Marathon County Arrest Records
Are Arrest Records Public in Marathon County
Arrest records in Marathon County are generally considered public information under Wisconsin's Open Records Law, specifically Wisconsin Statutes § 19.31-19.39. This statute establishes that public records shall be open to inspection by any person except as otherwise provided by law. The Wisconsin Supreme Court has consistently upheld the presumption of complete public access to public records.
It is important to distinguish between arrest records and conviction records. An arrest record documents that an individual was taken into custody by law enforcement on suspicion of criminal activity, while a conviction record indicates that a person has been found guilty of a crime through legal proceedings. Under Wisconsin law, both arrest and conviction records are generally accessible to the public, though certain exceptions apply.
The Wisconsin Department of Justice maintains the Crime Information Bureau, which oversees criminal history record information in the state. According to Wisconsin Statutes § 165.83, law enforcement agencies are required to report arrest information to this central repository.
In Marathon County, the Sheriff's Office maintains arrest records in accordance with state regulations. While most arrest records are public, access may be restricted for:
- Ongoing investigations
- Juvenile records (with exceptions)
- Records sealed by court order
- Records where disclosure would endanger public safety
- Records where privacy interests outweigh public interest in disclosure
What's in Marathon County Arrest Records
Marathon County arrest records contain comprehensive information about individuals who have been taken into custody by law enforcement agencies within the county. These records typically include the following categories of information:
Arrestee Identifying Information:
- Full legal name
- Date of birth
- Physical description (height, weight, eye color, hair color)
- Home address
- Identifying marks such as tattoos or scars
- Fingerprints
- Photograph (mugshot)
Arrest Details:
- Date and time of arrest
- Location of arrest
- Arresting agency
- Arresting officer's name and badge number
- Circumstances leading to arrest
Charge Information:
- Criminal charges filed
- Statute numbers of alleged violations
- Charge classification (misdemeanor or felony)
- Charge severity level
Warrant Information (if applicable):
- Warrant number
- Issuing court
- Date of issuance
- Type of warrant (arrest, bench, search)
Booking Information:
- Booking date and time
- Booking number
- Processing facility
Bond/Bail Information:
- Bond amount
- Bond type (cash, signature, property)
- Bond status (posted or not)
- Conditions of release
Court Information:
- Court case number
- Assigned court
- Scheduled court appearances
- Judge assigned to case
Custody Status:
- Current detention status
- Facility where detained
- Expected release date (if applicable)
Additional Information May Include:
- Prior arrest history
- Probation/parole status
- Known aliases
- Vehicle information
- Property seized during arrest
- Witness statements
- Officer narratives
The specific content of arrest records may vary depending on the arresting agency and the circumstances of the arrest. All information is maintained in accordance with Wisconsin Statutes § 165.83, which governs criminal identification, records, and statistics.
How To Look Up Arrest Records in Marathon County in 2026
Members of the public seeking arrest records in Marathon County may utilize several methods to access this information. The county maintains current systems for record retrieval that accommodate both in-person and remote requests.
For in-person requests, individuals may visit:
Marathon County Sheriff's Department
500 Forest Street
Wausau, WI 54403
Phone: (715) 261-1200
Marathon County Sheriff's Department
The records division is typically open Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM, excluding holidays. When requesting records in person, requesters should:
- Complete a public records request form
- Provide specific information about the record sought (name, date of arrest, case number if known)
- Present valid identification
- Be prepared to pay applicable fees for record reproduction
For written requests, individuals may submit a formal public records request to the Marathon County Sheriff's Department. The request should:
- Be addressed to the Records Custodian
- Clearly identify the records being requested
- Include contact information for response
- Be signed and dated
Electronic requests may be submitted through the county's online portal or via email to the records division. Pursuant to Wisconsin Statutes § 19.35(1), the records custodian must respond to requests "as soon as practicable and without delay."
Fees for record retrieval and reproduction are established in accordance with Wisconsin Statutes § 19.35(3), which permits agencies to charge the "actual, necessary and direct cost" of reproduction and location of records.
How To Find Marathon County Arrest Records Online
Marathon County provides digital access to certain arrest records through several online platforms. The Wisconsin Circuit Court Access (WCCA) system, commonly known as Wisconsin Court System CCAP, serves as the primary online resource for accessing court records related to arrests in Marathon County.
To search for arrest records online:
- Navigate to the WCCA website
- Select "Marathon County" from the county dropdown menu
- Enter the individual's name in the search fields
- Review search results for case information related to arrests
- Select specific cases to view detailed information
The Marathon County Sheriff's Department also maintains an Inmate Lookup system that provides information on currently detained individuals. This resource includes:
- Names of current inmates
- Booking dates
- Charges
- Bond information
- Scheduled court appearances
For more comprehensive criminal history information, the Wisconsin Department of Justice offers the Wisconsin Online Record Check System (WORCS), which provides criminal history information for a fee of $7 per record. This system requires:
- Creation of a user account
- Submission of the subject's full name and date of birth
- Payment of the required fee
- Acknowledgment of proper use of the information
It should be noted that online systems may not contain complete arrest information, particularly for recent arrests or arrests that did not result in formal charges. Additionally, pursuant to Wisconsin Statutes § 19.356, certain records may require notification to the subject before release.
How To Search Marathon County Arrest Records for Free?
Members of the public have several options for accessing Marathon County arrest records without incurring fees. Wisconsin's strong public records laws, particularly Wisconsin Statutes § 19.35(1), establish that "any requester has a right to inspect any record."
Free access methods include:
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Wisconsin Circuit Court Access (WCCA): This publicly accessible website provides free access to court records, including those related to arrests. Users can search by name to locate cases in Marathon County.
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Marathon County Sheriff's Department Website: The department maintains a Current Inmate List that is updated regularly and available for public viewing without charge.
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In-Person Record Inspection: Wisconsin law permits individuals to inspect public records without charge. Requesters may visit:
Marathon County Courthouse
500 Forest Street
Wausau, WI 54403
Phone: (715) 261-1000
Marathon County Courthouse
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Public Access Terminals: The Marathon County Courthouse provides public access terminals where visitors can search court records at no cost during regular business hours (Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM).
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Local Public Libraries: Several public libraries in Marathon County offer free internet access where individuals can utilize the WCCA website:
Marathon County Public Library
300 N First Street
Wausau, WI 54403
Phone: (715) 261-7200
Marathon County Public Library
While inspection of records is generally free, agencies may charge for copies of records. According to Wisconsin Statutes § 19.35(3)(a), an authority may impose a fee upon the requester of a copy of a record which may not exceed the actual, necessary and direct cost of reproduction and transcription of the record.
How To Delete Arrest Records in Marathon County
Wisconsin law provides specific mechanisms for the removal of arrest records from public access through expungement or sealing processes. These legal remedies differ significantly in their application and effect.
Expungement refers to the legal process of erasing or removing arrest and conviction records from public view. Sealing, by contrast, restricts public access to records without completely destroying them, making them accessible only to certain government agencies under specific circumstances.
In Marathon County, expungement is governed by Wisconsin Statutes § 973.015, which permits expungement under limited circumstances:
- The offense was committed before the individual turned 25
- The maximum period of imprisonment for the offense is 6 years or less
- The court determined at sentencing that expungement would benefit the person and society
- The person has successfully completed their sentence
For arrests that did not result in charges or convictions, individuals may petition for removal under Wisconsin Statutes § 165.84(1), which addresses the return of fingerprints and other identifying data.
The process for seeking expungement typically involves:
- Filing a petition with the Marathon County Circuit Court
- Providing documentation of eligibility
- Attending a hearing before a judge
- Receiving a court order for expungement if approved
For assistance with this process, individuals may contact:
State Public Defender's Office - Wausau
337 Scott Street
Wausau, WI 54403
Phone: (715) 842-2688
Wisconsin State Public Defender
It is important to note that expungement in Wisconsin does not completely destroy all records. Certain law enforcement and court records may remain accessible to government agencies. Additionally, records that have been published by third-party websites or data brokers may remain accessible despite official expungement.
What Happens After Arrest in Marathon County?
Following an arrest in Marathon County, individuals enter a structured criminal justice process governed by Wisconsin state law and local procedures. This process typically follows a sequential progression through several key stages.
The initial post-arrest procedure involves booking at the Marathon County Jail, located at:
Marathon County Jail
500 Forest Street
Wausau, WI 54403
Phone: (715) 261-1700
Marathon County Jail
During booking, law enforcement officials:
- Record personal information
- Take fingerprints and photographs
- Conduct a search
- Inventory and secure personal property
- Check for outstanding warrants
- Complete medical screening
- Place the individual in appropriate holding
Within 48 hours of arrest, individuals must receive an initial appearance before a judge, as required by Wisconsin Statutes § 970.01. At this hearing, the court:
- Informs the defendant of the charges
- Advises of constitutional rights
- Determines probable cause
- Sets bail or conditions of release
- Appoints counsel if the defendant qualifies
For misdemeanor charges, defendants may enter a plea at the initial appearance. For felonies, the case proceeds to a preliminary hearing within 10 days if the defendant is in custody or 20 days if released, pursuant to Wisconsin Statutes § 970.03.
The preliminary hearing determines if there is probable cause to believe a felony was committed. If probable cause is found, the case advances to arraignment, where formal charges are read and the defendant enters a plea.
Following arraignment, the case may proceed through:
- Pre-trial conferences
- Motion hearings
- Plea negotiations
- Trial (jury or bench)
- Sentencing if convicted
Throughout this process, cases are heard at:
Marathon County Circuit Court
500 Forest Street
Wausau, WI 54403
Phone: (715) 261-1300
Marathon County Circuit Court
Defendants have the right to representation by an attorney at all critical stages of the proceedings. Those who cannot afford an attorney may qualify for representation through the Wisconsin State Public Defender's Office.
How Long Are Arrest Records Kept in Marathon County?
Arrest records in Marathon County are maintained according to Wisconsin's public records retention requirements, primarily governed by Wisconsin Statutes § 16.61, which establishes the Public Records Board and its authority to set retention schedules.
Law enforcement agencies in Marathon County adhere to the Wisconsin Law Enforcement Records Retention Schedule, which specifies the following retention periods:
- Arrest records for adults: Minimum of 7 years from date of arrest
- Arrest records for felonies: Minimum of 10 years from date of arrest
- Arrest records for homicides and sexual assaults: Permanent retention
- Juvenile arrest records: Until age 25 or 7 years after release from supervision, whichever is later
The Marathon County Sheriff's Department maintains records in accordance with these minimum requirements, though many records are kept for longer periods or permanently, particularly for serious offenses. Digital records management systems have expanded the practical retention capacity of law enforcement agencies.
Court records related to arrests follow a separate retention schedule established by the Wisconsin Supreme Court. According to the Wisconsin Circuit Court Records Retention and Disposition Schedule, case files for criminal matters are typically retained for:
- Misdemeanors: 20 years after entry of final judgment
- Felonies: 50 years after entry of final judgment
- Class A felonies (including homicide): 75 years after entry of final judgment
These retention periods serve several important purposes:
- Preservation of evidence for potential appeals or post-conviction proceedings
- Documentation for background checks and security clearances
- Statistical analysis and research
- Accountability of the criminal justice system
- Historical documentation
It is important to note that even after physical records may be destroyed according to retention schedules, information about arrests and court proceedings may remain in electronic databases indefinitely, particularly in the Wisconsin Circuit Court Access system.
How to Find Mugshots in Marathon County
Mugshots, the photographs taken during the booking process following an arrest, are considered public records in Marathon County under Wisconsin's Open Records Law. These images serve as official documentation of an individual's appearance at the time of arrest and are maintained by law enforcement agencies.
What Mugshots Are
Mugshots typically consist of front-facing and profile photographs of arrested individuals, taken against a standardized background with identifying information. These images become part of the official arrest record and booking documentation.
Where Mugshots Are Maintained
In Marathon County, mugshots are primarily maintained by:
Marathon County Sheriff's Department
500 Forest Street
Wausau, WI 54403
Phone: (715) 261-1200
Marathon County Sheriff's Department
Municipal police departments within Marathon County may also maintain mugshots for arrests they process before transferring individuals to county custody.
Finding Mugshots
To obtain mugshots in Marathon County, individuals may:
- Submit a public records request to the Marathon County Sheriff's Department, specifically requesting booking photographs
- Complete the department's records request form, available at the Sheriff's Department or on their website
- Provide specific identifying information about the subject, including full name and approximate date of arrest
- Pay applicable fees for reproduction of records
Can They Be Found Online
Unlike some jurisdictions, Marathon County does not currently maintain a public-facing online database of mugshots. The Wisconsin Circuit Court Access system does not include photographs. Some third-party websites aggregate and publish mugshots obtained from public records, but these sites may:
- Contain outdated or inaccurate information
- Charge fees for removal of images
- Not reflect expunged or sealed records
Obtaining Mugshots Officially
The most reliable method for obtaining official mugshots is through a formal records request to the Marathon County Sheriff's Department. Pursuant to Wisconsin Statutes § 19.35, the department must respond to requests "as soon as practicable and without delay."
Restrictions on Mugshot Access
Access to mugshots may be restricted in certain circumstances, including:
- Ongoing investigations where release could compromise public safety
- Juvenile arrests (with limited exceptions)
- Cases where a court has ordered records sealed or expunged
- Situations where privacy interests outweigh public interest in disclosure
The Marathon County Sheriff's Department evaluates each request for mugshots on a case-by-case basis in accordance with Wisconsin's public records laws.