Manitowoc County Public Records / Manitowoc County Arrest Records

Manitowoc County Arrest Records

Are Arrest Records Public in Manitowoc County

Arrest records in Manitowoc 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 Wisconsin Department of Justice affirms that arrest records maintained by law enforcement agencies are generally accessible to the public.

It is important to distinguish between arrest records and conviction records. An arrest record documents that an individual was taken into custody by law enforcement on suspicion of criminal activity, while a conviction record indicates that a court has found the individual guilty of a criminal offense. Under Wisconsin law, both types of records are generally public, though arrest records that did not lead to charges or convictions may be subject to different disclosure standards.

The Manitowoc County Sheriff's Office maintains arrest records for the county and makes them available in accordance with state law. However, certain information within arrest records may be redacted or withheld if disclosure would:

Interfere with an ongoing investigation
Endanger the safety of any individual
Compromise the privacy of a victim
Reveal the identity of a confidential informant

Pursuant to Wisconsin Statutes § 19.35(1)(a), any requester has the right to inspect any public record, though specific procedural requirements may apply.

Manitowoc County Sheriff's Office
1025 South 9th Street
Manitowoc, WI 54220
(920) 683-4200
Manitowoc County Sheriff's Office

What's in Manitowoc County Arrest Records

Manitowoc County arrest records contain comprehensive information about individuals who have been taken into custody by law enforcement agencies within the county. These records typically include the following categories of information:

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 or ordinance numbers violated
Charge classification (felony, misdemeanor, etc.)
Charge description
Charge severity level

Warrant Information (if applicable):

Warrant number
Issuing court
Date issued
Type of warrant (arrest, bench, search)

Booking Information:

Booking date and time
Booking number
Processing officer information
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 to case

Custody Status:

Current detention status
Housing location (if incarcerated)
Expected release date (if applicable)
Probation/parole status

Additional Information May Include:

Prior arrest history
Known aliases
Vehicle information related to arrest
Victim information (often redacted in public records)
Witness information (often redacted in public records)
Narrative reports from arresting officers

The Manitowoc County Jail maintains these records as part of their inmate management system. The specific content of arrest records may vary depending on the circumstances of the arrest and the policies of the arresting agency.

How To Look Up Arrest Records in Manitowoc County in 2026

Members of the public seeking arrest records in Manitowoc County may utilize several methods to obtain this information. The county maintains current procedures for public access to these records in compliance with Wisconsin's Public Records Law.

In-Person Requests:

Visit the Manitowoc County Sheriff's Office Records Division during regular business hours (Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM, excluding holidays).
Complete a public records request form, which requires:
- Requestor's name and contact information
- Specific information being requested
- Date range of records sought
- Name and identifying information of the subject
Present valid government-issued photo identification.
Pay applicable fees for record retrieval and copying (currently $0.25 per page for photocopies and $5.00 for certified copies).
Allow processing time, which varies based on request complexity and staff workload.

Written Requests:

Submit a written request via mail or email to the Manitowoc County Sheriff's Office Records Division.
Include all information required on the in-person request form.
Provide contact information for follow-up questions.
Enclose payment for anticipated fees or await a fee estimate.
Allow 5-10 business days for processing, as stipulated in Wisconsin Statutes § 19.35(4).

Manitowoc County Sheriff's Office Records Division
1025 South 9th Street
Manitowoc, WI 54220
(920) 683-4200
Release of Information Request

For specific incident reports or arrest records, requestors should provide:

Date and location of incident
Names of involved parties
Incident or case number (if known)
Type of incident

Pursuant to Wisconsin law, the Sheriff's Office must respond to requests "as soon as practicable and without delay." Complex requests may take longer to fulfill, and the office may charge reasonable fees for locating and copying records.

How To Find Manitowoc County Arrest Records Online

Manitowoc County provides several digital resources for accessing arrest records online. These electronic systems offer convenient alternatives to in-person requests while maintaining compliance with Wisconsin public records laws.

The primary online resources for Manitowoc County arrest records include:

Manitowoc County Sheriff's Office Website: The Sheriff's Office official website provides access to current inmate information through their Prisoner List, which is updated regularly. This resource displays basic information about individuals currently in custody, including name, age, gender, race, and booking date.
Wisconsin Circuit Court Access (WCCA): Also known as CCAP, this statewide database allows users to search for court records, including criminal cases resulting from arrests. To access:
- Visit Wisconsin Circuit Court Access
- Select "Manitowoc County" from the county dropdown
- Enter the name of the individual
- Review case information, including charges, court dates, and disposition
Manitowoc County Jail Inmate Lookup: The Manitowoc County Jail maintains an online system for checking current inmate status. This resource provides information on individuals currently in custody, including booking date, charges, and bond information.
VINE (Victim Information and Notification Everyday): This service allows users to check on the custody status of offenders and register for notifications. Access VINE through the More to Know page on the county website.

When using these online resources, users should note:

Information is provided for official purposes and public safety
Some details may be redacted to protect privacy or ongoing investigations
Online records may not include complete arrest information
For comprehensive arrest records, a formal records request may still be necessary

Online access to arrest records is governed by the same laws and regulations as physical records, including Wisconsin Statutes § 19.35 regarding public access to records.

How To Search Manitowoc County Arrest Records for Free?

Manitowoc County residents and other interested parties can access arrest records without incurring fees through several publicly available resources. These no-cost options provide basic information while complying with Wisconsin's public records statutes.

Free Online Resources:

Manitowoc County Jail Current Inmate List: The Sheriff's Office maintains a current prisoner listing that is updated daily and available at no cost. This document provides names, ages, gender, race, and booking information for individuals currently in custody.
Wisconsin Circuit Court Access (WCCA): This free statewide database allows searches of court records by name, including criminal cases resulting from arrests in Manitowoc County. The system is accessible at https://wcca.wicourts.gov/ and requires no registration or fees.
VINE (Victim Information and Notification Everyday): This free service provides custody status information for offenders in the Wisconsin County Jail System. Access is available through the county's More to Know page.

Free In-Person Options:

Public Access Terminals: The Manitowoc County Courthouse provides public access terminals where visitors can search court records at no charge during regular business hours.

Manitowoc County Courthouse
1010 South 8th Street
Manitowoc, WI 54220
(920) 683-4030
Law Library Access: The Manitowoc County Law Library offers public access to legal resources, including some arrest record information, at no cost during designated hours.
Records Review: Pursuant to Wisconsin Statutes § 19.35(1)(b), individuals may inspect public records without charge during regular office hours. While copying fees may apply, viewing records incurs no cost.

When utilizing these free resources, users should be aware that:

Free resources typically provide limited information compared to complete records
Some records may not be available through free channels due to confidentiality restrictions
High-volume requests or specialized searches may still require formal requests and associated fees
Records for ongoing investigations may have limited availability

The Manitowoc County Sheriff's Office maintains these free access options in accordance with Wisconsin's commitment to government transparency and public information access.

How To Delete Arrest Records in Manitowoc County

The process of removing arrest records from public access in Manitowoc County follows Wisconsin state law, which provides specific mechanisms for record expungement or sealing under certain circumstances. It is important to understand the distinction between these two legal remedies:

Expungement refers to the legal process of erasing or destroying records, effectively removing them from public view and official databases. In contrast, sealing restricts public access to records while maintaining them within the justice system for limited official purposes.

Under Wisconsin Statutes § 973.015, expungement may be available in the following circumstances:

The offense was committed when the individual was under the age of 25
The maximum period of imprisonment for the offense is 6 years or less (Class H felony or less severe)
The court determined at sentencing that expungement would benefit the person and society would not be harmed
The person has successfully completed their sentence

The process for seeking expungement or sealing of arrest records in Manitowoc County includes:

Determine Eligibility: Review Wisconsin expungement laws to confirm eligibility based on age at time of offense, offense classification, and case outcome.
Petition the Court: File a petition for expungement with the Manitowoc County Circuit Court where the case was originally heard. This petition must include:
- Case number and arrest information
- Grounds for expungement request
- Supporting documentation
- Verification of sentence completion
Court Hearing: Attend any scheduled court hearings regarding the petition. The judge will consider factors including:
- Nature of the offense
- Time elapsed since arrest/conviction
- Subsequent criminal history
- Evidence of rehabilitation
- Impact on public safety
Implementation: If granted, the court will issue an order directing relevant agencies to expunge or seal the records. The petitioner must ensure this order reaches all agencies holding records, including:
- Manitowoc County Sheriff's Office
- Wisconsin Department of Justice
- FBI (for federal database entries)
- Private background check companies (when possible)

For arrests that did not result in charges or convictions, individuals may petition for removal under Wisconsin Statutes § 165.84(1), which provides for the return of fingerprints, photographs, and other identifying data when a person is released without charge or cleared of an offense.

Legal assistance is strongly recommended when pursuing expungement or sealing of arrest records, as the process involves complex legal requirements and procedural steps.

What Happens After Arrest in Manitowoc County?

Following an arrest in Manitowoc County, individuals enter a structured criminal justice process governed by Wisconsin state law and local procedures. This process typically follows these sequential steps:

Booking and Processing: Upon arrival at the Manitowoc County Jail, arrestees undergo booking procedures, including:
- Photograph and fingerprinting
- Personal property inventory
- Medical screening
- Background check
- Assignment to appropriate housing
Initial Appearance: Within 48 hours of arrest (excluding weekends and holidays), arrestees appear before a judge or court commissioner who:
- Informs them of charges
- Advises them of constitutional rights
- Determines bail/bond conditions
- Appoints counsel if the defendant qualifies for public defender services
Bail Determination: The court sets bail based on:
- Nature and severity of charges
- Criminal history
- Flight risk assessment
- Community ties
- Public safety considerations
Preliminary Hearing: For felony cases, a preliminary hearing must be held within 10 days if the defendant is in custody or 20 days if released on bail, pursuant to Wisconsin Statutes § 970.03. This hearing determines if there is probable cause to believe a felony was committed by the defendant.
Arraignment: The defendant is formally charged and enters a plea of:
- Not guilty
- Guilty
- No contest
- Not guilty by reason of mental disease or defect
Pretrial Proceedings: This phase includes:
- Discovery exchange between prosecution and defense
- Pretrial motions (e.g., suppression of evidence)
- Status conferences
- Plea negotiations
Trial: If the case proceeds to trial, it may be:
- Jury trial (12 jurors for felonies, 6 for misdemeanors)
- Bench trial (judge decides without jury)
- The prosecution must prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt
Sentencing: If convicted, sentencing follows, which may include:
- Incarceration in jail or prison
- Probation
- Fines
- Restitution
- Community service
- Treatment programs
Post-Conviction: After conviction, options include:
- Appeal to higher courts
- Post-conviction relief motions
- Sentence modification requests

Throughout this process, the Manitowoc County Sheriff's Office maintains custody records that document each step of the defendant's journey through the criminal justice system. These records become part of the individual's arrest record and are generally accessible to the public with certain limitations for ongoing cases or protected information.

How Long Are Arrest Records Kept in Manitowoc County?

Arrest records in Manitowoc County are maintained according to Wisconsin's public records retention requirements, specifically Wisconsin Statutes § 16.61 governing records management and Wisconsin Administrative Code § Adm 12, which establishes retention schedules for local government records.

The retention periods for arrest records vary based on record type and case disposition:

Arrest Reports and Booking Information:
- Felony arrests: Minimum 75 years from date of arrest
- Misdemeanor arrests: Minimum 25 years from date of arrest
- Non-criminal arrests (e.g., civil violations): 7 years from date of arrest
Fingerprint Cards and Identification Records:
- Maintained permanently for convicted individuals
- For arrests without conviction: May be returned upon court order or expunged if eligible under state law
Investigative Case Files:
- Homicide cases: Permanent retention
- Felony cases: 75 years from case closure
- Misdemeanor cases: 25 years from case closure
- Unfounded/unsubstantiated cases: 7 years from determination
Jail Records:
- Inmate files: 7 years after release from custody
- Booking logs: 7 years from date of creation
- Visitor logs: 7 years from date of creation
Juvenile Records:
- Subject to different retention schedules and confidentiality requirements
- Many juvenile records are sealed or expunged when the individual reaches adulthood

The Manitowoc County Sheriff's Office and Clerk of Courts maintain these records in accordance with the Wisconsin Public Records Board's retention schedules. These retention periods ensure that records are available for:

Criminal history background checks
Ongoing criminal investigations
Court proceedings
Statistical analysis and research
Public safety and law enforcement purposes

It is important to note that even after the minimum retention period expires, records may be maintained longer at the discretion of the records custodian. Additionally, records that have historical significance may be transferred to the Wisconsin State Historical Society for permanent preservation rather than being destroyed.

Digital records are subject to the same retention requirements as physical records, though the storage methods differ. The county's electronic records management system maintains these digital files with appropriate security controls and backup procedures.

How to Find Mugshots in Manitowoc County

What Mugshots Are

Mugshots, or booking photographs, are official photographs taken by law enforcement during the booking process following an arrest. In Manitowoc County, these photographs serve as visual identification records of arrested individuals and become part of the official arrest record. Typically, mugshots include front-facing and profile (side) views of the arrestee.

Where Mugshots Are Maintained

The Manitowoc County Sheriff's Office is the primary custodian of mugshots for arrests made within county jurisdiction. These photographs are stored in the county's records management system and linked to the corresponding arrest records. The Sheriff's Office maintains these images in accordance with Wisconsin public records laws and county retention policies.

Finding Mugshots

To obtain mugshots from Manitowoc County law enforcement agencies, individuals may:

Submit a public records request to the Manitowoc County Sheriff's Office Records Division, specifically requesting booking photographs. Requests must include:
- Full name of the arrested individual
- Date of birth (if known)
- Approximate date of arrest
- Case number (if available)
Complete the county's Release of Information Request form, indicating that booking photographs are being requested.
Pay applicable fees for record retrieval and reproduction (currently $5.00 per photograph).

Can They Be Found Online

Manitowoc County does not maintain a public-facing database specifically for mugshots. While the county does publish a current inmate list, this document typically does not include photographs. Some mugshots may appear in:

Local news media reports about arrests
Third-party websites that aggregate mugshots from public records
Court records if submitted as evidence

Obtaining Mugshots Officially

The official process for obtaining mugshots requires:

In-person or written request to the Sheriff's Office Records Division
Proper identification of the requestor
Payment of applicable fees
Compliance with Wisconsin public records procedures

Restrictions on Mugshot Access

Access to mugshots in Manitowoc County is subject to certain limitations under Wisconsin law:

Juvenile mugshots (under age 17) are generally confidential and not released to the public
Mugshots related to ongoing investigations may be temporarily withheld
Images may be redacted to protect victim identities in certain cases
Expunged records and their associated mugshots are not available to the public

The release of mugshots is governed by Wisconsin Statutes § 19.35 regarding public records access, which balances the public's right to information against individual privacy concerns and law enforcement needs.

Manitowoc County Sheriff's Office Records Division
1025 South 9th Street
Manitowoc, WI 54220
(920) 683-4200
Manitowoc County Sheriff's Office