SHEBOYGAN COUNTY PUBLIC RECORDS

What are Sheboygan County Public Records?

In line with Wisconsin Public Records Law, Sheboygan County public records are documents created, maintained, and preserved by a public office, bureau, commission, department, or local office. Sheboygan public records can be in the form of books, handwritten or typed documents, letters, manuals, drawings, reports, charts, maps, photographs, films, computer disks, optical discs, tapes, or other methods of storing records. Although most Sheboygan County public records are open, the law excludes some records from public view. Such documents include:

• Records compiled for law enforcement purposes
• Trade secrets
• Personal financial details such as an account number, checking account number, credit and debit card number
• Contractor's records
• Employee personnel records.
• The identity of an aspirant for a public position
• Adoption records
• Computer program and data
• Records containing the identity of informants

Sheboygan County Crime Statistics

The Wisconsin Uniform Crime Reporting (UCR) maintains statewide crime statistics compiled from several law enforcement agencies, including the Sheboygan Police Department. In 2019, offenses recorded by law enforcement were 1,307 property crimes and 201 violent crimes. These crimes include 1,123 larceny thefts, 137 aggravated assaults, 125 burglaries, 64 rape cases, 44 motor vehicle thefts, 11 robberies, and 4 arson incidents. In 2020, the county recorded 1,387 property crimes, including 1,164 larceny thefts, 134 burglaries, 62 motor vehicle thefts, 15 robberies, and 12 arson cases. The county also experienced 192 violent crimes, such as 138 aggravated assaults, 53 rapes, and 1 homicide.

The two-year crime trend analysis shows an overall 4.7% increase. Property crimes grew by 6% between both years, with arson and motor vehicle theft reporting a significant increase of 25% and 41%, respectively. On the other hand, violent crimes dropped by 4%.

Are Sheboygan County Criminal Records Public?

Sheboygan County criminal records are public records. Parties can obtain a copy of their criminal record online from the Wisconsin Online Record Check System (WORCS). Record seekers can conduct public access or authorized user searches for criminal records. While the public access function allows parties to view criminal records without registering, the option only provides limited features. On the other hand, the authorized user access requires searchers to create online accounts, and allows each account to include additional users. Users can also view previous criminal searches for up to 6 months.

Parties can conduct name-based searches by providing the subject’s full name and date of birth, or full name and social security number. The WORCS charges $7.00 to view criminal records online and $5.00 to process the records for mail requests. Parties can pay for the record using a credit card.

In addition, persons interested in Sheboygan criminal records can call the Wisconsin Crime Bureau at (608) 266-5764 or visit the office in person to obtain criminal records. The bureau's office address is at:

Crime Information Bureau
Record Check Unit
P.O. Box 2688
Madison, WI 53701-2688

How to Obtain Sheboygan County Police Reports and Arrest Records?

The Sheboygan Police Department allows open records requests for Sheboygan arrest records and police reports. Interested requesters can obtain documents by providing details such as the incident number, name of persons involved in the incident, the incident date, and other required details on the Open Records Request Online Form. Record seekers should ensure to include a mailing address or fax number to receive the reports.

Alternatively, parties can request Sheboygan County arrest records and police reports by mail. Interested parties should send completed copies of the Procedure For Requesting Police Reports to:

Sheboygan Police Department
1315 North Street
Sheboygan, WI 53081

The Sheboygan Police Department charges varying fees for access to records in its custody. Charges depend on the record, the number of copies requested, and the delivery method.

How to Find Sex Offender Information in Sheboygan County

The Wisconsin Department of Correction (DOC) maintains online details of sex offenders on its Wisconsin Department of Correction Sex Offenders Registry. Parties interested in obtaining sex offender information can conduct a name search or geographical search on the online registry. The name search requires the record seeker to input the first, middle, and last names of the sex offender. Alternatively, searchers can use the street, city, and zip code to conduct a geographical search. Interested persons can also register with the Community Notification System to receive email notifications when a sex offender takes up residence within 5 miles of an address of interest.

How to Find Sheboygan County Inmate Records

The Sheboygan County Sheriff's Department maintains an online inmate list that contains information on all inmates in custody. Searchers may also use a recommended third-party resource to search for Sheboygan County inmate records. Alternatively, interested parties can contact the Sheboygan County Detention Center in person, by mail, phone call, or fax to obtain inmate records. Requesters may use the details below:

Sheboygan County Adult Detention Center
2923 South 31st Street
Sheboygan, WI 53081-4612
Phone: (920) 459-1300
Fax: (920) 459-1307

How Do I Visit an Inmate in Sheboygan County Jail?

The Sheboygan County Sheriff’s Department allows family members, friends, clergy, and professionals to visit inmates incarcerated in the Detention Center. All visits are by video call, and only accessible to persons who register and schedule appointments. Family and friends can visit at the following times:

• Male Visitors: Saturday and Sunday- 12:00 PM to 2:30 PM
  6:00 PM to 9:00 PM
• Female Visitors: Sunday - 12:00 PM to 2:30 PM
  6:00 PM to 9:00 PM

The Sheboygan County jail administration considers attorneys, counselors, teachers, parole and probation officers, psychiatrists, and social workers as professional visitors. Professional visitors can use the non-contact visitation rooms, while law enforcement officers, attorneys, and psychiatrists can use the contact visitation rooms. Professional visitors can conduct visits throughout the week from 6:00 AM - 7:00 AM, 7:30 AM - 12:00 PM, 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM, 3:30 PM - 4:30 PM, and 5:30 PM - 11:00 PM.

All clergy should schedule visitation 24 hours before the proposed visit. Cleric visitors can schedule visits with more than one inmate, each one lasting 30 minutes. Clergy visitation takes place at the facility’s Clergy Room according to the schedule below:

• Monday - Thursday: 9:00 AM to 11:30 AM 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM 3:30 PM to 4:40 PM 6:00 PM to 8:30 PM
• Friday - Sunday: 9:00 AM to 11:30 AM

All visitors to the Sheboygan County Detention Center must adhere to the following rules:

• Family and friends should have valid photo identification, while professionals and clergy must present an applicable identifying document. Clergy without proper identification can obtain a Ministry Volunteer ID badge from the Chaplin.
• No cell phones during visitations. Any visitor who fails to comply will lose their visitation privileges for at least 30 days.
• Visitors cannot bring food, drinks, backpacks, bags, purses, or diapers to the visitation lobby.
• Each visitor can only conduct two visits per session.
• Visitors must be 18 years or older. The county jail administration only approves visitors under 18 years old if the visitor is the inmate’s child or stepchild. Minors must present birth certificates before visitation, and may only visit with a parent or legal guardian.
• The county jail prohibits indecent, revealing, and inappropriate dressing.

Sheboygan County Court Records

Sheboygan County court records include records of civil, criminal, mental health, domestic relations, and juvenile court cases. There is a Circuit Court and four Municipal Courts in the county. Sheboygan County courts are located at the following addresses:

Sheboygan County Circuit Court
615 North 6th Street
Sheboygan, WI 53081
Phone: (920) 459-3068
Fax: (920) 459-3921

City of Plymouth Municipal Court
Plymouth City Hall
125 Smith Street
P.O. Box 218
Plymouth, WI 53073
Phone: (920) 893-1271 ext 3740
Fax: (920) 892-6143

City of Sheboygan Falls Municipal Court
375 Buffalo Street
P.O. Box 186
Sheboygan Falls, WI 53085
Phone: (920) 467-0763
Fax: (920) 467-2662

Sheboygan - Kohler Joint Municipal Court
1315 North 23rd Street
Suite 102
Sheboygan, WI 53081
Phone: (920) 459-0212
Fax: (920) 459-0217

Village of Elkhart Lake - Town of Rhine Municipal Court
84 North Lake Street
P.O. Box 412
Elkhart Lake, WI 53020
Phone: (920) 876-2244
Fax: (920) 876-2795

Are Sheboygan County Court Records Public?

The Sheboygan County Clerk of Circuit Courts maintains court records and grants public access to requesters. However, some records may be unavailable to the general public. Persons requesting Sheboygan County court records cannot obtain the following documents:

• Juvenile records
• Drugs and alcohol drug treatment records
• Grand jury information
• Adoption records
• Personal data of a crime victim
• Sealed and confidential court records
• Custody evaluation records
• Mental health records

How to Obtain Sheboygan County Civil Court Case Records

Interested parties can get Sheboygan County civil court case records by sending written requests by fax or email to the Clerk of Circuit Courts Office. The request should contain the case number and the first and last names of the defendant or business name. Interested parties can send the fax request to (920) 429-3921 or send an email to sheboygan.records@wicourts.gov. The Clerk of court charges a search fee of $5.00 for a record request without a case number. Parties should note that other request fees apply. Interested persons may also obtain the records in person at the following location:

Sheboygan County Clerk of Court
615 North 6th Street
Sheboygan, WI 53081
Phone: (920) 459-3071

Searchers can also obtain Sheboygan County civil court case records online from the Wisconsin Circuit Court Access (WCCA). The WCCA offers simple, advanced, and judgment case search options. A simple search requires the business name, full name, date of birth, and case number. For an advanced search, each person should provide the case citation number, filling date, class code, issuing agency, and attorney state bar ID. Lastly, parties can search for civil court case records using the judgment search, and furnish information such as the judgment date, docket date, judgment party, judgment type, case type, and case classification. Obtaining records from the WCCA requires searchers to pay required fees using MasterCard or Visa cards, or electronic checks.

How to Obtain Sheboygan County Criminal Court Records

Anyone can obtain copies of non-confidential Sheboygan County criminal court records from the county's Circuit Court Clerk's Office. Each requester should provide the defendant's full name and the case number on a written request sent to the record custodian. Record seekers can send requests by email to sheboygan.records@wicourts.gov or fax to (920) 459-3921. Parties can also request a criminal court record in person at the Clerks of Court Office:

Sheboygan County Clerk of Court
615 North 6th Street
Sheboygan, WI 53081
Phone: (920) 459-3094

The Wisconsin Circuit Court Access (WCCA) provides online criminal court case records. To use the WCCA, each party should provide known case details, such as the case name, business name, citation number, issuing agency, docket number, judgment type, filing date, attorney state bar ID, and the criminal record class code.

What are Sheboygan County Vital Records?

Sheboygan County vital records contain information on major life events. Vital records in Sheboygan County include birth, death, divorce, and marriage records. The Register of Deeds Office maintains certified copies of all records except divorce decrees, which are only obtainable from the Office of the Clerk of the District Court. Parties can also obtain vital records from the Wisconsin Department of Health Vital Records Office.

Where and How to Obtain Sheboygan County Divorce Records

Sheboygan County divorce decrees are only available to the divorced parties and their attorneys. Eligible persons can submit requests containing record information to the Clerk of Circuit Courts. All parties should submit requests to:

Sheboygan County Clerk of Court
615 North 6th Street
Sheboygan, WI 53081
Phone: (920) 459-3962

The Register of Deeds issues certified copies of the divorce certificate from January 2016 to the present. A divorce certificate only contains basic details of the divorce. Eligible requesters include the divorced parties, immediate family members, and their attorneys. Parties seeking divorce certificates before January 2016 should contact the Wisconsin Department of Health Vital Records Office.

It costs $20.00 to get the first copy of the divorce certificate, and $3 for each additional copy. Mail requesters should submit completed copies of the divorce certificate application and pay by check or money order. In-person requesters can visit the Register of Deeds Office with cash from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM on Monday through Friday. A complete application should include the form, a photocopy of acceptable identification, and the fees. Requesters should mail or drop off applications at:

Sheboygan County Register of Deeds
508 New York Avenue
Sheboygan, WI 53081
Phone: (920) 459-3023

Where and How to Get Public Sheboygan County Marriage Records

Sheboygan County marriage records are available at the Registry of Deeds Office. To obtain this vital record, the requester should be:

• A person named on the marriage certificate
• The parents
• Children
• Brother or sister
• Grandparents
• A legal guardian of the record holder

Parties can purchase the marriage record by mail or in person. A certified copy of a marriage certificate costs $20.00 and $3.00 for every additional copy of the same record. The Register of Deeds accepts money orders and checks from mail requesters and may receive cash for parties ordering the document in person. Persons requesting the marriage certificate by mail can furnish the Register of Deeds Office with the required information on the Marriage Certificate Application.

Interested parties can mail the completed application, a photocopy of a valid ID, and payment. Walk-in requesters should visit the Register of Deeds Office from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM on Monday to Friday with the fees, and an unexpired government-issued ID. All parties should submit requests to:

Sheboygan County Register of Deeds
508 New York Avenue
Sheboygan, WI 53081
Phone: (920) 459-3023

Where and How to Get Confidential Marriage Records in Sheboygan County

In Wisconsin, all marriage records are public marriage. The Register of Deeds does not produce or issue confidential marriage records.

Where and How to Find Sheboygan County Birth Records

Residents of Sheboygan County can obtain certified copies of birth certificates for births occurring in the county. However, birth records are only accessible to the persons named on the birth certificate, an immediate family member, or a legal guardian. Parties can procure the Sheboygan County birth record in person or by mail. There is a $20.00 fee for the first copy and $3 for each additional copy of the same record ordered simultaneously. Fees are payable by check or money order.

Parties can get the birth record in person from the Register of Deeds Office on Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM, excluding holidays. Requesters should have a valid government-issued ID at the time of request and pay the fees. For mail requests, each party should complete the Wisconsin Birth Certificate Application, include payment and a photocopy of a valid ID, and submit to the Register of Deeds. The office address for both mail and in-person requests is:

Sheboygan County Register of Deeds
508 New York Avenue
Sheboygan, WI 53081
Phone: (920) 459-3023

Where and How to Find Sheboygan County Death Records

The Register of Deeds is the county's custodian for death records. According to state law, only immediate family members or the legal representatives of the decedent may obtain access. Each copy of a Sheboygan County death certificate costs $20.00, payable by check or money order. Requesters may order the document in person or by mail. To order a death certificate by mail, the requester should complete and submit a Death Certificate Application with approved ID and fees to the Register of Deeds Office. In-person requesters may visit the office during business hours with ID and payment.

Acceptable forms of identification include a driver's license, US or foreign passport, military ID, tribal ID, or US government-issued photo ID. However, in the absence of acceptable ID, the Register of Deeds Office accepts any two of the following:

• Utility bill
• Bank statements
• A current and signed lease agreement
• Vehicle registration
• Traffic ticket
• Health insurance card

Record seekers should submit all requests to:

Sheboygan County Register of Deeds
508 New York Avenue
Sheboygan, WI 53081
Phone: (920) 459-3023