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Washburn County Jail Roster: Search Current Inmates, Booking Records & Mugshots
Need to find out whether someone is being held at the Washburn County Jail in Shell Lake, Wisconsin? The Washburn County Sheriff’s Office publishes a Current Confinements report showing publicly available inmate information, including names, mugshots, hold reasons and certain bond details.
You can view the official report online without using a third-party inmate-search website. If a person was recently arrested, transferred or released, the jail can help verify their current custody status.
This guide walks you through the official Washburn County jail roster, booking reports, inmate photographs, court records, bail payments, visitation rules, phone calls, commissary deposits and historical records requests.
Last reviewed: November 7, 2026. This independent guide does not host or update the official inmate roster.
Washburn County Jail: Quick Information
- Facility: Washburn County Jail
- Location: 421 Highway 63, Shell Lake, WI 54871
- Operating agency: Washburn County Sheriff’s Office
- Jail phone: (715) 468-4726
- Dispatch: (715) 468-4720
- Administration: (715) 468-4700
- Inmate roster: Current Confinements PDF
- Booking photographs: Included in the official confinement report when available
- Facility capacity: 30 beds
- Year constructed: 1991
- Inmate communications: CIDNET
- Inmate deposits: JailATM, onsite kiosk or approved mail
- Custody notifications: Wisconsin VINE
How to Search the Official Washburn County Jail Roster
The Washburn County Sheriff’s Office maintains a Current Confinements link in the Jail section of its official website.
Unlike a typical searchable inmate database, this resource opens a PDF report. You can read the report on your phone or computer and use your browser’s Find function to locate a name.
Step 1: Open the Sheriff’s Jail Website
Visit Washburn County Sheriff’s Office — Jail.
Find the navigation menu labeled Jail and select Current Confinements.
Step 2: Open the Current Confinements PDF
The link leads to the Sheriff’s published inmate report. Check the printed date at the top before relying on the information.
For reference, the report available during this review was printed on November 3, 2026. It contained 29 records, but that number does not represent a verified current population for a later date.
View the November 3, 2026 official report (historical snapshot).
Step 3: Find the Inmate’s Name
On a desktop computer, use Ctrl+F or Command+F and enter the person’s last name. On a mobile device, use the PDF viewer’s search or Find in Page function, if supported.
If text search does not find the person, manually review the pages because PDF text extraction can sometimes be inconsistent.
Step 4: Check the Available Inmate Details
The Sheriff’s published report includes these fields:
- Front mugshot
- Last and first name
- Birth year
- Hold reasons, including listed offenses and warrants
- Remaining bond amounts for unresolved hold reasons, where applicable
The report may show whether a person is held for a new charge, probation matter, warrant or sentence.
Step 5: Confirm Current Custody
Before relying on an entry to arrange bond, transportation or a visit, call the jail at (715) 468-4726.
Give the inmate’s full legal name and birth year, if known, and ask staff to confirm the person’s current custody status and whether the public record is still accurate.
Washburn County Jail Booking Records and Recent Arrests
A booking record documents the intake of a person into a detention facility. The record may be associated with an arrest, warrant, probation hold or court-ordered commitment.
For current custody, use the Current Confinements report. For recently booked individuals, the Sheriff’s Office has also published weekly booking reports with photographs.
How to Check Recent Bookings
- Visit the official Sheriff’s Office website.
- Review the Jail section and available public-information resources.
- Open the Current Confinements report for people listed in custody.
- If you require a particular arrest date, ask whether a corresponding weekly booking report is available.
- Contact the Sheriff’s Office for historical booking records that are not posted online.
What Is the Difference Between a Booking Report and the Jail Roster?
| Record Type | What It Shows | Best Use |
|---|---|---|
| Current Confinements | People listed in custody when the report was generated, with selected hold and bond details. | Checking a dated snapshot of jail custody. |
| Weekly Booking Report | People booked during the reporting period, with selected arrest and booking details. | Researching recent intake activity. |
| Court Case Record | Publicly accessible court filings, allegations, hearings, orders and dispositions. | Checking the status of a criminal proceeding. |
| Historical Jail Record | Existing booking or incarceration documentation retained by the Sheriff’s Office. | Documenting a past period of custody. |
A booking report does not establish that a person is still incarcerated, and a booking or arrest does not establish guilt.
Washburn County Jail Mugshots and Booking Photos
Washburn County is one of the counties that publishes front booking photographs as part of its Current Confinements report. The official PDF includes a Front Mugshot column alongside identifying and custody information.
Steps to Find a Mugshot
- Open the official Sheriff’s Jail page.
- Select Current Confinements.
- Find the individual’s entry using the last name.
- Look at the Front Mugshot column.
- If a required older photograph is unavailable, contact the Sheriff’s records office regarding public-record access.
The availability of a photograph depends on the report and applicable disclosure rules. A person who has been released may no longer appear in the newest confinement report.
Remember: Mugshots are administrative identification images, not evidence of a criminal conviction.
What If You Cannot Find Someone on the Washburn County Jail Roster?
A missing name does not necessarily mean that an arrest did not occur. The individual could have been released, transferred to another facility, booked after the report was generated, or recorded under a different name.
Try These Steps
- Verify the report date. A PDF generated several days earlier cannot confirm current custody.
- Check the person’s name. Try an alternate spelling, legal surname or known alias.
- Call the jail. Use (715) 468-4726 to ask about current custody information.
- Search Wisconsin VINE. The service can provide county-jail custody information and notification options.
- Search the court record. A related case may appear in Wisconsin Circuit Court Access.
- Check state correctional custody. If the individual was moved into state prison custody, use the Wisconsin Department of Corrections offender locator.
Check Washburn County Inmate Custody Status With Wisconsin VINE
Wisconsin VINE is a state-supported service that allows members of the public and crime victims to check county-jail custody information and register for certain changes in custody status.
It is particularly useful when you want to know whether a person has been released or when checking custody after a dated PDF report.
How to Use Wisconsin VINE
- Go to VINELink.com.
- Select Wisconsin.
- Choose the available offender-search function.
- Search using the person’s name or other supported identifying information.
- Check the matching custody record carefully.
- If you want future custody-status alerts, follow the notification registration instructions.
You may also call 1-888-944-8463 (1-888-WI-4-VINE).
The service is free and supports English, Spanish and Hmong. Notifications should not replace personal safety planning or direct verification with the jail.
Washburn County Inmate Charges, Court Dates and Case Records
The jail report and the court docket serve different purposes. The jail report identifies hold reasons and custody information, while Wisconsin Circuit Court Access provides public case information entered by court staff.
The public court system is commonly known as Wisconsin CCAP.
Search a Washburn County Criminal Case
- Visit the official Wisconsin Court Case Search page.
- Select Circuit Court.
- Accept the website’s terms and conditions if prompted.
- Enter the defendant’s first and last name, or the case number if known.
- Choose Washburn County in the county filter, if available.
- Review matching cases and identify the correct person.
- Open the case detail to view available charges, events, upcoming proceedings and dispositions.
Not all court records are publicly available. Certain confidential, sealed or otherwise restricted proceedings will not appear in the public portal.
Washburn County Clerk of Circuit Court
For certified records, case-document questions or clarification about a hearing, contact the Clerk of Circuit Court:
- Location: 10 4th Avenue, Shell Lake, WI 54871
- Phone: (715) 468-4677
- Official court directory: Washburn County Department Contacts
How to Post Bond at Washburn County Jail
The Washburn County Sheriff’s Office provides detailed instructions for posting bond. According to its official guidance, the jail accepts bond payments 24 hours a day, every day of the year.
During Normal Courthouse Business Hours
- Confirm the inmate’s bond eligibility and amount.
- Go to the Washburn County Clerk of Courts Office.
- The office is located on the second floor of the Washburn County Courthouse, 10 4th Avenue, Shell Lake.
- Pay the required bond using the method accepted by the Clerk.
- The Clerk notifies the jail when the payment has been processed.
After Business Hours
- Go to the Sheriff’s Office at 421 Highway 63.
- Enter the main lobby and follow the posted instructions.
- A deputy will process the bond and required paperwork.
- If paying by credit card, bring a valid photo ID.
- Keep your payment receipt and confirm the release process.
Accepted Payment Types
| Payment Type | Official Guidance |
|---|---|
| Cash | The Sheriff’s Office identifies cash as its preferred method. |
| Credit card | Accepted at the jail through its payment service; fees and identification requirements apply. |
| Personal check | Not accepted by the Sheriff’s Office for bond payment. |
| Out-of-county bond | May be possible through another agency, but arrangements require prior confirmation. |
Can Every Inmate Be Released by Paying Bond?
No. A probation hold, additional warrant or another legal restriction may prevent release even when a cash bond is available for a separate charge.
The Sheriff’s Office explains that a probation hold cannot be cleared simply by paying a fine or bond. Release depends on the relevant authority removing the hold and resolving other applicable custody restrictions.
When Are Inmates Released?
The Sheriff’s Office indicates that inmates who have completed their sentences are usually released between 6:00 a.m. and 8:00 a.m., although exceptions apply. Release after bond payment or other legal action may follow a different process.
Washburn County Jail Visitation Hours and Visitor Rules
Washburn County Jail provides video-based personal visitation at the Sheriff’s Office. Visitors must check in at the front desk and present valid identification. Visits do not involve physical contact with the inmate.
Official Personal Visitation Schedule
| Day | Visitation Hours |
|---|---|
| Monday | 1:00 p.m.–4:00 p.m. |
| Tuesday | 8:30 a.m.–11:30 a.m. and 1:00 p.m.–4:00 p.m. |
| Wednesday | 8:30 a.m.–11:30 a.m. and 1:00 p.m.–4:00 p.m. |
| Thursday | 8:30 a.m.–11:30 a.m. and 1:00 p.m.–4:00 p.m. |
| Friday | 8:30 a.m.–11:30 a.m. and 1:00 p.m.–4:00 p.m. |
| Saturday–Sunday | No personal visitation hours listed in the official onsite schedule. |
| Legal holidays | Visitation closed. |
Important Visitor Requirements
- Personal visits are scheduled on a first-come, first-served basis.
- Visitors must appear on the inmate’s approved visitation list.
- Inmates may receive two 30-minute visits per day.
- The approved list can contain seven immediate family members and three non-family members.
- The list may be changed monthly.
- Visitors generally must be at least 18, with specified exceptions for an inmate’s children or siblings and court-authorized visits.
- Juvenile visitors must be accompanied by an approved adult.
- Personal visits are monitored and recorded by jail staff.
Professional and Attorney Visitation
The Sheriff’s Office allows approved professional visitors, including attorneys and certain other authorized individuals, to conduct face-to-face visits.
The published professional visitation periods are Monday through Friday:
- 6:00 a.m.–8:30 a.m.
- 8:30 a.m.–11:45 a.m.
- 1:00 p.m.–4:00 p.m.
Other appointments may be possible with jail approval. Professional visitors should verify current requirements directly, including rules for electronic devices and materials.
Official personal visitation rules | Professional visitation instructions
Washburn County Inmate Phone Calls, Video Visits and Messages
The Sheriff’s Office directs family members to CIDNET for prepaid phone calls, video visitation and text or picture messaging services.
How to Set Up Inmate Communication
- Visit the CIDNET Friends and Family Portal.
- Create a customer account.
- Complete the requested account verification.
- Select the available facility and inmate.
- Review supported communication features and charges.
- Add funds or schedule services according to the provider’s instructions.
Service eligibility, rates and available appointment times may change. Always verify the inmate’s current custody and account details before paying.
The Sheriff’s Office warns that inmate calls, visits and messages are monitored and recorded by staff. Legal and other privileged communication should be arranged through the appropriate authorized procedures.
Washburn County Jail Inmate Mailing Address and Rules
The Sheriff’s Office provides the following address for inmate correspondence:
Inmate First Name Last Name421 Highway 63
P.O. Box 429
Shell Lake, WI 54871
Mailing Instructions
- Write the inmate’s full legal name clearly.
- Use the mailing address published by the Sheriff’s Office.
- Include your own full name and a valid return address.
- Do not send unauthorized or prohibited materials.
- Contact the jail if you need confirmation about a specific item.
According to the Sheriff’s Office, mail received without a valid sender name and return address will not be delivered to the inmate until release. Incoming and outgoing correspondence is subject to inspection for contraband under jail procedures.
How to Send Money to a Washburn County Jail Inmate
Money deposited into a Washburn County inmate account can be used for commissary and phone time. The Sheriff’s Office also explains that account funds may be used for bond and that applicable fees can be charged to an inmate account.
Option 1: Online Through JailATM
- Open JailATM Deposits.
- Create or sign into your account.
- Find the available Washburn County facility option.
- Enter the required inmate details.
- Review the deposit amount and service fee.
- Complete payment and save the receipt.
Option 2: Sheriff’s Office Lobby Kiosk
The Sheriff’s Office states that deposits can be made at the kiosk in the main lobby at 421 Highway 63. Check the available payment methods and service requirements before visiting.
Option 3: Mail an Approved Payment
The official commissary instructions also list mailing cash or a money order payable to the inmate as an available method. Because sending physical cash carries loss risk, contact the jail to verify the current mailing and processing procedures before using that option.
Do not send money to an individual claiming to represent the jail unless the payment instructions have been verified through the official Sheriff’s Office.
Washburn County Jail Huber Privileges and Work Release
Some inmates who are serving a sentence may qualify for Huber privileges, which can allow continued participation in approved employment or education while serving jail time.
Eligibility depends on the sentencing order, applicable Wisconsin law and Washburn County Jail requirements. The Sheriff’s Office recommends contacting the Huber Officer before reporting to serve a sentence because paperwork and approval procedures may be required.
How to Apply for Huber Privileges
- Confirm that the court authorized Huber privileges or that you may qualify for the program.
- Visit the official Huber Information page.
- Review the rules and regulations.
- Download the applicable Huber or transfer documents.
- Contact the Huber Officer regarding required employment or school documentation.
- Complete the process before the reporting date whenever possible.
Huber Officer contact: (715) 468-4720.
How to Request Historical Washburn County Jail Records
A person’s name may disappear from the current jail report after release or transfer. If you need an earlier booking record, arrest documentation or incarceration record, request it from the appropriate agency.
Step-by-Step Public Records Request
- Identify the exact document needed: booking report, jail custody dates, arrest report or booking photograph.
- Gather the individual’s name and approximate date range.
- Visit the Washburn County Sheriff’s Office website.
- Open the Records section or contact the Sheriff’s administrative office.
- Ask how to submit a Wisconsin public-records request for the document.
- Submit a reasonably specific request and review any copying fees or exemptions explained by the agency.
The Sheriff’s Office can be reached at (715) 468-4700 or lawenfor@co.washburn.wi.us.
Which Agency Holds the Record?
| Information Needed | Best Starting Point |
|---|---|
| Current jail custody | Washburn County Current Confinements report |
| Booking or arrest report | Washburn County Sheriff’s Office Records |
| Charges, hearings and court disposition | Wisconsin Circuit Court Access |
| Wisconsin state prison records | Wisconsin Department of Corrections |
| Custody-status notification | Wisconsin VINE |
Public records may be withheld or redacted when required or permitted by Wisconsin law. A request does not guarantee that every requested record exists or is releasable.
Washburn County Jail Address, Contact Numbers and Directions
The Washburn County Jail is located on the second floor of the Sheriff’s Office in Shell Lake. The facility was constructed in 1991 and is connected to the courthouse by a secure hallway.
| Facility | Washburn County Jail |
|---|---|
| Street Address | 421 Highway 63, Shell Lake, WI 54871 |
| Mailing Address | P.O. Box 429, Shell Lake, WI 54871 |
| Jail Telephone | (715) 468-4726 |
| Dispatch | (715) 468-4720 |
| Administration | (715) 468-4700 |
| General Email | lawenfor@co.washburn.wi.us |
| Official Website | washburnsheriff.org |
Jail Location Map
Open Google Maps directions to Washburn County Jail.
Before visiting, identify whether your purpose is an inmate visit, bond payment, records request or court appearance. Different services have different locations and schedules.
Official Washburn County Jail and Wisconsin Inmate Resources
Use these primary sources for reliable follow-up information.
| Official Resource | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Washburn County Jail | Current Confinements and jail service information. |
| Official Bond Rules | Bond payment procedures and release-related questions. |
| Visitation Rules | Approved visitors, schedules and restrictions. |
| Wisconsin Court Case Search | Public circuit court cases and hearing information. |
| Wisconsin VINE | County jail custody information and notifications. |
| Wisconsin Department of Corrections | State correctional resources and offender information. |
Washburn County Jail Roster: 10 Frequently Asked Questions
1. How can I search for an inmate in Washburn County Jail?
Visit the official Washburn County Sheriff’s Office Jail page and open Current Confinements. The PDF lists inmates in custody when the report was generated. Search by the person’s last name or review the report manually.
2. Is the Washburn County jail roster available online for free?
Yes. The Sheriff’s Office makes its Current Confinements report publicly accessible through its official website without requiring a third-party subscription.
3. Does the Washburn County jail roster include mugshots?
Yes. The official confinement report includes a Front Mugshot column alongside names, birth years, hold reasons and certain bond information. Photographs may vary between reports.
4. How often is the Washburn County inmate roster updated?
The Sheriff’s Office publishes dated confinement reports, but a fixed update frequency is not confirmed here. Check the printed date on the PDF and contact the jail to verify current custody information.
5. What is the Washburn County Jail phone number?
The jail’s official phone number is (715) 468-4726. Dispatch is available at (715) 468-4720 and the Sheriff’s administrative office at (715) 468-4700.
6. How do I find recent bookings in Washburn County?
Begin with the Current Confinements report and check the Sheriff’s public information resources. For a particular booking date or historical report, contact the Sheriff’s Office and request the available record.
7. Can I check Washburn County inmate release or bond information?
Review the official confinement report for available bond details. Confirm current bond eligibility and release status with jail staff. Wisconsin VINE can also provide custody-status information and notifications.
8. What are the visitation hours at Washburn County Jail?
Published personal visitation hours are Monday 1:00–4:00 p.m. and Tuesday through Friday 8:30–11:30 a.m. and 1:00–4:00 p.m. Visits are closed on legal holidays and subject to approval rules.
9. How do I send money or communicate with a Washburn County inmate?
The Sheriff’s Office directs inmate deposits through JailATM, the lobby kiosk or approved mail methods. For prepaid calls, video visitation and messaging, use the CIDNET Friends and Family Portal.
10. How do I obtain an old Washburn County Jail booking record?
Contact the Washburn County Sheriff’s Office Records section and request the specific existing booking or arrest record. Include the person’s name and approximate dates. Disclosure and fees depend on Wisconsin public-records requirements.
Final Tips for Washburn County Inmate Searches
For a quick custody check, start with the Sheriff’s official Current Confinements PDF. Because the document is a dated report, verify current information directly with the jail before paying bond, traveling or making important decisions.
Use Wisconsin Circuit Court Access for public criminal-case information and Wisconsin VINE for custody notifications. For older booking records, the Sheriff’s Office is the appropriate starting point.
Independent publication notice: This guide is not operated by Washburn County or any government agency. It does not provide a live inmate database or guarantee the accuracy of changing custody information. Arrest and detention records are not proof of guilt. Official jail and court records control.