Kenosha County Arrest Records
Are Arrest Records Public in Kenosha County
Arrest records in Kenosha County are considered public information under Wisconsin's Public Records Law, specifically Wisconsin Statutes § 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 government officers and employees. The law presumes complete public access to governmental records, consistent with the conduct of governmental business.
The Wisconsin Department of Justice maintains that arrest records are generally accessible to the public, though certain exceptions may apply. According to the Wisconsin Department of Justice's Public Records Law Compliance Guide, arrest records are distinguished from conviction records in several important ways:
- Arrest records document the apprehension and detention of an individual by law enforcement
- Conviction records document the final disposition of a criminal case resulting in a guilty finding
- Arrest records without subsequent conviction may have additional access restrictions
The Kenosha County Sheriff's Office maintains arrest records for the county and makes certain information available to the public in accordance with state law. However, pursuant to Wisconsin Statutes § 19.36(8), certain information may be redacted to protect privacy interests, ongoing investigations, or juvenile records.
What's in Kenosha County Arrest Records
Kenosha County arrest records typically contain comprehensive information about individuals who have been taken into custody by law enforcement agencies within the county. The content of these records adheres to standards established by the Wisconsin Department of Justice and local law enforcement protocols. A standard Kenosha County arrest record includes the following components:
Arrestee Identifying Information:
- Full legal name (first, middle, last)
- Date of birth
- Gender
- Race/ethnicity
- Physical description (height, weight, eye color, hair color)
- Identifying marks (tattoos, scars, etc.)
- Address at time of arrest
- Photograph (mugshot)
- Fingerprints
Arrest Details:
- Date and time of arrest
- Location of arrest
- Arresting agency
- Arresting officer's name and badge number
- Reason for arrest
- Use of force information (if applicable)
Charge Information:
- Criminal charges filed
- Statute numbers of alleged violations
- Charge classification (misdemeanor or felony)
- Charge severity level
- Description of alleged criminal activity
Warrant Information (if applicable):
- Warrant number
- Issuing court
- Date issued
- Type of warrant (arrest, bench, search)
- Warrant status
Booking Information:
- Booking date and time
- Booking number
- Processing officer
- Property inventory
- Medical screening information
Bond/Bail Information:
- Bond/bail amount
- Bond/bail type
- Bond/bail status
- Release conditions
Court Information:
- Court case number
- Assigned court
- Scheduled court appearances
- Judge assigned
Custody Status:
- Current detention status
- Facility of incarceration (if applicable)
- Expected release date (if applicable)
- Probation/parole status
Additional Information May Include:
- Prior arrest history
- Known aliases
- Immigration status
- Emergency contact information
- Vehicle information (if relevant to arrest)
- Victim information (typically redacted in public records)
The specific content of arrest records may vary based on the arresting agency's protocols and the circumstances of the arrest. Certain information may be redacted from public versions of arrest records in accordance with Wisconsin Statutes § 19.36, which provides exemptions for confidential information, ongoing investigations, and juvenile records.
How To Look Up Arrest Records in Kenosha County in 2026
Members of the public seeking arrest records in Kenosha County may utilize several official channels to obtain this information. The county maintains multiple access points for arrest record retrieval, each with specific procedures and requirements. Individuals may pursue the following methods to look up arrest records:
In-Person Requests:
- Visit the Kenosha County Sheriff's Office Records Division during regular business hours
- Complete a public records request form, providing specific information about the record sought
- Present valid government-issued photo identification
- Pay applicable fees for record retrieval and copying
- Allow processing time as required by department workload
Kenosha County Sheriff's Office
1000 55th Street
Kenosha, WI 53140
(262) 605-5100
Kenosha County Sheriff's Office
Written Requests:
- Submit a written request to the Kenosha County Sheriff's Office Records Division
- Include specific details about the record sought (name, date of birth, date of arrest)
- Provide contact information and preferred delivery method
- Enclose payment for applicable fees
- Allow 5-10 business days for processing
Online Requests:
- Access the Kenosha County Sheriff's Office website
- Navigate to the Records Request section
- Complete the electronic records request form
- Submit payment for applicable fees via the online payment system
- Receive records electronically or by mail as specified
Wisconsin Department of Justice:
- Visit the Wisconsin Online Record Check System (WORCS)
- Create a user account or log in to an existing account
- Select the type of record check required
- Enter the subject's information as completely as possible
- Submit payment for the record check fee
- Receive results electronically
Pursuant to Wisconsin Statutes § 19.35(4), the custodian of records must respond to requests "as soon as practicable and without delay." The actual processing time may vary based on the complexity of the request and current department workload. Fees for record retrieval are established in accordance with Wisconsin Statutes § 19.35(3) and are limited to the "actual, necessary and direct cost" of record location, reproduction, and mailing.
How To Find Kenosha County Arrest Records Online
Kenosha County provides several digital resources for accessing arrest records online. These electronic systems offer convenient alternatives to in-person requests and are maintained in accordance with Wisconsin public records laws. Members of the public may utilize the following online platforms to search for and retrieve arrest records:
-
Kenosha County Inmate Search Portal
- Navigate to the Kenosha County Inmate Search page
- Enter the individual's name or booking number in the search fields
- Review the results for current inmates and recent bookings
- Note that this system only displays current inmates and those recently released
- No account creation is required for basic searches
-
Wisconsin Circuit Court Access (WCCA)
- Visit the Wisconsin Circuit Court Access website
- Select "Kenosha County" from the county dropdown menu
- Enter the individual's name in the search fields
- Review case records that may contain arrest information
- Access is free and does not require account creation
-
Wisconsin Department of Justice Criminal History Search
- Access the Wisconsin Online Record Check System
- Create a user account or log in to an existing account
- Select "Criminal History" as the record type
- Enter the subject's information (name, date of birth)
- Pay the required fee ($7 per record as of current fee schedule)
- Receive immediate electronic results for most searches
-
Kenosha County Sheriff's Office Records Request
- Visit the Kenosha County Sheriff's Office website
- Navigate to the Records Request section
- Complete the electronic records request form
- Submit payment for applicable fees
- Receive records electronically within the processing timeframe
When conducting online searches, users should note that certain information may be redacted in accordance with Wisconsin Statutes § 19.36, which provides exemptions for confidential information. Additionally, the completeness and currency of online records may vary, and official record verification may require direct contact with the Kenosha County Sheriff's Office Records Division.
How To Search Kenosha County Arrest Records for Free?
Members of the public have several options to access Kenosha County arrest records without incurring fees. Wisconsin's Public Records Law establishes that while agencies may charge for certain costs associated with records production, inspection of records is generally available at no cost. The following methods provide free access to arrest record information:
-
In-Person Record Inspection
- Visit the Kenosha County Sheriff's Office during public counter hours
- Complete a records inspection request form
- Present valid identification
- Review records on-site at no charge
- Note that copying fees apply if physical copies are requested
Kenosha County Sheriff's Office
1000 55th Street
Kenosha, WI 53140
(262) 605-5100
Kenosha County Sheriff's Office -
Kenosha County Inmate Search
- Access the Kenosha County Inmate Search portal
- Enter the individual's name in the search fields
- View current inmate information at no cost
- Information includes booking date, charges, and custody status
- This resource is limited to current inmates and recent releases
-
Wisconsin Circuit Court Access (WCCA)
- Visit the Wisconsin Circuit Court Access website
- Select "Kenosha County" from the jurisdiction menu
- Enter the individual's name in the search fields
- Review case information that may include arrest details
- This service is provided free of charge by the Wisconsin court system
-
Kenosha County Clerk of Courts Terminal
- Visit the Kenosha County Courthouse
- Use the public access terminals in the Clerk of Courts office
- Search court records that may contain arrest information
- On-site viewing is free; printing fees may apply
Kenosha County Clerk of Courts
912 56th Street
Kenosha, WI 53140
(262) 653-2664
Kenosha County Clerk of Courts -
Local Newspaper Archives
- Access the Kenosha News archives at the Kenosha Public Library
- Search for published arrest reports and police blotters
- Review public information about significant arrests
- Library services are free to county residents
Kenosha Public Library - Southwest Branch
7979 38th Avenue
Kenosha, WI 53142
(262) 564-6150
Kenosha Public Library
When utilizing free search methods, individuals should be aware that the information available may be limited compared to official record requests. Additionally, pursuant to Wisconsin Statutes § 19.35(1)(a), while inspection is free, agencies may charge the "actual, necessary and direct cost" for reproduction of records if copies are requested.
How To Delete Arrest Records in Kenosha County
Wisconsin law provides specific mechanisms for the removal of arrest records from public access under certain circumstances. The process involves either expungement (legal erasure) or sealing (restricting public access) of records. These procedures are governed by Wisconsin Statutes § 973.015, which establishes eligibility criteria and application processes.
Expungement Eligibility:
- The offense must be a misdemeanor or a Class H or I felony
- The offender must have been under 25 years of age at the time of the offense
- The maximum period of imprisonment must not exceed 6 years
- The court must have determined at sentencing that expungement is appropriate
- The offender must have successfully completed their sentence
Record Sealing Eligibility:
- Cases that did not result in conviction
- Cases dismissed before trial
- Cases resulting in acquittal
- Certain juvenile records
- Records where continued public access would cause undue harm
Expungement Process:
- Verify eligibility under Wisconsin Statutes § 973.015
- Obtain certified copies of court documents related to the case
- Complete a Petition for Expungement form
- File the petition with the Kenosha County Clerk of Courts
- Pay the required filing fee
- Attend the scheduled hearing if required
- If granted, obtain a certified copy of the expungement order
Record Sealing Process:
- Determine eligibility for record sealing
- Prepare a Petition to Seal Records
- File the petition with the Kenosha County Circuit Court
- Serve copies on the District Attorney's Office
- Attend the scheduled hearing
- Present evidence supporting the petition
- If granted, distribute the order to relevant agencies
Kenosha County Circuit Court
912 56th Street
Kenosha, WI 53140
(262) 653-2664
Kenosha County Circuit Court
Kenosha County District Attorney's Office
912 56th Street
Kenosha, WI 53140
(262) 653-2400
Kenosha County District Attorney
It is important to note that expungement in Wisconsin does not completely destroy all records. Rather, it removes them from public access while maintaining confidential records for law enforcement purposes. Additionally, pursuant to Wisconsin Statutes § 973.015(2), expunged records may still be accessed by law enforcement agencies for investigative purposes and may be considered in subsequent criminal proceedings.
What Happens After Arrest in Kenosha County?
Following an arrest in Kenosha County, individuals enter a structured criminal justice process governed by Wisconsin state law and local procedures. This process includes several distinct phases from initial custody through case disposition. Understanding this sequence is essential for those navigating the criminal justice system.
Booking Process:
- The arrestee is transported to the Kenosha County Detention Center
- Personal information is recorded and verified
- Fingerprints and photographs are taken
- Personal property is inventoried and secured
- Medical screening is conducted
- Initial charge information is entered into the system
Initial Appearance:
- Occurs within 48 hours of arrest (excluding weekends and holidays)
- Takes place at the Kenosha County Courthouse
- Judge informs the defendant of charges and constitutional rights
- Bail/bond determination is made
- Public defender may be appointed if defendant qualifies
- Next court date is scheduled
Bail/Bond Considerations:
- Cash bail may be required for release
- Signature bonds may be permitted for certain offenses
- Release conditions are established (travel restrictions, no-contact orders)
- Electronic monitoring may be ordered in some cases
- Bail/bond may be modified at subsequent hearings
Preliminary Hearing (Felony Cases):
- Occurs within 10 days of initial appearance if defendant is in custody
- Prosecution must establish probable cause
- Defense may challenge evidence and witness testimony
- Judge determines if case proceeds to trial
- May be waived by defendant
Arraignment:
- Formal reading of charges
- Defendant enters a plea (guilty, not guilty, no contest)
- Trial date may be set
- Pretrial conference is scheduled
Pretrial Proceedings:
- Discovery exchange between prosecution and defense
- Motion hearings for evidence suppression or case dismissal
- Plea negotiations may occur
- Case management conferences to track progress
Trial Process:
- Jury selection (or bench trial if jury is waived)
- Opening statements by prosecution and defense
- Presentation of evidence and witness testimony
- Closing arguments
- Jury deliberation and verdict (or judge's decision in bench trial)
Sentencing (If Convicted):
- Pre-sentence investigation may be conducted
- Victim impact statements may be presented
- Defense presents mitigating factors
- Judge imposes sentence according to Wisconsin sentencing guidelines
- Sentencing options include incarceration, probation, fines, restitution, community service
Post-Conviction:
- Appeal rights are explained
- Sentence begins
- Probation supervision is established if applicable
- Restitution payment schedule is determined
- Record may be eligible for expungement under certain conditions
Throughout this process, the Wisconsin Department of Corrections may become involved in supervision if the defendant is sentenced to probation or incarceration. The entire process is documented in court records maintained by the Kenosha County Clerk of Courts and arrest records maintained by the Kenosha County Sheriff's Office.
How Long Are Arrest Records Kept in Kenosha County?
Arrest records in Kenosha County are maintained according to retention schedules established by Wisconsin state law, specifically Wisconsin Statutes § 16.61 and the Public Records Board Records Retention/Disposition Authorizations. These regulations establish minimum retention periods for various categories of law enforcement records, including arrest documentation.
Standard Retention Periods:
- Arrest reports: Minimum of 7 years from date of arrest
- Booking records: 7 years after release from custody
- Fingerprint cards: 75 years from date of collection
- Mugshot photographs: 7 years from date of arrest
- Investigation reports: 7 years after case closure
- Juvenile arrest records: Until subject reaches age 25
- Felony arrest records involving serious offenses: Permanent retention
The Kenosha County Sheriff's Office maintains arrest records in accordance with these minimum requirements, though actual retention periods may exceed these timeframes. Digital records management systems have enabled longer retention of electronic records, while physical records may be transferred to archival storage after active use periods.
Factors Affecting Retention:
- Severity of the alleged offense
- Case disposition (conviction, dismissal, acquittal)
- Age of the arrestee at time of offense
- Ongoing investigative value of the records
- Court orders for expungement or sealing
- Administrative needs of law enforcement agencies
Records retention serves several important public purposes, including:
- Maintaining evidence for potential future legal proceedings
- Supporting background checks for employment and licensing
- Providing statistical data for crime analysis
- Ensuring accountability of law enforcement agencies
- Preserving historical documentation of law enforcement activities
The Wisconsin Department of Justice provides oversight and guidance to local law enforcement agencies regarding records retention practices. Additionally, the Wisconsin Historical Society may designate certain law enforcement records as having historical value, requiring permanent preservation.
Individuals seeking information about specific arrest records should be aware that even after the minimum retention period has expired, information may persist in various databases and systems. Expungement or sealing of records through court order provides the most definitive method for limiting public access to arrest information.
How to Find Mugshots in Kenosha County
Mugshot photographs, officially known as booking photographs, are created during the arrest booking process in Kenosha County. These images serve as official documentation of an individual's appearance at the time of arrest and become part of the arrest record. Access to these photographs is governed by Wisconsin public records laws.
What Mugshots Are:
- Official photographs taken during the booking process
- Typically include front-facing and profile (side) views
- Contain identifying information such as booking number and date
- Created for all adults processed at the Kenosha County Detention Center
- Considered part of the official arrest record
Where Mugshots Are Maintained:
- Primary repository: Kenosha County Sheriff's Office Records Division
- Digital copies stored in jail management system
- Archived according to county records retention schedules
- May be shared with other law enforcement agencies
- May be included in court case files if submitted as evidence
Finding Mugshots Through Official Channels:
- Submit a public records request to the Kenosha County Sheriff's Office
- Provide specific identifying information (name, date of birth, date of arrest)
- Complete required request forms
- Pay applicable fees for record retrieval and reproduction
- Allow processing time as required by department workload
Kenosha County Sheriff's Office
1000 55th Street
Kenosha, WI 53140
(262) 605-5100
Kenosha County Sheriff's Office
Online Availability:
- The Kenosha County Inmate Search may display current inmate mugshots
- Historical mugshots are generally not available through county online systems
- Third-party websites may publish mugshots obtained through public records requests
- Commercial mugshot websites may charge fees for removal of images
Restrictions on Mugshot Access:
- Juvenile mugshots (under age 17) are confidential under Wisconsin law
- Expunged case mugshots may be removed from public access
- Sealed record mugshots are not publicly accessible
- Ongoing investigation mugshots may be temporarily withheld
- Privacy redactions may apply to certain identifying features
Wisconsin law does not specifically prohibit the publication of mugshots by media outlets or commercial websites. However, the Wisconsin Department of Justice has expressed concerns about commercial websites that publish mugshots and then charge fees for removal, regardless of case outcome.
Individuals seeking to limit public access to their mugshot should consult with legal counsel regarding potential expungement or record sealing options if they qualify under Wisconsin Statutes § 973.015.
Lookup Arrest Records in Kenosha County
Search the Kenosha County Jail inmate roster
Contact the Kenosha County Sheriff's Office