Marathon County Arrest Records

In Marathon County, law enforcement officers have the authority to make arrests when they reasonably believe that a person is involved in criminal activities. Under Wisconsin Legislature § 968.07, an officer may conduct an arrest with or without a warrant, provided there is probable cause to believe a crime has occurred.

After an individual is arrested in Marathon County, they are typically transported to a local detention facility, such as the Marathon County Jail in Wausau. Upon booking, an arrest record is generated and may then be maintained either as standalone documents or as part of broader legal records, such as criminal records or Marathon county court records. The Marathon County Sheriff's Office is the primary custodian of arrest records within the county, though other local law enforcement agencies, such as the Wausau Police Department, also contribute to arrest data.

Are Arrest Records Public in Marathon County?

Yes, arrest records in Marathon County are generally subject to the Wisconsin Public Records Law, which grants the public the right to access certain government records. According to Wisconsin Statute § 19.35, anyone can request public records, including arrest records, from the relevant law enforcement agency. The agency is obligated to provide the requested records unless an exemption applies. The following categories of records may be exempt from public disclosure:

• Information relating to ongoing investigations, confidential informants, or witness safety
• Records sealed or expunged following a court order
• Personal identifying information of victims, witnesses and jurors
• Records of ongoing criminal investigations

What Do Public Arrest Records Contain?

Public arrest records in Marathon county typically include:

• Personal Information of the Arrestee
• Details of the arrest
• Case information including the offense category and related information

Marathon County Crime Rate

According to 2023 data from the Wisconsin Uniform Crime Reporting (UCR) program, some of the most reported crimes in the county included:

• Larceny-Theft: 980 cases
• Simple Assault: 745 cases
• Aggravated Assault: 250 cases

In comparison, Marathon County experienced 1,020 cases of larceny-theft, 712 cases of simple assault, and 265 cases of aggravated assault in 2022. These figures suggest a slight decrease in larceny-theft and aggravated assault incidents, though simple assault cases have slightly risen over the year.

Find Marathon County Arrest Records

There are several ways to access arrest records in Marathon County, Wisconsin, depending on the level of detail required and the agency involved.

County-Level Arrest Records

In Marathon County, the Marathon County Sheriff’s Office maintains arrest records, and the Sheriff's Office offers a variety of ways to access this information. For example, individuals can check current jail inmates through an online inmate lookup tool available on the Sheriff's Office website. To obtain comprehensive details about a specific arrest, requesters can submit a formal inquiry to the Sheriff's Office. If the arresting agency is known (such as the Wausau Police Department), individuals may contact that agency directly to request an inspection of the arrest record. The Sheriff's Office also accepts requests in person at their office in Wausau or by mail.

State-Level Arrest Records

At the state level, arrest records are not typically provided as standalone records. Instead, they are included in broader criminal records, which can be obtained through the Wisconsin Department of Justice (DOJ). These records, known as criminal history reports or "RAP sheets," include arrest details, charges filed, and case outcomes. However, arrests that do not lead to charges or convictions are generally not included in state-level criminal records.

Residents of Marathon County can also use the Wisconsin Department of Corrections inmate search tool to locate individuals currently incarcerated in state prisons. This tool provides details about the individual’s arrest, sentence, and current status within the state correctional system.

Federal-Level Arrest Records

For federal arrest records, the Federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP) offers an inmate locator tool that allows the public to search for individuals in federal custody. These records often include the details of the arrest and subsequent conviction. Additionally, individuals can conduct a criminal history check through the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) to obtain a broader range of arrest records at the federal level.

Free Arrest Record Search in Marathon County

Certain sources offer free access to arrest records. The Marathon County Sheriff’s Office provides a free inmate search tool, which allows individuals to view basic information about current detainees in the county jail. Additionally, the Wisconsin Department of Corrections and the Bureau of Prisons offer free inmate search services.

Some private websites also host databases of arrest records, offering basic information at no charge. However, these third-party websites may not be as up-to-date or comprehensive as official sources. Individuals should be cautious when using private platforms and verify the accuracy of the information.

Get Marathon County Criminal Records

Criminal records, which encompass more than just arrest details, are maintained by multiple agencies. In Wisconsin, criminal records are publicly accessible under Wisconsin Statute § 19.35, allowing individuals to request copies of a person’s criminal history, which includes arrest records, charges, court cases, and convictions.

The Wisconsin Department of Justice manages the state’s criminal history database. To obtain a copy of a criminal record, individuals can submit a request through the DOJ’s Criminal History Repository. This process typically involves a fee, and the requester may need to create an account to access the online system. An online guide is available to assist users in navigating the database.

For a more extensive background check, individuals may also request records from the FBI. However, access to federal criminal records may be limited depending on the nature of the request and the relationship of the requester to the subject of the record.

Marathon County Arrest Records Vs. Criminal Records

In Marathon County, an individual may have an arrest record without having a criminal record. For example, if a person was arrested but not charged, or if the charges were dismissed, the arrest may still be recorded, but there would be no corresponding criminal record.

Criminal records are more comprehensive than arrest records. They include detailed information about court proceedings, legal outcomes, and any sentences imposed. While individuals can typically access arrest records for free at the county level through the Sheriff’s Office, criminal records are often maintained at the state or federal level and require a formal request through the appropriate agency, usually with a fee involved.

How Long Do Arrests Stay on Your Record?

In Marathon County arrest records remain on an individual’s background check indefinitely. This is particularly true if the arrest leads to a conviction, as the record of the arrest becomes part of a person’s permanent criminal history.

Expunge Marathon County Arrest Records

The process for expunging arrest records in Marathon County is governed by Wisconsin Statute § 973.015. Expungement is limited to specific cases, and not all arrest records are eligible for expungement. Wisconsin law allows for expungement under the following conditions:

• Nonviolent Offenses: The crime for which the arrest occurred must carry a maximum sentence of no more than six years.
• Age Requirement: The individual must have been under the age of 25 at the time the offense was committed.
• Completion of Sentencing: The individual must have successfully completed their sentence, which may include probation, community service, or other court-ordered conditions.

Juvenile offenders in Marathon County may also have their records expunged if they meet certain criteria. Under Wisconsin Statute § 938.355, juveniles who have successfully completed the terms of their dispositional order and have reached the age of 17 may petition the court to expunge their records. This is most common in cases not involving serious or violent crimes.

Individuals seeking to expunge their arrest records in Marathon County must file a petition with the court that handled their case.

Marathon County Arrest Warrants

In Marathon County, arrest warrants are issued by the circuit court, typically at the request of law enforcement officers who present evidence and affidavits establishing probable cause. The Marathon County Sheriff’s Office is responsible for processing and executing these warrants, but other law enforcement agencies, such as the Wausau Police Department, may also be involved in the execution of warrants.

Arrest warrants in Marathon County generally contain the following information:

• The name of the individual and any known aliases.
• A physical description of the individual, including height, weight, and other identifying features.
• Details of the offense for which the warrant was issued.
• The issuing court and judge’s information.
• The date the warrant was issued.

Marathon County Arrest Warrant Search

To conduct a Marathon county arrest warrant search, interested persons may request information from the Marathon County Sheriff’s Office by visiting the office or submitting a written request.

Alternatively, individuals can conduct a search through the Wisconsin Circuit Court Access (CCAP) system, which provides public access to court records, including warrants. Searches may be performed by entering the subject’s name and other identifying information.

Do Marathon County Arrest Warrants Expire?

Arrest warrants in Marathon County do not expire. Once issued, a warrant remains active until it is executed, meaning the individual named in the warrant is arrested and brought before the court. Unlike some legal documents, arrest warrants do not have an expiration date and can remain valid for years or even decades if the individual remains at large.