St. Croix County Criminal Records
What Is St. Croix County Criminal Records
Criminal records in St. Croix 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 § 19.35, which establishes the public's right to access government records.
Criminal records encompass several distinct categories:
- Arrest Records: Documentation of when an individual is taken into custody by law enforcement, including the date, location, and charges. These records exist whether or not charges are ultimately filed.
- Conviction Records: Official documentation of criminal cases resulting in a guilty verdict or plea, representing the final disposition of a case.
- Felony Records: Documentation of more serious crimes punishable by imprisonment of one year or more.
- Misdemeanor Records: Records of less serious offenses typically punishable by less than one year in jail.
- Juvenile Records: Documentation of offenses committed by individuals under 18 years of age, which are generally sealed and not accessible to the public under Wisconsin Statute § 938.396.
Several agencies maintain criminal records in St. Croix County:
St. Croix County Sheriff's Office
1101 Carmichael Road
Hudson, WI 54016
715-386-4701
St. Croix County Sheriff's Office
The Sheriff's Office maintains arrest records, booking information, and jail records.
St. Croix County Clerk of Circuit Court
1101 Carmichael Road
Hudson, WI 54016
715-386-4630
St. Croix County Clerk of Courts
The Clerk of Circuit Court maintains court case records, including charges, arraignments, pleas, trial proceedings, verdicts, and sentencing information.
Wisconsin Department of Justice
17 W. Main Street
Madison, WI 53703
608-266-1221
Wisconsin Department of Justice
The state-level agency maintains comprehensive criminal history information for offenses throughout Wisconsin.
A complete criminal record typically includes documentation of the entire criminal justice process: initial arrest, formal charges, arraignment, plea, trial proceedings, verdict, sentencing, and any subsequent probation or parole information.
Are Criminal Records Public In St. Croix County
Criminal records in St. Croix 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, including criminal proceedings, as noted in Wisconsin Statute § 59.20(3) which states that "any person may examine and obtain copies of the public records of any court."
Public criminal records in St. Croix County typically include:
- Adult arrest records
- Court proceedings and case files
- Conviction records
- Incarceration records
- Sex offender registry information
- Probation and parole records
However, certain criminal records are restricted from public access, including:
- Records pertaining to ongoing investigations
- Sealed or expunged records
- Juvenile records (with limited exceptions)
- Records sealed by court order
- Certain victim information in sensitive cases
- Mental health evaluations
- Records that would compromise public safety if released
The Wisconsin Department of Justice maintains the Wisconsin Online Record Check System (WORCS), which provides public access to criminal history record information. This system allows individuals to request criminal background checks on themselves or others, with certain limitations on the information provided to the general public versus law enforcement agencies.
It is important to note that while criminal records are generally public, accessing them may require following specific procedures and paying applicable fees. Additionally, the use of these records is governed by various state and federal laws that prohibit discrimination based on criminal history in certain contexts, such as employment and housing.
How To Look Up Criminal Records In St. Croix County in 2026
Members of the public seeking criminal records in St. Croix County may utilize several methods to obtain this information. The county maintains multiple access points for criminal record searches, each providing different types of information.
For in-person requests at the St. Croix County Courthouse:
- Visit the St. Croix County Clerk of Circuit Court office during regular business hours (Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM).
- 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).
- Allow staff time to process the request, which may be fulfilled immediately or within 5-10 business days depending on complexity.
For mail requests:
- Send a written request to:
St. Croix County Clerk of Circuit Court
1101 Carmichael Road
Hudson, WI 54016 - Include the subject's full name, date of birth (if known), and the specific case or time period of interest.
- Enclose a self-addressed stamped envelope and a check or money order for applicable fees.
- Allow 10-15 business days for processing.
For criminal history background checks through the Wisconsin Department of Justice:
- Access the Wisconsin Online Record Check System (WORCS).
- Create an account or log in as a guest.
- Select the type of background check needed.
- Enter the required information about the subject.
- Pay the required fee ($7 per name-based search).
- Receive results electronically, typically within minutes for name-based searches.
For St. Croix County Sheriff's Office records:
- Submit a written request to:
St. Croix County Sheriff's Office
1101 Carmichael Road
Hudson, WI 54016 - Include specific information about the incident or individual.
- Pay applicable fees ($0.25 per page for copies).
- Allow 5-7 business days for processing.
Pursuant to Wisconsin Statute § 19.35(4), record custodians must respond to requests "as soon as practicable and without delay." Complex requests may take longer to fulfill, but requestors should receive an acknowledgment within five business days.
How To Find Criminal Records in St. Croix County Online?
St. Croix County provides several online resources for accessing criminal records electronically. These digital platforms offer convenient alternatives to in-person requests, allowing members of the public to search for criminal record information from any location with internet access.
The Wisconsin Circuit Court Access (WCCA), commonly known as CCAP, serves as the primary online portal for accessing court records in St. Croix County. This system provides:
- Case search by name, case number, or citation number
- Criminal case information including charges, court dates, and dispositions
- Civil, family, and traffic case information
- Document filing dates and hearing schedules
- Judge assignments and attorney information
To use CCAP effectively:
- Navigate to the WCCA website
- Select "St. Croix County" from the county dropdown menu
- Enter the individual's name (last name, first name)
- Refine search parameters as needed
- Review case listings and select specific cases for detailed information
The St. Croix County Sheriff's Office maintains an online jail roster that is updated daily. This resource provides:
- Current inmate information
- Booking dates
- Charges
- Bond information
- Scheduled release dates (when available)
For comprehensive criminal history background checks, the Wisconsin Department of Justice Criminal Background Check system offers:
- Name-based criminal history searches
- Access to conviction records
- Information on pending cases
- Sex offender registry data
To conduct a background check through this system:
- Access the Wisconsin Online Record Check System (WORCS)
- Create an account or proceed as a guest
- Enter the subject's name and date of birth
- Pay the required fee ($7 per search)
- Receive immediate results for name-based searches
The Wisconsin Department of Corrections offers an Offender Locator service that provides:
- Current status of individuals in state custody
- Facility location information
- Offense information
- Sentence data
- Supervision status
Users should note that online systems may not contain complete criminal history information. Records sealed by court order, juvenile records, and certain dismissed cases may not appear in public online searches. Additionally, some older records may not be digitized and require in-person requests.
Can You Search St. Croix County Criminal Records for Free?
St. Croix County residents and members of the public have several options for accessing criminal records without charge, though certain limitations apply. Wisconsin's Public Records Law, specifically Wisconsin Statute § 19.35(1)(a), establishes that "any requester has a right to inspect any record."
Free inspection of criminal records is available at:
St. Croix County Clerk of Circuit Court
1101 Carmichael Road
Hudson, WI 54016
715-386-4630
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
At this location, members of the public may:
- Review case files in person at public access terminals
- Examine non-confidential court records
- Take notes on case information
The Wisconsin Circuit Court Access (WCCA) website, commonly known as CCAP, provides free online access to:
- Court case information
- Criminal charges and dispositions
- Upcoming court dates
- Case status updates
- Judge assignments
The St. Croix County Sheriff's Office maintains a free online jail roster that includes:
- Current inmate information
- Booking dates and charges
- Bond information
- Scheduled court appearances
While inspection of records is generally free, fees may apply for:
- Copies of documents ($1.25 per page for court records)
- Certified copies ($5.00 per document)
- Background checks through the Wisconsin Department of Justice ($7.00 per name search)
- Records requiring extensive redaction or staff research time
Pursuant to Wisconsin Statute § 19.35(3)(a), agencies may charge "the actual, necessary and direct cost of reproduction and transcription of the record." However, they may not charge for the cost of redaction or staff time spent locating records.
For individuals with limited financial resources, fee waivers may be available in certain circumstances, particularly for those who can demonstrate that the requested information is in the public interest or essential for exercising constitutional rights.
What's Included in a St. Croix County Criminal Record?
St. Croix County criminal records contain comprehensive information documenting an individual's interactions with the criminal justice system. These records typically include several categories of information as outlined below.
Identifying Information:
- Full legal name and known aliases
- Date of birth and age
- Physical description (height, weight, eye/hair color)
- Mugshot/booking photograph
- Last known address
- State Identification Number (SID)
- FBI number (if applicable)
- Fingerprint classification
Arrest Information:
- Date and time of arrest
- Arresting agency and officer
- Booking number and facility
- Charges at time of arrest
- Probable cause statement
- Bail or bond amount
- Detention facility information
Court Case Information:
- Case number and filing date
- Court of jurisdiction
- Judge assigned to the case
- Formal charges filed by prosecutor
- Statutory citations and offense classification (felony/misdemeanor)
- Attorney information (defense counsel and prosecutor)
- Plea entered
- Pre-trial motions and rulings
- Trial information (if applicable)
Disposition and Sentencing:
- Final verdict or case outcome
- Conviction date (if applicable)
- Sentencing details:
- Incarceration terms
- Probation conditions
- Fines and court costs
- Restitution orders
- Community service requirements
- Post-conviction motions
- Appeal information
- Probation/parole status and violations
Additional Information:
- Active warrants
- Protective/restraining orders
- Sex offender registration requirements
- Specialized court participation (drug court, veterans court)
- DUI/OWI offenses
- Traffic violations connected to criminal cases
- Pending charges in other jurisdictions
The comprehensiveness of criminal records may vary based on the age of the case, the maintaining agency, and whether certain information has been sealed or expunged pursuant to court order. Records maintained by the St. Croix County Clerk of Courts typically provide the most complete documentation of court proceedings, while law enforcement agencies maintain detailed arrest and booking information.
How Long Does St. Croix County Keep Criminal Records?
St. Croix County maintains criminal records according to Wisconsin's public records retention requirements, which establish minimum timeframes for preserving various categories of criminal justice documents. These retention periods ensure the availability of records for legal proceedings while balancing administrative burdens.
Under Wisconsin Statute § 16.61, the Public Records Board establishes retention schedules for government records, including those related to criminal matters. The Wisconsin Court System Records Retention Schedule specifically governs court records in St. Croix County.
Felony case files are retained for the following periods:
- Class A felonies (first-degree intentional homicide): Permanently
- Class B-I felonies: 75 years after entry of final judgment
- Other felonies: 50 years after entry of final judgment
Misdemeanor case files are generally retained for 20 years after entry of final judgment, though certain categories may have different retention periods:
- OWI/DUI cases: 50 years
- Domestic violence cases: 50 years
- Weapons-related offenses: 50 years
Juvenile records are subject to different retention requirements:
- Delinquency proceedings: Until the subject reaches age 25
- Juvenile in need of protection/services: Until the subject reaches age 19
- Certain serious juvenile offenses: 75 years
Law enforcement records maintained by the St. Croix County Sheriff's Office follow separate retention schedules:
- Arrest records: 7 years after arrest
- Investigation files for unsolved major crimes: 75 years
- Investigation files for solved major crimes: 25 years after closure
- Incident reports: 7 years
Digital court records in the Wisconsin Circuit Court Access (CCAP) system are subject to the following display periods:
- Felony convictions: 75 years from date of disposition
- Misdemeanor convictions: 20 years from date of disposition
- Cases dismissed or resulting in acquittal: 2 years from date of disposition
- Pending cases: Until disposition
It is important to note that while records may no longer be publicly accessible after certain periods, they may still exist in archival form. Additionally, criminal history information maintained by the Wisconsin Department of Justice and the FBI may be retained indefinitely, particularly for serious offenses.
Records that have been expunged pursuant to Wisconsin Statute § 973.015 are removed from public access, though certain law enforcement and court personnel may still access this information for official purposes.
Lookup Criminal Records in St. Croix County
St. Croix County Sheriff's Office
St. Croix County Clerk of Courts
Wisconsin Online Record Check System