Washington County Public Records / Washington County Arrest Records

Washington County Arrest Records

How To Look Up Arrest Records in Washington County in 2026

Members of the public seeking arrest records in Washington County, Wisconsin, may access publicly available information through official government channels and third-party directories such as WashingtonWIRecords.us. Available data may include booking records, charge information, custody status, court case numbers, mugshots, bond details, and prior arrest history. Record availability varies by agency, disposition, and whether records have been sealed or expunged.

Records may be searched through the Washington County Sheriff's Office, the Clerk of Circuit Court, online court case search portals, and state law enforcement databases. The following sections outline each available method in detail.

Online Methods:

1. County Sheriff's Office Arrest Records

The Washington County Sheriff's Office maintains booking records and jail roster information for individuals processed at the Washington County Jail. Members of the public may access current inmate information and recent booking data through the Washington County Jail page on the county's official website. Available information includes the arrestee's name, booking date, charges, and custody status. The jail roster is updated on a regular basis to reflect current detainee information.

2. Local Police Departments

In addition to the Sheriff's Office, municipal police departments operating within Washington County maintain their own arrest logs and incident records. The West Bend Police Department, Germantown Police Department, and Menomonee Falls Police Department each process arrests within their respective jurisdictions. Press releases containing arrest information are periodically published on department websites and through local media outlets. Members of the public seeking arrest logs from a specific municipality should contact the relevant department's records division directly.

West Bend Police Department
1291 N. Main Street
West Bend, WI 53090
Phone: (262) 335-5000
West Bend Police Department

Germantown Police Department
N112 W17001 Mequon Road
Germantown, WI 53022
Phone: (262) 253-7780
Germantown Police Department

Menomonee Falls Police Department
W156 N8480 Pilgrim Road
Menomonee Falls, WI 53051
Phone: (262) 532-8700
Menomonee Falls Police Department

3. County Clerk of Court Case Search

Arrest records are frequently linked to court case filings accessible through the Wisconsin Court System's public portal. Members of the public may conduct a Wisconsin court case search by entering an arrestee's name to locate associated criminal case filings, charge information, hearing dates, and case dispositions. This resource covers circuit court cases statewide, including those originating in Washington County.

Washington County Clerk of Circuit Court
432 E. Washington Street, Room 1075
West Bend, WI 53095
Phone: (262) 335-4341
Washington County Clerk of Circuit Court

4. State Law Enforcement Database

The Wisconsin Department of Justice (DOJ) maintains the state's criminal history repository through the Wisconsin Criminal History Search portal. This database includes arrest and conviction records submitted by law enforcement agencies across Wisconsin. A fee of $7.00 per search applies for public requests. The search returns information on arrests, charges, and dispositions recorded statewide, subject to applicable restrictions under Wis. Stat. § 19.35, which governs public access to government records in Wisconsin.

In-Person Access:

Sheriff's Office:
432 E. Washington Street
West Bend, WI 53095
Phone: (262) 335-4411
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
Washington County Sheriff's Office

Members of the public requesting records in person should bring a valid government-issued photo identification and, where possible, the full name of the subject, date of arrest, and booking number. Copy fees apply as described in the fee section below.

Clerk of Court:
432 E. Washington Street, Room 1075
West Bend, WI 53095
Phone: (262) 335-4341
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
Clerk of Circuit Court

Criminal case files are available for inspection at the Clerk of Court's office. Copy fees are assessed per page as outlined by state statute.

By Mail:

Written requests for arrest records may be submitted to the Washington County Sheriff's Office at 432 E. Washington Street, West Bend, WI 53095. Requests should include the subject's full legal name, date of birth, approximate date of arrest, booking number if known, and the requester's contact information. Payment for applicable copy fees should accompany the request. Processing time varies and is subject to the statutory response period under Wis. Stat. § 19.35.

By Phone:

Sheriff's Office: (262) 335-4411
Clerk of Circuit Court: (262) 335-4341

Telephone inquiries may yield limited information. Callers should have the subject's full name, date of birth, and approximate arrest date available. Staff may direct callers to the online case search system or advise an in-person visit for detailed records.

Through Legal Channels:

Attorneys may submit formal records requests on behalf of clients. Subpoenas may be issued for records not otherwise available through public access channels. In active legal proceedings, records may be obtained through the discovery process.

Information Needed for Search:

Full legal name (first and last at minimum)
Date of birth or approximate age
Approximate date of arrest
Booking number (if known)
Jurisdiction of arrest (Sheriff's Office, municipal police department)

Are Arrest Records Public in Washington County

Arrest records in Washington County are public records under Wisconsin's open records law. Pursuant to Wis. Stat. § 19.35, members of the public have a right to inspect and copy records maintained by government agencies, including law enforcement records, subject to specific statutory exemptions. The public availability of arrest records serves government transparency, public safety awareness, journalistic inquiry, background screening, and the administration of legal proceedings.

What Arrest Information Is Public:

Arrestee name and aliases
Date and time of arrest
Location of arrest
Arresting agency
Charges filed at time of arrest
Booking number
Mugshot/booking photograph
Bond and bail information
Custody status
Basic demographic information (age, physical description)

Limitations on Public Access:

Juvenile arrest records (restricted or sealed under Wisconsin law)
Expunged arrest records (removed from public access by court order)
Sealed records (subject to court-ordered confidentiality)
Active investigation information
Undercover officer identities
Confidential informant information
Victim identifying information in certain cases
Witness protection participants

Constitutional and Legal Basis:

Wisconsin's open records law reflects the state constitutional principle that government records belong to the public. The Wisconsin Supreme Court has recognized that the right to inspect public records is fundamental to democratic accountability. At the same time, courts balance transparency against individual privacy interests, particularly where arrests did not result in conviction. The First Amendment supports press access to arrest information, while due process principles underscore the distinction between an arrest and a finding of guilt.

Who Can Access Arrest Records:

General public
Media organizations
Employers (subject to restrictions under the federal Fair Credit Reporting Act)
Landlords (subject to applicable restrictions)
Licensing agencies
Background check companies
Attorneys and legal professionals
Academic researchers

Restrictions on Use:

The federal Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) governs the use of arrest records in employment and housing decisions. Employers using third-party background check services must comply with FCRA requirements, including adverse action procedures. Wisconsin does not currently have a statewide "ban the box" law applicable to private employers, though certain municipalities may impose additional restrictions. Employers and landlords are advised to distinguish between arrests and convictions, as an arrest alone does not establish guilt.

What's in Washington County Arrest Records

Personal Identification Information:

Full legal name and aliases
Date of birth and age at time of arrest
Sex and gender
Race and 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
Arresting agency (Sheriff's Office, municipal police department, or state agency)
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 and classifications (felony degree or misdemeanor class)
Number of counts per charge
Domestic violence designation, if applicable
Gang-related designation, if applicable

Booking Information:

Booking facility name and location
Intake timestamp
Booking photograph (mugshot)
Fingerprints (collected but 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 public

Court Information:

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

Prior Arrest History (may be included):

Previous arrests processed in Washington County
Prior booking numbers
Historical charges

What's Typically NOT in Public Arrest Records:

Detailed narrative of the arrest (police report contents)
Witness statements
Victim identifying information
Evidence collected
Investigative techniques
Medical or mental health information
Social Security number (redacted)
Financial account information

Difference Between Arrest Records and Related Documents:

Police reports: Contain detailed incident narratives not always available to the public
Court records: Document legal proceedings initiated after arrest
Criminal records: Reflect convictions and sentences imposed
Background checks: Compile information from multiple sources including court, law enforcement, and state repositories

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

Washington County assesses fees for copies of public records consistent with Wisconsin's open records law. Under Wis. Stat. § 19.35(3), an authority may impose a fee for locating, copying, and mailing records, provided the fee is limited to the actual, necessary, and direct cost of reproduction.

Standard Fee Schedule:

Record Type	Fee
Paper copies (per page)	$0.25 per page
Certified copies (court records)	$1.25 per page + $5.00 certification fee
Wisconsin DOJ criminal history search	$7.00 per search
Electronic records (where available)	Varies by agency

Inspection of records at the Sheriff's Office or Clerk of Court is available at no charge; fees apply only to copies.
Accepted payment methods at the Sheriff's Office and Clerk of Court include cash, check, and money order payable to Washington County.
Fee waivers may be available for indigent requesters or in cases where disclosure is determined to be in the public interest, at the discretion of the records custodian.
The Wisconsin DOJ criminal history search fee of $7.00 applies per subject searched and is non-refundable regardless of search results.

How To Delete Arrest Records in Washington County

Wisconsin law provides two primary mechanisms for limiting public access to arrest records: expungement and sealing. Expungement under Wis. Stat. § 973.015 results in the destruction or removal of the record from public access, while sealing restricts access without physical destruction. The distinction is significant: expunged records are treated as though the offense never occurred for most purposes, whereas sealed records remain accessible to law enforcement and certain agencies.

Eligibility for Expungement in Wisconsin:

The offense must have been committed before the person reached age 25.
The person must have successfully completed their sentence.
The court must have ordered expungement at the time of sentencing (expungement is not available as a post-sentence petition under current Wisconsin law for most offenses).
The offense must be eligible under Wisconsin statute (certain serious felonies are excluded).

Steps to Pursue Expungement:

Confirm eligibility based on age at time of offense, offense type, and sentence completion.
Obtain the court case number from the Washington County Clerk of Circuit Court.
File a petition for expungement with the Washington County Circuit Court.
Attend any scheduled hearing on the petition.
If granted, the court issues an order directing the Clerk of Court and law enforcement agencies to expunge the record.

Arrest Records Without Charges:

Where an arrest did not result in charges being filed, members of the public may request that the arresting agency remove or correct the record. Wisconsin law does not provide an automatic expungement mechanism for arrests without conviction, but individuals may petition the court or contact the Sheriff's Office records division to inquire about available remedies.

Washington County Circuit Court
432 E. Washington Street
West Bend, WI 53095
Phone: (262) 335-4341
Washington County Circuit Court

Washington County Public Defender's Office
(Administered through the Wisconsin State Public Defender)
Phone: (608) 266-0087
Wisconsin State Public Defender

What Happens After Arrest in Washington County?

Immediate Post-Arrest Process:

1. Transport to Jail

Following an arrest, the individual is transported to the Washington County Jail located at 432 E. Washington Street, West Bend, WI 53095. Transport time varies based on the location of the arrest and officer availability. The individual remains in restraints during transport and may be held briefly at the scene while the arresting officer completes initial documentation.

2. Booking Process

Upon arrival at the Washington County Jail, the booking process is initiated. This process takes approximately one to four hours depending on facility volume and the complexity of the arrest. The booking process includes the following steps:

Personal information recorded by jail staff
Miranda rights administered if not previously given
Booking photograph (mugshot) taken
Fingerprints collected and submitted to state and federal databases
Criminal history check conducted
Outstanding warrants check performed
Personal property inventoried and stored
Clothing exchanged for jail-issued attire
Medical screening completed
Brief mental health screening conducted
Housing classification assigned

As noted on the Washington County Jail page, the jail conducts records checks in connection with DNA collection requirements administered through the Wisconsin Department of Justice.

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 court formally notifies the defendant of the charges
The right to counsel is addressed, including appointment of a public defender for eligible individuals
Bond or bail is determined
The defendant is advised of their rights

Initial appearances in Washington County are conducted at the Washington County Courthouse and may be held via video conference in certain circumstances. Court schedules are accessible through the Wisconsin court case search portal.

Bond/Bail Process:

Types of Bond:

Cash Bond:

The full bond amount must be paid in cash or certified funds.
The amount is refunded upon conclusion of the case, minus applicable fees.
The amount is set by the presiding judge or court commissioner based on the nature of the charges and the defendant's history.

Surety Bond:

A licensed bail bondsman posts the full bond amount on behalf of the defendant.
The defendant pays a non-refundable premium, typically 10% of the bond amount.
The bondsman assumes financial responsibility for the defendant's appearance.

Personal Recognizance (PR Bond):

The defendant is released on a written promise to appear at all court dates.
No monetary payment is required.
Eligibility is based on community ties, employment status, criminal history, the nature of the charges, and assessed flight risk.

No Bond:

The defendant 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 active out-of-state warrants.

Conditions of Release:

Conditions imposed by the court may include regular check-in requirements, travel restrictions, no-contact orders, drug and alcohol testing, GPS monitoring, and pretrial supervision through the Washington County Pretrial Services program.

4. Release or Continued Detention

If Bond Is Posted:

Processing and release from the Washington County Jail takes approximately one to eight hours following payment.
Personal property is returned upon release.
The defendant receives written notice of upcoming court dates and conditions of release.
Failure to appear results in bond forfeiture and issuance of a bench warrant.

If Bond Is Not Posted:

The defendant remains in custody at the Washington County Jail.
A housing assignment is made following classification.
Inmates receive orientation regarding jail rules, commissary access, phone privileges, and visitation schedules.

Accessing Legal Representation:

Public Defender:

Individuals who cannot afford private counsel may apply for representation through the Wisconsin State Public Defender. Eligibility is based on income. Applications are processed at the initial appearance or shortly thereafter.

Wisconsin State Public Defender – Washington County
Phone: (608) 266-0087
Wisconsin State Public Defender

Private Attorney:

Defendants have the right to retain private counsel at any stage of the proceedings. The State Bar of Wisconsin operates a lawyer referral service accessible through its official website. Attorney-client consultations at the Washington County Jail are conducted in designated confidential areas.

Charging Decision:

Prosecutor's Review:

The Washington 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 charges as presented, request additional investigation, decline to prosecute, or file different or additional charges based on the evidence.

Washington County District Attorney's Office
432 E. Washington Street, Room 3060
West Bend, WI 53095
Phone: (262) 335-4350
Washington County District Attorney

Arraignment:

At arraignment, the court formally reads the charges and the defendant enters a plea. The available pleas in Wisconsin are guilty, not guilty, and no contest. The majority of defendants enter a not guilty plea at arraignment, preserving the right to negotiate or proceed to trial. Court dates for subsequent proceedings are set at this stage.

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 on these motions are scheduled by the court.

Pretrial conferences bring attorneys and the judge together to assess case status, discuss potential resolution, and address trial readiness.

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 reject any offer.

Case Resolution Options:

Dismissal: Charges may be dismissed due to insufficient evidence, witness unavailability, or legal deficiencies in the case. A dismissal may create eligibility for expungement.

Diversion Programs: Eligible defendants may participate in pretrial diversion, drug court, mental health court, or veterans court. Successful completion results in dismissal of charges.

Plea Agreement: The defendant accepts a guilty or no contest plea to agreed charges. A sentencing hearing is scheduled following acceptance of the plea.

Trial: The defendant exercises the right to a jury trial or bench trial. The prosecution presents its case, followed by the defense. A verdict of guilty or not guilty is returned. If guilty, a sentencing hearing is scheduled.

Sentencing (if convicted):

The court imposes a sentence that may include incarceration, probation, fines and court costs, restitution to victims, community service, drug or alcohol treatment, or a combination of these. Credit is applied for time served in pretrial detention. The defendant is advised of appeal rights 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 extend to one year or longer
Right to speedy trial: Guaranteed under the Wisconsin Constitution and applicable statutes

Rights Throughout the Process:

Right to remain silent
Right to counsel
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:

Washington County Sheriff's Office (Jail):
432 E. Washington Street
West Bend, WI 53095
Phone: (262) 335-4411
Washington County Sheriff's Office

Washington County Clerk of Circuit Court:
432 E. Washington Street, Room 1075
West Bend, WI 53095
Phone: (262) 335-4341
Clerk of Circuit Court

Washington County District Attorney's Office:
432 E. Washington Street, Room 3060
West Bend, WI 53095
Phone: (262) 335-4350
District Attorney's Office

Wisconsin State Public Defender:
Phone: (608) 266-0087
Wisconsin State Public Defender

What to Do If You're Arrested:

Remain calm and cooperative with law enforcement.
Do not physically resist arrest.
Exercise the right to remain silent by politely declining to answer questions.
Request an attorney immediately and do not waive this right.
Do not discuss the case with anyone other than your attorney.
Contact family or friends to assist with bail if applicable.
Attend all scheduled court dates without exception.
Comply with all conditions of release imposed by the court.

How Long Are Arrest Records Kept in Washington County?

Records Retention Overview:

Retention of arrest records in Washington County is governed by Wisconsin's public records law and the records retention schedules established by the Wisconsin Public Records Board. Under Wis. Stat. § 19.21, government officers are required to keep and preserve public records and may not destroy them except in accordance with approved retention schedules.

Arrest Records Retention by Type:

Active Arrest Records (Conviction Resulted):

Felony Convictions:

Retained permanently by the Sheriff's Office, Clerk of Court, Wisconsin DOJ criminal history repository, and the FBI's National Crime Information Center (NCIC).
Records are maintained indefinitely and appear on background checks without time limitation.

Misdemeanor Convictions:

Retained permanently in most databases.
Court records are maintained by the Clerk of Circuit Court in accordance with state retention schedules.
State repository records are maintained by the Wisconsin DOJ.

Arrest Records (No Conviction):

Dismissed Charges:

Local law enforcement records are retained for a period determined by the applicable retention schedule.
Court records may be retained permanently unless expunged by court order.
Records may remain accessible in public databases unless expungement is granted.

Acquittals (Not Guilty):

Court records are retained permanently in most instances.
Local law enforcement records are subject to applicable retention schedules.
Individuals may petition for expungement where eligible under Wisconsin law.

Charges Not Filed:

Booking records are subject to local retention schedules.
Individuals may inquire with the Sheriff's Office records division regarding available remedies.

No-Information (Prosecutor Declined):

Law enforcement records are retained subject to applicable schedules.
Eligibility for expungement should be assessed on a case-by-case basis.

Digital vs. Physical Records:

Physical Records:

Booking paperwork, fingerprint cards, and photographs are retained in accordance with the Wisconsin Public Records Board's approved schedules.
Evidence retention varies based on case outcome and offense classification.

Digital Records:

Computer-aided dispatch (CAD) records and records management system data are retained for periods specified in the applicable retention schedule.
Court electronic records are maintained on a permanent basis in most instances.
Mugshot databases maintained by third-party commercial entities are not subject to law enforcement retention schedules.

Third-Party Databases:

Commercial background check companies and mugshot aggregation websites may retain arrest records indefinitely and are not required to update records following expungement unless compelled by applicable law. The FCRA requires that consumer reporting agencies maintain accurate records, but enforcement against third-party websites varies. Individuals whose records have been expunged should monitor third-party databases and submit removal requests directly to those entities.

Retention by Agency:

Sheriff's Office:
432 E. Washington Street
West Bend, WI 53095
Phone: (262) 335-4411
Washington County Sheriff's Office

Booking records and arrest reports are retained in accordance with the Wisconsin Public Records Board's law enforcement retention schedule. Investigative files are retained based on offense classification and case outcome.

Clerk of Circuit Court:
432 E. Washington Street, Room 1075
West Bend, WI 53095
Phone: (262) 335-4341
Clerk of Circuit Court

Felony case files are retained permanently. Misdemeanor and traffic case files are retained in accordance with state retention schedules. Electronic court records are maintained on a permanent basis.

State Repository:

The Wisconsin Department of Justice maintains the state's criminal history repository, which includes arrest and disposition records submitted by law enforcement agencies statewide. Retention policies are established by the DOJ in accordance with state law. The repository is accessible to law enforcement agencies statewide and to the public through the Wisconsin Criminal History Search portal.

FBI Database:

The FBI's National Crime Information Center (NCIC) and Interstate Identification Index (III) maintain federal arrest and criminal history records on a permanent basis. These databases are accessible to law enforcement agencies nationwide and are used in connection with employment background checks, firearms purchases, and other federally regulated processes.

Effect of Disposition on Retention:

Conviction: Records are retained permanently in all major databases and appear on background checks without time limitation.

Dismissal: Records may remain in databases unless expunged. Dismissed charges are not reported as convictions on background checks but may appear as arrest records.

Expungement: Following a court order of expungement, the Clerk of Court and law enforcement agencies update their records accordingly. The Wisconsin DOJ updates the state repository. The FBI database may retain a notation of the expungement. Third-party databases may not update automatically, and individuals should submit removal requests directly.

No Charges Filed: Records are subject to the shortest retention periods and may be purged automatically after the applicable retention period expires.

Accessing Historical Arrest Records:

Recent arrests are accessible online through the Sheriff's Office website and the Wisconsin court case search portal.
Older arrests may require an in-person request at the Sheriff's Office or Clerk of Court and may be subject to retrieval fees and longer processing times.
Very old records may not be digitized and may exist only in paper archives. Some records may have been destroyed in accordance with the applicable retention schedule.

Impact on Background Checks:

Under the FCRA, most employment background checks cover a seven-year period for non-conviction records. Convictions may be reported indefinitely. Wisconsin does not currently impose a statewide statutory limit on the reporting period for convictions. Employers and landlords are subject to applicable federal and state anti-discrimination requirements when using arrest records in decision-making.

How to Check Retention Status:

Members of the public may contact the Washington County Sheriff's Office Records Division at (262) 335-4411 to inquire about the retention status of a specific arrest record. A formal public records request may be required, and applicable fees may apply for copies of responsive records.