Taylor County Public Records / Taylor County Arrest Records

Taylor County Arrest Records

How To Look Up Arrest Records in Taylor County in 2026

TaylorCountyRecords.org provides access to publicly available information related to arrest records in Taylor County, Wisconsin. Members of the public may find booking data, charge information, custody status, and related court case details through this resource. Available record categories include arrest logs, booking records, criminal court cases, inmate rosters, and warrant information. Data presented reflects what government agencies have made available and may not represent complete or fully current records.

Records may be searched through official resources including the Taylor County Sheriff's Office, the Taylor County Clerk of Courts, public access terminals at the courthouse, and online tools maintained by state agencies. The following sections outline each available method in detail.

Online Methods:

1. County Sheriff's Office Arrest Records

The Taylor County Sheriff's Office maintains booking records and an inmate roster that members of the public may access. The roster reflects individuals currently held at the Taylor County Jail and is updated on a regular basis. Available information includes the arrestee's name, booking date, charges, and custody status. The Sheriff's Office does not currently maintain a publicly searchable online arrest log archive, so historical records require an in-person or written request.

Taylor County Sheriff's Office
224 S. Second Street
Medford, WI 54451
Phone: (715) 748-1400
Taylor County Sheriff's Office

2. Local Police Departments

The City of Medford Police Department serves the county seat and handles arrests within city limits. Press releases and arrest summaries are periodically published through the department's public communications. Members of the public seeking arrest logs from city-level agencies may submit a written public records request directly to the relevant department.

Medford Police Department
639 South Second Street
Medford, WI 54451
Phone: (715) 748-4466
Medford Police Department

3. County Clerk of Court Case Search

Court cases linked to arrests in Taylor County are searchable through the Wisconsin Court System's case search portal, which provides public access to circuit court records statewide. 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 tool covers Taylor County Circuit Court records and is maintained by the Wisconsin Director of State Courts.

Taylor County Clerk of Courts
224 S. Second Street, Room 101
Medford, WI 54451
Phone: (715) 748-1435
Taylor County Clerk of Courts

4. State Law Enforcement Database

The Wisconsin Department of Justice maintains the state's criminal history repository. Members of the public may request a criminal history record search through the Wisconsin Department of Justice Crime Information Bureau. The search covers arrests and convictions statewide. A fee of $7.00 per name applies to public requests submitted online. The repository includes arrest data reported by law enforcement agencies across Wisconsin, including Taylor County.

In-Person Access:

Sheriff's Office:
224 S. Second Street
Medford, WI 54451
Phone: (715) 748-1400
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
Individuals requesting records in person should bring a valid government-issued photo ID and, where possible, the full name of the subject, date of birth, and approximate date of arrest. Copy fees apply as described in the fee section below.

Clerk of Court:
224 S. Second Street, Room 101
Medford, WI 54451
Phone: (715) 748-1435
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
Criminal case files are available for inspection at the Clerk of Courts office. Members of the public may review case records and request certified or uncertified copies. Copy fees apply per page.

By Mail:

Written requests for arrest records may be directed to the Taylor County Sheriff's Office at 224 S. Second Street, Medford, WI 54451. The written request should include the subject's full legal name, date of birth, approximate date of arrest, booking number if known, and the requestor's full contact information. Payment for applicable copy fees should accompany the request. Processing time varies but is subject to the response requirements established under Wis. Stat. § 19.35, which governs public records access in Wisconsin.

By Phone:

The Taylor County Sheriff's Office may be reached at (715) 748-1400 during business hours. Phone inquiries are limited in scope; staff may confirm general custody status but will direct requestors to in-person or written channels for detailed records. The Clerk of Courts may be reached at (715) 748-1435 for case status inquiries.

Through Legal Channels:

Attorneys may request records through formal discovery processes in active legal proceedings. Subpoenas directed to the Sheriff's Office or Clerk of Courts compel production of records not otherwise available through routine 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 (which jurisdiction within Taylor County)

Are Arrest Records Public in Taylor County

Arrest records in Taylor County are public records under Wisconsin law. Pursuant to Wis. Stat. § 19.35, any person has the right to inspect public records maintained by government agencies, including law enforcement records, subject to specific statutory exceptions. As the Wisconsin Department of Justice has stated, "Wisconsin's public records law reflects the state's strong public policy that government records be open and accessible to the public." Arrest records serve government transparency, public safety awareness, journalism, legal proceedings, and background screening purposes.

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
Booking photograph (mugshot)
Bond and bail information
Custody status
Basic demographic information including age and physical description

Limitations on Public Access:

Juvenile arrest records are restricted or sealed under Wisconsin law
Expunged arrest records are removed from public access following a court order
Sealed records are subject to court-ordered confidentiality
Active investigation information may be withheld to protect the integrity of the investigation
Undercover officer identities are protected
Confidential informant information is not disclosed
Victim identifying information is restricted in certain case types
Witness protection participants are excluded from public disclosure

Constitutional and Legal Basis:

Wisconsin's public records law is grounded in Article IV, Section 26 of the Wisconsin Constitution, which directs the legislature to provide for the public inspection of records. The law balances government transparency with individual privacy rights. The First Amendment provides press organizations with access to arrest information as part of the broader right to gather news of public concern. Due process considerations inform the distinction between an arrest record and a record of conviction.

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
Attorneys and legal professionals
Academic researchers

Restrictions on Use:

Employers using arrest records for hiring decisions must comply with the federal Fair Credit Reporting Act. Wisconsin law under Wis. Stat. § 111.335 restricts the use of arrest and conviction records in employment decisions, prohibiting employers from discriminating against applicants solely on the basis of an arrest record that did not result in conviction. The distinction between an arrest and a conviction is legally significant: an arrest reflects a law enforcement action, not a finding of guilt.

What's in Taylor 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 or tattoos
Address at time of arrest, which may be partially redacted

Arrest Details:

Arrest date and time
Location of arrest by street address or general area
Arresting agency, whether the Sheriff's Office, Medford Police Department, or a state agency
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 violated
Charge descriptions and classifications, including felony degree or misdemeanor class
Number of counts for each charge
Domestic violence designation where applicable

Booking Information:

Booking facility name and location
Intake process timestamp
Booking photograph
Fingerprints are collected during booking but are not included in public records

Custody and Bond Information:

Current custody status, including whether the individual is in custody, released, or bonded out
Bond amount set by the court
Bond type, which may include cash bond, surety bond, personal recognizance bond, or no bond
Release date and time if the individual has been released
Release conditions where publicly available

Court Information:

Court case number assigned by the Clerk of Courts
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 the investigation
Medical or mental health information
Social Security number, which is redacted from public copies
Bank account or financial information

Difference Between Arrest Records and Related Documents:

Police reports contain more detailed incident narratives and investigative information
Court records document legal proceedings that occur after the arrest
Criminal records reflect convictions and sentences imposed by courts
Background checks compile information from multiple sources including court, law enforcement, and state repositories

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

Members of the public requesting copies of arrest records from Taylor County agencies are subject to fees established under Wisconsin's public records law. Inspection of records at a government office is free of charge. Fees apply when copies are requested.

Record Type	Fee
Standard paper copies	$0.25 per page (Sheriff's Office)
Certified court record copies	$1.25 per page (Clerk of Courts)
Certification fee	$5.00 per document (Clerk of Courts)
State criminal history search (DOJ)	$7.00 per name (online)
Electronic copies	Varies by agency

Accepted payment methods at the Taylor County Sheriff's Office and Clerk of Courts include cash, check, and money order made payable to the respective office. The Wisconsin Department of Justice accepts credit card payments for online criminal history requests. Fee waivers may be available for indigent requestors or in cases where the public interest in disclosure is substantial, as recognized under Wis. Stat. § 19.35(3). Members of the public may inspect records in person at no cost before deciding whether to request copies.

How To Delete Arrest Records in Taylor County

Wisconsin law provides two primary mechanisms for limiting public access to arrest records: expungement and sealing. Expungement under Wisconsin law refers to the court's authority to strike a conviction from the record, effectively treating the offense as if it did not occur. Sealing restricts public access to a record without physically destroying it. The distinction is significant: expunged records are removed from public view, while sealed records remain accessible to law enforcement and certain authorized agencies.

Under Wis. Stat. § 973.015, a court may expunge a record of conviction if the offender was under the age of 25 at the time of the offense, the offense carries a maximum period of imprisonment of six years or less, and the offender successfully completes the sentence. The expungement petition must be filed with the sentencing court. Eligibility is determined at sentencing, not after the fact, meaning the court must indicate at the time of sentencing that the offender is eligible for expungement upon successful completion.

Steps to Pursue Expungement in Taylor County:

Confirm eligibility based on age at time of offense, offense classification, and sentence completion
File a petition for expungement with the Taylor County Circuit Court
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 of Courts and law enforcement agencies to update their records

Arrests that did not result in conviction may be addressed through a separate petition process. Individuals whose charges were dismissed or who were acquitted may petition the court to seal the arrest record from public access. The Taylor County Circuit Court handles these petitions.

Taylor County Circuit Court
224 S. Second Street
Medford, WI 54451
Phone: (715) 748-1435
Taylor County Circuit Court

Taylor County District Attorney's Office
224 S. Second Street
Medford, WI 54451
Phone: (715) 748-1466
Wisconsin District Attorneys

What Happens After Arrest in Taylor County?

Immediate Post-Arrest Process:

1. Transport to Jail

Following an arrest in Taylor County, the arrested individual is transported to the Taylor County Jail located at 224 S. Second Street, Medford, WI 54451. Transport time varies depending on the location of the arrest within the county. The individual remains in custody of the arresting officer during transport.

2. Booking Process

Upon arrival at the Taylor County Jail, the booking process begins. This process typically takes one to four hours depending on volume and circumstances. During booking, staff record personal information, photograph the individual, collect fingerprints, conduct a criminal history and outstanding warrants check, inventory personal property, and complete medical and mental health screenings. The individual is assigned a booking number that serves as the primary identifier for the arrest record.

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 court formally notifies the individual of the charges, determines bond or bail, advises the individual of their rights, and, where applicable, appoints a public defender. Initial appearances in Taylor County are conducted at the Taylor County Courthouse and may in some circumstances be conducted via video conference.

Bond/Bail Process:

Cash Bond: The full bond amount must be paid in cash. The amount is refunded at the 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, which is set at 10% of the bond amount under Wisconsin law.

Personal Recognizance (PR Bond): The court may release the defendant on a written promise to appear, without requiring payment, based on factors including community ties, employment, criminal history, and the nature of the charges.

No Bond: The court may order the defendant held without bond in cases involving serious violent offenses, a demonstrated flight risk, danger to the community, probation or parole violations, or active immigration holds.

Conditions of Release may include check-in requirements with pretrial services, 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 individual receives their personal property, a written notice of court dates, and written conditions of release. Failure to appear at any required court date results in bond forfeiture and issuance of a bench warrant. Individuals who do not post bond remain in custody at the Taylor County Jail pending resolution of their case.

Accessing Legal Representation:

Taylor County Public Defender's Office
224 S. Second Street
Medford, WI 54451
Phone: (715) 748-2828
Wisconsin State Public Defender

Eligibility for a public defender is based on financial need. Individuals who do not qualify for a public defender may retain private counsel. The State Bar of Wisconsin Lawyer Referral Service provides referrals to licensed attorneys practicing in Taylor County.

Charging Decision:

The Taylor County District Attorney's Office reviews the arrest and determines whether to file formal charges, request additional investigation, decline prosecution, or file different charges. For felony offenses, the prosecutor may present the case to a grand jury to determine whether probable cause exists to proceed with an indictment.

Arraignment follows the filing of charges. At arraignment, the court formally reads the charges, and the defendant enters a plea of not guilty, guilty, or no contest. Most defendants enter a not guilty plea at arraignment, and the court sets subsequent hearing dates.

Court Process Overview:

The pretrial phase involves discovery, during which the prosecution and defense exchange evidence including police reports, witness statements, physical evidence, and audio or video recordings. Pretrial motions may address suppression of evidence, dismissal of charges, or other legal issues. Plea negotiations may result in a plea agreement, which the defendant may accept or decline in favor of proceeding to trial.

Case Resolution Options:

Dismissal: Charges are dropped due to insufficient evidence, witness unavailability, or legal defects
Diversion Programs: Eligible defendants may complete pretrial intervention, drug court, or mental health court programs, resulting in dismissal upon successful completion
Plea Agreement: The defendant accepts a guilty or no contest plea to agreed-upon charges
Trial: The case proceeds to a jury or bench trial, resulting in a verdict of guilty or not guilty

Sentencing, if the defendant is convicted, may include incarceration, probation, fines, restitution, community service, treatment programs, or a combination of these. 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 several weeks
Arraignment to trial or resolution: Several months, varying by case complexity
Misdemeanors: Resolved within weeks to a few months in many cases
Felonies: May take six months to over a year depending on complexity
Wisconsin's right to a speedy trial is established under Article I, Section 7 of the Wisconsin Constitution

Rights Throughout the Process:

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

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 needed
Attend all scheduled court dates without exception
Comply with all conditions of release

How Long Are Arrest Records Kept in Taylor County?

Records Retention Overview:

Retention of arrest records in Taylor County is governed by Wisconsin law and the records retention schedules established by the Wisconsin Public Records Board. Under current law, different categories of arrest records are subject to different retention periods depending on the outcome of the case and the type of offense.

Arrest Records Retention by Type:

Felony Convictions: Records of felony convictions are retained permanently by the Taylor County Sheriff's Office, the Clerk of Courts, the Wisconsin Department of Justice criminal history repository, and the FBI's National Crime Information Center (NCIC). These records form part of the individual's permanent criminal history.

Misdemeanor Convictions: Records of misdemeanor convictions are retained permanently at the state repository level. Local law enforcement and court records are also retained for extended periods consistent with the Wisconsin Public Records Board's general schedules.

Dismissed Charges: Arrest records associated with dismissed charges may remain in local law enforcement databases and the state repository unless the individual successfully petitions for expungement or sealing. Court records for dismissed cases are retained by the Clerk of Courts and may remain accessible unless sealed by court order.

Acquittals: Records of arrests resulting in acquittal at trial are retained in court records, which are often permanent. Local law enforcement records may be retained for several years. These records may be eligible for sealing upon petition.

Charges Not Filed: Booking records for arrests where no charges were filed are subject to shorter retention periods at the local level and may be eligible for earlier removal upon petition.

Digital vs. Physical Records:

Digital records maintained in law enforcement records management systems and court electronic filing systems are retained for extended periods, often permanently, due to the low cost of digital storage. Physical booking paperwork, fingerprint cards, and photographs are retained according to the Wisconsin Public Records Board's schedules. Mugshot images stored in digital databases may persist beyond the retention period of the underlying paper record.

Third-Party Databases:

Commercial background check companies and third-party websites may retain arrest record information indefinitely and are not subject to the same retention requirements as government agencies. These entities are required under the federal Fair Credit Reporting Act to maintain accurate records, but they may not update their databases promptly when records are expunged or sealed. Individuals who have obtained expungement orders should be aware that third-party databases may require separate notification and may not remove records automatically.

Retention by Agency:

Sheriff's Office:
224 S. Second Street, Medford, WI 54451
Phone: (715) 748-1400
Booking records and arrest reports are retained according to the Wisconsin Public Records Board's law enforcement records schedule. Investigative files are retained for varying periods depending on case outcome and offense classification.

Clerk of Court:
224 S. Second Street, Room 101, Medford, WI 54451
Phone: (715) 748-1435
Felony case files are retained permanently. Misdemeanor and traffic case files are retained for periods specified in the Wisconsin Court System's records retention schedule. Electronic court records are retained permanently in the statewide case management system.

State Repository:

The Wisconsin Department of Justice Crime Information Bureau maintains the state's criminal history repository, which includes arrest data reported by all law enforcement agencies in Wisconsin, including Taylor County. The repository's retention policy follows state law and includes records of arrests, charges, and dispositions. Members of the public may access their own criminal history record through the Wisconsin Department of Justice.

FBI Database:

The FBI's National Crime Information Center and Interstate Identification Index maintain federal-level records of arrests and convictions. Federal retention is typically permanent. These databases are accessible to law enforcement agencies nationwide and are used in background checks for employment, firearms purchases, and other purposes.

Effect of Disposition on Retention:

A conviction results in permanent retention across all major databases. A dismissal may allow the record to remain unless expungement is obtained. An expungement order directs local agencies and the state repository to update their records, but the FBI database may retain a notation of the original arrest. The timeframe for removal following an expungement order varies by agency but is subject to the court's directive.

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 under Wis. Stat. § 111.335 provides additional protections limiting the use of arrest records that did not result in conviction in employment decisions.

How to Check Retention Status:

Members of the public seeking information about the retention status of a specific arrest record may contact the Taylor County Sheriff's Records Division at (715) 748-1400 or submit a written public records request. Fees may apply for copies of records provided in response to such requests.