Wisconsin Criminal Records at a Glance
Wisconsin court records are publicly accessible through the Consolidated Court Automation Programs (CCAP) case search system, which covers Wisconsin Supreme Court, Court of Appeals, and all circuit courts. CCAP is one of the most comprehensive state court record systems in the country. The Wisconsin DOC maintains a sex offender registry and offender locator system.
1Wisconsin Statewide Criminal Search Resources
Wisconsin’s Consolidated Court Automation Programs (CCAP) provides public access to case records across the Supreme Court, Court of Appeals, and all circuit courts in a single searchable system. This level of statewide court access is more comprehensive than what most states offer.
- CCAP, Wisconsin Court Case Searchwww.wicourts.govPublic access to Wisconsin court records. Search cases of Supreme Court, Court of Appeals, and all circuit courts.
- CCAP, Consolidated Court Automation Programswww.wicourts.govCCAP provides IT services to the Wisconsin Court System. One of the most comprehensive state court systems.
- Wisconsin Court System Homewww.wicourts.govOfficial Wisconsin Court System portal. eFile, case search, court locations, jury service, and self-help.
- Wisconsin Sex Offender Registryappsdoc.wi.govWisconsin DOC sex offender registry search portal.
- Wisconsin VINELink, Victim Notificationvinelink.vineapps.comSearch offenders in Wisconsin custody and register for automated victim notification.
2Federal & National Authoritative Sources
These federal and national sources complement Wisconsin's state-level records. They are the authoritative sources you should cross-check when Wisconsin state records are incomplete or out-of-state activity matters.
The Department of Justice's single national search across every state, territory, and tribal registry. Authoritative for offender status but does not include every historical conviction.
https://www.nsopw.gov/ (nsopw.gov)
How to request your own FBI rap sheet (CJIS Identity History Summary) under Title 28 CFR § 16.30, 16.34. $18 fee, fingerprint submission required.
https://www.fbi.gov/how-we-can-help-you/need-an-fbi-service-or-more-information/identity-history-summary-checks (fbi.gov)
The FBI's aggregate crime statistics program. Useful for context on offense frequency but not a record of individual persons.
https://ucr.fbi.gov/ (ucr.fbi.gov)
Wisconsin Criminal Records, FAQ
Is there a single nationwide criminal record search?
No public one. The FBI's Interstate Identification Index (III) is nationwide but is only accessible to law enforcement agencies and approved employers under Public Law 92-544. Individuals can order their own rap sheet through the CJIS Identity History Summary service.
What is the difference between state and FBI record checks?
A state check searches one state's conviction database. The FBI III check searches every state that participates in III. Both are fingerprint-based.
Can arrests without conviction appear on a background check?
Yes, on some. State BCI responses vary, a few states return arrests without disposition for up to seven years, others redact non-conviction arrests. The FCRA (15 U.S.C. § 1681c) caps non-conviction arrests on consumer reports at 7 years.
How long does an expungement take?
It is a court process governed by state statute, typically 60 - 180 days from petition to order, plus another 60 - 90 days for agency updates.