What are Trempealeau County Public Records?
Per Wis. Stat. § 16.61(4), Trempealeau County public records are all records preserved by the State of Wisconsin Public Records Board for permanent use. These records may be in the form of books, optical discs, papers, photographs, maps, films, recordings, electronically formatted documents, or other documentary materials. According to Wisconsin law, public records do not include routing slips, envelopes, and materials in possession of a museum or library made or acquired for exhibition or reference purposes,
Per Wis. Stat. § 19.35, Trempealeau County government agencies must allow requestors to access records not considered confidential or sensitive. However, requesters can not inspect or obtain copies of the following:
- Records containing personally identifiable information collected or maintained in connection with a complaint, investigation, or other circumstances that may lead to the administrative proceeding, enforcement action, an arbitration proceeding, or court proceeding.
- Security records that if disclosed publicly could negatively affect a person’s life and safety or endanger the security of the general public.
- Parts of records that disclose the identity of a confidential informant
- Records containing the actual address like a residential street address, school address, or work address of a participant in the confidentiality program
Aside from government agencies, individuals can also obtain some public records from non-government websites. These third-party platforms come with tools that allow for comprehensive search, which can be used to find specific records or multiple records. However, users will need to provide detailed information like the name of the subject involved in the record, the address of the requestor, a case number or file number, the location of the document or person involved, and the last known or current address of the registrant to assist with the search. Note that government agencies do not sponsor third-party sites; because of this, record availability and results may vary.
Trempealeau County Crime Statistics
The Wisconsin Department of Justice Uniform Crime Reporting (UCR) Data Dashboard Center publishes crime statistics received from law enforcement agencies across the state. According to 2021 data, Trempealeau County had a total of 240 offenses. Specifically, there were 3 rape incidents, 23 aggravated assault cases, 49 burglary incidents, 81 larceny theft, 8 motor vehicle theft, 75 simple assaults, and 1 human trafficking case.
Are Trempealeau County Criminal Records Public?
Yes, Trempealeau County criminal records are public due to Wisconsin's Open Records Law. The law ensures that criminal records are available to the general public and authorized users. Requesters can assess criminal records at the Wisconsin Department of Justice (DoJ).
The Wisconsin Department of Justice Crime Information Bureau (CIB) is the specialized unit that maintains statewide criminal history repositories and makes them available to the public through the Wisconsin Online Record Check System (WORCS) website. Requesters must provide specific information like last name, first name, gender, date of birth, and race to gain access to criminal records. In addition, interested persons must pay a $7 fee for each record request.
How to Obtain Trempealeau County Police Reports and Arrest Records?
Individuals can obtain police reports and arrest records from the Trempealeau County Sheriff's Office. Those seeking these records would have to provide specific details like the names of involved persons, incident description, incident date, and the names of officers in charge. Requesters should submit requests for Trempealeau County police reports and arrest records to:
Trempealeau County Sheriff's Office
Room 107, 36245 Main Street
P.O. Box 67
Whitehall, WI 54773
Office: (715) 538-4410
Jail: (715) 538-2148
How to Find Sex Offender Information in Trempealeau County
Per WI Statute 301.46, the general public can access information regarding sex offenders. However, not all sex offenders' information is available to the public, especially if they are sensitive information. Sex offender information in Trempealeau County is available on the Wisconsin Department of Corrections Sex Offender Registry website. Individuals can search for sex offender information using a name search or geographic search. After the search, the Wisconsin Sex Offender Registry would display the sex offender's name, known aliases, demographic information, a photo, the offense, and a current address.
Interested persons can request criminal complaints and/or sentencing documents from the Trempealeau County Clerk of Court to find more information regarding sex offenders convicted in the county. Note that a fee may apply for these documents. Also, interested persons can assess the sex offender's case information on the Wisconsin Circuit Court Access Program (CCAP) they know the person's full name and/or case number.
How to Find Trempealeau County Inmate Records
Requesters can find Trempealeau County inmate records at the Trempealeau County Sheriff's Office. Record seekers can use the Trempealeau County Inmate Locator to search for inmates using the inmate's details like first name, last name, date of birth, and gender. Note that information provided by the Trempealeau County Sheriff's Office regarding inmates should not be relied upon for legal actions. Interested persons can contact the Trempealeau County Sheriff's Office for inmate records.
How Do I Visit an Inmate in Trempealeau County Jail?
Trempealeau County jail visitations are typically done through videos, both on and off-site. Visitors would have to pre-schedule their visits once the inmate is placed in the general population. Off-site visits entail visitors having proper computer equipment & camera and will be charged a fee per minute. On-site visits are at no cost and are available daily. Visitors must have valid photo identification, be appropriately dressed, and be alcohol-free in order to visit. Those under the age of 18 must visit in the company of an adult. Visitors with children must ensure they are under supervision to avoid termination. It takes about 60 days before persons recently released from Trempealeau County Jail can visit a current inmate. Be aware that visits may be restricted or terminated at any time due to security, order of the jail, safety, or inappropriate conduct. All visits are subject to monitoring and recording by the jail. Visitors cannot take pictures, audio, or video recording during inmate visitation. All visitors are prohibited from using cell phones during visitation.
Court Records
The court systems available in Trempealeau County are circuit court and municipal court. The Trempealeau County circuit court is a court of general jurisdiction where all criminal and civil matters are heard. Court cases like a felony, collection, misdemeanor, personal injury, traffic, probate, and juvenile are typically common in this court. The Trempealeau County municipal court is a court with limited jurisdiction that has authority over matters like misdemeanor crimes or petty offenses. Trempealeau County courts are located at:
Trempealeau County Circuit Court
Trempealeau County Courthouse
Room 214, 36245 Main Street,
P.O. Box 67,
Whitehall, WI 54773
Phone: (715) 538-2311 ext. 331
Fax: (715) 538-4123
City of Arcadia Municipal Court
945 S. Dettloff Drive,
Arcadia, WI 54612
Email: court@cityofarcadiawi.com
Phone: (608) 323-3359 ext. 33
Fax: (608) 323-3242
Are Trempealeau County Court Records Public?
Yes, Trempealeau County court records are public records. According to Wis. Stat. 19.35(1)(a), all requesters have the right to inspect or obtain copies of court records. However, records containing confidential or sensitive information are not available to the general public. For instance, requesters cannot obtain any record containing personally identifiable information that, if disclosed, would endanger an individual's life or safety.
How to Obtain Trempealeau County Civil Court Case Records
Record seekers can obtain Trempealeau County civil court case records from the Trempealeau County Clerk of Court’s Office. Interested parties must provide applications containing civil court case details, including names, charge information, court dates, and other related details. Requestors should note that a requesting fee payable to the Court Clerk’s Office may apply. All requests can be submitted by mail or in-person to:
Trempealeau County Court Clerk’s Office
Trempealeau County Courthouse
Room 209, 36245 Main St
P.O. Box 67
Whitehall, WI 54773
Phone: (715) 538-2311
Fax: (715) 538-4210
How to Obtain Trempealeau County Criminal Court Records
Requestors can request Trempealeau County criminal court records from the Trempealeau County Clerk of Court’s Office. The requests must be descriptive such that they must include information like names, charge details, dates, and the court’s final disposition. It is important to note that some criminal court records may be unavailable to the general public because they contain confidential or sensitive information. Also, interested parties would need a court order to access sealed court records. Record seekers can apply for criminal court records by mail or in-person. They must submit requests with the necessary application fees to the Trempealeau County Court Clerk’s Office.
What are Trempealeau County Vital Records?
Trempealeau County's vital records are records of life events, including births, marriages, deaths, and divorces that happen in the county. Residents can submit requests for vital records to the Wisconsin Vital Records Office. Trempealeau County vital records are also available through the Trempealeau County Register of Deeds Office. Record seekers can either get a certified copy or an uncertified copy of vital records in Trempealeau County. Certified copies of vital records are usually printed on security paper, have a raised seal, and show the signature of the State Registrar or Local Registrar. Additionally, certified copies of vital records can be used for legal purposes. In contrast, uncertified copies of vital records are usually printed on plain paper and marked uncertified and cannot be used for identity purposes.
The length of time it takes to process vital records requests largely depends on the application method. For instance, it takes about 2 business hours after application to get certified copies of vital records and about 1 month for uncertified copies for applicants requesting it in-person. In contrast, requests for certified copies of vital records by mail may take more than 2 weeks to complete, and uncertified copies may take up to 1 month. All requestors are to submit their vital records applications alongside a valid ID. Applicants can submit any one of the following as proof of identification:
- State-issued driver's license or ID card
- Tribal or Military ID card
- American or foreign passport
- US Government issued photo ID
Alternatively, applicants can decide to submit any two of the following as proof of identification:
- Vehicle registration/title
- Bank/earnings statement
- Health insurance card
- Current, dated, signed lease
- Utility bill or traffic ticket
Anyone in Trempealeau County who has vital records with the knowledge that the record has been illegally obtained is guilty of a Class I felony. Such persons will be required to pay a maximum fine of $10,000 or a maximum jail term of 3 years and 6 months, or both.
Where and How to Obtain Trempealeau County Divorce Records
Trempealeau County divorce records are legal documents, including divorce papers, records created during the divorce procedure, and a divorce certificate relating to a couple's divorce in the County. Divorce decrees contain the names of the divorced couples, the date, and location the divorce was finalized, along with all agreements and judgments like insurance agreements, alimony payments, property issuance, or child support, and custody information made by the end of the proceedings. In contrast, divorce certificates only contain the names of the divorced parties, dates, and locations. Trempealeau County residents interested in getting divorce decrees should send a request to the Trempealeau County Circuit Court Clerk with details of the divorce. Record seekers requesting divorce certificates can request online, via mail, or in-person through the Wisconsin Vital Records Office. Interested applicants requesting through mail or in-person must submit the Wisconsin Divorce Certificate Application form to:
Wisconsin Vital Records Office
1 West Wilson Street, Room 160
P.O. Box 309
Madison, WI 53701
The application form must be submitted with a valid ID and the necessary fees. Identification requirements include one primary ID like a driver's license or ID card; or two secondary IDs, such as a utility bill or health insurance card.
Where and How to Get Public Trempealeau County Marriage Records
Marriage records are official documents that certify that a couple has been married. Trempealeau County marriage records are available at the Wisconsin Vital Records Office and the Trempealeau County Register of Deeds Office at $20 for the first copy and $3.00 for each additional copy. In addition, interested applicants can request marriage certificates online, by mail, in-person, or call (877) 885-2981 to place an order by phone. Individuals requesting marriage certificates through mail or in-person must submit a completed Wisconsin Marriage Certificate Application form to the Wisconsin Vital Records Office.
Record seekers requesting certified copies of marriage certificates must submit proof of identification showing their names and addresses. In-person applicants must submit original IDs, while mail applicants can submit photocopied IDs. It is important to note that expired ID cards or documents will not be accepted.
Where and How to Get Confidential Marriage Records in Trempealeau County
All marriage records in Trempealeau County are considered public and can be made easily accessible by anyone.
Where and How to Find Trempealeau County Birth Records
Trempealeau County birth records are official reports of births that contain birth information like the child's name, sex, date of birth, place of birth, and parents' names. Wisconsin law restricts access to immediate family members, the legal custodian or guardian of the person named on the birth certificate, and an authorized representative. Trempealeau County birth records are available at the Trempealeau County Register of Deeds Office or Wisconsin Vital Records Office. Birth certificates in Trempealeau cost $20, and eligible persons must submit requests online, via mail, or in-person with the necessary fees and a valid ID. Identification requirements include one primary ID like a US or foreign passport or ID card; or two secondary IDs, such as a vehicle registration or traffic ticket. Applicants who request birth certificates via mail or in-person are required to fill out a Wisconsin Birth Certificate Application Form which can be submitted in-person or to the Wisconsin Vital Records Office.
Where and How to Find Trempealeau County Death Records
Trempealeau County death records contain death details like the decedent's name, gender, date of death, and age at death. Only the decedent's immediate family members or authorized personnel can access a person's death certificate in Trempealeau county. These individuals include the decedent's immediate family members (like parents, current spouse, child, and siblings), legal custodian/ guardian, and authorized representative. Trempealeau county residents can get death records from the Register of Deeds Office or Wisconsin Vital Records Office. In addition, record seekers may request death certificates online, via phone by calling (877) 885-2981 to place an order, or by mail.
To request death records in-person applications, interested persons must schedule an appointment by calling (608) 266-1373. Applicants have to pay $20 for the 1st copy of a death certificate and $3 for each additional copy. Record seekers must provide proof of identification while applying for death certificates. Those applying in-person must submit original IDs, and those applying via mail would have to submit a photocopy of their IDs. It is important to note that expired cards or documents will not be accepted. In addition, eligible persons can submit a completed Death Certificate Application Form, acceptable identification, fees, and any additional requirements by mail or in-person.
