Criminal records of Walworth County, Wisconsin, are available through several channels. WalworthCourt.us allows you to search publicly available information about criminal cases. Additionally, records can be obtained through the state's court system portal, county law enforcement agencies, and directly at the Clerk of Circuit Court office. Below are step-by-step instructions for each search method.
How to Search Criminal Records in Walworth
To start your search, you will need at least one of the following:
- Full name of the person (first and last name)
- Date of birth
- Case number
Online Search
- WalworthCourt.us — enter the name or case number to find publicly available data on criminal proceedings in the county.
- Wisconsin Court System Case Search (CCAP) — the official state court system portal. Select "Walworth" as the county, enter the name or case number. The CCAP system processes electronic citations from law enforcement agencies and displays data for circuit courts across the state.
- Walworth County Inmate Search — a tool from the county sheriff showing inmate status, their upcoming court hearings, and bail amounts. Search is also available through Inmate Locator.
- Wisconsin Online Record Check System (WORCS) — the state Department of Justice offers online criminal history checks. This is a paid service intended for both individuals and organizations.
In-Person Request
Visit the Clerk of Circuit Court office in the Walworth County courthouse. There are public terminals available to view case materials. The clerk will also provide copies of documents upon request.
Walworth County Clerk of Circuit Court
Written Request
Send a request by mail to the Clerk of Circuit Court specifying the full name of the person, date of birth (if known), and case number. For an official state-level criminal history check, you can submit a request to the Wisconsin Department of Justice.
Search Walworth Criminal Cases by Case Number
Each case in Wisconsin courts receives a unique number in a standard format. Here's what each part means:
| Element | Description | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Year | Last two digits of the year the case was filed | 24 |
| County Code | Two-letter code (for Walworth — WL) | WL |
| Case Type | Letter code for category: CF (criminal felony), CM (criminal misdemeanor), CT (citation/traffic), TR (traffic) | CF |
| Sequential Number | Sequential number within the year and category | 000123 |
The full number looks like this: 2024WL000123. Enter it on the CCAP portal or search on WalworthCourt.us to go directly to a specific case. This is the fastest way to find the information you need if the number is already known.
Charges, Case Status, Hearings, and Court Results in Walworth
Charges
- Statute Code — reference to a specific section of the Wisconsin Statutes under which charges are filed (e.g., §943.10 — burglary).
- Severity Level — felony, misdemeanor, or forfeiture/infraction.
- Amended Charges — the prosecutor may change the initial charge during plea bargaining or by court decision.
Case Status
| Status | What It Means |
|---|---|
| Open / Pending | The case is active, the court process is ongoing |
| Active Warrant | An arrest warrant has been issued; the case is not closed |
| Disposed / Closed | The court has made a final decision |
Types of Hearings
- Initial Appearance / Arraignment — first court appearance, charges are announced.
- Preliminary Hearing — the judge determines if there is enough evidence to proceed with the case (only for felonies).
- Pre-Trial Conference — parties discuss the possibility of a plea deal or prepare for trial.
- Jury / Court Trial — the case is heard on its merits.
- Sentencing — sentencing after a guilty plea or conviction.
- Review Hearing — review of compliance with probation terms or other court requirements.
Court Results
- Guilty — found guilty (by verdict or plea agreement).
- Not Guilty — acquitted by jury or judge.
- Dismissed — case closed, charges dropped.
- No Contest (Nolo Contendere) — the defendant does not contest the charge but does not formally admit guilt.
- Acquitted — full acquittal after trial.
How to Request Certified Criminal Records in Walworth
Certified copies are documents with the court's official seal, accepted as legal proof. They can be obtained in several ways.
Through Clerk of Circuit Court
Request in person or by mail. Specify the defendant's name, case number, and specific documents you need. The clerk may require photo ID. Request forms are available on the state court system website.
Additional information on forms and county court resources can be found on the Walworth County Legal Resources page of the State Law Library.
State-Level Criminal History Check
To obtain a complete report on a person's criminal history within Wisconsin, submit a request through the WORCS system of the Department of Justice. This report covers records from all counties in the state, not just Walworth.
Inmate Information
The Walworth County Sheriff's Office provides data on current inmates through an online search. For information on individuals serving sentences in state correctional facilities, contact the Wisconsin Department of Corrections.
Fees, Copy Costs, and Processing Times for Criminal Records in Walworth
Below are the approximate fees set according to Wisconsin Statutes (specifically §814.61).
| Service | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Copy of court document (non-certified) | $1.25 per page | According to Wis. Stat. §814.61(10) |
| Document certification | $5.00 | Per certified document |
| Criminal history check via WORCS | $7.00 | Online, credit card payment |
| Inmate registry search | Free | Through sheriff's online tool |
| Case search via CCAP | Free | Public access online |
Processing Time
- Online WORCS requests — results are usually available within minutes to two business days.
- In-person requests to Clerk of Circuit Court — simple copies are often issued the same day. Certified documents may require additional time if the case is extensive.
- Mail requests — typically processed within 5–10 business days after receipt, not including delivery time.
Payment at the clerk's office is accepted in cash, check, or money order. Confirm acceptable payment forms in advance by calling (262) 741-7012.