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Marathon County Criminal Records

What Is Marathon County Criminal Records

Criminal records in Marathon 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 § 59.54, which authorizes counties to maintain law enforcement and public safety records.

Criminal records encompass several distinct categories:

  • Arrest Records: Documentation of when an individual is taken into custody by law enforcement, which may not necessarily result in charges or conviction
  • Conviction Records: Official documentation of guilty verdicts or pleas in criminal cases
  • Felony Records: Documentation of serious crimes punishable by imprisonment of one year or more
  • Misdemeanor Records: Records of less serious offenses typically punishable by less than one year of incarceration
  • Adult Records: Criminal proceedings for individuals 18 and older, which are generally public
  • Juvenile Records: Records for individuals under 18, which are typically sealed under Wisconsin Statute § 938.396
  • Warrant Information: Documentation of active warrants for arrest versus historical warrant records

Multiple agencies maintain different components of Marathon County's criminal records system:

Marathon County Sheriff's Office
500 Forest Street
Wausau, WI 54403
715-261-1200
Marathon County Sheriff's Office

The Sheriff's Office maintains arrest records, booking information, and jail records.

Marathon County Circuit Court
500 Forest Street
Wausau, WI 54403
715-261-1300
Marathon County Circuit Court

The Circuit Court maintains case files, dispositions, sentencing records, and court proceedings.

Wisconsin Department of Justice
17 W. Main Street
Madison, WI 53703
608-266-1221
Wisconsin Department of Justice

The state DOJ maintains the central repository for criminal history information.

Comprehensive criminal records typically include documentation of charges, arraignments, plea information, trial proceedings, sentencing details, and probation or parole status. The creation and maintenance of these records follow procedures established under the Wisconsin Public Records Law, which governs the management of government records throughout the state.

Are Criminal Records Public In Marathon County

Criminal records in Marathon County are generally public documents subject to disclosure under the Wisconsin Public Records Law § 19.31-19.39. This statute establishes the presumption that government records, including criminal records, should be accessible to the public. The law specifically states that providing citizens with information about governmental affairs is "an essential function of a representative government and an integral part of the routine duties of officers and employees."

The public status of criminal records varies by category:

  • Adult Conviction Records: Fully public and accessible through multiple channels
  • Court Proceedings: Open to public inspection with limited exceptions
  • Arrest Records: Generally public once charges are filed
  • Ongoing Investigations: May be temporarily restricted to protect investigation integrity
  • Sealed Cases: Not publicly accessible due to court order
  • Expunged Records: Removed from public access pursuant to court order
  • Juvenile Records: Restricted access under Wisconsin Statute § 938.396, with limited exceptions for serious offenses

The Wisconsin Supreme Court has consistently upheld the public's right to access court records, noting in Newspapers, Inc. v. Breier that "public records are public property, and the official custodian of such records is merely a trustee for the people."

Certain exceptions to public access exist to protect privacy interests, ongoing investigations, or rehabilitation efforts. These exceptions are narrowly construed, with the burden of demonstrating the need for confidentiality falling on the records custodian. When access is denied, the custodian must cite the specific statutory exception that applies.

Marathon County government offices follow the state's public records law when processing requests for criminal records, balancing the presumption of openness with legitimate privacy and safety concerns as defined by statute.

How To Look Up Criminal Records In Marathon County in 2026

Members of the public seeking criminal records in Marathon County may utilize several methods to obtain this information. The county provides multiple access points for criminal record searches, each with specific procedures.

For in-person requests at the Marathon County Courthouse:

  1. Visit the Marathon County Clerk of Courts office during regular business hours (Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM)
  2. Complete a records request form, providing the subject's full name and, if possible, date of birth
  3. Present valid government-issued photo identification
  4. Pay applicable fees for copies ($1.25 per page for regular copies, $5.00 for certified copies)
  5. Allow time for staff to process the request, which may be immediate for simple searches or several days for more complex requests

Marathon County Clerk of Courts
500 Forest Street
Wausau, WI 54403
715-261-1300
Marathon County Clerk of Courts

For mail requests:

  1. Submit a written request to the Marathon County Clerk of Courts
  2. Include the subject's full name, date of birth (if known), and case number (if available)
  3. Specify the records being requested (e.g., criminal complaints, sentencing information)
  4. Enclose a self-addressed stamped envelope and payment for applicable fees
  5. Allow 7-10 business days for processing

For criminal history background checks through the Wisconsin Department of Justice:

  1. Access the Wisconsin Online Record Check System
  2. Create an account or log in as a guest user
  3. Enter the subject's name and date of birth
  4. Pay the required fee ($7 per name-based search)
  5. Receive results electronically, typically within minutes for name-based searches

Requests for law enforcement records, including arrest reports, may be directed to:

Marathon County Sheriff's Office Records Division
500 Forest Street
Wausau, WI 54403
715-261-1200
Marathon County Sheriff's Office

Pursuant to Wisconsin Statute § 19.35(4), agencies must respond to record requests "as soon as practicable and without delay." Complex requests may take longer to fulfill, but the custodian must notify the requester of the reason for any delay and the anticipated response time.

How To Find Criminal Records in Marathon County Online?

Marathon County residents and interested parties can access criminal records through several online portals maintained by state and county agencies. Each system provides different types of information and search capabilities.

The Wisconsin Circuit Court Access (WCCA) portal, commonly known as CCAP, serves as the primary online resource for court records:

  1. Navigate to the Wisconsin Circuit Court Access website
  2. Select the desired search type (simple, advanced, or case number)
  3. For criminal records, enter the individual's name and, optionally, date of birth
  4. Narrow results by selecting Marathon County from the county dropdown menu
  5. Review case listings, which include case numbers, filing dates, charges, and disposition information
  6. Access detailed case information by clicking on individual case numbers

The WCCA system provides information on criminal cases filed in Marathon County Circuit Court, including charges, court dates, judgments, and sentencing information. However, it does not include complete case files or documents.

For current inmate information, the Marathon County Sheriff's Office maintains an online jail roster:

  1. Visit the Marathon County Sheriff's Office website
  2. Navigate to the "Jail Information" section
  3. Access the current inmate roster
  4. Search by name to locate booking information, charges, and custody status

For comprehensive criminal history background checks, the Wisconsin Department of Justice offers the Wisconsin Online Record Check System (WORCS):

  1. Access the Wisconsin Online Record Check System
  2. Create an account or proceed as a guest user
  3. Enter the subject's name and date of birth
  4. Pay the required fee ($7 per name-based search)
  5. Receive results electronically

The Wisconsin Department of Corrections maintains an offender search database for individuals currently under supervision:

  1. Visit the Wisconsin Department of Corrections Offender Search
  2. Enter the subject's name
  3. Review results for current status, supervision type, and supervising office

Users should note that online systems may not contain complete criminal history information. Some records, particularly older cases or those involving certain types of proceedings, may only be available through in-person requests at the Marathon County Courthouse.

Can You Search Marathon County Criminal Records for Free?

Marathon County residents and members of the public may access certain criminal records without charge, in accordance with Wisconsin Statute § 19.35(3), which governs fees for public records. The statute permits inspection of records without charge, though fees may apply for copies or extensive searches.

Free inspection of criminal records is available at:

Marathon County Clerk of Courts
500 Forest Street
Wausau, WI 54403
715-261-1300
Marathon County Clerk of Courts

Visitors may review public case files during regular business hours (Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM) without charge. Staff assistance for locating records is provided at no cost for reasonable requests.

Several online resources provide free access to criminal record information:

While inspection is free, fees apply for:

  • Copies of court documents ($1.25 per page, $5.00 for certified copies)
  • Background checks through the Wisconsin Department of Justice ($7 per name-based search)
  • Specialized searches requiring extensive staff time
  • Certified copies of specific documents

The Wisconsin Public Records Law establishes that fees must be limited to the "actual, necessary and direct cost" of reproduction and cannot include charges for staff time spent locating records unless the cost exceeds $50. Marathon County agencies adhere to these guidelines when assessing fees for criminal record searches.

What's Included in a Marathon County Criminal Record?

Marathon County criminal records contain comprehensive information documenting an individual's interaction with the criminal justice system. These records typically include several categories of information as prescribed by Wisconsin Statute § 165.83, which establishes standards for criminal identification and record keeping.

Identifying Information:

  • Full legal name and known aliases
  • Date of birth and age
  • Physical description (height, weight, eye and hair color)
  • Mugshot or 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 filed at arrest
  • Bail or bond amount
  • Detention facility information
  • Arresting agency case number

Court Case Information:

  • Case number and filing date
  • Court of jurisdiction (Marathon County Circuit Court branch)
  • Charges filed by the prosecutor with Wisconsin statute citations
  • Classification of offenses (felony or misdemeanor class)
  • Plea information
  • Defense attorney information
  • Prosecutor information
  • Court dates and appearances
  • Motions filed and their dispositions

Disposition and Sentencing:

  • Verdict or case outcome
  • Conviction date (if applicable)
  • Sentencing details, including:
    • Incarceration terms and location
    • Probation conditions and duration
    • Fines and court costs
    • Restitution orders
    • Treatment or program requirements
  • Appeal information (if applicable)
  • Probation/parole status and violations

Additional Information:

  • Active warrants
  • Protective or restraining orders
  • Sex offender registration requirements
  • Driving-related offenses (DUI/OWI)
  • Traffic violations connected to criminal cases
  • Pending charges in other jurisdictions
  • Prior criminal history summary

The comprehensiveness of records varies based on the stage of the criminal justice process and the agencies involved. Records maintained by the Marathon County Sheriff's Office focus primarily on arrest and custody information, while Circuit Court records contain detailed case proceedings and dispositions. The Wisconsin Department of Justice maintains the central repository that integrates information from multiple agencies into comprehensive criminal history reports.

How Long Does Marathon County Keep Criminal Records?

Marathon County maintains criminal records according to retention schedules established by the Wisconsin Public Records Board under the authority of Wisconsin Statute § 16.61. These schedules specify minimum retention periods for various types of records, after which they may be destroyed or transferred to archival storage.

Criminal record retention periods in Marathon County vary by document type:

  • Felony Case Files: Maintained for 75 years from the date of filing
  • Misdemeanor Case Files: Retained for 20 years from the date of filing
  • Criminal Traffic Cases: Kept for 20 years from the date of filing
  • Arrest Records (no charges filed): Maintained for 7 years from the date of arrest
  • Jail Records and Booking Information: Retained for 7 years after release
  • Criminal Investigation Files:
    • Homicide cases: Permanent retention
    • Sexual assault cases: 75 years
    • Other felonies: 50 years
    • Misdemeanors: 20 years
  • Court Recordings and Transcripts: Maintained for 10 years after final judgment
  • Probation/Parole Records: Retained for 10 years after discharge from supervision
  • Sex Offender Registration Information: Maintained for the duration required by law, which may be lifetime for certain offenses

Certain records receive permanent retention, including:

  • Homicide case files
  • Cases of historical significance as determined by the Clerk of Courts
  • Index and docket information for all criminal cases
  • DNA evidence in unsolved serious crimes

The Marathon County Clerk of Courts and Sheriff's Office follow these retention schedules while maintaining compliance with court orders regarding expungement or sealing of records. When records reach the end of their retention period, they are disposed of according to procedures established by the Wisconsin Public Records Board.

Digital records are subject to the same retention requirements as paper records. The county's electronic case management systems maintain digital records according to the same schedules, though technological changes may necessitate migration to new storage formats to ensure long-term accessibility.

Records that have exceeded their retention period may no longer be available through standard record request procedures. Researchers seeking historical criminal records may need to consult with the Marathon County Historical Society or the Wisconsin Historical Society for archived materials.

Lookup Criminal Records in Marathon County

Wisconsin Court System case search

Wisconsin Online Record Check System

Wisconsin Department of Justice Criminal History Records

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