Vernon County Public Records / Vernon County Arrest Records

Vernon County Arrest Records

How To Look Up Arrest Records in Vernon County in 2026

VernonRecords.us provides access to publicly available information related to arrest records in Vernon County, Wisconsin. Members of the public may find booking details, charge information, custody status, and related court case data through this resource. Available record categories include arrest logs, booking records, criminal charges, bond information, and court case filings. Information presented reflects what government agencies have made available and may not represent complete or final case outcomes.

Records may be searched through official resources including the Vernon County Sheriff's Office, the Wisconsin Court System's online case search portal, the Vernon County Clerk of Court, and public access terminals located at county facilities. The following sections detail each available method.

Online Methods:

1. County Sheriff's Office Arrest Records

The Vernon County Sheriff's Office serves as the primary law enforcement agency responsible for maintaining arrest and booking records within the county. Members of the public may submit a records request through the office's online records request form or by contacting the Records Division directly. Available information includes arrestee name, booking number, charges filed, arresting agency, and custody status. The Sheriff's Office updates records on an ongoing basis as arrests are processed and case statuses change. Weekly arrest activity is also summarized in the Sheriff's Office weekly press releases, which Sheriff Roy Torgerson publishes to inform the public of ongoing law enforcement activities.

2. Local Police Departments

Vernon County encompasses several municipalities, each of which may maintain its own arrest logs and incident reports. The Viroqua Police Department serves the county seat and publishes arrest-related information through its public records process. Members of the public seeking arrest records from a specific municipal jurisdiction should contact the relevant city or village police department directly to determine available records and applicable request procedures.

3. County Clerk of Court Case Search

The Wisconsin Court System's case search portal provides public access to circuit court records, including criminal cases originating from arrests in Vernon County. Members of the public may search by the arrestee's name to locate associated court case filings, charge information, hearing dates, and case dispositions. This resource covers cases before the Wisconsin Supreme Court, Court of Appeals, and all circuit courts statewide.

4. State Law Enforcement Database

The Wisconsin Department of Justice maintains the state's criminal history repository through the Wisconsin Crime Information Bureau. Members of the public may request a Wisconsin criminal history record check, which includes arrest and conviction data from law enforcement agencies across the state. A fee applies to public criminal history requests; current fee schedules are posted on the Department of Justice website.

In-Person Access:

Sheriff's Office:

Vernon County Sheriff's Office
1320 Bad Axe Court
Viroqua, WI 54665
Phone: (608) 637-2123
Vernon County Sheriff's Office

Members of the public visiting the Records Division in person should bring a valid government-issued photo identification and, where possible, the full legal name of the subject, date of birth, and approximate date of arrest. Copy fees apply to printed records. Office hours follow standard county business hours; members of the public are advised to contact the office in advance to confirm current hours of operation.

Clerk of Court:

Vernon County Clerk of Court
400 Courthouse Square
Viroqua, WI 54665
Phone: (608) 637-5340
Wisconsin Court System

The Clerk of Court maintains criminal case files associated with arrests processed through the Vernon County Circuit Court. Members of the public may inspect case files during regular business hours. Copy fees are assessed per page in accordance with Wisconsin statutory fee schedules.

By Mail:

Members of the public may submit written records requests to the Vernon County Sheriff's Office by mail. The Record Requests page provides a downloadable records request form. Written requests should include:

Full legal name of the subject
Date of birth
Date of arrest (if known)
Booking number (if known)
Requestor's full name and contact information
Payment for applicable copy fees

Vernon County Sheriff's Office
Attn: Records
1320 Bad Axe Court
Viroqua, WI 54665

Processing time varies based on request volume and record availability.

By Phone:

Sheriff's Office Records Division: (608) 637-2123
Jail information line: (608) 638-5780
Members of the public should have the subject's full name, date of birth, and approximate arrest date available when calling
Detailed record information is not released by phone; callers may be directed to submit a written request or visit in person

Through Legal Channels:

Attorneys of record may request arrest records and associated investigative materials through formal discovery processes. Subpoenas may be issued for records not otherwise available through standard public records requests. Records obtained through legal proceedings are governed by applicable court rules and protective orders.

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, or state agency)

Are Arrest Records Public in Vernon County

Arrest records in Vernon County are public records subject to disclosure under Wisconsin's open records law. Under Wisconsin Statute § 19.35, members of the public have a right to inspect and copy records maintained by government agencies, including law enforcement records, unless a specific statutory exemption applies. The public interest in government transparency, community safety, and accountability supports broad access to arrest information.

Arrest records serve multiple legitimate purposes, including:

Government transparency and accountability
Public safety awareness
Journalism and investigative reporting
Academic and policy research
Employment and tenant background screening
Legal proceedings and civil litigation

What Arrest Information Is Public:

Arrestee name and known aliases
Date and time of arrest
Location of arrest
Arresting agency
Charges filed at time of arrest
Booking number
Booking photograph (mugshot)
Bond and bail information
Current 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)
Information pertaining to active investigations
Undercover officer identities
Confidential informant information
Victim identifying information in certain offense categories
Participants in witness protection programs

Constitutional and Legal Basis:

Wisconsin's open records law reflects the state's constitutional commitment to transparent government. As stated in § 19.31 of the Wisconsin Statutes, "the public is entitled to the greatest possible information regarding the affairs of government and the official acts of those officers and employees who represent them." Courts balance this transparency interest against individual privacy rights on a case-by-case basis. The First Amendment further supports press access to arrest information as a matter of public concern.

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)
Landlords (subject to applicable restrictions)
Licensing and regulatory 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 made through consumer reporting agencies. Employers and landlords using third-party background check services must comply with FCRA notice and adverse action requirements. Wisconsin law further addresses the distinction between arrests and convictions in employment contexts; an arrest without a resulting conviction does not constitute proof of criminal conduct.

What's in Vernon County Arrest Records

Personal Identification Information:

Full legal name
Aliases or "also known as" names
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 including scars and tattoos
Address at time of arrest (may be limited or redacted)

Arrest Details:

Arrest date and time
Location of arrest (street address or general area)
Arresting agency (Sheriff's Office, municipal police department, Wisconsin State Patrol, or other)
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 degree or misdemeanor class)
Number of counts per charge
Domestic violence designation, if applicable

Booking Information:

Booking facility name and location
Intake process 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 (Vernon County Circuit Court)
Scheduled arraignment date
Judge assignment, if available

What's Typically NOT in Public Arrest Records:

Detailed narrative of the arrest (police report details)
Witness statements
Victim identifying information
Evidence collected during investigation
Investigative techniques and methods
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 and investigative information not included in booking records
Court records: Document legal proceedings initiated after arrest, accessible through the Wisconsin court case search
Criminal records: Reflect convictions and sentences, not merely arrests
Background checks: Aggregate information from multiple sources including court, law enforcement, and state repositories

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

Members of the public may inspect public records at no charge; fees apply to copies and certified documents. The following fee structure reflects current standard charges:

Record Type	Fee
Standard copy (per page)	$0.25 per page
Certified copy	Additional certification fee applies
Electronic records	Varies by request
Search fee	No separate search fee for standard requests

Accepted payment methods at the Vernon County Sheriff's Office include cash, check, and money order made payable to Vernon County. Members of the public submitting requests by mail should include payment with the request form.

Under Wisconsin Statute § 19.35(3), fees for copies of public records may not exceed the actual cost of reproduction. Fees for locating and retrieving records may be assessed when the cost exceeds a threshold established by the agency. Members of the public may request a fee estimate prior to submitting a formal records request.

Inspection of records at the Clerk of Court is available at no charge during regular business hours. Copy fees at the Clerk of Court are assessed per page in accordance with Wisconsin court fee schedules. Certified copies of court documents carry an additional certification fee.

Members of the public may access the Wisconsin court case search online at no charge for basic case information. Detailed document retrieval through the court's electronic filing system may carry nominal fees depending on the document type.

Fee waiver provisions exist for indigent requestors in certain circumstances; members of the public seeking a fee waiver should submit a written request explaining the basis for the waiver at the time of the records request.

How To Delete Arrest Records in Vernon County

Wisconsin law provides two primary mechanisms for limiting public access to arrest records: expungement and sealing. Expungement refers to the legal erasure or destruction of a record, while sealing restricts public access without physically destroying the underlying document. Under Wisconsin law, the two terms are sometimes used interchangeably in practice, though the legal effect may differ.

Eligibility for Expungement:

Wisconsin's expungement statute, § 973.015, permits expungement of certain criminal records under specific conditions:

The person was under age 25 at the time of the offense
The offense is a misdemeanor, a Class H or I felony, or certain other qualifying offenses
The court ordered expungement at the time of sentencing
The person has successfully completed the sentence

Effective for offenses committed on or after July 1, 2016, Wisconsin courts may order expungement at sentencing for eligible defendants. Members of the public whose cases were resolved before this date may face different eligibility standards.

Steps to Pursue Expungement:

Confirm eligibility based on offense type, age at time of offense, and sentence completion
File a petition for expungement with the Vernon County Circuit Court
Serve the petition on the district attorney's office
Attend the scheduled hearing
If granted, the court issues an expungement order to the relevant law enforcement agencies and the Wisconsin Crime Information Bureau

Arrest Records Without Conviction:

Members of the public who were arrested but not charged, or whose charges were dismissed, may petition the court for expungement of the arrest record. The process requires filing a petition with the Vernon County Circuit Court and demonstrating that no conviction resulted from the arrest.

Vernon County Circuit Court
400 Courthouse Square
Viroqua, WI 54665
Phone: (608) 637-5340
Wisconsin Court System

Members of the public seeking expungement are advised to consult with a licensed Wisconsin attorney to assess eligibility and navigate the petition process. The State Bar of Wisconsin's lawyer referral service connects members of the public with attorneys who handle expungement matters.

Effect of Expungement:

Following a court-ordered expungement, the record is removed from public access at the local law enforcement and court levels. The Wisconsin Crime Information Bureau updates its records accordingly. Third-party commercial databases are not legally required to remove expunged records and may retain information independently of the court order. Law enforcement agencies retain access to expunged records for certain official purposes.

What Happens After Arrest in Vernon County?

Immediate Post-Arrest Process:

1. Transport to Jail

Following an arrest, the individual is transported to the Vernon County Jail for booking and processing.

Vernon County Jail
1320 Bad Axe Court
Viroqua, WI 54665
Phone: (608) 638-5780
Jail Information

2. Booking Process

Upon arrival at the jail, the booking process is initiated. The process includes:

Recording of personal identification information
Advisement of Miranda rights
Booking photograph (mugshot)
Fingerprint collection
Criminal history and outstanding warrant check
Personal property inventory and storage
Medical and mental health screening
Housing classification

The booking process at the Vernon County Jail takes approximately one to four hours depending on facility volume at the time of intake.

3. First Appearance/Initial Hearing

Under Wisconsin law, an arrested individual 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 court determines bond and bail conditions
The court advises the defendant of the right to counsel
A public defender is appointed if the defendant is indigent and requests representation

Hearings may be conducted via video conference from the jail facility.

Bond/Bail Process:

Types of Bond:

Cash Bond:

Full bond amount paid in cash to the court
Refunded upon case conclusion, minus applicable fees
Amount set by the presiding judge or court commissioner

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 Wisconsin
The bondsman assumes financial responsibility for the defendant's appearance

Personal Recognizance (PR Bond):

Released on a written promise to appear
No monetary payment required
Granted based on community ties, employment, criminal history, nature of charges, and assessed flight risk

No Bond:

Defendant held without bond
Applied in cases involving serious violent offenses, demonstrated flight risk, danger to the community, probation or parole violations, immigration holds, or out-of-state warrants

Conditions of Release:

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

4. Release or Continued Detention

If Bond Posted:

Processing and release takes approximately one to eight hours
Personal property is returned
Written conditions of release are provided
Court date is scheduled

If Bond Not Posted:

Defendant remains in custody at the Vernon County Jail
Housing assignment is made
Inmate orientation is conducted
Commissary, phone, and visitation privileges are explained

Inmate visitation at the Vernon County Jail is conducted by appointment. Members of the public wishing to schedule a visit should contact the jail at (608) 638-5780.

Accessing Legal Representation:

Public Defender:

Wisconsin State Public Defender – District 8
(Serving Vernon County)
Phone: (608) 785-9696
Wisconsin State Public Defender

Eligibility for public defender services is based on financial need. Defendants who qualify are appointed counsel at no cost for the representation.

Private Attorney:

Defendants have the right to retain private counsel at any stage of the proceedings. The State Bar of Wisconsin provides a lawyer referral service for members of the public seeking private criminal defense representation. Attorney-client consultations at the Vernon County Jail are conducted confidentially.

Charging Decision:

Prosecutor's Review:

The Vernon County District Attorney's Office reviews the arrest and determines whether to file formal charges. The prosecutor may:

File a criminal complaint initiating formal charges
Request additional investigation before making a charging decision
Decline to prosecute
File charges different from those listed at booking

Vernon County District Attorney's Office
400 Courthouse Square
Viroqua, WI 54665
Phone: (608) 637-5350

Arraignment:

At arraignment, the defendant is formally advised of the charges and enters a plea. Available pleas in Wisconsin include:

Not guilty
Guilty
No contest

The court sets subsequent hearing dates at arraignment. Most defendants enter a not guilty plea at this stage to preserve time for case review and negotiation.

Court Process Overview:

Pretrial Phase:

Discovery:

Exchange of evidence between prosecution and defense
Includes police reports, witness statements, physical evidence, and audio/video recordings

Pretrial Motions:

Motion to suppress evidence
Motion to dismiss
Motion for additional discovery

Plea Negotiations:

The prosecutor may offer a plea agreement involving reduced charges or a sentencing recommendation
The defendant decides whether to accept the agreement or proceed to trial

Case Resolution Options:

Dismissal: Charges are dropped due to insufficient evidence, witness unavailability, or legal defects in the case. A dismissal may support a subsequent petition for expungement.

Diversion Programs: Eligible defendants may participate in pretrial diversion, drug court, or other specialty court programs. Successful completion results in dismissal of charges.

Plea Agreement: The defendant pleads guilty or no contest to agreed-upon charges. A sentencing hearing is scheduled.

Trial: The defendant exercises the right to a jury or bench trial. The prosecution bears the burden of proving guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.

Sentencing (if convicted):

The court may impose:

Incarceration (jail or 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 custodial sentence imposed.

Timeline Overview:

Stage	Timeframe
Arrest to first appearance	Within 48 hours
First appearance to arraignment	Days to weeks
Arraignment to trial/resolution	Months (varies by case complexity)
Misdemeanor cases	Resolved within weeks to several months
Felony cases	Resolved within several months to over a year

Rights Throughout 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

What to Do If Arrested:

Remain calm and cooperative with law enforcement
Do not physically resist arrest
Exercise the right to remain silent
Request an attorney immediately
Refrain from discussing the case with anyone other than legal counsel
Contact family or friends regarding bail assistance
Attend all scheduled court dates
Comply with all conditions of release

How Long Are Arrest Records Kept in Vernon County?

Records Retention Overview:

Retention of arrest records in Vernon County is governed by Wisconsin law and applicable local agency policies. The Wisconsin Public Records Board establishes retention schedules for government records, including law enforcement records, under authority granted by state statute.

Arrest Records Retention by Type:

Active Arrest Records (Conviction Resulted):

Felony Convictions:

Retained permanently by the Sheriff's Office, Clerk of Court, Wisconsin Crime Information Bureau, and the FBI's National Crime Information Center
Accessible to law enforcement agencies nationwide

Misdemeanor Convictions:

Retained permanently at the state repository level
Local law enforcement retention follows Wisconsin Public Records Board schedules
Court records retained permanently in electronic format

Arrest Records (No Conviction):

Dismissed Charges:

Local law enforcement records retained per agency retention schedule
Court records retained permanently in electronic format
May remain in databases unless expungement is granted

Acquittals:

Court records retained permanently
Local law enforcement records retained per agency schedule
May be eligible for expungement petition

Charges Not Filed:

Booking records retained per local agency schedule
May be eligible for expungement in certain circumstances

Digital vs. Physical Records:

Physical Records:

Booking paperwork and fingerprint cards retained per Wisconsin Public Records Board schedules
Photographs retained per agency policy

Digital Records:

Records management system entries are retained indefinitely in most cases
Court electronic records are retained permanently
Mugshot databases vary by agency policy

Third-Party Databases:

Commercial background check companies may retain arrest records indefinitely
Third-party databases are not controlled by law enforcement and may not update records following expungement
The FCRA requires consumer reporting agencies to maintain accurate records, but enforcement varies

Retention by Agency:

Sheriff's Office:

Vernon County Sheriff's Office
1320 Bad Axe Court
Viroqua, WI 54665
Phone: (608) 637-2123
Record Requests – Vernon County

Booking records, arrest reports, and investigative files are retained in accordance with the Wisconsin Public Records Board's general schedule for law enforcement records.

Clerk of Court:

Vernon County Clerk of Court
400 Courthouse Square
Viroqua, WI 54665
Phone: (608) 637-5340
Wisconsin Court System

Felony case files: Retained permanently
Misdemeanor case files: Retained per Wisconsin court records retention schedule
Electronic records: Retained permanently

State Repository:

The Wisconsin Crime Information Bureau maintains the state's criminal history repository, which includes arrest and disposition data from all law enforcement agencies in Wisconsin. The repository is accessible to law enforcement agencies statewide and to authorized entities conducting background checks.

FBI Database:

The FBI's National Crime Information Center (NCIC) and Interstate Identification Index (III) retain arrest records from participating agencies. Federal retention is permanent. These databases are accessible to law enforcement agencies nationwide and are used in employment background checks for positions requiring federal clearance and in firearms purchase background checks.

Effect of Disposition on Retention:

Conviction: Records are retained permanently across all databases and appear on background checks indefinitely.

Dismissal: Records may remain in databases unless expungement is granted. Dismissed charges are not reported as convictions on background checks conducted by consumer reporting agencies.

Expungement: Local records are sealed or destroyed per the court order. The Wisconsin Crime Information Bureau updates its records. Third-party commercial databases may retain information independently and are not legally compelled to remove records upon expungement.

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

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 law addresses the use of arrest records in employment decisions; employers are advised to consult applicable state and federal guidance when using arrest information in hiring decisions.

How to Check Retention Status:

Members of the public seeking information about the retention status of a specific arrest record should contact the Vernon County Sheriff's Office Records Division at (608) 637-2123 or submit a written public records request. Fees may apply for copies of records provided in response to the request.