RACINE COUNTY PUBLIC RECORDS

What are Racine County Public Records?

Racine County administrators create records under the Wisconsin Open Records Law. It defines Racine public records as any paper or electronic document holding details on a government agency and its operations. Some examples of Racine county public records are:

• Handwritten messages
• Emails
• Videos
• Audio files
• Database content
• Instant messages

While Racine County public records may take the above form, not all of the above are publicly available. Some government documents that are exempt from the Open Records Law include:

• Duplicate copies of materials: the original must be physically available in the agency;

• Personal materials that have no relation to state business;

• Reference materials such as:

• Phone books

• Dictionaries

• Vendor catalogs

• Unsolicited notices and invitations such as spam, junk mail, and most listservs;

• Notes: personal notes are not records if you used solely for personal reasons;

• Drafts or working papers that do not contain substantive comments.

Racine County Crime Statistics

In Racine County, local law enforcement collates crime data and forward it to the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The FBI’s Criminal Justice Information Services Division includes this information in its annual Uniform Crime Report. In 2013, the CJIS reported twelve violent crimes and 422 property crimes in Racine County. Further, there were two rape cases, three robberies, and seven cases of aggravated assault. Among property crimes, there were 77 burglaries, 324 instances of larceny-theft, and sixteen vehicular theft reports.

Over five years, the number of Racine County crimes reported dropped by 47.2%. In 2018, local law enforcement in Racine County reported 21 violent crimes and 208 property crimes. There were no murders or rapes. However, there were four cases of robbery and seventeen cases of aggravated assault. Racine County reported 44 burglaries, 149 cases of larceny-theft, and fifteen vehicular theft cases among property crimes.

Are Racine County Criminal Records Public?

Per Wisconsin’s Open Records Law, Racine County criminal records are available for public viewership. While the Racine County Sheriff's Office is primarily responsible for law enforcement and the generation of crime-related documents and records within the county, the Criminal History Unit of the Wisconsin Department of Justice serves as the central repository for criminal records of the state. The unit provides public access to non-confidential criminal records of individuals resident within its jurisdiction and processes requests for background checks and Racine County residents criminal history information.

Interested public members may request Racine County background checks from the Wisconsin Department of Justice using the Wisconsin Online Record Check System. Requestors will be required to provide the name, social security number, and fingerprints of the check subject. Each request will attract a $1.25 charge and may require a registered Wisconsin Unique Personal Identification Number (WiUPIN), which can be acquired by registering to use the Online Record Check System.

Note: The Support Services Division of the Racine County Sheriff's Office provides fingerprinting services to interested persons. Requesters will need to pay a $20 fee and present a current photo ID when making their request.

How to Obtain Racine County Police Reports and Arrest Records?

The Racine County Sheriff’s Office Records Bureau maintains, computerizes, and stores all Racine County police reports and arrest records. Interested persons may obtain Racine arrest records by completing a request to access public records form and submitting it to the Sheriff’s Office in person or by mail.

Racine County Sheriff’s Office
717 Wisconsin Avenue,
Racine, WI 53403-1237
Phone: (262) 886-2300
Fax: (262) 637-5279
Opening hours 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. Monday-Friday.

How to Find Sex Offender Information in Racine County

The Wisconsin Department of Corrections manages Wisconsin sex offender information and makes it available on the Wisconsin Offender Website. Interested persons may view information about sex offenders resident in Racine County by using the search tools available on the registry. Offenders may be searched geographically or by name. Additionally, a community notification system is available to persons who want to receive notifications about sex offenders in their vicinity or near an address of interest.

How to Find Racine County Inmate Information

The Racine County Jail provides public access to convict information using its inmate search tool. Interested parties may view currently incarcerated persons’ information by searching the roster using the name, gender, or birth date of the inmate of interest. On the other hand, information regarding inmate welfare, visitation, and victim notification is accessible using the Quick Links available on the Racine County Jail Information Page.

How Do I Visit an inmate in Racine County Jail?

The Racine County Sheriff allows inmates’ friends and family to visit using non-contact “face-to-face” visitation and video visitation. The facility arranges each prison block’s non-contact visits according to the following schedule:

• 2EW - 7:30 a.m. - 8:00 a.m.;
• 2EE - 8:45 a.m. - 9:15 a.m.;
• 2C - 10:15 a.m. - 10:45 a.m.;
• 3EW dayroom 3 & 4 - 11:15 a.m. - 11:45 a.m.;
• 3EE - 1:00 p.m. - 1:30 p.m.;
• 3EW dayroom 5 - 2:45 p.m. -3:15 p.m.;
• 2A & 3A - 3:30 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.;
• 4C - 4:15 p.m. - 4:45 p.m.

Each inmate is allowed one non-contact visit per week. Interested persons may schedule visits using the computer in the Racine County Jail entrance during the following hours: 8:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m., 1:00 p.m. - 4:30 p.m., and 6:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.

Each inmate may receive up to four visitors during each visit. Each visitor must present a valid government-issued photo ID that shows the following:

• Name;
• Date of Birth;
• Hair Color;
• Sex/Race;
• Height/Weight;
• Color of Eyes.

Minors may accompany adults but must present a valid birth certificate as identification, and all visitors must pass through a metal detector and may be subject to a search. Visitors must dress conservatively and may not wear tight-fitting clothes, revealing clothes, or tops with lewd and offensive print. All visitors must maintain decorum and face eviction if they engage in inappropriate behavior.

Inmates may also receive video visits. Interested persons must register for video visitation using a partnering third-party app and may visit according to the approved video visit schedule. Correctional staff may terminate a video visit at any time and will do so if:

• Any nudity or simulated sexual acts transpire;
• Any suspected gang activity transpires.

Racine County Court Records

In Wisconsin, the legal system contains Circuit Courts and Municipal Courts. The Racine County Circuit Court deals with all criminal cases (felony, misdemeanor, and juvenile), civil and family cases, probate cases, small claims, and traffic citations.

Interested parties may access Racine court records by querying the Wisconsin Court case search page online or the Racine County Circuit Court Clerk’s office in-person. Listed below are the locations and contact information of all courthouses in Racine County, Wisconsin:

Racine County Circuit Court
Racine County Courthouse
730 Wisconsin Avenue,
Racine, WI 53403
Phone: (262) 636-3333
Fax: (262) 636-3341

City of Burlington Municipal Court
300 North Pine Street,
Burlington, WI 53105
Phone: (262) 342-1129
Fax: (262) 342-1178

City of Racine Municipal Court
800 Center Street,
Racine, WI 53403
Phone: (262) 636-9263
Fax: (262) 636-9110

Town of Burlington Municipal Court
32288 Bushnell Road,
Burlington, WI 53105
Phone: (262) 763-8591
Fax: (262) 763-9485

Town of Dover Municipal Court
4110 South Beaumont Avenue,
Kansasville, WI 53139
Phone: (262) 878-2200
Fax: (262) 878-2595

Town of Norway Municipal Court
6419 Heg Park Road,
Wind Lake, WI 53185
Phone: (262) 895-3652
Fax: (262) 895-3651

Town of Raymond Municipal Court
2255 76th Street,
Franksville, WI 53126
Phone: (262) 835-1651

Town of Waterford Municipal Court
415 North Milwaukee Street,
Waterford, WI 53185
Phone: (262) 534-4880
Fax: (262) 534-7789

Village of Caledonia Municipal Court
5043 Chester Lane,
Caledonia, WI 53402
Phone: (262) 835-6467
Fax: (262) 583-0599

Village of Mt. Pleasant Municipal Court
8811 Campus Drive,
Racine, WI 53406
Phone: (262) 664-7831
Fax: (262) 664-7899

Village of Sturtevant Municipal Court
2801 89th Street,
Sturtevant, WI 53177
Phone: (262) 886-7207
Fax: (262) 886-7205

Village of Union Grove Municipal Court
Union Grove Municipal Center
925 15th Avenue,
Union Grove, WI 53182
Phone: (262) 878-2668
Fax: (262) 878-3782

Village of Waterford Municipal Court
123 North River Street,
Waterford, WI 53185
Phone: (262) 534-3980 ext. 233
Fax: (262) 534-5373

Wind Point - North Bay Joint Municipal Court
4725 Lighthouse Drive,
Racine, WI 53402
Phone: (262) 898-7071
Fax: (262) 639-5727

Are Racine County Court Records Public?

The Racine County Clerk of Circuit Court maintains all the county’s court cases and disseminates them to requesters. Per Wisconsin’s statutes, the Clerk must provide public members with access to public court records upon request. However, some Racine County court records are not publicly accessible. These include documents containing juvenile information, tax records, medical records, and adoption records.

How to Obtain Racine County Civil Court Case Records

The Racine County Clerk of Circuit Court’s office serves as the chief custodian of records filed with or heard by the county circuit court. The office provides public access to Racine County civil court case records in compliance with state laws. Interested persons may find specific civil court cases by searching the CCAP internet access website, which contains Racine County civil court cases.

With the details of the specific case, interested parties may access copies of records by completing the Racine County Clerk’s Request Court Records Form online or by making in-person queries at:

Racine County Clerk of Circuit Court
730 Wisconsin Ave
Racine WI 53403

The cost for copying Racine County civil court cases is $1.25 per page.

How to Obtain Racine County Criminal Court Records

The Racine County Clerk of Circuit Court’s office is responsible for maintaining and disseminating all criminal court records for cases that the Racine County Circuit Court tries. It allows interested persons to access Racine County criminal court records in compliance with state laws. Interested persons may find specific criminal court cases by searching the CCAP internet access website, which contains Racine County criminal court cases.

With the details of the specific case, interested parties may request copies of records by completing the Racine County Clerk’s Request Court Records Form online or by making in-person queries at:

Racine County Clerk of Circuit Court
730 Wisconsin Ave
Racine WI 53403

The cost for copying Racine County criminal court records is $1.25 per page.

Racine County Vital Records

Racine County vital records are official documents that government officials create to mark important human events. These events include marriages, births, deaths, and divorces. The Wisconsin Department of Health Vital Records Office is the chief custodian of state-wide vital records, including domestic partnership declaration and termination records. The office provides eligible persons with access to these records. However, interested persons may also obtain vital records through the Office of the Register of Deeds. In compliance with the statewide issuance law, the office provides copies of state-wide records.

Where and How to Get Racine County Divorce Records

In Racine County, the County Clerk manages the divorce register and disseminates copies of Racine divorce certificates to interested persons. Anyone who wants a copy of a Racine County divorce record may request one in person or by mail. Applicants must provide accurate case information such as the divorcees’ full names, the divorce date and location, and the case file number. Requestors must pay a standard copy fee and additional certification fees to access the record

Racine County Clerk
Racine County Courthouse – 1st Floor, North end
730 Wisconsin Ave.
Racine, WI 53403

Similarly, the Racine County Recorder of Deeds Office maintains and disburses Racine County divorce records to eligible persons. Eligible requesters typically include:

• The divorcees’;
• The divorcees’ immediate family members;
• The divorcees’ legal representatives;
• Anyone with a court order to obtain the record.

Eligible requesters may request copies of these records by completing a Divorce Record Application, and sending it by mail or delivering it in person to:

Racine County Register of Deeds
730 Wisconsin Ave,
1st Floor,
Racine, WI 53403
(262) 636-3208
rod@racinecounty.com

Certified copies of divorce records cost $20 for the initial copy and $3 for additional copies. Mail requesters must attach a check or money order for payment, along with exact replicas of a valid ID. Staff process mail-in submissions within five days of receipt.

Where and How to Get Public Marriage Records in Racine County

In Racine County, the Register of Deeds’ Vital Records Division manages the county’s marriage register. Per the state’s statutes, Racine County marriage records are not public records and are available only to the following people:

• The married couple;
• The couples’ immediate family members;
• The couples’ legal representatives;
• Anyone with a court order to obtain the record.

Where and How to Get Confidential Marriage Records in Racine County

In Racine County, the Register of Deeds’ Vital Records Division is responsible for providing copies of marriage certificates to the following people:

• The married couple;
• The couples’ immediate family members;
• The couples’ legal representatives;
• Anyone with a court order to obtain the record.

Eligible persons may complete and submit a Marriage Certificate Application along with the stated fees and ID requirements to:

Racine County Register of Deeds
730 Wisconsin Ave,
1st Floor
Racine, WI 53403

The Register of Deeds’ office is open from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. Requesters must pay $20 for the first copy of a Racine County marriage record and $3 for each additional copy purchased simultaneously. They may pay using cash, money orders, certified checks, or credit & debit cards.

Where and How to Find Racine County Birth Records

In Racine County, the Register of Deeds’ Vital Records Division offers copies of Racine birth certificates to the following eligible persons:

• The record holder (above eighteen years old);
• The record holder’s parents (if listed on the record);
• The record holder’s immediate family members;
• The record holder’s legal representatives;
• Anyone with a court order to obtain the record.

Eligible persons who wish to get copies of Racine County birth certificates may visit the Register of Deeds’ office between 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. Requesters must pay $20 for the first copy of a certificate and $3 for additional copies. Applicants may pay using cash, money orders, certified checks, or credit & debit cards. They must provide acceptable forms of identification, including:

• A driver’s license;
• A United States passport or foreign passport;
• A valid military ID.

Requesters may also mail-in birth certificate requests by filling out a birth certificate application form and providing the following details:

• Applicant information (including signature);
• Relationship to the record holders;
• The number of copies required.

Requesters must fill one form per record requested. The Register of Deeds’ office will only accept money orders or cashier checks made payable to the Register of Deeds. The applicants must include a self-addressed, stamped envelope and a photocopy of a valid drivers’ license along with the application form. If the request is complete and the record is available, the staff will mail it back to the requester on the same day they receive the application.

Racine County Register of Deeds
730 Wisconsin Ave,
1st Floor
Racine, WI 53403

Where and How to Find Racine County Death Records

The Racine County Register of Deeds’ Vital Records Division is responsible for providing copies of Racine death certificates to the following eligible persons:

• The deceased’s parents;
• The deceased’s spouse
• The deceased’s family members, including children and siblings;
• The deceased’s legal representatives;
• Anyone with a court order to obtain the record.

Eligible persons who wish to get copies of Racine County death certificates may visit the Register of Deeds’ office between 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. Requesters must pay $20 for the first copy of a certificate and $3 for additional copies. Applicants may pay using cash, money orders, certified checks, or credit & debit cards. They must provide acceptable forms of identification, including:

• A driver’s license;
• A United States passport or foreign passport;
• A valid military ID.

Requesters may also mail-in death certificate requests by filling out a death certificate application form and providing the following details:

• Applicant information (including signature);
• Relationship to the deceased;
• The number of copies required.

Requesters must fill one form per record requested. The Register of Deeds’ office will only accept money orders or cashier checks made payable to the Register of Deeds. The applicants must include a self-addressed, stamped envelope and a photocopy of a valid drivers’ license along with the application form. If the request is complete and the record is available, the staff will mail it back to the requester on the same day they receive the application.

Racine County Register of Deeds
730 Wisconsin Ave,
1st Floor
Racine, WI 53403