- Placed in appropriate housing within the facility
Within 48 hours of arrest, Wisconsin law requires that individuals appear before a judge for an initial appearance. During this proceeding, the court:
- Informs the defendant of the charges
- Advises the defendant of their constitutional rights
- Makes a preliminary determination of probable cause
- Sets bail or conditions of release
- Appoints counsel if the defendant qualifies for public defender services
For misdemeanor charges, defendants may enter a plea at the initial appearance. For felony charges, the next step is typically a preliminary hearing, which must be held within 10 days if the defendant is in custody or 20 days if released on bail, pursuant to Wisconsin Statutes § 970.03.
At the preliminary hearing, the prosecution must establish probable cause that a felony was committed by the defendant. If probable cause is found, the case proceeds to arraignment, where formal charges are read and the defendant enters a plea.
Following arraignment, the case enters the pre-trial phase, which may include:
- Discovery exchanges between prosecution and defense
- Pre-trial motions addressing evidence and procedural issues
- Status conferences to monitor case progress
- Plea negotiations between the parties
If a plea agreement is not reached, the case proceeds to trial, where the prosecution must prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. Trials may be conducted before a judge (bench trial) or jury, at the defendant's election.
Upon conviction, either through plea or trial verdict, the court schedules a sentencing hearing. The judge considers factors including:
- The nature and severity of the offense
- The defendant's criminal history
- Victim impact statements
- Mitigating or aggravating circumstances
- Sentencing guidelines established by Wisconsin law
Throughout this process, records are generated and maintained by various agencies, including the Sheriff's Office, Clerk of Courts, and District Attorney's Office, all of which may be subject to public records requests as previously outlined.
How Long Are Arrest Records Kept in St. Croix County?
St. Croix County maintains arrest records in accordance with Wisconsin's Public Records Law and the state's records retention schedules. The retention of these records is governed by Wisconsin Statutes § 16.61, which establishes the Public Records Board and authorizes the creation of records retention schedules for state and local government agencies.
Under current Wisconsin law enforcement records retention schedules, arrest records are typically maintained for the following periods:
- Felony arrest records: 75 years from the date of arrest
- Misdemeanor arrest records: 50 years from the date of arrest
- Non-criminal arrest records (civil violations): 10 years from the date of arrest
- Juvenile arrest records: Until the individual reaches age 25, unless the case involved serious offenses that would be felonies if committed by an adult
These retention periods apply to the primary records maintained by the St. Croix County Sheriff's Office. However, it is important to note that different agencies within the criminal justice system maintain separate records with varying retention requirements:
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Court records related to arrests are maintained by the St. Croix County Clerk of Circuit Court according to the Wisconsin Court System Records Retention Schedule, which generally requires permanent retention of felony case files and extended retention of misdemeanor files.
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The Wisconsin Department of Justice Crime Information Bureau maintains criminal history records indefinitely unless expungement is ordered by a court.
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Booking photographs (mugshots) are typically retained for the same duration as the corresponding arrest records.
The extended retention of these records serves several important public purposes:
- Preservation of evidence that may be needed for future legal proceedings
- Maintenance of accurate criminal history information for law enforcement and court functions
- Support for public safety through access to historical offense information
- Accountability and transparency in the criminal justice system
- Statistical analysis and research on crime patterns and recidivism
Individuals seeking information about specific record retention policies may contact the St. Croix County Records Custodian for detailed information about particular record types.
How to Find Mugshots in St. Croix County
Mugshots, officially known as booking photographs, are created during the arrest booking process at the St. Croix County Jail. These photographs serve as visual identification records of individuals processed into the criminal justice system and are considered part of the official arrest record.
What Mugshots Are
Booking photographs typically capture front-facing and profile views of arrested individuals. These images are taken under controlled lighting conditions to document the appearance of the individual at the time of arrest. Mugshots are accompanied by identifying information including the arrestee's name, booking number, and date of photograph.
Where Mugshots Are Maintained
In St. Croix County, booking photographs are primarily maintained by:
- The St. Croix County Sheriff's Office as part of their jail booking records
- The Wisconsin Department of Justice Crime Information Bureau as part of the state's criminal history repository
- Local police departments that conducted the arrest, such as the City of New Richmond Police Department
Finding Mugshots
To obtain official copies of booking photographs in St. Croix County, individuals may:
- Submit a public records request to the St. Croix County Sheriff's Office Records Division, specifying the name and booking date of the individual
- Include payment for applicable reproduction fees (typically $1-5 per photograph)
- Provide a self-addressed stamped envelope if requesting by mail
Can They Be Found Online
St. Croix County does not currently maintain a public-facing online database of booking photographs. While some Wisconsin counties do publish recent booking photos online, St. Croix County has opted not to implement this practice. However, mugshots may appear online through:
- Media outlets that have obtained and published the images
- Third-party websites that aggregate booking photos from public records
- Court records that sometimes include booking photographs as exhibits
Obtaining Mugshots Officially
The most reliable method for obtaining authentic booking photographs is through the official records request process with the St. Croix County Sheriff's Office. This ensures the photograph is current, accurate, and legally obtained.
Restrictions on Mugshot Access
Access to booking photographs in St. Croix County is subject to certain limitations under Wisconsin law:
- Juvenile mugshots (under age 17) are generally confidential under Wisconsin Statutes § 938.396
- Photographs related to ongoing investigations may be temporarily withheld
- Images related to certain sensitive cases (e.g., sexual assault victims) may have restricted access
- Expunged records may no longer include publicly accessible mugshots
Requesters should be aware that while mugshots are generally considered public records, their publication and use may be subject to other legal considerations, including privacy laws and potential civil liability.