Criminal records in Marathon County, Wisconsin, are available through several channels. MarathonCourt.us allows for quick access to public information about criminal cases related to this county. Additionally, searches can be conducted through the official state court system portal, law enforcement agencies, and the county clerk's office. Each of these resources provides different levels of detail—from basic case information to certified copies of court documents.
How to Search Criminal Records in Marathon
There are several ways to access criminal records in Marathon County. Start with the one that is most convenient for you.
Online Search
- MarathonCourt.us — Enter the person's first and last name to view publicly available information about criminal cases in the county.
- Wisconsin Circuit Court Access (WCCA) — The official portal of the Wisconsin court system. Allows searching for cases by name, case number, or county name. It displays cases from all state circuit courts, including Marathon County Circuit Court.
- Wisconsin Online Record Check System (WORCS) — A system by the Wisconsin Department of Justice for checking criminal history. Suitable for employers, volunteer organizations, and private individuals.
- Access to Supreme Court and Court of Appeals Cases — If the case has been appealed at the state level.
In-Person Visit
Public terminals for searching court cases are available in the Marathon County Courthouse building. The county clerk's office can also assist in finding the required record—just approach the staff at the counter.
Mail Request
A written request can be sent to the Marathon County Clerk of Circuit Court. Include the person's full name, date of birth (if known), case number (if available), and the type of document requested. You can also send a request to the central DOJ criminal records repository to obtain an official criminal history report.
To start your search, you will need at least one of the following:
- Full first and last name of the person
- Date of birth
- Case number
Search Marathon Criminal Cases by Case Number
Each case in the Wisconsin court system is assigned a unique number, and understanding its structure significantly speeds up the search. The format looks like this:
YYYY-XX-NNNNNN
- YYYY — Year the case was filed (e.g., 2024).
- XX — Case type code. For criminal cases, the most common are: CF (felony), CM (misdemeanor), CT (traffic offenses), TR (transportation violations).
- NNNNNN — Sequential number within the year and type.
For example, the number 2024CF000123 indicates a felony filed in 2024 with a sequential number of 123. Knowing the exact number will yield instant results—without the need to filter through dozens of records with the same last name.
Charges, Case Status, Hearings, and Court Results in Marathon
When you find a case, the records contain several key data categories. Here's what each of them means in practice.
Charges
| Element | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Statute Code | Reference to a specific section of the Wisconsin Statutes under which the charges are filed |
| Severity Level | Felony (serious crime), Misdemeanor (less serious crime), Infraction (violation) |
| Amended Charges | The prosecutor may change the initial charge during negotiations or by court decision |
Case Status
- Pending — The case is open, and a decision has not yet been made.
- Active — Proceedings are ongoing, with hearings scheduled.
- Disposed — The court has made a final decision.
- Closed — All obligations have been fulfilled, and the case is closed.
Types of Hearings
In Marathon County criminal cases, the following stages usually occur:
- Arraignment — The first court appearance where the defendant learns about the charges and enters a plea of guilty or not guilty.
- Preliminary Hearing — The judge assesses whether there is enough evidence to proceed with the case (applies to felonies).
- Pre-Trial Conference — The parties discuss the possibility of a plea deal or clarify procedural issues.
- Sentencing — The issuance of a sentence after a guilty plea or jury verdict.
- Review Hearing — Checking compliance with the terms of the sentence, such as probation.
Court Results
| Result | What It Means |
|---|---|
| Guilty | The defendant has been found guilty |
| Not Guilty | The court or jury has acquitted the defendant |
| Dismissed | The case is closed without a verdict |
| Nolle Prosequi | The prosecutor has dropped the charges |
| Acquitted | Complete acquittal after trial |
How to Request Certified Criminal Records in Marathon
Certified copies are official documents with a court seal, accepted by other institutions as legal evidence. Contact the Marathon County Clerk of Circuit Court.
How to Submit a Request
- In Person — Visit the office and fill out a request form on-site. Bring a photo ID.
- By Mail — Send a written request specifying the case number, full name of the party, and type of document. Include a check or money order for the appropriate fee.
- Online — For state-level criminal history checks, use the WORCS system of the Department of Justice.
For a DOJ request, you need to provide the person's full name and date of birth. Some requests require fingerprints—this applies to checks related to licensing or employment in sensitive areas.
Contact Information
Marathon County Clerk of Circuit Court
Fees, Copy Costs, and Processing Times for Criminal Records in Marathon
Fees are regulated by Wisconsin statutes (specifically Wis. Stat. § 814.61). Below are approximate amounts—check current rates directly with the office.
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Copy of court document (per page) | $1.25 |
| Document certification | $5.00 |
| Criminal history check via WORCS (DOJ) | $7.00 (online) |
| Criminal history check with fingerprints (DOJ) | $7.00 + FBI federal fee (if required) |
Processing Time
- Online through WORCS — Results usually appear within a few minutes, sometimes up to 2 business days.
- Mail request to the court clerk — From 5 to 10 business days depending on volume.
- Certified copies during an in-person visit — Often issued the same day if the case is in the electronic system.
Payment is accepted by check, money order, and usually by credit card for in-person visits. Confirm available payment methods by calling the office in advance. According to the Wisconsin public records compliance guide, some personal data may be redacted from documents in accordance with current laws.