Jackson County Public Records / Jackson County Arrest Records

Jackson County Arrest Records

How To Look Up Arrest Records in Jackson County in 2026

JacksonWIRecords.us provides access to publicly available information related to arrest records in Jackson County, Wisconsin. Members of the public may find booking records, charge information, custody status, court case data, and related criminal history details. Available record categories include arrest logs, jail rosters, court case filings, mugshots, and bond information. Data availability varies by agency and record age.

Members of the public may search arrest records through official resources including the Jackson County Sheriff's Office, local police departments, the Clerk of Circuit Court, and the Wisconsin Court System's online case search portal. The following sections detail each available method.

Online Methods:

1. County Sheriff's Office Arrest Records

The Jackson County Sheriff's Office maintains booking records and a current jail roster for individuals held at the Jackson County Jail. The roster is updated on a regular basis and includes the arrestee's name, charges, booking date, and custody status. Members of the public may access this information through the Sheriff's Office website or by contacting the records division directly.

Jackson County Sheriff's Office
307 Main Street
Black River Falls, WI 54615
Phone: (715) 284-5357
Jackson County Sheriff's Office

2. Local Police Departments

Several municipal police departments operate within Jackson County. The Black River Falls Police Department publishes press releases and arrest information through the City of Black River Falls website. The Black River Falls Police Department advises that members of the public must first contact Jackson County Dispatch at (715) 284-5357 ext. 180 to report crimes or concerns. The Village of Jackson Police Department also processes open records requests for arrest-related documents.

Black River Falls Police Department
101 S. 2nd Street
Black River Falls, WI 54615
Phone: (715) 284-5357
City of Black River Falls Police Department

Village of Jackson Police Department
N168 W20733 Main Street
Jackson, WI 53037
Phone: (262) 677-3232
Village of Jackson Police Department Open Records Requests

3. County Clerk of Court Case Search

The Jackson County Clerk of Circuit Court maintains criminal case files associated with arrests that result in formal charges. Members of the public may search cases using the Wisconsin Court System case search portal, which provides access to circuit court records statewide, including Jackson County. Searches may be conducted by name, case number, or citation number.

Jackson County Clerk of Circuit Court
307 Main Street, Room 120
Black River Falls, WI 54615
Phone: (715) 284-0208
Wisconsin Court System

4. State Law Enforcement Database

The Wisconsin Department of Justice maintains the Wisconsin Criminal History Repository, which contains statewide arrest and conviction records. Members of the public may submit a criminal history request through the Wisconsin Department of Justice Crime Information Bureau. A fee of $7.00 per search applies for public requests. The repository includes arrests from all Wisconsin jurisdictions and reflects dispositions when reported by courts and law enforcement agencies.

In-Person Access:

Sheriff's Office:

Address: 307 Main Street, Black River Falls, WI 54615
Records division is located within the main Sheriff's Office building
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
Phone: (715) 284-5357
What to bring: Valid government-issued photo identification and any known arrest details
Fees for copies: $0.25 per page for standard paper copies; certification fees may apply

Police Departments:

Black River Falls Police Department, 101 S. 2nd Street, Black River Falls, WI 54615; Phone: (715) 284-5357
Village of Jackson Police Department, N168 W20733 Main Street, Jackson, WI 53037; Phone: (262) 677-3232
Records requests are processed during regular business hours; requesters should submit a written request identifying the record sought

Clerk of Court:

Address: 307 Main Street, Room 120, Black River Falls, WI 54615
Criminal records division handles case file inspection and copy requests
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
Phone: (715) 284-0208
Case files may be inspected in person at no charge; copy fees apply

By Mail:

Mailing address: Jackson County Sheriff's Office, 307 Main Street, Black River Falls, WI 54615
Written requests should include:
- Full legal name of the arrestee
- Date of arrest, if known
- Booking number, if known
- Requester's full name and return mailing address
Payment for copies should be included with the request
Processing time is typically 10 business days, though complex requests may require additional time

By Phone:

Sheriff's Office: (715) 284-5357
Callers should have the subject's full name, date of birth, and approximate arrest date available
Detailed record information is not released by phone; callers may be directed to submit a written request or visit in person

Through Legal Channels:

Licensed attorneys may submit formal records requests on behalf of clients
Subpoenas may be used to compel production of records in active legal proceedings
Discovery procedures in criminal cases provide defense counsel access to arrest-related documentation

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 (which city, village, or county agency made the arrest)

Are Arrest Records Public in Jackson County

Arrest records in Jackson County are public records under Wisconsin law. Pursuant to Wis. Stat. § 19.35, members of the public have the right to inspect or obtain copies of records maintained by government authorities, including law enforcement agencies. As stated on the Village of Jackson's official website, "The Wisconsin public records law authorizes requesters to inspect or obtain copies of records maintained by government authorities." This framework reflects the state's strong presumption in favor of public access to government records.

Arrest records are made available to the public for several recognized purposes:

Government transparency and accountability
Public safety awareness
Journalism and investigative research
Employment and tenant background screening
Legal proceedings and due process
Community awareness of law enforcement activity

What Arrest Information Is Public:

Arrestee name and known aliases
Date and time of arrest
Location of arrest
Arresting agency
Charges filed at the time of arrest
Booking number
Mugshot/booking photograph
Bond and bail information
Current custody status
Basic demographic information including age and physical description

Limitations on Public Access:

Juvenile arrest records are restricted or sealed under Wisconsin law
Expunged arrest records are removed from public access following a court order
Records sealed by court order are not available for public inspection
Information related to active investigations may be withheld
Undercover officer identities are protected
Confidential informant information is exempt from disclosure
Victim identifying information may be withheld in certain cases
Witness protection participants are not identified in public records

Constitutional and Legal Basis:

Wisconsin's public records law is grounded in Article IV, Section 26 of the Wisconsin Constitution, which directs the legislature to provide for public access to government records. The law balances transparency with individual privacy interests. The First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution supports press access to arrest information, and due process principles ensure that individuals are not prejudged solely on the basis of an arrest record.

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 restrictions
Licensing agencies
Background check companies operating under FCRA compliance
Attorneys and legal professionals
Academic researchers

Restrictions on Use:

Employers using arrest records for hiring decisions must comply with the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA)
Wisconsin law limits the use of arrest records that did not result in conviction in certain employment contexts
Housing decisions based solely on arrest records without conviction may implicate fair housing considerations
An arrest record is not evidence of guilt; the distinction between an arrest and a conviction is legally significant

What's in Jackson County Arrest Records

Personal Identification Information:

Full legal name
Aliases or "also known as" names
Date of birth
Age at time of arrest
Sex/gender
Race/ethnicity
Height and weight
Eye color and hair color
Identifying marks such as scars or tattoos
Address at time of arrest (may be partially redacted)

Arrest Details:

Arrest date and time
Location of arrest (street address or general area)
Arresting agency (Sheriff's Office, Police Department, Wisconsin State Patrol, etc.)
Arresting officer name and badge number (in some records)
Booking date and time
Booking number or arrest number
Warrant information, if applicable

Charges Information:

Specific criminal charges
Wisconsin statute numbers violated
Charge descriptions
Classification (felony class, misdemeanor class)
Number of counts for each charge
Domestic violence designation, if applicable
Gang-related designation, if applicable

Booking Information:

Booking facility name and location
Intake process timestamp
Booking photograph (mugshot)
Fingerprints are collected during booking but are not included in public records
Personal property inventory

Custody and Bond Information:

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

Court Information:

Court case number assigned
Court jurisdiction (Jackson County Circuit Court)
Scheduled arraignment date
Court location
Judge assignment, if available

Prior Arrest History (may be included):

Previous arrests recorded in Jackson County
Previous booking numbers
Historical charges
Prior arrest history is not always included in a current arrest record

What's Typically NOT in Public Arrest Records:

Detailed narrative of the arrest (police report details)
Witness statements
Victim information
Evidence collected
Investigative techniques
Medical or mental health information
Substance abuse information
Social Security number (redacted)
Bank account or financial information

Difference Between Arrest Records and Related Documents:

Police reports: Contain more detailed incident narratives and are subject to separate disclosure review
Court records: Document legal proceedings that occur after an arrest
Criminal records: Reflect convictions and sentences, not merely arrests
Background checks: Compile information from multiple sources including court, law enforcement, and state repositories

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

Members of the public may inspect arrest records at no charge under Wisconsin's open records law. Fees apply when copies are requested. Current standard fees are as follows:

Record Type	Fee
Paper copies	$0.25 per page
Certified copies (Clerk of Court)	$1.25 per page + $5.00 certification fee
Electronic copies (where available)	Varies by agency
Wisconsin DOJ criminal history search	$7.00 per search
Sheriff's Office records search	No search fee; copy fees apply

Pursuant to Wis. Stat. § 19.35(3), fees charged for copies may not exceed the actual, necessary, and direct cost of reproduction. Agencies may not charge for the time spent locating records unless the request requires more than a de minimis effort.

Accepted payment methods vary by agency but at present include cash, check, and money order. Members of the public should confirm accepted payment methods with the specific agency before submitting a request.

Fee waivers may be available in limited circumstances, including for indigent requesters or when the request serves a demonstrated public interest. Requesters seeking a fee waiver should submit a written explanation with their records request.

The Wisconsin Court System's online case search portal provides free access to court case information, including criminal cases linked to arrests. This resource does not require payment for basic name or case number searches.

How To Delete Arrest Records in Jackson County

Under Wisconsin law, the legal mechanisms for removing arrest records from public access are expungement and sealing. These are distinct remedies. Expungement under Wis. Stat. § 973.015 results in the destruction or sealing of court records related to a conviction, effectively removing the record from public view upon successful completion of a sentence. Sealing restricts public access to a record without necessarily destroying it.

Eligibility for Expungement in Wisconsin:

The offense must have been committed before the person turned 25 years of age
The offense must be a misdemeanor or a felony with a maximum term of imprisonment of six years or less
The court must have ordered expungement at the time of sentencing
The person must have successfully completed the sentence, including probation

Cases That May Be Eligible for Record Removal:

Arrests that did not result in charges being filed
Charges that were dismissed by the court
Cases resolved through acquittal (not guilty verdict)
Convictions meeting the statutory eligibility criteria under § 973.015

Steps to Pursue Expungement:

Determine eligibility by reviewing the original sentencing order; expungement in Wisconsin must be ordered by the court at the time of sentencing, not after the fact
If expungement was ordered at sentencing, file a petition with the Jackson County Circuit Court upon successful completion of the sentence
Submit the petition to the Clerk of Circuit Court along with documentation of sentence completion
The court reviews the petition and, if granted, issues an order directing the expungement of the record
The order is transmitted to the Wisconsin Department of Justice Crime Information Bureau for update of the state criminal history repository

Contact Information for Expungement Proceedings:

Jackson County Circuit Court – Clerk of Court
307 Main Street, Room 120
Black River Falls, WI 54615
Phone: (715) 284-0208
Wisconsin Court System

Wisconsin Department of Justice – Crime Information Bureau
17 West Main Street
Madison, WI 53703
Phone: (608) 266-7314
Wisconsin DOJ Crime Information Bureau

Members of the public seeking expungement are advised to consult with a licensed Wisconsin attorney, as the eligibility criteria are strictly construed and the process requires court involvement.

What Happens After Arrest in Jackson County?

Immediate Post-Arrest Process:

1. Transport to Jail

Following an arrest, the individual is transported to the Jackson County Jail, located at 307 Main Street, Black River Falls, WI 54615. Transport time varies based on the location of the arrest within the county. The individual remains in custody during transport.

2. Booking Process

Upon arrival at the Jackson County Jail, the booking process is initiated. This process typically takes one to four hours depending on facility volume. The following steps occur during booking:

Personal information is recorded
Miranda rights are read if not previously administered
A booking photograph (mugshot) is taken
Fingerprints are collected and submitted for criminal history and warrant checks
Personal property is inventoried and stored
Clothing is exchanged for a jail uniform
Medical and brief mental health screenings are conducted
Housing classification is determined

3. First Appearance/Initial Hearing

Under Wisconsin law, a person in custody 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 those who qualify
Bond or bail is determined
Rights are reviewed
The hearing may be conducted via video conference

Bond/Bail Process:

Types of Bond:

Cash Bond:

The full bond amount must be paid in cash
The amount is refunded at the conclusion of the case, minus applicable fees
The amount is set by the court commissioner or judge

Surety Bond:

A licensed bail bondsman posts the full bond amount
The defendant pays a non-refundable premium, at present set at 10% of the bond amount in most cases
The bondsman assumes financial responsibility for the defendant's appearance

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, nature of charges, and assessed flight risk

No Bond:

The individual is held without the possibility of release on bond
Grounds include serious violent offenses, demonstrated flight risk, danger to the community, probation or parole violations, immigration holds, or outstanding out-of-state warrants

Conditions of Release:

Regular check-in requirements with pretrial services
Travel restrictions
No-contact orders
Drug and alcohol testing
GPS monitoring
Pretrial supervision compliance

4. Release or Continued Detention

If Bond Is Posted:

Processing for release typically takes one to eight hours
Personal property is returned
A court date is provided in writing
Written conditions of release are issued
Failure to appear results in bond forfeiture and issuance of an arrest warrant

If Bond Is Not Posted:

The individual remains in custody at the Jackson County Jail
Housing assignment is made
Inmate orientation is conducted
Commissary account, phone privileges, and visitation schedules are explained

Accessing Legal Representation:

Public Defender:

Individuals who cannot afford private counsel may apply for representation through the Wisconsin State Public Defender's Office. Eligibility is based on income.

Wisconsin State Public Defender – District 9 (Jackson County)
610 Gibson Street, Suite 3
Eau Claire, WI 54701
Phone: (715) 836-2891
Wisconsin State Public Defender

Private Attorney:

Individuals have the right to retain private counsel at any stage of the proceedings. The State Bar of Wisconsin Lawyer Referral Service provides referrals to licensed Wisconsin attorneys. Attorney visits at the Jackson County Jail are conducted confidentially.

Charging Decision:

Prosecutor's Review:

The Jackson County District Attorney's Office reviews the arrest and determines whether to file formal charges. This review occurs within days to weeks of the arrest. The prosecutor may:

File formal charges by Information
Request additional investigation before making a charging decision
Decline to prosecute
File different or additional charges than those listed at booking

Jackson County District Attorney's Office
307 Main Street
Black River Falls, WI 54615
Phone: (715) 284-0213
Jackson County Government

Arraignment:

At arraignment, the defendant is formally informed of the charges and enters a plea. Most defendants enter a not guilty plea at this stage. Court dates for subsequent proceedings are set at arraignment.

Court Process Overview:

Pretrial Phase:

Discovery involves the exchange of evidence between the prosecution and defense, including police reports, witness statements, physical evidence, and audio or video recordings.

Pretrial Motions may include motions to suppress evidence, motions to dismiss, and motions for additional discovery. Hearings are scheduled as needed.

Plea Negotiations may result in an offer from the prosecutor to resolve the case through a reduced charge or agreed sentencing recommendation. The defendant retains the right to accept or proceed to trial.

Case Resolution Options:

Dismissal: Charges are dropped due to insufficient evidence, witness issues, or legal defects
Diversion Programs: Eligible defendants may participate in pretrial intervention, drug court, mental health court, or veterans court; successful completion results in dismissal of charges
Plea Agreement: The defendant enters a guilty or no contest plea to agreed charges; a sentencing hearing is scheduled
Trial: The defendant exercises the right to a jury or bench trial; if found guilty, a sentencing hearing follows

Sentencing (if convicted):

The court may impose one or more of the following:

Incarceration in jail or state prison
Probation
Fines and court costs
Restitution to victims
Community service
Drug or alcohol treatment
A combination of the above

Credit for time served in pretrial detention is applied to any sentence imposed. Appeal rights are explained at sentencing.

Timeline Overview:

Arrest to first appearance: Within 48 hours
First appearance to arraignment: Days to several weeks
Arraignment to trial or resolution: Several months, varying by case complexity
Misdemeanors: Resolved within weeks to several months
Felonies: May take six months to over one year
Wisconsin's right to a speedy trial is governed by Wis. Stat. § 971.10

Rights Throughout the Process:

Right to remain silent
Right to an attorney
Right to a speedy trial
Right to confront witnesses
Right to present a defense
Right against self-incrimination
Right to appeal a conviction

Important Contacts:

Jackson County Sheriff's Office (Jail)
307 Main Street
Black River Falls, WI 54615
Phone: (715) 284-5357
Jackson County Sheriff's Office

Jackson County Clerk of Circuit Court
307 Main Street, Room 120
Black River Falls, WI 54615
Phone: (715) 284-0208
Wisconsin Court System

Jackson County District Attorney's Office
307 Main Street
Black River Falls, WI 54615
Phone: (715) 284-0213
Jackson County Government

Wisconsin State Public Defender – District 9
610 Gibson Street, Suite 3
Eau Claire, WI 54701
Phone: (715) 836-2891
Wisconsin State Public Defender

What to Do If You're Arrested:

Remain calm and cooperative with law enforcement
Do not physically resist arrest
Politely exercise the right to remain silent
Request an attorney immediately and do not answer questions until counsel is present
Do not discuss the case with other inmates, family, or friends
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 Jackson County?

Records Retention Overview:

Retention of arrest records in Jackson County is governed by Wisconsin state law and applicable local records retention schedules. The Wisconsin Public Records Board establishes retention requirements for government records statewide. Under current law, the retention period varies based on the type of record and the disposition of the associated case.

Arrest Records Retention by Type:

Active Arrest Records (Conviction Resulted):

Felony Convictions:

Retained permanently by the Sheriff's Office, Clerk of Court, and the Wisconsin Department of Justice Criminal History Repository
Also maintained in the FBI's National Crime Information Center (NCIC) and Interstate Identification Index (III)

Misdemeanor Convictions:

Retained permanently in most databases
Court records are maintained permanently in electronic form
State repository retains records indefinitely

Arrest Records (No Conviction):

Dismissed Charges:

Local law enforcement records are retained for a minimum of seven years
Court records are maintained permanently in electronic systems
Records may remain in databases unless expungement is ordered

Acquittals (Not Guilty):

Local law enforcement records are retained for a minimum of seven years
Court records are often maintained permanently
May be eligible for expungement under applicable Wisconsin law

Charges Not Filed:

Booking records are retained for a minimum of two years
Local arrest logs are retained for a minimum of seven years
May be eligible for removal upon petition in appropriate cases

Digital vs. Physical Records:

Physical Records:

Booking paperwork: Minimum seven years
Fingerprint cards: Retained per state schedule, often permanently
Photographs: Retained per state schedule

Digital Records:

Records management systems: Often retained permanently
Court electronic records: Retained permanently
Mugshot databases: Retention varies by agency and third-party platform

Third-Party Databases:

Commercial background check companies may retain records indefinitely
These databases are not controlled by law enforcement
Records in third-party systems may not be updated when a record is expunged
The FCRA requires that consumer reporting agencies maintain accurate and current information

Retention by Agency: