Wood County Public Records / Wood County Arrest Records

Wood County Arrest Records

How To Look Up Arrest Records in Wood County in 2026

WoodCountyRecords.org provides access to publicly available information related to arrest records, booking data, and associated court filings in Wood County, Wisconsin. Members of the public may find records that include arrest dates, charges filed, custody status, booking photographs, and bond information. The following categories of records are accessible through official and third-party channels:

Arrest and booking records
Active warrant listings
Court case filings linked to arrests
Jail roster and inmate status
Criminal history summaries

Records can be searched through official county resources, the Clerk of Court's office, public access terminals at the courthouse, and online tools maintained by state and local agencies.

Online Methods:

1. County Sheriff's Office Arrest Records

The Wood County Sheriff's Department maintains administrative records related to arrests, bookings, and jail operations. The administrative records division provides clerical support for the Sheriff's Office and Jail Division, including report filing, data entry, and records retrieval. Members of the public may submit records requests directly to this division. The Wood County Jail roster reflects current inmate status and is updated on a rolling basis. Additionally, the department publishes a list of active warrants, though the county notes that warrant listings may not reflect real-time accuracy due to the possibility of immediate satisfaction or outdated entries.

Booking photographs, charges, and custody status are available for current inmates
Warrant information is searchable by name
Records requests for historical arrests are processed through the administrative records office

2. Local Police Departments

The City of Marshfield Police Department, one of the primary municipal law enforcement agencies in Wood County, has established formal procedures for public record access. Members of the public may request a record release through the Marshfield Police Department's records division. Arrest logs, press releases containing arrest information, and incident-based records are available subject to applicable exemptions under Wisconsin law.

Marshfield Police Department
630 S. Central Ave.
Marshfield, WI 54449
Phone: (715) 384-3113
City of Marshfield Police Department

3. County Clerk of Court Case Search

Court cases arising from arrests in Wood County are accessible through the Wisconsin Court System case search portal, which provides public access to circuit court records statewide. Members of the public may search by the arrestee's name to locate associated criminal case filings, charge information, hearing dates, and case dispositions. This tool covers cases from the Wood County Circuit Court and is updated regularly by the Wisconsin Court System.

Search by name, case number, or citation number
Results include charge descriptions, filing dates, and case status
Linked to all Wisconsin circuit courts, including Wood County

4. State Law Enforcement Database

The Wisconsin Department of Justice maintains the state's criminal history repository through the Wisconsin Online Record Check System (WORCS), which allows authorized requesters to obtain criminal history records. A fee applies for record checks conducted through this system. The repository includes arrest and conviction data submitted by law enforcement agencies across Wisconsin.

Includes arrests, charges, and dispositions from all Wisconsin jurisdictions
Fee: $7.00 per name-based search for the public
Fingerprint-based searches are available for a higher fee and are required for certain licensing purposes

In-Person Access:

Sheriff's Office:

Wood County Sheriff's Department – Records Division
400 Market Street
Wisconsin Rapids, WI 54494
Phone: (715) 421-8700
Wood County Sheriff's Department

Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Requesters should bring a valid government-issued photo ID
Specific information such as the subject's full name, date of birth, and approximate arrest date will expedite processing
Copy fees apply per page (see fee section below)

Police Departments:

Wisconsin Rapids Police Department
444 W. Grand Ave.
Wisconsin Rapids, WI 54495
Phone: (715) 421-8710
Wisconsin Rapids Police Department

Records requests submitted in person or by mail
Standard copy fees apply
Requesters should provide the subject's name, date of incident, and case number if known

Clerk of Court:

Wood County Clerk of Circuit Court
400 Market Street, Room 100
Wisconsin Rapids, WI 54494
Phone: (715) 421-8530
Wood County Clerk of Courts

Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Criminal case files are available for public inspection at the courthouse
Copy fees: $1.25 per page for standard copies; $5.00 for certified copies

By Mail:

Written requests for arrest records may be directed to the Wood County Sheriff's Department Records Division at 400 Market Street, Wisconsin Rapids, WI 54494. Requests should include:

Full legal name of the subject
Date of birth
Date of arrest (if known)
Booking number (if known)
Requester's name, mailing address, and contact information
Payment for applicable copy fees

Processing time for mailed requests is typically 5–10 business days, though complex requests may require additional time.

By Phone:

Wood County Sheriff's Department: (715) 421-8700
Callers may obtain limited information such as current custody status and scheduled court dates
Detailed records are not released by phone; requesters are directed to submit written requests or visit in person
Information needed: subject's full name, date of birth, and approximate arrest date

Through Legal Channels:

Attorneys of record may request arrest records and associated investigative materials through formal discovery processes. Subpoenas directed to the custodian of records compel production of documents not otherwise available to the general public. In active criminal proceedings, defense counsel may obtain police reports, witness statements, and evidence inventories through the discovery process governed by Wisconsin court rules.

Information Needed for Search:

Full legal name (first and last name at minimum)
Date of birth or approximate age
Approximate date of arrest
Booking number (if known)
Jurisdiction of arrest (Sheriff's Office, municipal police department, or state agency)

Are Arrest Records Public in Wood County

Arrest records in Wood 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, subject to specific statutory exemptions. The public nature of arrest records serves several recognized governmental interests:

Government transparency and accountability
Public safety and community awareness
Support for journalism and academic research
Facilitation of background screening processes
Use in civil and criminal legal proceedings

What Arrest Information Is Public:

Arrestee's full name and known aliases
Date and time of arrest
Location of arrest
Arresting agency
Charges filed at the time of arrest
Booking number
Booking photograph (mugshot)
Bond and bail information
Current custody status
Basic demographic information including age and physical description

Limitations on Public Access:

Certain categories of arrest information are restricted from public disclosure under Wisconsin law:

Juvenile arrest records, which are protected under Wis. Stat. § 938.396
Expunged arrest records following a court order
Records sealed by judicial order
Information pertaining to active investigations where disclosure would compromise law enforcement operations
Identities of undercover officers and confidential informants
Victim-identifying information in cases involving sexual assault or domestic violence
Information pertaining to participants in witness protection programs

Constitutional and Legal Basis:

Wisconsin's public records law reflects the state's constitutional commitment to open government. The Wisconsin Constitution and the public records statutes together establish a presumption in favor of disclosure, placing the burden on the government to justify withholding records. The First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution further supports press and public access to arrest information as a matter of democratic accountability. Due process considerations require that arrest records accurately reflect the current status of charges, including dismissals and acquittals.

Who Can Access Arrest Records:

Members of the general public
Media organizations and journalists
Employers, subject to restrictions under the federal Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA)
Landlords, subject to applicable fair housing laws
Professional licensing agencies
Background check companies operating under FCRA compliance
Attorneys and legal professionals
Academic researchers

Restrictions on Use:

The FCRA governs the use of arrest records in employment and housing decisions. Employers using third-party background check services must comply with FCRA notice and authorization requirements. Wisconsin does not currently have a statewide "ban the box" law applicable to private employers, though certain municipalities may impose additional restrictions. A critical distinction exists between an arrest record and a conviction record: an arrest does not constitute proof of guilt, and adverse decisions based solely on arrests without convictions may expose decision-makers to legal liability under applicable anti-discrimination laws.

What's in Wood County Arrest Records

Arrest records maintained by Wood County law enforcement agencies contain several categories of information compiled at the time of booking and during subsequent processing.

Personal Identification Information:

Full legal name and any known 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 and tattoos
Address at time of arrest (subject to redaction in certain cases)

Arrest Details:

Date and time of arrest
Location of arrest
Arresting agency (Sheriff's Office, municipal police department, or state agency)
Arresting officer's name and badge number (in some records)
Booking date and time
Booking number or arrest number
Warrant information, if the arrest was warrant-based

Charges Information:

Specific criminal charges as filed
Wisconsin statute numbers alleged to have been violated
Charge descriptions and classifications (felony degree or misdemeanor class)
Number of counts per charge
Domestic violence designation, if applicable
Gang-related designation, if applicable

Booking Information:

Name and location of booking facility
Intake timestamp
Booking photograph
Fingerprints (collected but not included in public-facing records)
Personal property inventory

Custody and Bond Information:

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

Court Information:

Court case number assigned upon filing
Court jurisdiction (Wood County Circuit Court)
Scheduled arraignment date
Assigned judge, if available at time of record creation

What's Typically NOT in Public Arrest Records:

Detailed narrative of the arrest from the police report
Witness statements
Victim identifying information
Evidence collected during the investigation
Investigative techniques and methods
Medical or mental health information
Social Security number (redacted by law)
Financial account information

Difference Between Arrest Records and Related Documents:

Police reports: Contain detailed incident narratives and investigative findings not included in booking records
Court records: Document legal proceedings that occur after the arrest, including hearings, motions, and dispositions
Criminal records: Reflect convictions and sentences imposed following adjudication
Background checks: Aggregate information from multiple sources, including court records, law enforcement databases, and state repositories

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

The cost to obtain arrest records in Wood County varies by agency and record type. Under Wisconsin's public records law, agencies may charge fees that do not exceed the actual, necessary, and direct cost of reproduction.

Record Type	Fee
Standard paper copies (Sheriff's Office)	$0.25 per page
Standard paper copies (Clerk of Court)	$1.25 per page
Certified copies (Clerk of Court)	$5.00 per document
Electronic copies (where available)	Varies by agency
State criminal history check (WORCS)	$7.00 per search
Fingerprint-based criminal history check	$13.00 per search

Inspection of records is available at no charge during regular business hours at the Sheriff's Office and Clerk of Court
Electronic records provided via email or digital media may be subject to a nominal fee for the cost of the medium
Search fees are not separately charged by Wood County agencies for standard public records requests
Accepted payment methods include cash, check, and money order; credit card acceptance varies by office
Fee waivers may be available for indigent requesters or in cases where disclosure is determined to be in the public interest, pursuant to Wis. Stat. § 19.35(3)

Members of the public may inspect records at no cost by visiting the relevant agency during business hours. Fees apply only when copies are requested.

How To Delete Arrest Records in Wood 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 public inspection without physically destroying the underlying documents. The distinction is significant because sealed records remain accessible to law enforcement and certain licensing agencies, whereas expunged records are treated as though they do not exist for most purposes.

Eligibility for Expungement:

Under Wis. Stat. § 973.015, a court may expunge a criminal record if:

The person was under the age of 25 at the time of the offense
The offense is a misdemeanor, a Class H or I felony, or a civil forfeiture
The person successfully completes the sentence imposed
The court determines that expungement is in the best interest of the individual and society

Expungement must be requested at the time of sentencing; Wisconsin courts do not permit post-sentence expungement petitions in most circumstances. If the court grants expungement at sentencing, the record is expunged upon the individual's successful completion of the sentence.

Arrests Without Conviction:

Individuals who were arrested but not charged, or whose charges were dismissed or resulted in acquittal, may petition the court for expungement of the arrest record. The petition is filed with the Wood County Circuit Court.

Steps to Pursue Expungement:

Obtain a copy of the arrest record and associated court case from the Wood County Clerk of Circuit Court
Confirm eligibility based on age at time of offense, offense classification, and sentence completion
File a petition for expungement with the Wood County Circuit Court
Serve the petition on the District Attorney's Office
Attend the scheduled hearing
If granted, the court issues an order directing the Sheriff's Office, Clerk of Court, and state repository to update or destroy the record

Wood County Circuit Court
400 Market Street
Wisconsin Rapids, WI 54494
Phone: (715) 421-8530
Wood County Clerk of Courts

Wood County District Attorney's Office
400 Market Street
Wisconsin Rapids, WI 54494
Phone: (715) 421-8560
Wood County District Attorney

Individuals seeking expungement are advised to consult with a licensed Wisconsin attorney, as eligibility criteria are strictly construed and procedural errors may result in denial.

What Happens After Arrest in Wood County?

The post-arrest process in Wood County follows a structured sequence governed by Wisconsin law and local court procedures.

Immediate Post-Arrest Process:

1. Transport to Jail

Following an arrest, the individual is transported to the Wood County Jail located at 400 Market Street, Wisconsin Rapids, WI 54494. Transport time varies based on the location of the arrest within the county. The individual remains in restraints during transport and may be held briefly at the scene if the investigation requires immediate follow-up.

2. Booking Process

Upon arrival at the Wood County Jail, the booking process is initiated. This process typically takes one to four hours depending on facility volume and the complexity of the arrest. The booking process includes:

Recording of personal identification information
Administration of Miranda rights advisement
Booking photograph (mugshot)
Collection of fingerprints
Criminal history and outstanding warrant check
Inventory and storage of personal property
Issuance of jail clothing
Medical screening
Brief mental health screening
Housing classification assignment

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:

The individual is formally notified of the charges
The right to appointed counsel is addressed for indigent defendants
Bond or bail is determined
The individual is advised of their rights

Initial appearances in Wood County may be conducted via video conference from the jail facility.

Bond/Bail Process:

Cash Bond: The full bond amount must be paid in cash. The amount is refunded upon conclusion of the case, minus applicable fees, provided all court appearances are made.

Surety Bond: A licensed bail bondsman posts the full bond amount in exchange for a non-refundable premium, typically 10% of the bond amount.

Personal Recognizance (PR Bond): The individual is released on a written promise to appear. No monetary payment is required. Eligibility is based on community ties, employment status, criminal history, the nature of the charges, and assessed flight risk.

No Bond: The individual is held without the possibility of release. Grounds include serious violent offenses, demonstrated flight risk, danger to the community, probation or parole violations, immigration holds, or out-of-state warrants.

Conditions of Release may include check-in requirements, travel restrictions, no-contact orders, drug and alcohol testing, GPS monitoring, and pretrial supervision.

4. Release or Continued Detention

If bond is posted, processing for release typically takes one to eight hours. The individual receives their personal property, a written notice of court dates, and a copy of the conditions of release. Failure to appear at any scheduled court date results in bond forfeiture and issuance of a bench warrant.

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

Accessing Legal Representation:

Wood County Public Defender's Office
400 Market Street
Wisconsin Rapids, WI 54494
Phone: (715) 423-3220
Wisconsin State Public Defender

Eligibility for appointed counsel is based on financial need. Private attorneys may be retained at any stage of the proceedings and are permitted confidential consultations at the jail facility.

Charging Decision:

The Wood County District Attorney's Office reviews the arrest and determines whether to file formal charges, request additional investigation, decline prosecution, or file modified charges. This review occurs within days to weeks of the arrest. For felony offenses, a preliminary hearing or grand jury proceeding may be required to establish probable cause before formal charges are filed.

Arraignment:

At arraignment, the defendant is formally presented with the charges and enters a plea of not guilty, guilty, or no contest. The majority of defendants enter a not guilty plea at arraignment, preserving all pretrial rights. Additional court dates are set at this stage.

Court Process Overview:

The pretrial phase involves discovery, pretrial motions, and pretrial conferences. The prosecution and defense exchange evidence, including police reports, witness statements, physical evidence, and audio or video recordings. Pretrial motions may seek suppression of evidence, dismissal of charges, or other relief. Plea negotiations may result in a resolution prior to trial.

Case Resolution Options:

Dismissal: Charges are dropped due to insufficient evidence, witness unavailability, or legal defects
Diversion Programs: Eligible defendants may complete pretrial intervention, drug court, mental health court, or veterans court programs, resulting in dismissal upon successful completion
Plea Agreement: The defendant accepts a negotiated resolution, waiving the right to trial
Trial: A jury or bench trial is conducted, resulting in a verdict of guilty or not guilty

Sentencing options upon conviction include incarceration, probation, fines, restitution, community service, treatment programs, or a combination thereof. Credit is applied for time served in pretrial detention.

Important Contacts:

Wood County Sheriff's Department – Jail Division
400 Market Street
Wisconsin Rapids, WI 54494
Phone: (715) 421-8700
Wood County Jail

Wood County Clerk of Circuit Court
400 Market Street, Room 100
Wisconsin Rapids, WI 54494
Phone: (715) 421-8530
Wood County Clerk of Courts

Wood County District Attorney's Office
400 Market Street
Wisconsin Rapids, WI 54494
Phone: (715) 421-8560
Wood County District Attorney

What to Do If Arrested:

Remain calm and cooperative with law enforcement
Do not physically resist arrest
Exercise the right to remain silent by politely declining to answer questions
Request an attorney immediately and do not discuss the case until counsel is present
Do not discuss the case with other inmates, family members, or anyone other than an attorney
Contact family or friends to assist with bail if applicable
Attend all scheduled court dates without exception
Comply with all conditions of release

How Long Are Arrest Records Kept in Wood County?

Arrest records in Wood County are retained according to schedules established under Wisconsin law and local agency policies. The Wisconsin Public Records Board establishes retention schedules applicable to county agencies, and individual departments maintain records in accordance with those schedules.

Arrest Records Retention by Type:

Felony Convictions:

Retained permanently by the Sheriff's Office, Clerk of Court, and the Wisconsin Department of Justice criminal history repository
Accessible to law enforcement agencies nationwide through the FBI's National Crime Information Center (NCIC) and Interstate Identification Index (III)

Misdemeanor Convictions:

Retained permanently in most cases by local law enforcement and the state repository
Court records for misdemeanor cases are retained for a minimum of 20 years under Wisconsin court records retention schedules

Dismissed Charges:

Local law enforcement records are retained for a minimum of seven years
Court records may be retained permanently in electronic form
Records remain accessible unless expunged by court order

Acquittals:

Court records are retained permanently in electronic systems
Local law enforcement booking records are retained for a minimum of seven years
Individuals may petition for expungement of arrest records following acquittal

Charges Not Filed:

Booking records are retained for a minimum of seven years
Individuals may be eligible to petition for expungement of the arrest record

Digital vs. Physical Records:

Electronic records management systems maintained by the Sheriff's Office and Clerk of Court are retained according to the applicable Wisconsin Public Records Board schedule
Physical booking paperwork and fingerprint cards are retained for the duration of the applicable retention period
Mugshot databases maintained by law enforcement are subject to the same retention schedules as other booking records
Third-party commercial databases are not subject to Wisconsin retention law and may retain records indefinitely

Retention by Agency:

Sheriff's Office:

Booking records: Minimum seven years for arrests without conviction; permanent for felony convictions
Arrest reports: Minimum seven years
Investigative files: Varies based on case outcome and offense classification

Clerk of Court:

Felony case files: Permanent retention
Misdemeanor case files: Minimum 20 years
Electronic court records: Permanent

Wisconsin Department of Justice:

Maintains the state criminal history repository with records from all Wisconsin jurisdictions
Retention is permanent for conviction records; arrest-only records may be updated upon expungement

FBI Database:

NCIC and III records are retained permanently and are accessible to law enforcement agencies nationwide
Federal retention policies are not affected by state expungement orders, though a notation of expungement may be added

Effect of Disposition on Retention:

Conviction: Permanent retention across all databases
Dismissal: Records remain unless expunged; local retention minimum of seven years
Expungement: Physical or electronic records are sealed or destroyed at the local level; state repository is updated; FBI database may retain with expungement notation
No Charges Filed: Shortest retention period; may be eligible for earlier removal upon petition

Impact on Background Checks:

Under the federal Fair Credit Reporting Act, consumer reporting agencies may report criminal convictions indefinitely. Non-conviction arrest records are subject to the seven-year reporting limitation for most employment background checks. Wisconsin law does not currently impose additional restrictions beyond the FCRA for private-sector employment. Conviction records may be reported without a time limitation under federal law.

How to Check Retention Status:

Members of the public may contact the Wood County Sheriff's Department Records Division at (715) 421-8700 to inquire about the retention status of a specific arrest record. A written public records request may be required, and applicable fees may apply for copies of responsive documents.