Ozaukee County

Ozaukee County is located in southeastern Wisconsin along the western shore of Lake Michigan, approximately 20 miles north of Milwaukee. Established in 1853 from portions of Washington County, it was named after the Ojibwe word 'ozaukee,' meaning 'people living at the mouth of a river.' Ozaukee County seat is Port Washington, a historic lakefront city that is the governmental and commercial center. Ozaukee County includes approximately 236 square miles and has a population of approximately 92,000 residents as of recent census estimates. Ozaukee County is known for its scenic Lake Michigan shoreline, historic lighthouses including the Port Washington Light Station, and prosperous communities. Major municipalities include Mequon, the largest city; Cedarburg, famous for its preserved 19th-century architecture and wine trail; Grafton; Port Washington; Belgium; and Fredonia. Ozaukee County Courthouse is located at 1201 South Spring Street in Port Washington. Ozaukee County Clerk's office administers elections, maintains vital records, and issues marriage licenses, operating from the Administration Center at the same address. The Register of Deeds office manages land records and property documents. Ozaukee County Assessor's office oversees property valuations and tax assessment records. Ozaukee County consistently ranks among Wisconsin's most affluent counties, characterized by excellent schools, low crime rates, thriving small businesses, and strong community engagement. Ozaukee County's economy has transitioned from agricultural and industrial roots to a diverse mix of professional services, healthcare, advanced manufacturing, and retail commerce.

• The Register of Deeds office manages land records and property documents.

Sheriff & Law Enforcement

Ozaukee County Sheriff's Office is responsible for maintaining law and order in the unincorporated areas of Ozaukee County. It oversees the operation of Ozaukee County jail, processes arrests, and maintains criminal records. The office is also involved in various community outreach programs and has specialized divisions such as the K-9 unit and a drug task force.

Police Departments

In addition to Ozaukee County Sheriff's Office, Ozaukee County is served by several municipal police departments, including the Mequon Police Department, Cedarburg Police Department, and Grafton Police Department. Each department is responsible for law enforcement within its respective city limits, handling local crimes, traffic enforcement, and community policing initiatives. These agencies work in coordination with the Sheriff's Office on major crimes and regional safety initiatives, making sure of full law enforcement coverage across Ozaukee County.

Law Enforcement & Arrests

Ozaukee County Sheriff's Office, headquartered at 1201 South Spring Street, Port Washington, WI 53074, provides law enforcement services throughout Ozaukee County's unincorporated areas and partners with municipal police departments. The department operates Ozaukee County Jail, a detention facility housing pre-trial detainees and sentenced misdemeanor offenders.

• Inmate information can be searched through the Sheriff's Office website using their online inmate locator, which provides booking information, charges, bond amounts, and projected release dates.
• To request arrest records, individuals must submit a written public records request to the appropriate law enforcement agency, specifying the records sought.
• Some agencies charge copying fees as permitted by statute.
• Mugshots and booking photos are typically available through Ozaukee County Jail's online inmate search system or by submitting a public records request to the Sheriff's Office.
• Response times vary, but agencies must respond to requests promptly, typically within days.

Criminal Records

The criminal records ecosystem in Ozaukee County includes records of felonies, misdemeanors, traffic violations, and the sex offender registry. Ozaukee County Circuit Court maintains records of criminal proceedings, while the Sheriff's Office keeps arrest and incident reports. Residents can conduct background checks through the Wisconsin Department of Justice's Crime Information Bureau, which provides statewide criminal history information. The Wisconsin Department of Justice also offers resources for residents seeking detailed background checks.

Arrest Records

Arrest records in Ozaukee County are maintained by Ozaukee County Sheriff's Office. These records include details of the arrest, charges, and booking information. Residents and attorneys can request arrest records by submitting a formal request to the Sheriff's Office, adhering to the guidelines set forth by the Wisconsin Open Records Law. An Ozaukee County arrest record typically includes the individual's name, date of arrest, charges, and the arresting agency.

Jail & Inmate Records

Ozaukee County Jail, located within Ozaukee County Justice Center, is where individuals arrested in Ozaukee County are booked and held. The booking process includes fingerprinting, photographing, and recording personal information. Inmates can be searched through Ozaukee County's online inmate lookup tool. Visitation is allowed but must be scheduled in advance, with specific rules regarding visitor conduct and allowable items.

• The bond and bail process in Wisconsin allows for cash bonds or surety bonds, and information on posting bail can be obtained directly from the jail's administrative office.

Mugshots & Booking Photos

Mugshots in Ozaukee County are taken and retained by Ozaukee County Sheriff's Office during the booking process. These booking photos are part of the public record and can be accessed through the Sheriff's Office website or by submitting a request under the Wisconsin Open Records Law. Wisconsin does not have specific mugshot removal laws, so the availability of mugshots is subject to the discretion of the Sheriff's Office and applicable privacy regulations.

Ozaukee County's judicial system operates under the Wisconsin Circuit Court system. Ozaukee County Circuit Court is located at Ozaukee County Justice Center, 1201 South Spring Street, Port Washington, WI 53074 The Circuit Court has general jurisdiction over civil, criminal, family, probate, juvenile, and small claims matters arising in Ozaukee County. Two circuit court judges serve Ozaukee County.

• Certified copies of court documents can be requested from the Clerk of Circuit Court's office for statutory fees, typically $5 for certification plus copying costs.
• The Circuit Court Clerk's office also maintains marriage records and provides access to divorce decrees and other family court records subject to confidentiality restrictions.

Ozaukee County Register of Deeds office, located at 1201 South Spring Street, Port Washington, WI 53074, phone, maintains and records all land records and property documents for Ozaukee County. The office records deeds, mortgages, mortgage satisfactions, liens, land contracts, easements, plat maps, survey records, and other instruments affecting real property title. The Register of Deeds website at www.co.ozaukee.wi.us/registerofdeeds provides online access to recorded documents through the mix Land Records system.

• Users can view, print, or download recorded documents without charge, though certified copies require a fee and must be requested in person or by mail.
• Certification fees are typically $5 for the first page and $2 for each additional page.
• Ozaukee County Property Listing and Tax Information system provides free online access to property tax records, assessment data, and parcel information through Ozaukee County website.
• Ozaukee County Treasurer's office, phone, handles property tax collections and provides tax payment history.
• Recording fees are established by Wisconsin Statutes §59.43 and vary based on document type and page count.

Vital records for Ozaukee County are maintained by both Ozaukee County Register of Deeds office and the Wisconsin Department of Health Services. Birth certificates for births occurring in Ozaukee County since October 1907 can be requested from Ozaukee County Register of Deeds, Vital Records Division, 1201 South Spring Street, Port Washington, WI 53074 Birth certificates cost $20 for the first copy and $3 for each additional copy ordered simultaneously. Death certificates for deaths occurring in Ozaukee County are also available from the Register of Deeds office at the same fee structure.

• Processing time is typically immediate for in-person requests during business hours, or 5-10 business days for mail requests.
• Eligible requestors include the registrant, immediate family members, legal representatives, and others with a proper legal purpose.
• Couples must apply in person, provide proof of age and identity, and pay the $110 license fee.
• Marriage certificates documenting marriages performed in Ozaukee County can be obtained from the Register of Deeds office.
• Online ordering of certified copies is available through the state's VitalChek service at www.vitalchek.com for an additional convenience fee.

Business records and licensing in Ozaukee County are managed through multiple agencies depending on the type of business activity and registration required. Ozaukee County Clerk's office, located at 1201 South Spring Street, Port Washington, WI 53074, phone, maintains records of fictitious name registrations (DBA - Doing Business As) for sole proprietors and partnerships operating under assumed names in Ozaukee County. These registrations are filed pursuant to Wisconsin Statutes §134.50 and are public records available for inspection.

• The state maintains the Wisconsin Business Entity Search database at www.wdfi.org, providing free online access to business registration information, registered agents, filing history, and corporate status.

Explore public records for 9 cities and communities in Ozaukee County, Wisconsin.

Ozaukee County boasts one of Wisconsin's strongest and most diverse economies, consistently ranking among the state's most prosperous counties with median household incomes exceeding $85,000, significantly above state and national averages. Ozaukee County's economic base reflects a successful transition from traditional agriculture and manufacturing to a balanced mix of advanced manufacturing, healthcare, professional services, retail, and tourism. Major employers include Columbia St.

• Ozaukee County's business climate benefits from proximity to Milwaukee's economic infrastructure while maintaining lower operating costs and superior quality of life.

Elections in Ozaukee County are administered by Ozaukee County Clerk's office, located at the County Administration Building, 1201 South Spring Street, Port Washington, WI 53074. Ozaukee County Clerk is the chief election official and can be contacted through the office’s website. The elections division website is accessible through www.co.ozaukee.wi.us/clerk. Voter registration in Wisconsin is available online through the statewide MyVote Wisconsin portal at myvote.wi.gov, where eligible residents can register, check registration status, view sample ballots, and find polling place locations.

• Residents may register online, by mail, in person at the County Clerk's office, or at their municipal clerk's office.
• These records can be requested from the County Clerk under Wisconsin's open records law.
• Absentee ballots in Ozaukee County can be requested through the MyVote Wisconsin website at myvote.wi.gov or by contacting your municipal clerk directly.
• Wisconsin law allows any registered voter to request an absentee ballot without providing a reason.
• Absentee ballot requests must be received by the Thursday before Election Day for regular absentee voting, or by the Friday before Election Day for in-person absentee voting at clerk offices.