Brown Public Records /Brown County Criminal Records

Brown County Criminal Records

What Is Brown County Criminal Records

Brown County criminal records are official documents maintained by various county agencies that detail an individual's criminal history within Brown County, Wisconsin. These records document interactions with the criminal justice system, including arrests, charges, court proceedings, and case dispositions. The Brown County Sheriff's Office and the Brown County Clerk of Circuit Court are the primary custodians of these records.

Criminal records in Brown County serve multiple purposes:

They provide law enforcement agencies with historical information about individuals' past criminal activities
They assist the judicial system in making informed decisions regarding bail, sentencing, and probation
They enable background checks for employment, housing, and licensing purposes
They support public safety by allowing community members to access information about criminal activities

The Brown County Sheriff's Office maintains records related to arrests, bookings, and incarcerations at the county jail, while the Brown County Clerk of Circuit Court preserves records of criminal court proceedings, including charges, hearings, and case outcomes.

Brown County Sheriff's Office
2684 Development Drive
Green Bay, WI 54311
(920) 448-4200
Brown County Sheriff's Office

Brown County Clerk of Circuit Court
100 S. Jefferson Street
Green Bay, WI 54301
(920) 448-4160
Brown County Clerk of Circuit Court

Are Criminal Records Public In Brown County

Criminal records in Brown County are generally considered public information pursuant to Wisconsin's Open Records Law (Wis. Stat. §§ 19.31-19.39). This statute establishes the presumption that government records, including criminal records, should be accessible to the public unless specifically exempted by law.

The Wisconsin Open Records Law states that "all persons are entitled to the greatest possible information regarding the affairs of government and the official acts of those officers and employees who represent them." Under this principle, most criminal records maintained by Brown County agencies are available for public inspection and copying.

However, certain limitations and exceptions apply:

Records related to ongoing investigations may be temporarily withheld
Information about juvenile offenders (under 17 years of age) is generally confidential under Wis. Stat. § 938.396
Records that have been expunged or sealed by court order are not publicly accessible
Certain sensitive personal information may be redacted to protect privacy
Records related to victims of certain crimes may have restricted access

Members of the public seeking criminal records in Brown County may submit requests to the appropriate agency, such as the Sheriff's Office or Clerk of Circuit Court. Agencies are required to respond to requests "as soon as practicable and without delay" in accordance with Wis. Stat. § 19.35(4).

The Wisconsin Court System provides online access to many court records through its Circuit Court Access Program (CCAP), which includes Brown County criminal cases. However, certain case types and information may be restricted from public view in accordance with state statutes and court rules.

How To Look Up Criminal Records In Brown County in 2025

Brown County residents and other interested parties may access criminal records through several official channels in 2025. The county has implemented multiple methods to facilitate public access to these records while maintaining compliance with Wisconsin state laws regarding record disclosure.

To look up criminal records in Brown County, individuals may utilize the following methods:

Online Court Records: The Wisconsin Circuit Court Access (WCCA) website, commonly known as CCAP, provides public access to court records from all 72 Wisconsin counties, including Brown County. Users can search by name to find criminal cases, charges, hearing dates, and case outcomes. This resource is available through the Wisconsin Court System's case search portal.
In-Person Requests: Individuals may visit the Brown County Clerk of Circuit Court office to request criminal court records. Staff can assist with locating specific cases and providing copies of documents for a nominal fee.
Jail Inmate Lookup: For information about current inmates in the Brown County Jail, the Sheriff's Office maintains an online inmate lookup tool that provides booking information and charges.
Written Requests: Written requests for criminal records may be submitted to the appropriate agency. Requests should include the subject's full name, date of birth (if known), and the specific information being sought.

Brown County Clerk of Circuit Court
100 S. Jefferson Street
Green Bay, WI 54301
(920) 448-4160
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Brown County Circuit Court Records

Brown County Sheriff's Office Records Division
2684 Development Drive
Green Bay, WI 54311
(920) 448-4200
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Brown County Sheriff's Office

Pursuant to Wisconsin Statute § 19.35, agencies may charge reasonable fees for locating and copying records. Current fees include $1.25 per page for photocopies and additional charges for certified copies or extensive record searches.

How To Find Criminal Records in Brown County Online?

Brown County provides several digital resources for accessing criminal records online. These electronic systems have been developed to enhance public access while maintaining appropriate security measures for sensitive information.

The primary online resources for accessing Brown County criminal records include:

Wisconsin Circuit Court Access (WCCA): This statewide database, accessible at Wisconsin Court System's case search portal, allows users to search for criminal cases by name. The system provides case numbers, filing dates, charges, court dates, and disposition information for cases in Brown County Circuit Court. Users should note that while this system is comprehensive, it does not include municipal court cases or expunged records.
Brown County Jail Inmate Lookup Tool: The Sheriff's Office maintains an online inmate database that allows searches by name, booking number, or other identifiers. This tool provides information about individuals currently in custody, including charges and booking dates. Users may also search for released inmates by selecting the appropriate option.
Green Bay Municipal Court Records: For violations of city ordinances in Green Bay, the Municipal Court website provides access to citation and case information. These records include minor criminal matters such as disorderly conduct, retail theft, and municipal violations.
Federal Court Records: For federal criminal cases in Brown County, the Public Access to Court Electronic Records (PACER) system provides case information from the Eastern District of Wisconsin. Registration and fees apply for detailed document access.

When using these online systems, users should be aware of the following considerations:

Information accuracy is subject to data entry and updating procedures
Some case details may be restricted from public view pursuant to Wisconsin statutes
Historical records may have limited availability in electronic format
Name-based searches may return multiple results for common names
Proper identification of individuals requires verification of additional identifiers

For optimal search results, users should provide as much identifying information as possible, including full name, date of birth, and case numbers if available.

Can You Search Brown County Criminal Records for Free?

Brown County residents and members of the public may access certain criminal records at no cost, while other record requests may incur fees as authorized by Wisconsin Statute § 19.35(3). The availability of free access varies by record type and access method.

Free access options for Brown County criminal records include:

Wisconsin Circuit Court Access (WCCA): This online database, commonly known as CCAP, provides free public access to court records, including criminal cases in Brown County. Users can search by name to view case information, charges, and court dates at no cost through the Wisconsin Court System.
Brown County Jail Inmate Lookup: The Sheriff's Office provides free online access to current inmate information through its inmate lookup tool. This service allows users to search for individuals currently in custody or recently released.
In-Person Record Inspection: Pursuant to Wisconsin's Open Records Law, individuals may inspect public records during normal business hours at no charge. This includes viewing criminal case files at the Brown County Clerk of Circuit Court office or reviewing arrest records at the Sheriff's Office.

Services that may incur fees include:

Photocopies of court documents ($1.25 per page as of 2025)
Certified copies of court records ($5.00 per document)
Background check reports from the Sheriff's Office ($10.00 per name search)
Extensive record searches requiring staff research time ($25.00 per hour after the first hour)

Brown County Clerk of Circuit Court
100 S. Jefferson Street
Green Bay, WI 54301
(920) 448-4160
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM

Brown County Sheriff's Office
2684 Development Drive
Green Bay, WI 54311
(920) 448-4200
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM

Fee waivers may be available in certain circumstances, such as for indigent individuals or when the request is determined to be primarily in the public interest. Requests for fee waivers must be submitted in writing to the records custodian of the appropriate agency.

What's Included in a Brown County Criminal Record?

Brown County criminal records contain comprehensive documentation of an individual's interactions with the county's criminal justice system. These records are maintained in accordance with Wisconsin Statutes Chapter 59.40, which outlines the record-keeping responsibilities of county officials.

A typical Brown County criminal record may include the following components:

Identifying Information: Full name, date of birth, address, physical description, and sometimes a photograph or fingerprints of the individual
Arrest Data: Details of any arrests, including date, location, arresting agency, and charges at the time of arrest
Booking Information: Processing details if the individual was taken into custody, including booking number and date
Charging Documents: Criminal complaints, information, or indictments filed by the District Attorney's Office
Court Proceedings: Records of arraignments, preliminary hearings, motion hearings, and trial information
Case Disposition: The final outcome of each case, including dismissals, acquittals, or convictions
Sentencing Information: Details of any sentences imposed, including incarceration, probation, fines, or community service
Post-Conviction Actions: Information about appeals, probation violations, or early release decisions

The level of detail in criminal records may vary based on the nature of the offense and the stage of the criminal justice process. Felony cases typically generate more extensive documentation than misdemeanors or ordinance violations.

Certain information may be redacted or restricted from public access, including:

Social Security numbers and financial account information
Information about confidential informants
Victim information in sensitive cases
Medical or mental health evaluations
Information sealed by court order

Criminal records in Brown County are maintained by multiple agencies, with the Clerk of Circuit Court preserving court records and the Sheriff's Office maintaining arrest and jail records. These records are subject to retention schedules established by the Wisconsin Public Records Board.

What Are the Penalties for a Brown County Criminal Trespass Charge?

Criminal trespass in Brown County is prosecuted under Wisconsin Statute § 943.14, which prohibits entering or remaining on property without the consent of the owner or authorized person. The penalties for criminal trespass vary based on the specific circumstances of the offense and the defendant's prior record.

Wisconsin law establishes several categories of criminal trespass with corresponding penalties:

Criminal Trespass to Dwelling (Wis. Stat. § 943.14): Entering or remaining in someone's home without permission is a Class A misdemeanor, punishable by:
- Up to 9 months in jail
- Fines up to $10,000
- Probation for up to 2 years
Criminal Trespass to Land (Wis. Stat. § 943.13): Entering or remaining on land without permission is a Class B forfeiture, subject to:
- Forfeiture (civil penalty) up to $1,000
- No jail time unless the violation is repeated
Criminal Trespass to Medical Facility (Wis. Stat. § 943.145): Intentionally entering a medical facility without authorization is a Class B misdemeanor, punishable by:
- Up to 90 days in jail
- Fines up to $1,000
Criminal Trespass to Energy Provider Property (Wis. Stat. § 943.143): Trespassing on property owned or leased by an energy provider is a Class H felony, subject to:
- Up to 6 years in prison
- Fines up to $10,000

Additional factors that may affect penalties include:

Prior criminal history, especially previous trespass convictions
Whether the trespass involved damage to property
If the defendant possessed a dangerous weapon during the trespass
Whether the trespass was committed in conjunction with other crimes

The Brown County District Attorney's Office has discretion in charging decisions and may offer diversion programs or deferred prosecution agreements for first-time offenders or less serious violations. These alternatives may allow defendants to avoid criminal convictions by completing community service, restitution, or educational programs.

Brown County District Attorney's Office
300 E. Walnut Street
Green Bay, WI 54301
(920) 448-4190
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM

How Long Does Brown County Keep Criminal Records?

Brown County maintains criminal records in accordance with Wisconsin's Public Records Law and retention schedules established by the Wisconsin Public Records Board. The duration of record retention varies based on the type of record, the severity of the offense, and the outcome of the case.

The standard retention periods for criminal records in Brown County include:

Felony Case Files: Felony records are typically retained permanently, particularly for serious offenses such as homicide, sexual assault, and armed robbery. These records remain accessible through the Wisconsin Circuit Court Access system indefinitely.
Misdemeanor Case Files: Records for misdemeanor convictions are generally retained for 20 years after the case is closed. This includes court documents, charging information, and disposition records.
Criminal Traffic Cases: Records related to criminal traffic offenses, such as Operating While Intoxicated (OWI), are maintained for 20 years from the date of disposition.
Dismissed Cases: Records of cases that were dismissed or resulted in acquittal may be retained for 10 years, though the public accessibility of these records may be limited.
Arrest Records Without Charges: When an arrest occurs but no formal charges are filed, the Sheriff's Office typically retains these records for 7 years.
Expunged Records: Pursuant to Wisconsin Statute § 973.015, certain records may be expunged by court order, typically for first-time, non-violent offenders who were under 25 at the time of the offense. Expunged records are removed from public access but may be retained for limited law enforcement purposes.

It is important to note that while physical records may be destroyed after their retention period expires, electronic records in databases like the Wisconsin Circuit Court Access system may remain accessible for longer periods. Additionally, records that have been published or distributed may continue to exist in various formats even after official records are destroyed or expunged.

Individuals seeking information about specific record retention policies may contact:

Brown County Clerk of Circuit Court
100 S. Jefferson Street
Green Bay, WI 54301
(920) 448-4160
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM

Brown County Sheriff's Office Records Division
2684 Development Drive
Green Bay, WI 54311
(920) 448-4200
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM

Lookup Criminal Records in Brown County

Brown County Government website

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Brown County Jail Inmate Lookup Tool

Brown County Sheriff's Office

Brown County Circuit Court Records

Green Bay Municipal Court Records

Eastern District of Wisconsin Federal Court

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