Criminal records of Sauk County, Wisconsin, are available through several channels. SaukCourt.us allows quick access to publicly available information on criminal cases in the county. Additionally, records can be obtained through the state's official court system, law enforcement agencies, and the county clerk's office. Below is a practical guide to searching, understanding, and ordering criminal records in Sauk County.
How to Search Criminal Records in Sauk
There are several ways to find criminal records, each suitable for different situations.
Online through SaukCourt.us
Start with SaukCourt.us — enter the first and last name of the person to view publicly available court case information in the county. A full name is usually sufficient for a search, although a date of birth or case number can help narrow the results.
Wisconsin Court System Portal
The state maintains a centralized tool — Wisconsin Circuit Court Access (CCAP). Here you can search for criminal, civil, family, and traffic violation cases across all county courts in the state, including Sauk County Circuit Court. You will need:
- The full name of the defendant (last name required)
- Date of birth (optional but recommended)
- Case number, if known
Criminal History Check through DOJ
Wisconsin Online Record Check System (WORCS), maintained by the state Department of Justice, is intended for official criminal background checks. This tool is suitable for employers, volunteer organizations, and individuals who want to check their own history. The result is not a court case but a summary report of arrests and convictions at the state level.
Department of Corrections
If a person is under supervision or serving a sentence, the Wisconsin Department of Corrections allows you to find information about inmates and parolees through the offender search.
In-Person Request
The Sauk County Clerk of Courts accepts requests for court records in person. Public terminals in the courthouse in Baraboo are also available for self-search.
Written Request by Mail
You can send a written request to the clerk's office, specifying the full name of the person, date of birth (if known), and type of request. For a state-level criminal history check, contact the Wisconsin Department of Justice.
Search Sauk Criminal Cases by Case Number
A Wisconsin case number has a standard format, and each part carries specific information. A typical number looks like this:
2024CF000123
- 2024 — year the case was filed
- CF — case type code. For criminal cases, the following codes are used:
- CF — criminal felony
- CM — criminal misdemeanor
- CT — traffic violation
- FO — forfeiture/ordinance violation
- 000123 — sequential case number within the year
Knowing the number provides an exact result without the need to filter out namesakes. This is the fastest search method.
Charges, Case Status, Hearings, and Court Results in Sauk
Each criminal case contains several key elements. Here's what they mean in practice.
Charges
| Element | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Statute code | Reference to a specific section of the Wisconsin Criminal Code (e.g., Wis. Stat. § 943.10 — burglary) |
| Severity | Felony (serious crime, classes A–I), Misdemeanor (less serious, classes A–C), or Forfeiture (administrative violation) |
| Amended charges | The prosecutor may change the charges to less serious ones as part of a plea agreement |
Case Status
- Open / Pending — the case is active, no decision has been made yet
- Active — the court process is ongoing, hearings are scheduled
- Disposed / Closed — the court has made a final decision
Hearings
- Initial Appearance — the defendant's first appearance before a judge
- Preliminary Hearing — the judge determines if there is enough evidence to proceed with the case (felony only)
- Arraignment — formal presentation of charges; the defendant pleads guilty or not guilty
- Pre-Trial Conference — a meeting of the parties to discuss possible settlement
- Sentencing — imposition of punishment after a guilty plea or verdict
- Review Hearing — checking compliance with the terms of punishment (probation, etc.)
Court Results
| Result | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Guilty | Found guilty — by jury verdict or guilty plea |
| Not Guilty | Acquitted by jury |
| Dismissed | Case closed by prosecutor or judge; charges dropped |
| No Contest (Nolo Contendere) | The defendant does not contest the charges but does not formally admit guilt |
| Deferred Judgment | Judgment deferred; case may be closed upon meeting conditions |
How to Request Certified Criminal Records in Sauk
A certified copy is an official document with the court's seal, accepted by other institutions as evidence. A regular printout from CCAP is not certified.
Where to Apply
Certified copies of court cases are issued by the Sauk County Clerk of Courts. To obtain a state-level criminal history summary report, contact the Department of Justice through WORCS.
How to Submit a Request
- In Person: visit the clerk's office during business hours, provide the case number or full name of the defendant. The clerk will prepare and certify the copy.
- By Mail: send a written request specifying the name, date of birth (if known), case number, and type of document needed. Include a check or money order for the appropriate amount.
- Online (criminal history check only): through WORCS, you can order a criminal background check, but this is not a court case, rather a report from the DOJ.
What to Bring
- Valid photo ID (for requesting your own records)
- Case number or full name and date of birth of the defendant
- Payment for copying and certification fees
Additional information on available court forms and resources can be found on the Sauk County Legal Resources page of the Wisconsin State Law Library.
Fees, Copy Costs, and Processing Times for Criminal Records in Sauk
Fees are set by Wisconsin state law (Wis. Stat. § 814.61) and may vary slightly depending on the type of document.
| Service | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Copy of court document | $1.25 per page | Standard rate according to state statute |
| Certification | $5.00 per document | Added to the cost of copying |
| Criminal history check through WORCS | $7.00 per request | Online payment by credit card |
| Criminal history check through DOJ by mail | $7.00 per request | Check or money order payable to Department of Justice |
Processing Times
- In Person: copies are usually prepared during the same visit or within one business day
- By Mail: 5 to 10 business days, depending on office workload
- WORCS (online): results are often available within minutes, sometimes up to 2 business days
Confirm current fees directly with the court clerk's office at (608) 355-3287, as rates may change.