Pierce County Public Records / Pierce County Arrest Records

Pierce County Arrest Records

How To Look Up Arrest Records in Pierce County in 2026

PierceRecords.org provides access to publicly available information related to arrest records in Pierce County, Wisconsin. Members of the public may find booking records, charge information, custody status, court case data, and criminal history summaries through this resource. Record categories available through official and third-party channels include arrest logs, booking photographs, bond information, and associated court filings. The completeness and currency of any record depends on the originating agency and applicable disclosure rules.

Records may be searched through official resources including the county sheriff's office, the clerk of circuit court, public access terminals at the courthouse, and state-level online tools.

Online Methods:

1. County Sheriff's Office Arrest Records

The Pierce County Sheriff's Office maintains booking records and jail roster information for individuals processed at the county detention facility. Members of the public may submit a Public Records Request through the county's official portal to obtain incident reports, arrest logs, and related law enforcement records. The available information includes arrestee name, booking number, charges, arresting agency, and custody status. The jail roster is updated on a rolling basis as bookings and releases occur.

2. Local Police Departments

Several municipalities within Pierce County maintain their own police departments with independent records divisions. The City of Ellsworth Police Department and other local agencies publish arrest-related press releases and maintain records accessible through written public records requests. Each department processes requests independently, and fees and processing times may vary by agency.

3. County Clerk of Court Case Search

Court cases arising from arrests in Pierce County are searchable through the Wisconsin Court System case search portal. Members of the public may search by the arrestee's name to locate associated criminal case filings, charge information, hearing dates, and case dispositions. This system covers circuit court proceedings and provides real-time case status updates.

4. State Law Enforcement Database

The Wisconsin Department of Justice maintains a statewide criminal history repository accessible through the Wisconsin Online Record Check System (WORCS). This system provides public access to criminal history record information, including arrests and convictions recorded across all Wisconsin jurisdictions. A fee applies for searches conducted through WORCS; the current standard fee is $7.00 per name-based search for public requesters.

In-Person Access:

Sheriff's Office:

Pierce County Sheriff's Office
414 W Main Street
Ellsworth, WI 54011
Phone: (715) 273-3531
Pierce County Sheriff's Office

Records division is located at the main office address above
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
Requesters should bring a valid government-issued photo ID
Specific information such as the arrestee's full name, date of birth, and approximate arrest date will expedite processing
Copy fees apply per page; see fee schedule below

Police Departments:

Ellsworth Police Department
232 W Main Street
Ellsworth, WI 54011
Phone: (715) 273-3911

Records requests are accepted in person during business hours
Written requests may also be submitted by mail or in person
Fees for copies are assessed per the department's current schedule

Clerk of Court:

Pierce County Clerk of Circuit Court
414 W Main Street, Room 10
Ellsworth, WI 54011
Phone: (715) 273-3531
Pierce County Clerk of Court

Criminal records division handles case file inspection and copy requests
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
Members of the public may inspect open case files at the clerk's office
Copy fees: $1.25 per page for standard copies; certification fees apply for certified documents

By Mail:

Written requests for arrest records may be directed to the Pierce County Sheriff's Office at 414 W Main Street, Ellsworth, WI 54011. Requests should include:

Full legal name of the subject
Date of arrest, if known
Booking number, if known
Requester's full name, mailing address, and contact information
Payment for applicable copy fees (check or money order payable to Pierce County)

Processing time for mailed requests is typically 10 business days, though complex requests may require additional time under Wisconsin's public records law.

By Phone:

Pierce County Sheriff's Office: (715) 273-3531
Basic custody status information may be available by phone
Callers should have the subject's full name, date of birth, and approximate arrest date available
Detailed record copies require a written request; phone inquiries are limited to general status information

Through Legal Channels:

Attorneys of record may request records through formal discovery processes. Subpoenas directed to the custodial agency compel production of records not otherwise available through routine public access. In active criminal proceedings, defense counsel may obtain arrest records, police reports, and related materials through the discovery process governed by Wisconsin court rules.

Information Needed for Search:

Full legal name (first and last name at minimum)
Date of birth or approximate age
Approximate date of arrest
Booking number, if known
Jurisdiction of arrest (which city or county agency made the arrest)

Are Arrest Records Public in Pierce County

Arrest records in Pierce 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. Law enforcement agencies are required to make arrest records available to the public unless a specific statutory exemption applies. The public access policy reflects the state's commitment to government transparency, public safety awareness, and accountability in the criminal justice system.

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 are restricted under Wisconsin law and are not subject to routine public disclosure
Expunged arrest records are removed from public access following a court order
Sealed records are withheld pursuant to court-ordered confidentiality
Information related to active investigations may be withheld to protect the integrity of the investigation
Undercover officer identities are exempt from disclosure
Confidential informant information is protected
Victim identifying information may be withheld in cases involving certain offenses
Witness protection participants are not identified in public records

Constitutional and Legal Basis:

Wisconsin's public records law reflects the principle, recognized in the state constitution and affirmed by the Wisconsin Supreme Court, that government records belong to the public. The balance between transparency and individual privacy is addressed through the statutory exemptions codified in § 19.36, which identifies categories of records that agencies may withhold. First Amendment protections support press access to arrest information as a matter of public interest, while due process considerations require that arrest records accurately reflect the outcome of criminal proceedings.

Who Can Access Arrest Records:

General public
Media organizations
Employers, subject to restrictions under the federal Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA)
Landlords, subject to applicable restrictions
Licensing agencies
Background check companies operating under FCRA compliance requirements
Attorneys and legal professionals
Academic researchers

Restrictions on Use:

The federal Fair Credit Reporting Act governs the use of arrest records in employment and housing decisions when records are obtained through consumer reporting agencies. Wisconsin law imposes additional restrictions on the use of arrest records in employment contexts. Employers are cautioned that using arrest records without conviction as a basis for adverse employment decisions may constitute unlawful discrimination under applicable state and federal law. The distinction between an arrest and a conviction is legally significant; an arrest does not establish guilt.

What's in Pierce County Arrest Records

Personal Identification Information:

Full legal name
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, which may be limited in public disclosures

Arrest Details:

Arrest date and time
Location of arrest
Arresting agency
Arresting officer name and badge number, where disclosed
Booking date and time
Booking number or arrest number
Warrant information, if the arrest was warrant-based

Charges Information:

Specific criminal charges
Wisconsin statute numbers alleged to have been violated
Charge descriptions
Classification as felony or misdemeanor, including degree or class
Number of counts per charge
Domestic violence designation, where applicable
Gang-related designation, where applicable

Booking Information:

Booking facility name and location
Intake process timestamp
Booking photograph (mugshot)
Fingerprints are collected during booking but are not included in public record disclosures
Personal property inventory

Custody and Bond Information:

Current custody status (in custody, released, or bonded out)
Bond amount set by the court
Bond type:
- Cash bond
- Surety bond
- Personal recognizance (PR bond)
- No bond
Release date and time, if released
Release conditions, where publicly available

Court Information:

Court case number assigned following charging
Court jurisdiction
Scheduled arraignment date
Court location
Judge assignment, where available

Prior Arrest History (may be included):

Previous arrests processed through the county
Historical booking numbers
Prior charges, where included in the record

What's Typically NOT in Public Arrest Records:

Detailed narrative of the arrest from the police report
Witness statements
Victim information
Evidence collected during the investigation
Investigative techniques
Medical or mental health information
Social Security number (redacted from public disclosures)
Financial account information

Difference Between Arrest Records and Related Documents:

Police reports: Contain detailed incident narratives and investigative information not included in the arrest record
Court records: Document legal proceedings that occur after the arrest
Criminal records: Reflect convictions and sentences imposed following adjudication
Background checks: Compile information from multiple sources including arrest records, court records, and state repositories

How Much Does It Cost to Get Arrest Records in Pierce County?

The cost to obtain arrest records in Pierce County depends on the type of record requested and the agency holding the record. Under Wisconsin's public records law, agencies may charge fees that do not exceed the actual, necessary, and direct cost of reproduction.

Record Type	Fee
Standard paper copies	$0.25 per page (Pierce County standard)
Certified copies (Clerk of Court)	$1.25 per page plus $5.00 certification fee
Electronic records (where available)	No charge or nominal fee depending on agency
WORCS criminal history search (DOJ)	$7.00 per name-based search
Inspection of records (in person)	No charge for inspection only

Accepted payment methods at the Pierce County Sheriff's Office and Clerk of Court include cash, check, and money order payable to Pierce County. The Wisconsin Department of Justice accepts payment by credit card through the WORCS online portal.

Fee waivers may be available for indigent requesters or in cases where the public interest in disclosure is substantial. Requesters seeking a fee waiver should submit a written request explaining the basis for the waiver at the time of the records request. Inspection of records without copying is available at no charge under § 19.35 of the Wisconsin Statutes.

How To Delete Arrest Records in Pierce County

Wisconsin law provides two primary mechanisms for limiting public access to arrest records: expungement and sealing. Expungement results in the destruction or removal of the record from public access, while sealing restricts public access without physically destroying the record. The distinction is significant because sealed records remain accessible to law enforcement agencies even when removed from public view.

Under Wisconsin Statute § 973.015, expungement is available to individuals who were under the age of 25 at the time of the offense, who were convicted of a misdemeanor or a felony with a maximum term of imprisonment of six years or less, and who successfully completed their sentence. The court must have ordered expungement at the time of sentencing; individuals cannot petition for expungement after sentencing under current Wisconsin law for most offenses.

For arrests that did not result in conviction, individuals may petition the circuit court for expungement of the arrest record. This applies to cases where charges were dismissed, where the individual was acquitted, or where the prosecutor declined to file charges. The petition is filed with the Pierce County Clerk of Circuit Court.

Steps to Petition for Expungement:

Confirm eligibility based on the offense, age at time of offense, and sentence completion
Obtain the case number from the Pierce County Clerk of Circuit Court
Complete the petition for expungement form available from the clerk's office
File the petition with the Clerk of Circuit Court and pay the applicable filing fee
Serve the petition on the district attorney's office
Attend the scheduled hearing before the circuit court judge
If granted, the court issues an order directing the clerk and law enforcement agencies to expunge or seal the record

Pierce County Clerk of Circuit Court
414 W Main Street, Room 10
Ellsworth, WI 54011
Phone: (715) 273-3531
Pierce County Clerk of Circuit Court

Pierce County District Attorney's Office
414 W Main Street
Ellsworth, WI 54011
Phone: (715) 273-3531

The Pierce County Legal Resources page maintained by the Wisconsin State Law Library provides guidance on accessing legal assistance for expungement proceedings, including information on criminal background and arrest records from civil and municipal court proceedings.

What Happens After Arrest in Pierce County?

Immediate Post-Arrest Process:

1. Transport to Jail

Following arrest, the individual is transported to the Pierce County Jail located at 414 W Main Street, Ellsworth, WI 54011. Transport time varies based on the location of the arrest within the county. The individual remains in restraints during transport and may be held briefly at the scene if the investigation requires it.

2. Booking Process

Upon arrival at the Pierce County Jail, the booking process begins. The process takes approximately one to four hours depending on facility volume. Steps in the booking process include:

Recording of personal identification information
Advisement of Miranda rights, if not previously given
Booking photograph (mugshot) taken
Fingerprints collected and submitted for criminal history check
Outstanding warrants check conducted
Personal property inventoried and secured
Clothing exchanged for jail-issued clothing
Medical screening completed
Brief mental health screening
Housing classification determined

3. First Appearance/Initial Hearing

Under Wisconsin law, an arrested individual must be brought before a judge or court commissioner within 48 hours of arrest for an initial appearance. At this hearing:

The individual is formally notified of the charges
The right to appointed counsel is addressed for those who qualify
Bond and bail conditions are determined
Rights are explained

Initial appearances may be conducted via video conference from the jail facility. Court schedules are available through the Wisconsin Court System case search portal.

Bond/Bail Process:

Types of Bond:

Cash Bond:

Full bond amount must be paid in cash or certified funds
Amount is refunded when the case concludes, minus applicable fees
Amount is set by the judge or court commissioner at the initial appearance

Surety Bond:

A licensed bail bondsman posts the full bond amount
The defendant pays a non-refundable premium, typically 10% of the bond amount
The bondsman assumes financial responsibility for the defendant's appearance

Personal Recognizance (PR Bond):

The individual is released on a written promise to appear
No monetary payment is required
Eligibility is based on community ties, employment history, criminal history, nature of charges, and assessed flight risk

No Bond:

The individual is held without the possibility of release on bond
Grounds include serious violent offenses, assessed danger to the community, flight risk, probation or parole violations, immigration holds, or out-of-state warrants

Conditions of Release:

Release on bond may be subject to conditions including:

Regular check-in with pretrial services
Travel restrictions
No-contact orders
Drug and alcohol testing
GPS monitoring
Pretrial supervision requirements

4. Release or Continued Detention

If Bond Is Posted:

Processing for release takes approximately one to eight hours
Personal property is returned
A written notice of court dates is provided
Written conditions of release are issued
Failure to appear results in bond forfeiture and issuance of an arrest warrant

If Bond Is Not Posted:

The individual remains in custody pending case resolution
Housing assignment is made within the facility
Inmate orientation is conducted
Commissary, phone, and visitation privileges are explained

Accessing Legal Representation:

Public Defender:

Eligibility for appointed counsel is based on financial need. The Wisconsin State Public Defender's Office handles appointments for qualifying individuals.

Wisconsin State Public Defender – District 10 (Pierce County)
402 Graham Avenue, Suite 201
Eau Claire, WI 54701
Phone: (715) 836-2891
Wisconsin State Public Defender

Private Attorney:

Individuals have the right to retain private counsel at any stage of the proceedings. The State Bar of Wisconsin provides a lawyer referral service for individuals seeking private representation. Attorney visits at the Pierce County Jail are conducted under confidential conditions.

Charging Decision:

Prosecutor's Review:

The Pierce County District Attorney's Office reviews the arrest and determines whether to file formal charges. This review occurs within days to weeks of the arrest. The prosecutor may:

File a criminal complaint initiating formal charges
Request additional investigation before making a charging decision
Decline to prosecute if the evidence is insufficient
File charges different from or in addition to those cited at arrest

Arraignment:

At arraignment, the defendant is formally advised of the charges and enters a plea. 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 stage.

Court Process Overview:

Pretrial Phase:

Discovery involves the exchange of evidence between the prosecution and defense, including police reports, witness statements, physical evidence, and audio or video recordings.

Pretrial motions may include motions to suppress evidence, motions to dismiss, and motions for additional discovery. Hearings are scheduled by the court.

Pretrial conferences bring the attorneys and judge together to discuss case status, plea negotiations, and trial readiness.

Case Resolution Options:

Dismissal: Charges may be dropped due to insufficient evidence, witness unavailability, or legal deficiencies in the case. A dismissal may make the individual eligible to petition for expungement.

Diversion Programs: Eligible defendants may participate in pretrial intervention, drug court, mental health court, or veterans court. Successful completion results in dismissal of charges.

Plea Agreement: The defendant accepts a guilty or no contest plea to agreed-upon charges in exchange for a recommended sentence or reduced charges.

Trial: The defendant exercises the right to a jury or bench trial. The prosecution bears the burden of proving guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.

Sentencing (if convicted):

The judge imposes a sentence that may include:

Incarceration in county jail or state prison
Probation
Fines and court costs
Restitution to victims
Community service
Drug or alcohol treatment
A combination of the above

Credit is applied for time served in pretrial detention. Appeal rights are explained at sentencing.

Timeline Overview:

Arrest to first appearance: Within 48 hours
First appearance to arraignment: Days to several weeks
Arraignment to trial or resolution: Several months, varying by case complexity
Misdemeanors: Resolved within weeks to several months
Felonies: May take six months to over a year
Right to speedy trial: Guaranteed under the Wisconsin Constitution and applicable statutes

Rights Throughout the Process:

Right to remain silent
Right to counsel
Right to a speedy trial
Right to confront witnesses
Right to present a defense
Right against self-incrimination
Right to appeal a conviction

Important Contacts:

Pierce County Sheriff's Office (Jail)
414 W Main Street
Ellsworth, WI 54011
Phone: (715) 273-3531
Pierce County Sheriff's Office

Pierce County Clerk of Circuit Court
414 W Main Street, Room 10
Ellsworth, WI 54011
Phone: (715) 273-3531
Pierce County Clerk of Circuit Court

Pierce County District Attorney's Office
414 W Main Street
Ellsworth, WI 54011
Phone: (715) 273-3531

Wisconsin State Public Defender – District 10
402 Graham Avenue, Suite 201
Eau Claire, WI 54701
Phone: (715) 836-2891
Wisconsin State Public Defender

What to Do If You're Arrested:

Remain calm and cooperative with law enforcement
Do not physically resist arrest
Politely invoke the right to remain silent
Request an attorney immediately and do not answer questions until counsel is present
Do not discuss the case with anyone other than your attorney
Contact family or friends to assist with bail if needed
Attend all scheduled court dates without exception
Comply with all conditions of bond or release

How Long Are Arrest Records Kept in Pierce County?

Records Retention Overview:

Retention of arrest records in Pierce County is governed by Wisconsin law and the records retention schedules established by the Wisconsin Public Records Board. Under Wisconsin Statute § 19.21, public officers are required to keep and preserve public records and may not destroy them except in accordance with an approved retention schedule. The retention period for a given arrest record depends on the type of record, the agency holding it, and the outcome of the associated criminal proceeding.

Arrest Records Retention by Type:

Active Arrest Records (Conviction Resulted):

Felony Convictions:

Retention: Permanent
Maintained indefinitely by the Sheriff's Office, Clerk of Court, Wisconsin Department of Justice criminal history repository, and the FBI's National Crime Information Center (NCIC)

Misdemeanor Convictions:

Retention: Permanent at the state repository and court level
Local law enforcement records: Retained per the applicable Wisconsin Public Records Board schedule, at minimum several years

Arrest Records (No Conviction):

Dismissed Charges:

Local law enforcement: Retained for a minimum of seven years under standard schedules
Court records: Retained per the court's retention schedule; often permanent in electronic systems
State repository: Records may remain unless expungement is ordered

Acquittals (Not Guilty):

Local law enforcement: Retained per standard schedule
Court records: Often permanent in electronic systems
May be eligible for expungement petition

Charges Not Filed:

Booking records: Retained for a minimum of several years
May be eligible for expungement in appropriate cases

Digital vs. Physical Records:

Physical Records:

Booking paperwork and fingerprint cards are retained per the Wisconsin Public Records Board schedule
Photographs are retained for the duration of the applicable retention period
Physical evidence retention varies by case outcome

Digital Records:

Computer-aided dispatch (CAD) records: Retained per agency schedule, at minimum several years
Records management systems: Often maintained permanently
Court electronic records: Maintained permanently in the Wisconsin Court System's electronic case management system

Third-Party Databases:

Commercial background check companies may retain arrest records indefinitely
These databases are not controlled by law enforcement and may not reflect expungements or dismissals
The FCRA requires consumer reporting agencies to maintain accurate and current information

Retention by Agency:

Pierce County Sheriff's Office:

Booking records and arrest reports: Retained per Wisconsin Public Records Board schedule
Investigative files: Retention varies by case type and outcome
Contact: (715) 273-3531

Pierce County Clerk of Circuit Court:

Felony case files: Permanent retention
Misdemeanor case files: Retained per court retention schedule
Electronic records: Maintained permanently in the statewide court system

Wisconsin Department of Justice:

The DOJ maintains the statewide criminal history repository, which includes arrests from all Wisconsin jurisdictions
Retention policy follows state law and federal requirements
Accessible through the Wisconsin Online Record Check System

FBI Database:

The National Crime Information Center (NCIC) and Interstate Identification Index (III) maintain federal records
Federal retention is permanent for most entries
Accessible to law enforcement agencies nationwide and used in employment and firearms background checks

Effect of Disposition on Retention:

Conviction: Records are retained permanently in most databases and appear on background checks indefinitely.

Dismissal: Records may remain in databases unless expungement is ordered by the court. Dismissed charges are not reported as convictions on background checks.

Expungement: Following a court order, local records are sealed or destroyed, the state repository updates its records, and the FBI database may retain a notation. The timeframe for removal from all systems varies.

No Charges Filed: Booking records are subject to the shortest standard retention periods and may be purged automatically after the applicable period expires.

Accessing Historical Arrest Records:

Recent Arrests:

Available online through the Wisconsin Court System case search and the county sheriff's public records portal
Updated on a rolling basis

Older Arrests:

May require an in-person request at the Sheriff's Office or Clerk of Court
Possible retrieval fee for archived records
Processing time may be longer for archived materials

Very Old Arrests:

Records predating digitization may exist only in paper form
Some records may have been destroyed per the applicable retention schedule
Contact the Pierce County Sheriff's Records Division at (715) 273-3531 for information on specific historical records

Impact on Background Checks:

Under the federal Fair Credit Reporting Act, most employment background checks cover a seven-year period for non-conviction records. Convictions may be reported indefinitely. Wisconsin law imposes additional restrictions on the use of arrest records without conviction in employment decisions. Third-party background check websites may not reflect expungements or updated dispositions, and individuals who have had records expunged should verify that commercial databases have been updated accordingly.