Criminal records in Rock County, Wisconsin, are available through several channels. RockCourt.us allows you to quickly find public information about 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, requesting, and understanding criminal records in Rock County.
How to Search Criminal Records in Rock
There are several ways to find criminal records in Rock County. Each is suitable for different situations.
Online Search
- RockCourt.us — enter a name or case number to view publicly available information about county court criminal cases.
- Wisconsin Circuit Court Access (WCCA) — the main portal of the state's court system. It stores records of all county courts in Wisconsin, including the Rock County Circuit Court. Search by name, date of birth, or case number.
- WSCCA — a separate tool for Wisconsin Supreme Court and Court of Appeals cases.
- Wisconsin Online Record Check System (WORCS) — the Department of Justice provides criminal history checks through this system. Full name and date of birth are required.
- DOC Offender Information — the Wisconsin Department of Corrections allows you to search for information about individuals under supervision or in state correctional facilities.
In Person
The Rock County Clerk of Courts accepts on-site requests. The courthouse has public access terminals where case materials can be viewed. Contact the clerk if you need help with searching or copies of documents.
By Mail
A written request can be sent to the court clerk at the address above. Include the person's full name, date of birth (if known), case number (if available), and return address. For a state-level criminal history check, submit a request to the Wisconsin Department of Justice through WORCS or by mail with the appropriate form.
What you need to start a search:
- Full name of the person
- Date of birth (preferably)
- Case number (if known)
Search Rock Criminal Cases by Case Number
Each case in Wisconsin county courts has a unique number. The format looks like this:
YYYY-XX-NNNNNN
- YYYY — the year the case was filed (e.g., 2024)
- XX — the case type code, two-letter. For criminal cases, the most common are: CF (felony), CM (misdemeanor), CT (criminal traffic), TR (traffic)
- NNNNNN — the sequential case number
Example: 2024-CF-000123 indicates a felony case filed in 2024 with number 123. If you know this number, the search takes a few seconds — it returns the specific case without needing to filter results by name.
The county code for Rock County in the WCCA system is 53. This code sometimes appears in extended case number formats.
Charges, Case Status, Hearings, and Court Results in Rock
Search results contain several key elements. Here's what each of them means in practice.
Charges
| Element | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Statute Code | Reference to a specific section of the Wisconsin Statutes, e.g., § 943.10 — burglary |
| Severity Level | Felony (with classes A–I), Misdemeanor (with classes A–C), or Forfeiture |
| Amended Charges | The prosecutor may change the initial charge — for example, reducing a felony to a misdemeanor as part of a plea deal |
Case Status
- Open / Active — the case is being considered by the court
- Disposed — the court has made a final decision
- Closed — all procedures are completed, including sentence execution
- Reopened — the case has been reopened after closure (e.g., due to probation violations)
Hearings
Typical stages of a criminal case in Rock County Circuit Court:
- Initial Appearance — first court appearance, charges announced
- Preliminary Hearing — for felonies only; the court determines if there is sufficient evidence
- Arraignment — the defendant formally pleads guilty or not guilty
- Pre-Trial Conference — discussion between parties before the trial
- Trial — court trial (by jury or judge)
- Sentencing — sentencing after a guilty plea
Court Results
| Result | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Guilty | Found guilty |
| Not Guilty | Acquitted |
| Dismissed | Case closed by the prosecutor or court |
| No Contest (Nolo Contendere) | The defendant does not contest the charge but does not formally admit guilt |
| Deferred Judgment | Judgment deferred; if court requirements are met, the charge may be dismissed |
How to Request Certified Criminal Records in Rock
Certified copies are official documents with the court's seal that have legal force. A regular printout from WCCA does not have such force.
Where to Apply
Requests for certified copies of court cases are processed by the Rock County Clerk of Courts.
For an official state-level criminal history check, contact the Wisconsin Department of Justice through the WORCS system.
How to Submit a Request
- In Person — visit the clerk's office, provide the case number or full name and date of birth of the person. Payment on site.
- By Mail — send a written request with case details and a check or money order to the clerk's address.
- Online — certified copies are usually not issued through the internet portal. Some standard forms can be downloaded in advance.
What You Need
- Full name of the person and date of birth or case number
- Valid photo ID (for in-person requests)
- Payment of the certification fee
For a check through WORCS, you need the name, date of birth, and online payment. The result usually arrives within a few business days.
Fees, Copy Costs, and Processing Times for Criminal Records in Rock
Fees are set according to Wisconsin Statutes § 814.61 and local rules.
| Service | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Copy of court document | $1.25 per page | According to Wis. Stat. § 814.61(10) |
| Document certification | $5.00 | Per certified document |
| Criminal history check through WORCS | $7.00 | Online through Wisconsin DOJ; payment by credit card |
| Criminal history check (paper request) | $7.00 | By mail to Wisconsin DOJ |
Processing Times
- WORCS (online) — result usually arrives within 1–2 business days
- Copies through the court clerk (in person) — often issued on the day of the request
- Mail requests — 5 to 10 business days depending on volume
The clerk may require prepayment. Confirm current amounts and acceptable forms of payment by calling (608) 743-2200 before visiting or sending a request. Additional information about Rock County legal resources can be found on the Wisconsin State Law Library website.