Juneau Borough Public Records / Juneau Borough Arrest Records

Juneau County Arrest Records

How To Look Up Arrest Records in Juneau County in 2026

JuneauRecords.us provides access to publicly available data related to arrest records in Juneau County, Wisconsin. Members of the public may find booking information, charge details, custody status, and related court case data through this resource. Record categories available through official and third-party channels include:

Arrest and booking records
Criminal court case filings
Jail roster and inmate information
Mugshot and booking photographs
Bond and bail status records

Records can be searched through official resources, clerk offices, public access terminals, and online tools. The following methods are available to members of the public seeking arrest record information.

Online Methods:

1. County Sheriff's Office Arrest Records

The Juneau County Sheriff's Office maintains a jail roster and booking records accessible to the public. Members of the public may search current inmate information through the Juneau County Sheriff's Office website. Available information includes the arrestee's name, booking date, charges, and custody status. The jail roster is updated on a regular basis, with current inmate data reflecting recent bookings.

2. Local Police Departments

The City of Mauston Police Department serves as the primary municipal law enforcement agency within Juneau County. Press releases and arrest logs may be published periodically through the department's official channels. Members of the public seeking arrest information from municipal jurisdictions may contact the Mauston Police Department directly for records pertaining to arrests made within city limits.

Mauston Police Department 400 State Road 82, Mauston, WI 53948 Phone: (608) 847-6677 City of Mauston

3. County Clerk of Court Case Search

Court cases arising from arrests in Juneau County are searchable through the Wisconsin Court System's public access portal. Members of the public may search by defendant name to locate associated criminal case filings, charge information, and case disposition. The Wisconsin Circuit Court Access (WCCA) system provides free online access to circuit court records statewide, including Juneau County criminal cases.

4. State Law Enforcement Database

The Wisconsin Department of Justice maintains the Wisconsin Criminal History Records database, which includes arrest and conviction information from law enforcement agencies across the state. A fee of $7.00 applies for online criminal history searches conducted by members of the public. The database includes arrests, charges, and dispositions reported by Wisconsin law enforcement agencies.

In-Person Access:

Sheriff's Office:

Juneau County Sheriff's Office 200 Oak Street, Mauston, WI 53948 Phone: (608) 847-5649 Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM–4:30 PM Juneau County Sheriff's Office

Members of the public visiting in person should bring a valid government-issued photo identification and any known details about the arrest, including the arrestee's full name, date of birth, and approximate arrest date. Copy fees apply per the county's standard fee schedule.

Clerk of Court:

Juneau County Clerk of Circuit Court 220 East State Street, Mauston, WI 53948 Phone: (608) 847-9300 Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM–4:30 PM Juneau County Clerk of Court

Criminal case files are available for inspection at the clerk's office. Copy fees are assessed per page in accordance with Wisconsin statutes.

By Mail:

Written requests for arrest records may be submitted to the Juneau County Sheriff's Office at 200 Oak Street, Mauston, WI 53948. Requests should include the arrestee's full legal name, date of arrest if known, booking number if available, and the requestor's contact information. Payment for applicable copy fees should accompany the written request. Processing time varies based on the volume of requests received.

By Phone:

Members of the public may contact the Juneau County Sheriff's Office at (608) 847-5649 for general arrest information. Telephone inquiries provide limited information; callers are advised to have the subject's full name, date of birth, and approximate arrest date available. Complex requests are referred to in-person or written submission.

Through Legal Channels:

Attorneys may submit formal records requests on behalf of clients. Subpoenas may be issued for detailed records in the context of legal proceedings. Discovery processes in criminal cases provide defense counsel access to arrest-related documentation through the court system.

Information Needed for Search:

Full legal name (first and last at minimum)
Date of birth or approximate age
Approximate date of arrest
Booking number (if known)
Location of arrest and arresting jurisdiction

Are Arrest Records Public in Juneau County

Arrest records in Juneau County are public records under Wisconsin law. Pursuant to Wis. Stat. § 19.35, members of the public have the right to inspect and copy records maintained by government agencies, including law enforcement records. The Wisconsin Public Records Law establishes a strong presumption in favor of public access, reflecting the state's commitment to government transparency and accountability.

Arrest records serve multiple public interests, including government transparency, public safety awareness, community notification, journalistic investigation, background screening, and use in legal proceedings. As the Wisconsin Supreme Court has recognized, "the public interest in open government is a fundamental value underlying the public records law."

What Arrest Information Is Public:

Arrestee name and aliases
Date and time of arrest
Location of arrest
Arresting agency
Charges filed at time of arrest
Booking number
Mugshot/booking photograph
Bond and bail information
Custody status
Basic demographic information (age, physical description)

Limitations on Public Access:

Juvenile arrest records (restricted or sealed under Wisconsin law)
Expunged arrest records (removed from public access by court order)
Sealed records (subject to court-ordered confidentiality)
Active investigation information that would compromise law enforcement
Undercover officer identities
Confidential informant information
Victim identifying information in certain cases
Witness protection participants

Constitutional and Legal Basis:

The Wisconsin Constitution and the Wisconsin Public Records Law together establish the framework for public access to government records. Courts balance transparency interests against individual privacy rights on a case-by-case basis. The First Amendment protects press access to arrest information, and due process considerations inform the handling of pre-conviction records.

Who Can Access Arrest Records:

General public
Media organizations
Employers (subject to restrictions under the federal Fair Credit Reporting Act)
Landlords (subject to applicable restrictions)
Licensing agencies
Background check companies
Attorneys and legal professionals
Academic researchers

Restrictions on Use:

The federal Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) governs the use of arrest records in employment and housing decisions. Employers using background check companies must comply with FCRA requirements, including adverse action procedures. Wisconsin law further addresses the distinction between arrests and convictions in employment contexts. Members of the public are advised that an arrest record does not constitute proof of guilt.

What's in Juneau County Arrest Records

Personal Identification Information:

Full legal name and any aliases
Date of birth and age at time of arrest
Sex and gender
Race and ethnicity
Height and weight
Eye color and hair color
Identifying marks such as scars or tattoos
Address at time of arrest (may be partially redacted)

Arrest Details:

Arrest date and time
Location of arrest
Arresting agency (Sheriff's Office, Police Department, or State Patrol)
Arresting officer name and badge number (in some records)
Booking date and time
Booking number or arrest number
Warrant information if applicable

Charges Information:

Specific criminal charges
Wisconsin statute numbers violated
Charge descriptions and classifications (felony degree or misdemeanor class)
Number of counts per charge
Domestic violence designation if applicable

Booking Information:

Booking facility name and location
Intake process timestamp
Booking photograph (mugshot)
Fingerprints (collected but not typically included in public records)
Personal property inventory

Custody and Bond Information:

Current custody status (in custody, released, or bonded out)
Bond amount set by the court
Bond type:
- Cash bond
- Surety bond
- Personal recognizance (PR bond)
- No bond
Release date and time if released
Release conditions if made public

Court Information:

Court case number assigned
Court jurisdiction
Scheduled arraignment date
Court location
Judge assignment if available

What's Typically NOT in Public Arrest Records:

Detailed narrative of the arrest (police report details)
Witness statements
Victim information
Evidence collected
Investigative techniques
Medical or mental health information
Social Security number (redacted)
Bank account or financial information

Difference Between Arrest Records and Related Documents:

Police reports: Contain more detailed incident narratives and investigative information
Court records: Document legal proceedings following an arrest
Criminal records: Reflect convictions and sentences imposed
Background checks: Comprehensive screenings drawing from multiple sources

How Much Does It Cost to Get Arrest Records in Juneau County?

The cost to obtain arrest records in Juneau County is governed by the Wisconsin Public Records Law and applicable county fee schedules. Under Wis. Stat. § 19.35(3), fees for copies of public records may not exceed the actual, necessary, and direct cost of reproduction. Inspection of records at a government office is available at no charge.

Standard Fee Schedule:

Record Type	Fee
Paper copies	$0.25 per page (standard)
Certified copies (court records)	$1.25 per page
Electronic records	Varies; may be provided at no cost
Criminal history search (state DOJ)	$7.00 per search (online)
Court case copies (Clerk of Court)	$1.25 per page for certified; $0.25 per page for uncertified

Accepted Payment Methods:

Cash (in-person)
Check or money order payable to the applicable agency
Credit or debit card (where available)

Fee Waivers:

Members of the public who are indigent or who demonstrate a public interest purpose may request a fee waiver. Fee waiver requests are evaluated on a case-by-case basis by the records custodian. Media organizations and researchers may qualify for reduced fees in certain circumstances.

What Is Available at No Cost:

Online inspection of court records through the Wisconsin Circuit Court Access portal
In-person inspection of records at the Sheriff's Office or Clerk of Court (no copy fee for viewing only)
Current jail roster information on the Sheriff's Office website

How To Delete Arrest Records in Juneau County

Wisconsin law provides two primary mechanisms for limiting public access to arrest records: expungement and sealing. Expungement results in the destruction or removal of the record from public access, while sealing restricts access without physical destruction. The distinction is significant because sealed records remain accessible to law enforcement and certain licensing agencies, whereas expunged records are treated as though the arrest did not occur for most purposes.

Eligibility for Expungement:

Under Wis. Stat. § 973.015, expungement in Wisconsin is available in limited circumstances. Eligibility criteria include:

The person was under age 25 at the time of the offense
The offense is a misdemeanor or a Class H or I felony
The court determines expungement is in the best interest of the individual and society
The sentence has been completed successfully
Expungement must be requested at the time of sentencing (for offenses committed on or after April 1, 2016, a post-conviction petition may also be available under amended law)

Cases That May Be Eligible for Record Removal:

Arrests where no charges were filed
Charges that were dismissed
Cases resulting in acquittal
Convictions meeting the statutory eligibility criteria above
Juvenile adjudications (handled separately under juvenile records law)

Steps to Pursue Expungement:

Determine eligibility based on the offense, age at time of offense, and case outcome
Obtain the case number and relevant court documents from the Juneau County Clerk of Circuit Court
File a petition for expungement with the circuit court in Juneau County
Serve the petition on the District Attorney's Office
Attend the scheduled hearing before the circuit court judge
If granted, the court issues an order directing the Clerk of Court and law enforcement agencies to expunge or seal the record

Contact Information for Expungement Proceedings:

Juneau County Clerk of Circuit Court 220 East State Street, Mauston, WI 53948 Phone: (608) 847-9300 Juneau County Clerk of Court

Juneau County District Attorney's Office 220 East State Street, Mauston, WI 53948 Phone: (608) 847-9371 Juneau County District Attorney

Members of the public seeking expungement are advised to consult with a licensed Wisconsin attorney, as the process involves specific procedural requirements and deadlines. The State Bar of Wisconsin Lawyer Referral Service can assist in locating qualified legal counsel.

What Happens After Arrest in Juneau County?

Immediate Post-Arrest Process:

1. Transport to Jail

Following an arrest in Juneau County, the arrested individual is transported to the Juneau County Jail for booking. Transport time varies based on the location of the arrest within the county.

Juneau County Jail 200 Oak Street, Mauston, WI 53948 Phone: (608) 847-5649 Juneau County Sheriff's Office

2. Booking Process

Upon arrival at the Juneau County Jail, the booking process is initiated. The process typically takes one to four hours depending on facility volume. Steps in the booking process include:

Personal information recorded
Photograph (mugshot) taken
Fingerprints collected
Criminal history and outstanding warrants checked
Personal property inventoried and stored
Medical and mental health screening conducted
Housing classification determined

3. First Appearance/Initial Hearing

Under Wisconsin law, an arrested individual must be brought before a judge or court commissioner within 48 hours of arrest for an initial appearance. At this hearing:

Formal charges are read
Rights are explained
Bail or bond is determined
A public defender is appointed if the individual is indigent
The hearing may be conducted via video conference

Bond/Bail Process:

Types of Bond:

Cash Bond: Full bond amount paid in cash; refunded at case conclusion minus applicable fees. Amount set by the court commissioner or judge.

Surety Bond: A licensed bail bondsman posts the full amount; the defendant pays a non-refundable premium, typically 10% of the bond amount.

Personal Recognizance (PR Bond): Released on a written promise to appear. No monetary payment required. Granted based on community ties, employment, criminal history, nature of charges, and flight risk assessment.

No Bond: The individual is held without bond in cases involving serious violent offenses, demonstrated flight risk, danger to the community, probation or parole violations, immigration holds, or out-of-state warrants.

4. Release or Continued Detention

If bond is posted, processing for release takes approximately one to eight hours. The individual receives a court date, written conditions of release, and has personal property returned. Failure to appear results in bond forfeiture and issuance of a warrant.

If bond is not posted, the individual remains in custody, receives a housing assignment, and is informed of jail rules, commissary access, phone privileges, and visitation schedules.

Accessing Legal Representation:

Juneau County Public Defender's Office 220 East State Street, Mauston, WI 53948 Phone: (608) 847-5648 Wisconsin State Public Defender

Eligibility for a public defender is based on financial need. Private counsel may be retained at any stage of the proceedings. Attorney-client consultations at the jail are confidential.

Charging Decision:

The Juneau County District Attorney's Office reviews the arrest and determines whether to file formal charges, request additional investigation, decline prosecution, or file different charges. For felony offenses, a preliminary hearing or grand jury proceeding may be required to establish probable cause.

Arraignment:

At arraignment, formal charges are read and the defendant enters a plea of not guilty, guilty, or no contest. Most defendants enter a not guilty plea at arraignment, and subsequent court dates are scheduled.

Court Process Overview:

The pretrial phase includes discovery, pretrial motions, pretrial conferences, and plea negotiations. Case resolution options include dismissal, diversion programs (such as drug court or mental health court), plea agreements, or trial. If convicted, sentencing options include incarceration, probation, fines, restitution, community service, or a combination thereof.

Timeline Overview:

Arrest to first appearance: Within 48 hours
First appearance to arraignment: Days to several weeks
Arraignment to trial or resolution: Months, varying by case complexity
Misdemeanors: Resolved within weeks to several months
Felonies: May take six months to over one year
Right to speedy trial: Guaranteed under the Wisconsin Constitution and applicable statutes

Rights Throughout the Process:

Right to remain silent
Right to an attorney
Right to a speedy trial
Right to confront witnesses
Right to present a defense
Right against self-incrimination
Right to appeal a conviction

Important Contacts:

Juneau County Sheriff's Office (Jail) 200 Oak Street, Mauston, WI 53948 Phone: (608) 847-5649 Juneau County Sheriff's Office

Juneau County Clerk of Circuit Court 220 East State Street, Mauston, WI 53948 Phone: (608) 847-9300 Juneau County Clerk of Court

Juneau County District Attorney's Office 220 East State Street, Mauston, WI 53948 Phone: (608) 847-9371 Juneau County District Attorney

Juneau County Public Defender's Office 220 East State Street, Mauston, WI 53948 Phone: (608) 847-5648 Wisconsin State Public Defender

What to Do If Arrested:

Remain calm and cooperative with law enforcement
Do not physically resist arrest
Exercise the right to remain silent politely and clearly
Request an attorney immediately
Do not discuss the case with anyone other than an attorney
Contact family or friends for bail assistance
Attend all scheduled court dates
Comply with all conditions of bond or release

How Long Are Arrest Records Kept in Juneau County?

Records Retention Overview:

Retention of arrest records in Juneau County is governed by Wisconsin law and the policies of the Wisconsin Public Records Board. The Wisconsin Public Records Board establishes retention schedules applicable to state and local government agencies. Records are retained for periods that vary based on the type of record and the outcome of the associated case.

Arrest Records Retention by Type:

Active Arrest Records (Conviction Resulted):

Felony Convictions: Felony conviction records are retained permanently by the Sheriff's Office, Clerk of Court, the Wisconsin Department of Justice criminal history repository, and the FBI's National Crime Information Center (NCIC). These records are maintained indefinitely and appear on background checks without a time limitation.

Misdemeanor Convictions: Misdemeanor conviction records are retained permanently at the state repository level. Local law enforcement and court records are also maintained for extended periods, with electronic records often retained indefinitely.

Arrest Records (No Conviction):

Dismissed Charges: Records of arrests resulting in dismissed charges may remain in local law enforcement databases and court records unless the subject successfully petitions for expungement. The Wisconsin DOJ criminal history repository retains arrest records regardless of disposition unless a court order directs removal.

Acquittals: Court records of acquittals are retained permanently by the Clerk of Court. Law enforcement booking records may be retained for several years. These records may remain accessible unless expunged by court order.

Charges Not Filed: Booking records for arrests where no charges were filed are retained for a minimum period by local law enforcement. These cases present the strongest basis for expungement petitions under Wisconsin law.

Digital vs. Physical Records:

Physical Records: Booking paperwork, fingerprint cards, and photographs are retained according to the applicable Wisconsin Public Records Board schedule. Physical records may be transferred to archival storage after active retention periods expire.

Digital Records: Computer-aided dispatch (CAD) records and records management system entries are often retained for extended periods, with many electronic records maintained indefinitely. Court electronic records through the WCCA system are generally permanent.

Third-Party Databases: Commercial background check companies and mugshot websites may retain arrest records indefinitely and are not subject to the same retention and expungement obligations as government agencies. The FCRA requires that consumer reporting agencies maintain accurate records, but third-party websites operating outside the FCRA framework may not update records following expungement.

Retention by Agency:

Juneau County Sheriff's Office: Booking records and arrest reports are retained per the Wisconsin Public Records Board schedule. Investigative files are retained based on case type and outcome. Contact: (608) 847-5649

Juneau County Clerk of Circuit Court: Felony case files are retained permanently. Misdemeanor case files are retained for a minimum of 20 years. Traffic cases are retained for shorter periods. Electronic records through the WCCA system are generally permanent. Contact: (608) 847-9300

Wisconsin DOJ State Repository: The Wisconsin Department of Justice maintains criminal history records for all arrests reported by Wisconsin law enforcement agencies. Retention is governed by state policy and applicable law.

FBI Database: The NCIC and Interstate Identification Index (III) maintain federal records of arrests reported by Wisconsin agencies. Federal retention is typically permanent. These records are accessible to law enforcement nationwide and are used in employment and firearms background checks.

Effect of Disposition on Retention:

Conviction: Permanent retention in most databases; appears on background checks indefinitely
Dismissal: May remain unless expunged; often not reported on standard background checks
Expungement: Local records sealed or destroyed; state repository updated; FBI database may retain with notation; removal timeframe varies by agency
No charges filed: Shortest retention period; may be eligible for expedited removal

Impact on Background Checks:

Under the FCRA, most employment background checks report criminal history for a period of seven years for non-conviction records, though convictions may be reported indefinitely. Wisconsin law and applicable federal regulations govern the use of arrest records in employment and housing decisions. Arrests without convictions carry distinct legal weight from convictions, and members of the public are advised to understand this distinction when reviewing background check results.

How to Check Retention Status:

Members of the public seeking information about the retention status of a specific arrest record may contact the Juneau County Sheriff's Records Division at (608) 847-5649 or submit a written public records request. Fees may apply for copies of responsive records.