Clark County Arrest Records
How To Look Up Arrest Records in Clark County in 2026
ClarkWIRecords.us provides data and publicly available information related to arrest records in Clark County, Wisconsin. Members of the public may find booking records, charge information, custody status, court case numbers, and related criminal justice data through this resource. Available record categories may include arrest logs, jail rosters, court case filings, mugshots, bond information, and disposition records. Access and completeness of records vary by source and the nature of the underlying case.
Records may be searched through official county and state resources, including the Clark County Sheriff's Office, the Clerk of Courts, public access terminals at the courthouse, and online government databases. The following methods are currently available to members of the public seeking arrest record information.
Online Methods:
1. County Sheriff's Office Arrest Records
The Clark County Sheriff's Office maintains booking records and jail roster information for individuals processed through the county jail. Members of the public may access current inmate information and recent arrest data through the Sheriff's Office records division. The Records & Services page provides a records request form, along with contact information for submitting requests by email, fax, or mail. The jail roster is updated on a regular basis and reflects current custody status. Available information includes the arrestee's name, booking date, charges, and bond status. Requests for copies of specific arrest records may be submitted online or in person.
2. Local Police Departments
Clark County is served primarily by the Clark County Sheriff's Office for unincorporated areas, with municipal law enforcement agencies operating within individual cities and villages. The City of Neillsville Police Department serves the county seat. Press releases and public arrest logs, where issued, are available through individual department websites or upon written request. Members of the public seeking arrest information from a specific municipal jurisdiction should contact the relevant department directly to confirm availability and request procedures.
3. County Clerk of Court Case Search
The Clark County Clerk of Courts maintains criminal case files for all matters processed through the Clark County Circuit Court. Members of the public may search for court cases associated with an arrest by name through the Wisconsin Court System case search portal, which provides public access to circuit court, Court of Appeals, and Supreme Court records statewide. Searching by the arrestee's name will return associated case numbers, charge descriptions, hearing dates, and case dispositions.
4. State Law Enforcement Database
The Wisconsin Department of Justice maintains the Wisconsin Criminal History Repository, which contains statewide arrest and conviction records. Members of the public may request a criminal history record check through the Wisconsin DOJ's online portal. A fee applies to public record history requests. The repository includes arrests from all Wisconsin law enforcement jurisdictions and reflects dispositions where reported. Employers and licensing agencies conducting background checks may access this database subject to applicable state and federal law.
In-Person Access:
Sheriff's Office:
Clark County Sheriff's Office
517 Court Street
Neillsville, WI 54456
Phone: (715) 743-3157
Records & Services
Members of the public visiting the records division in person should bring a valid government-issued photo identification and, where possible, specific information about the arrest including the subject's full name, date of birth, and approximate arrest date. Standard copy fees apply per page for printed records.
Police Departments:
Neillsville Police Department
106 W. Division Street
Neillsville, WI 54456
Phone: (715) 743-2157
Records request procedures at municipal departments follow the same framework as the Sheriff's Office under Wisconsin's open records law. Requestors should submit written requests identifying the specific records sought and include contact information for response.
Clerk of Court:
Clark County Clerk of Courts
517 Court Street, Room 303
Neillsville, WI 54456
Phone: (715) 743-2208
Clerk of Courts
The Clerk of Courts office is open Monday through Friday during regular business hours. Members of the public may inspect criminal case files at the courthouse and request certified or uncertified copies. Copy fees are assessed per page in accordance with state fee schedules.
By Mail:
Written records requests may be submitted to the Clark County Sheriff's Office Records Division at the following address:
Clark County Sheriff's Office – Records Division
517 Court Street
Neillsville, WI 54456
Email: records@co.clark.wi.us
Fax: (715) 743-4350
Written requests should include the arrestee's full legal name, date of birth, approximate date of arrest, booking number if known, and the requestor's contact information. Payment for copy fees should be included with the request. Processing time varies based on request volume and record availability.
By Phone:
The Sheriff's Office Records Division may be reached at (715) 743-3157. Staff can provide general guidance on record availability and direct requestors to the appropriate resource. Detailed record information is not released by phone; requestors are referred to the online system or an in-person visit for specific record content.
Through Legal Channels:
Attorneys may submit formal records requests on behalf of clients. Records subject to discovery in pending criminal proceedings are governed by Wisconsin's criminal procedure statutes. Subpoenas may be used to compel production of records not otherwise available through standard public access channels.
Information Needed for Search:
- Full legal name (first and last at minimum)
- Date of birth or approximate age
- Approximate date of arrest
- Booking number (if known)
- Location of arrest and arresting jurisdiction
Are Arrest Records Public in Clark County
Arrest records in Clark County are public records subject to disclosure under Wisconsin Statute § 19.35, which establishes the right of any person to inspect and copy public records maintained by government agencies. The Wisconsin Public Records Law reflects the state's commitment to government transparency and accountability, recognizing that public access to law enforcement records serves the interests of public safety, community awareness, journalism, research, background screening, and legal proceedings.
What Arrest Information Is Public:
- Arrestee name and aliases
- Date and time of arrest
- Location of arrest
- Arresting agency
- Charges filed at time of arrest
- Booking number
- Mugshot/booking photograph
- Bond and bail information
- Current custody status
- Basic demographic information including age and physical description
Limitations on Public Access:
- Juvenile arrest records (restricted or sealed under Wisconsin law)
- Expunged arrest records (removed from public access by court order)
- Sealed records (subject to court-ordered confidentiality)
- Active investigation information that would compromise an ongoing inquiry
- Undercover officer identities
- Confidential informant information
- Victim identifying information in certain case types
- Participants in witness protection programs
Constitutional and Legal Basis:
The Wisconsin Constitution and the Public Records Law together establish the framework for public access to government records. Courts have consistently held that the presumption favors disclosure, with the burden on the custodian to demonstrate that a specific exemption applies. The First Amendment and press access principles further support the public's right to information about law enforcement activity. Due process considerations require that arrest records accurately reflect the outcome of proceedings, including dismissals and acquittals.
Who Can Access Arrest Records:
- General public
- Media organizations
- Employers, subject to restrictions under the federal Fair Credit Reporting Act
- Landlords, subject to applicable restrictions
- Licensing agencies
- Background check companies
- Attorneys and legal professionals
- Academic researchers
Restrictions on Use:
The federal Fair Credit Reporting Act (15 U.S.C. § 1681) governs the use of arrest records in employment and housing decisions made through consumer reporting agencies. Employers and landlords using third-party background check services must comply with FCRA notice and adverse action requirements. Wisconsin law further addresses the distinction between arrests and convictions in employment contexts. An arrest without a resulting conviction does not constitute proof of criminal conduct.
What's in Clark County Arrest Records
Personal Identification Information:
- Full legal name and any aliases or "also known as" names
- Date of birth and age at time of arrest
- Sex and gender
- Race and ethnicity
- Height and weight
- Eye color and hair color
- Identifying marks such as scars and tattoos
- Address at time of arrest (may be limited in disclosure)
Arrest Details:
- Arrest date and time
- Location of arrest
- Arresting agency (Sheriff's Office, municipal police, state agency)
- Booking date and time
- Booking number or arrest number
- Warrant information where applicable
Charges Information:
- Specific criminal charges
- Wisconsin statute numbers violated
- Charge descriptions and classifications (felony degree or misdemeanor class)
- Number of counts per charge
- Domestic violence designation where applicable
Booking Information:
- Booking facility name and location, currently the Clark County Jail
- Intake timestamp
- Booking photograph (mugshot)
- Fingerprints (collected but not typically included in public record copies)
- Personal property inventory
Custody and Bond Information:
- Current custody status (in custody, released, or bonded out)
- Bond amount set by the court
- Bond type, including cash bond, surety bond, personal recognizance, or no bond
- Release date and time where applicable
- Release conditions where public
Court Information:
- Court case number assigned
- Court jurisdiction
- Scheduled arraignment date
- Judge assignment where available
What's Typically NOT in Public Arrest Records:
- Detailed narrative of the arrest from the police report
- Witness statements
- Victim identifying information
- Evidence collected during investigation
- Investigative techniques
- Medical or mental health information
- Social Security number (redacted)
- Financial account information
Difference Between Arrest Records and Related Documents:
- Police reports: Contain detailed incident narratives not always available in the arrest record itself
- Court records: Document legal proceedings initiated after arrest
- Criminal records: Reflect convictions and sentences imposed
- Background checks: Compile information from multiple sources including court, law enforcement, and state repositories
How Much Does It Cost to Get Arrest Records in Clark County?
The Clark County Sheriff's Office and Clerk of Courts assess fees for copies of public records in accordance with Wisconsin Statute § 19.35(3), which permits custodians to charge for the actual, necessary, and direct cost of reproduction. Current standard fees are as follows:
| Record Type | Fee |
|---|---|
| Paper copies (black and white) | $0.25 per page |
| Certified copies (Clerk of Courts) | $1.25 per page plus $5.00 certification fee |
| Electronic records (where available) | Varies; may be provided at no charge |
| Search fee | Not assessed for standard requests |
Members of the public may inspect records in person at no charge. Fees apply only when copies are requested. Payment is accepted by cash, check, or money order made payable to Clark County. The Clerk of Courts may assess additional fees for certified copies of court documents. Fee waivers are not broadly available under Wisconsin law, though custodians retain discretion in individual circumstances.
How To Delete Arrest Records in Clark County
Wisconsin law provides two primary mechanisms for limiting public access to arrest records: expungement and sealing. Expungement under Wisconsin Statute § 973.015 allows a court to expunge a record of conviction upon successful completion of a sentence, subject to eligibility requirements based on the nature of the offense and the age of the defendant at the time of the offense. Sealing refers to court-ordered restriction of access to specific records without physical destruction.
Expungement in Wisconsin is available in limited circumstances. Eligibility requires that the defendant was under age 25 at the time of the offense, that the offense carries a maximum sentence of six years or less, that the court determined at sentencing that expungement would benefit the defendant and society, and that the defendant has successfully completed the sentence. Not all offenses qualify, and expungement does not apply to certain serious or violent crimes.
The process for seeking expungement involves filing a petition with the Clark County Circuit Court after completing all sentence requirements. The court reviews the petition and may schedule a hearing. If granted, the Clerk of Courts updates the case record and notifies relevant agencies. The Wisconsin Department of Justice updates the state criminal history repository accordingly.
Members of the public seeking expungement should file with:
Clark County Clerk of Courts
517 Court Street, Room 303
Neillsville, WI 54456
Phone: (715) 743-2208
Clerk of Courts
Individuals who were arrested but not charged, or whose charges were dismissed, may petition the court for expungement of the arrest record. Arrest records that did not result in conviction are not automatically removed from public databases and may remain accessible unless a court order directs their removal. Third-party commercial databases are not bound by expungement orders and may retain records independently of law enforcement systems.
What Happens After Arrest in Clark County?
Immediate Post-Arrest Process:
1. Transport to Jail
Following arrest, the individual is transported to the Clark County Jail, located at 517 Court Street, Neillsville, WI 54456. Transport time varies based on the location of the arrest within the county. The arrested person remains in custody during transport.
2. Booking Process
Upon arrival at the Clark County Jail, the booking process is initiated. This process typically takes one to four hours depending on facility volume. Steps include:
- Recording of personal identification information
- Advisement of Miranda rights
- Booking photograph (mugshot)
- Fingerprint collection
- Criminal history and outstanding warrant check
- Personal property inventory and storage
- Medical and mental health screening
- Housing classification
3. First Appearance/Initial Hearing
Under Wisconsin law, a person in custody must be brought before a judge or court commissioner within 48 hours of arrest for an initial appearance. At this hearing:
- The defendant is formally notified of the charges
- The right to counsel is addressed, including appointment of a public defender for those who qualify
- Bond and bail conditions are determined
- The defendant is advised of rights
Hearings may be conducted via video conference. Court schedules are available through the Wisconsin Court System case search.
Bond/Bail Process:
Cash Bond: The full bond amount must be paid in cash. The amount is refunded upon conclusion of the case, minus applicable fees, provided the defendant appears at all required court dates.
Surety Bond: The defendant may engage a licensed bail bondsman, who posts the full bond amount in exchange for a non-refundable premium, typically ten percent of the bond amount.
Personal Recognizance (PR Bond): The defendant is released on a written promise to appear, without monetary payment, based on community ties, employment, criminal history, and the nature of the charges.
No Bond: The defendant is held without bond in cases involving serious violent offenses, demonstrated flight risk, danger to the community, probation or parole violations, immigration holds, or out-of-state warrants.
Conditions of Release may include check-in requirements, travel restrictions, no-contact orders, drug and alcohol testing, GPS monitoring, and pretrial supervision.
4. Release or Continued Detention
If bond is posted, processing for release typically takes one to eight hours. The defendant receives a court date, written conditions of release, and a return of personal property. Failure to appear results in bond forfeiture and issuance of an arrest warrant. If bond is not posted, the defendant remains in custody at the Clark County Jail pending further proceedings.
Accessing Legal Representation:
Public Defender:
Individuals who cannot afford private counsel may apply for representation through the Wisconsin State Public Defender's Office. Eligibility is based on income. The local office serving Clark County is:
Wisconsin State Public Defender – Wausau Trial Office
400 Third Street, Suite 400
Wausau, WI 54403
Phone: (715) 845-5346
Private Attorney:
Defendants have the right to retain private counsel at any stage of proceedings. The State Bar of Wisconsin provides a lawyer referral service for individuals seeking private representation. Attorney visits at the Clark County Jail are conducted confidentially.
Charging Decision:
The Clark County District Attorney's Office reviews the arrest and determines whether to file formal charges, request additional investigation, decline prosecution, or file different charges. This review occurs within days to weeks of arrest. For felony offenses, the prosecutor may present the matter to a grand jury to determine whether probable cause supports an indictment.
Arraignment:
At arraignment, the defendant is formally advised of the charges and enters a plea of not guilty, guilty, or no contest. Most defendants enter a not guilty plea at arraignment, preserving the right to negotiate or proceed to trial. Court dates for subsequent proceedings are set at this hearing.
Court Process Overview:
The pretrial phase includes discovery, pretrial motions, pretrial conferences, and plea negotiations. Case resolution options include dismissal, diversion programs such as drug court or mental health court, plea agreements, or trial. If convicted, sentencing options include incarceration, probation, fines, restitution, community service, and treatment programs. The defendant receives credit for time served in pretrial detention.
Timeline Overview:
- Arrest to first appearance: Within 48 hours
- First appearance to arraignment: Days to weeks
- Arraignment to trial or resolution: Months, varying by case complexity
- Misdemeanors: Resolved within weeks to several months
- Felonies: May extend to a year or more
- Right to speedy trial: Guaranteed under the Wisconsin Constitution and applicable statutes
Important Contacts:
Clark County Sheriff's Office (Jail)
517 Court Street
Neillsville, WI 54456
Phone: (715) 743-3157
Clark County Sheriff
Clark County Clerk of Courts
517 Court Street, Room 303
Neillsville, WI 54456
Phone: (715) 743-2208
Clerk of Courts
Clark County District Attorney's Office
517 Court Street
Neillsville, WI 54456
Phone: (715) 743-5148
Wisconsin State Public Defender – Wausau Trial Office
400 Third Street, Suite 400
Wausau, WI 54403
Phone: (715) 845-5346
What to Do If You're Arrested:
- Remain calm and cooperative with law enforcement
- Do not physically resist arrest
- Exercise the right to remain silent by politely declining to answer questions
- Request an attorney immediately and do not waive this right
- Do not discuss the case with anyone other than your attorney
- Contact family or friends to assist with bail if applicable
- Attend all scheduled court dates without exception
- Comply with all conditions of bond or release
How Long Are Arrest Records Kept in Clark County?
Records Retention Overview:
Retention of arrest records in Clark County is governed by Wisconsin law and applicable local records retention schedules. The Wisconsin Public Records Board establishes retention requirements for law enforcement and court records statewide. Records are maintained by the Sheriff's Office, the Clerk of Courts, the Wisconsin Department of Justice, and federal databases, each subject to distinct retention policies.
Arrest Records Retention by Type:
Felony Convictions: Records are retained permanently by the Sheriff's Office, the Clerk of Courts, the Wisconsin DOJ criminal history repository, and the FBI's National Crime Information Center. Felony conviction records are part of the permanent criminal history and appear on background checks indefinitely.
Misdemeanor Convictions: Court records are retained permanently in electronic form. Local law enforcement records are retained in accordance with the applicable Wisconsin records retention schedule, which provides for long-term or permanent retention of conviction records.
Dismissed Charges: Records may remain in local law enforcement and court databases unless expunged by court order. Dismissed charges are not convictions and may not be reported as such on background checks, though the underlying arrest record may remain accessible.
Acquittals: Court records reflecting a not guilty verdict are retained permanently in the court system. Local law enforcement records are retained per the applicable schedule. Acquittal records may be eligible for expungement under Wisconsin law.
Charges Not Filed: Booking records for arrests that did not result in charges are retained for a period determined by the applicable retention schedule. These records may be eligible for expungement and, in some cases, may be purged administratively after the retention period expires.
Digital vs. Physical Records:
Electronic records management systems maintained by the Sheriff's Office and Clerk of Courts are subject to the same retention schedules as physical records. Digital records are often retained permanently once entered into court case management systems. Physical booking paperwork, fingerprint cards, and photographs are retained for the periods specified in the Wisconsin Public Records Board schedules.
Third-Party Databases:
Commercial background check companies and mugshot aggregation websites may retain arrest records indefinitely and are not subject to Wisconsin expungement orders. The federal Fair Credit Reporting Act requires that consumer reporting agencies maintain accurate records, but does not compel removal of records that remain technically accurate. Individuals who obtain expungement orders should be aware that third-party databases may not update their records automatically.
Retention by Agency:
Clark County Sheriff's Office
517 Court Street
Neillsville, WI 54456
Phone: (715) 743-3157
Records & Services
Booking records and arrest reports are retained in accordance with the Wisconsin Public Records Board law enforcement retention schedule. Investigative files are retained based on case outcome and offense classification.
Clark County Clerk of Courts
517 Court Street, Room 303
Neillsville, WI 54456
Phone: (715) 743-2208
Felony case files are retained permanently. Misdemeanor and traffic case files are retained per the applicable court records retention schedule. Electronic records are retained permanently in the court case management system.
Wisconsin Department of Justice – Criminal History Repository:
The Wisconsin DOJ maintains statewide arrest and conviction records for all jurisdictions. Retention is permanent for conviction records. Arrest records without convictions are retained subject to applicable state policy and may be updated or restricted following expungement.
FBI Database:
The National Crime Information Center (NCIC) and the Interstate Identification Index (III) maintain federal records of arrests reported by Wisconsin law enforcement. Federal retention is permanent. These databases are accessible to law enforcement agencies nationwide and are used in employment background checks for positions requiring federal clearance and in firearms purchase background checks.
Effect of Disposition on Retention:
A conviction results in permanent retention across all databases. A dismissal may leave the arrest record in place unless expungement is obtained. An expungement order directs local agencies and the state repository to update or seal the record, but does not compel removal from federal databases or third-party commercial sources. Records for which no charges were filed have the shortest standard retention period and may be eligible for the most expedited removal process.
Impact on Background Checks:
Standard employment background checks conducted through consumer reporting agencies are subject to the FCRA's seven-year reporting limitation for non-conviction records in most circumstances. Convictions may be reported indefinitely. Wisconsin law addresses the use of arrest records in employment decisions, and employers are advised to distinguish between arrests and convictions when making adverse employment decisions.
How to Check Retention Status:
Members of the public may contact the Clark County Sheriff's Office Records Division at (715) 743-3157 to inquire about the retention status of a specific arrest record. A written public records request may be required to obtain specific information about record retention or to confirm whether a record has been purged or remains on file.