Vernon County Criminal Records
How To Look Up Criminal Records In Vernon County in 2026
Members of the public seeking criminal records in Vernon County may access publicly available information through VernonRecords.us, which aggregates data related to arrests, court proceedings, and other criminal justice records. Vernon County maintains criminal records through several official channels, including the Circuit Court, the Sheriff's Office, and the Wisconsin Department of Justice. The information available through these sources may include:
- Arrest records and booking information
- Court case filings and dispositions
- Felony and misdemeanor conviction records
- Warrant information
- Sex offender registration data
- Jail and inmate records
- Probation and sentencing details
Records can be searched through official resources, clerk offices, public access terminals, and online tools. The following methods provide structured, actionable pathways for locating criminal records in Vernon County.
1. County Court Records
The Vernon County Circuit Court maintains case files for all criminal proceedings filed within the county. Members of the public may inspect court records in person at the courthouse during regular business hours.
Vernon County Circuit Court
400 Courthouse Square
Viroqua, WI 54665
Phone: (608) 637-5340
Wisconsin Court System – Vernon County
Visitors should bring a government-issued photo ID and, where possible, the full legal name of the subject or a case number. Public access terminals are available in the clerk's office for searching the Wisconsin Circuit Court Access (WCCA) database.
2. Sheriff's Office
The Vernon County Sheriff's Office maintains arrest logs, booking records, and jail rosters. Requests for incident reports and arrest records may be submitted in person or in writing.
Vernon County Sheriff's Office
318 Fairlane Drive
Viroqua, WI 54665
Phone: (608) 637-3101
Vernon County Sheriff's Office
Fees for copies of records are assessed per page in accordance with Wisconsin open records law. The Sheriff's Office publishes current inmate information through its online jail roster.
3. Online Court Search
The Wisconsin Circuit Court Access (WCCA) portal allows members of the public to search statewide court records by name, case number, or county. Users may filter results by Vernon County and case type. The portal displays case status, charges, and dispositions but does not include sealed or expunged records. Juvenile records are not accessible through this system.
4. State Criminal History Repository
The Wisconsin Department of Justice maintains the state's criminal history repository. Formal background check requests, including fingerprint-based searches, may be submitted through the Wisconsin DOJ Criminal History Unit.
Wisconsin Department of Justice – Criminal Investigation Bureau
17 West Main Street
Madison, WI 53703
Phone: (608) 266-7314
Wisconsin DOJ
Fingerprint-based searches require submission through an authorized LiveScan provider. Processing times and fees vary based on request type.
5. Written/Mail Requests
Written requests for court records may be directed to the Vernon County Clerk of Courts at 400 Courthouse Square, Viroqua, WI 54665. Requests should include the subject's full legal name, date of birth, and the specific records sought. Under Wis. Stat. § 19.35, custodians are required to respond within ten business days of receiving a written request.
What Is Vernon County Criminal Records
A criminal record in Vernon County is an official compilation of documented interactions between an individual and the criminal justice system, maintained by law enforcement agencies, courts, and state repositories. Under Wisconsin law, criminal records encompass a broad range of documents generated at each stage of the criminal justice process.
Key distinctions within criminal records include:
- Arrest records vs. conviction records: An arrest record documents that an individual was taken into custody; a conviction record reflects a formal finding of guilt by a court.
- Felony vs. misdemeanor records: Felonies are more serious offenses carrying potential imprisonment of more than one year; misdemeanors carry lesser penalties. Both categories are documented in the court system.
- Adult vs. juvenile records: Adult criminal records are subject to public access under Wisconsin open records law. Juvenile records are confidential under Wis. Stat. § 938.396 and are not available to the general public.
- Active warrants vs. historical records: Active warrants reflect outstanding court orders for arrest; historical records document past proceedings regardless of current status.
The agencies responsible for maintaining criminal records in Vernon County include:
- Vernon County Sheriff's Office – arrest records, jail records, booking information
- Vernon County Circuit Court – case files, court records, dispositions
- Wisconsin Department of Justice – statewide criminal history repository
- Local police departments – incident reports, arrest records within their jurisdiction
Records are created at the point of arrest and updated as cases progress through arraignment, plea proceedings, trial, sentencing, and any subsequent appeals or supervision. The Wisconsin Court System provides access to circuit court records statewide.
Are Criminal Records Public In Vernon County
Criminal records in Vernon County are subject to public access under Wisconsin's open records law. Pursuant to Wis. Stat. § 19.35, "every person has a right to inspect any record." This statute establishes a presumption of openness for government records, including criminal court records and arrest logs maintained by law enforcement agencies.
Adult conviction records, court proceedings, sentencing information, and most arrest records are available to the public. However, certain categories of records are restricted or exempt from disclosure:
- Sealed court records ordered closed by a judge
- Expunged records, which are removed from public access upon court order
- Juvenile records, which are confidential under state statute
- Records related to ongoing criminal investigations where disclosure would impede law enforcement
- Victim and witness identifying information in certain cases
- Records subject to federal privacy protections
The Wisconsin Department of Justice provides guidance on the application of open records law to criminal history information. Federal records maintained by agencies such as the FBI operate under separate federal statutes and are not governed by Wisconsin's open records framework.
How To Find Criminal Records in Vernon County Online?
Official County Resources
The primary online resource for Vernon County criminal court records is the Wisconsin Circuit Court Access (WCCA) portal. This statewide system allows users to search by name, case number, or county. The Vernon County Sheriff's Office also maintains an online jail roster accessible through the Vernon County government website. No registration is required to access these public portals.
State-Level Resources
The Wisconsin DOJ Criminal History Search provides name-based criminal history searches for a fee. The WCCA portal serves as the primary statewide court search tool and covers all 72 Wisconsin counties.
Search Tips
- Search using the subject's full legal name and any known aliases
- Case number searches return the most precise results
- Cross-reference multiple databases to obtain a complete picture
- Be aware that records predating digital systems may not appear in online searches
- Sealed and expunged records will not appear in public search results
Limitations
Online databases may reflect a data lag of several days to weeks. Historical records predating the digitization of court files may require in-person requests. Online searches do not constitute an official background check for employment or licensing purposes.
Can You Search Vernon County Criminal Records for Free?
Free Options
1. In-Person Inspection: Wisconsin law mandates that members of the public have the right to inspect public records at no charge. Under Wis. Stat. § 19.35, inspection of records is free; fees apply only to copies. In-person inspection is available at the Vernon County Circuit Court Clerk's office and the Vernon County Sheriff's Office.
2. Free Online Databases: The WCCA portal provides free public access to court case information statewide. The Vernon County Sheriff's Office jail roster is also available at no cost online.
3. Sheriff's Logs: Daily arrest and booking reports are available through the Sheriff's Office and may be inspected at no charge.
What Costs Money
| Service | Estimated Fee |
|---|---|
| Certified copies of court records | $1.25 per page (standard Wisconsin rate) |
| Official state background check (name-based) | $7.00 (Wisconsin DOJ) |
| Fingerprint-based background check | $13.00 + LiveScan provider fee |
| Staff-assisted record searches | Variable |
| Expedited processing | Variable |
Fee amounts are established under Wisconsin administrative rules and are subject to change. The Wisconsin DOJ fee schedule is published on the Wisconsin DOJ Criminal History Search page.
What's Included in a Vernon County Criminal Record?
Identifying Information
A Vernon County criminal record includes the subject's full legal name and known aliases, date of birth, physical description, photograph (mugshot), last known address, state identification number (SID), and FBI number where applicable.
Arrest Information
Arrest records document the date and time of arrest, the arresting agency, booking number, charges filed at the time of arrest, bail or bond conditions, and the jail facility where the individual was held.
Court Case Information
Court records include the case number, court jurisdiction, filing date, specific charges and applicable statutes (including felony or misdemeanor classification), plea entered, and attorney of record.
Disposition
Disposition records reflect the verdict or outcome of the case, conviction date where applicable, sentencing details (type, length, fines, restitution, and conditions of supervision), any appeals filed, and probation or parole status.
Additional Record Types
- Outstanding warrants
- Protective or restraining orders
- Sex offender registration status (searchable through the Wisconsin Sex Offender Registry)
- DUI/OWI records
- Pending charges
NOT Included in Public Records
- Juvenile records (sealed under Wis. Stat. § 938.396)
- Expunged or sealed records
- Records from other states or federal jurisdictions
- Completed diversion program records where expungement has been granted
Accuracy Note
Individuals who identify errors in their criminal records may request corrections through the originating agency or the Wisconsin DOJ. Maintaining accurate records is essential for employment, licensing, and housing purposes.
How Long Does Vernon County Keep Criminal Records?
Legal Requirements
Wisconsin record retention schedules govern how long criminal records must be maintained by county agencies. The Wisconsin Public Records Board establishes retention requirements applicable to county government offices.
Retention by Record Type
| Record Type | Retention Period |
|---|---|
| Felony convictions | Permanent |
| Misdemeanor convictions | Permanent |
| Arrest records (no conviction) | Minimum 7 years |
| Dismissed or acquitted cases | Permanent (disposition noted) |
| Juvenile records | Sealed at age 17; destruction timelines vary by offense |
| Pending cases | Until case resolution |
Agency Differences
- Vernon County Circuit Court: Court records are retained permanently in accordance with Wisconsin Supreme Court rules.
- Vernon County Sheriff's Office: Jail and arrest records are retained per the Wisconsin Public Records Board schedule, with most records kept a minimum of seven years.
- Wisconsin DOJ Repository: Conviction records are maintained permanently in the state criminal history database.
Physical vs. Electronic Records
Electronic records are retained for longer periods than paper records. Paper documents may be destroyed after scanning and verification, with the electronic version serving as the official record.
Destruction vs. Sealing vs. Expungement
- Destruction refers to the physical or electronic elimination of a record after the retention period expires.
- Sealing removes a record from public access but preserves it for law enforcement use.
- Expungement under Wisconsin law results in the removal of a record from public view upon successful petition to the court. Eligibility requirements and procedures are outlined in Wis. Stat. § 973.015. Expungement forms are available through the Wisconsin Court System.
Federal Records
Records maintained by the FBI through the National Crime Information Center (NCIC) are governed by federal law and are retained separately from state and county records.
Practical Implications
Felony and misdemeanor convictions remain on record permanently and appear on background checks. Employment background checks conducted under the Fair Credit Reporting Act typically cover seven to ten years of criminal history, though professional licensing boards may require full disclosure regardless of age. Even if a county agency destroys physical records, electronic copies may exist in state databases unless the record has been legally expunged.