Wisconsin is the state of the United States in the upper Midwestern region. It is known as the “Dairyland” because it produces dairy products in a large amount.
Just like any other state, Wisconsin also has its public record law which was enacted in 1981. According to this law, the general public has the right to open, inspect, and use regulation.
If you want to get public records in the Wisconsin state, then keep reading. In this extensive guide, we have gathered all the details to help you get Wisconsin Public records.
What does the law of Wisconsin Public Records say?
Wisconsin law of freedom of information says that you don’t have to be a citizen of Wisconsin to access public records. Anyone, anywhere at any time, can access public records.
It further states that if the request is not deal with properly, the government will charge a fine of $1000 to the record-keeping agencies.
How can I get Public Records in Wisconsin?
In Wisconsin, you can get most of the public records online. If you can’t find your desired information online, write a formal request and send it to record-keeping agencies through mail or email.
Generally, you will need to include the following information in your request letter:
- Your details such as name, phone number, email address, and mailing address
- Name of a document that you want to get along with its details
- When do you need it? Mention date
- How do you want to receive it via mail or email? Mention it
Due to pandemics, offices are closed mostly or have restricted hours, so it is better to call them before you go. Also, it is recommended to send your request via email to avoid any issues.
Wisconsin Criminal Records
A criminal record provides detailed information about a criminal’s interactions with law enforcement agencies. It can include convictions, arrest records, and incarceration.
Generally, Wisconsin criminal record can include the following information:
- General details of a criminal such as his name, gender, nationality, and date of birth
- A complete set of his fingerprints
- A mug shot
- His physical description
- Type of crime he has committed along with its details
Where can I get Wisconsin Criminal Record?
You can get Wisconsin criminal record online through the Wisconsin Department of Justice Website. There are two ways to search the criminal record: by name or by fingerprint.
Most people go with the name method because it is less cheap and easy than the fingerprint method. The fingerprint method is more formal.
People use the fingerprint method for highly professional matters.
Wisconsin Court Records
In most states, accessing court records is a headache. They want the person to visit the courthouse where the case was held and request the record from the court clerk.
But that’s not the case in Wisconsin. In Wisconsin, you can easily access court records online.
What’s included in the Wisconsin Court Records?
Generally, court records are large because they contain lots of legal documents; however, here is the list of information that you may found in Wisconsin court record:
- Case files
- Judgment documentations
- Court minutes
- Dockets
- Jury records
- Orders of court
- Witness documents
Where can I get Wisconsin Court Records?
Wisconsin government has an online system for keeping court records. You can easily get your desired court record online from the Wisconsin court system website.
It has collected court records from the court of appeals, circuit courts, and Supreme Court.
If you can’t find any information online, you will contact the court clerk of the court where the case was held.
Wisconsin Inmate Records
Inmate records contain details about the prisoners. They might include information about sentencing, place case was held, type of crime etc.
What’s included in the Wisconsin Inmate Record?
Generally, you may find the following information in the Wisconsin inmate record:
- Personal details of inmate such as his name, gender, date of birth, and nationality
- Inmate registration number
- A mug shot
- Custody status
- Inmate location
- Jail transfer details
Where can I get a Wisconsin Inmate Record?
You can find the inmate record online through the department of correction website. You will need to enter the offender’s id or his last name to see his record.
Wisconsin Vital Records
Vital records are the records of life’s most important events, such as birth, marriage, divorce, and death. Like any other state, Wisconsin also keeps a record of these events.
In Wisconsin, vital records are administered by the Department of health vital records.
What’s needed to get Wisconsin Vital Records?
To get Wisconsin vital records, you will need to provide the following information:
- The full name of a person
- Location of the event
- Date of event
- License no for a marriage record
- Case no for a divorce record
Where can I get Wisconsin Vital Records?
Because of covid-19, you cannot go in person to get the record. However, you can order it online through the Wisconsin department of health services website.
They will ask you to provide your id card for verification purposes before giving you access to your desired record.
If you want to order by mail, this is their mailing address: State Vital Records Office, PO Box, Madison, WI 53701-0309.
If you want any additional information, you can email at: [email protected].
Or call at 608-266-1373
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a non-citizen apply for Wisconsin public records?
Yes, a non-citizen can also apply for Wisconsin public records. Even any person living in the United States can access them.
Is there any record custody in Wisconsin?
No, there is no record custody in Wisconsin. They have organized all the information electronically.
What is the fee of the Wisconsin public record?
Wisconsin record-keeping agencies charge only for copies of the document. They do not charge any extra fee for labor like other states.
In how many days they have to respond?
Wisconsin public record law had not declared any timeline for response. So we cannot say anything. They can respond promptly, or their response can be delayed.
Amit Gupta is the founder of PublicRecordsSearch.org. Amit has spent half a decade learning about and working in the background screening industry. After completing his high school certification, Amit decided to focus on helping others make informed decisions by creating PublicRecordsSearch.org.