Domestic Abuse

Notice to Victims of Domestic Abuse

When a person has been arrested for a crime involving domestic abuse, we have an obligation to notify you about the procedure for releasing the arrested person as well as the likelihood and probable time of the arrested person's release.

The time line for predicting when an arrested person will be released is influenced by a number of factors. While each domestic abuse arrest is unique, certain conditions must be met prior to release from jail:

Formal booking into the Dane County Jail is necessary. Processing time may vary depending on how busy the jail is or on the unique considerations of the individual who has been arrested (i.e. Does the arrested person require medical attention prior to processing?)

Bail must be met before an arrested person can be released. In cases of battery and other misdemeanor charges, cash, VISA, and AMERICAN EXPRESS can be posted. MasterCard and DISCOVER and checks are not accepted. In such cases, arraignment will be set for a date as soon as possible (with a court time determined later). When a person bails out, release could occur as soon as within an hour of arrest!
For those individuals who cannot post bail or have been arrested for a felony, arraignment will be held as soon as possible. However, in these situations, arraignment times can vary. Please call Central Booking or Court Services for specific times. Usually the arrested person is released from jail after arraignment.

Prior to the arrested person being released on bail, he/she must sign an acknowledgment at the jail that he/she has received notice of the "No Contact" requirements, and the increased penalties for additional acts of domestic abuse. Refusal to sign this acknowledgment will result in release from jail being denied.

It should be remembered that the information provided here is advisory only. Individual facts and circumstances, coupled with the varying demands placed on the jail, make it extremely difficult to predict the exact time that an arrested person will be released.

IF YOU WANT TO KNOW WHETHER AN ARRESTED PERSON IS STILL IN JAIL, CONTACT THE DANE COUNTY JAIL - CENTRAL BOOKING AT (608) 284-6100.

An alternative way to find out an arrested person's custody status is to register and use the VINE (Victim Information and Notification Everyday) system. Click here to access VINELink.

How to Obtain a Restraining Order

The following information is provided by the Sheriff's Office and Domestic Abuse Intervention Services.

A Domestic Abuse Temporary Restraining Order / Injunction is designed for the protection of domestic abuse victims. You can apply for an order by going to the Probate Office, which is located in Room 1005 of the Dane County Courthouse, 215 S. Hamilton St., Madison during regular business hours. There is no fee for the petitioner.

In most cases, a Restraining Order can be served by a Dane County Sheriff's Deputy on the same day that it is applied for. If the arrested person is still in jail, it can be served on him/her immediately in the jail.

At the time the temporary order is issued, a hearing date is usually set within 7 days to make the order permanent. Any violation of either a Temporary Restraining Order or an Injunction is a criminal violation which will result in the defendant being immediately arrested.

Domestic Abuse Intervention Services provides a free legal advocacy program to assist you in obtaining a Restraining Order/Injunction. For support, information, legal assistance, or shelter, call their Help and Crisis Line at (608) 251-4445 or 1-800-747-4045 (24 hours, Language Line and TDD).

Weapons Surrender

Upon issuance of an injunction or a conviction for domestic abuse, all firearms in possession of the respondent must be turned over to the Sheriff's Office.

Domestic Abuse Video

Portraits of Domestic Abuse - "Breaking the Cycle"

Portraits of Domestic Abuse depicts the stories of three men who work to change their abusive behaviors. As the men participate in an aggression counseling group for abusive men, they learn how to resolve conflict and anger in non-violent, non-abusive ways.

The video and user manual was created for use as an introductory educational tool for adult male abusers. It is ideal for use in institutional settings to help facilitate prison and jail programs on domestic violence.

Other suggested uses for the video and user manual are for introduction to aggression treatment groups, community education purposes and domestic violence volunteer training.

"Both the video and manual are user friendly. In fact, they are almost abuser friendly!! You have done an excellent job of clearly and simply summarizing key issues......" -Nancy Worcester, Coordinator/Trainer Wisconsin Domestic Violence Training Project University of Wisconsin-Madison, Women’s Studies

"We applaud Dane County for developing this creative project geared towards curbing domestic violence." -Mary Lauby, Executive Director, Wisconsin Coalition Against Domestic Violence

To order your copy of the video and user manual Portraits of Domestic Abuse send $79.00 (includes shipping and handling) payable to:

Dane County Sheriff’s Office
Friends of the Jail
Attn: Jail Secretary
115 W. Doty Street
Madison, WI 53703

ALL PROCEEDS FROM THE SALE OF PORTRAITS OF DOMESTIC ABUSE ARE PLACED INTO A NON-PROFIT, TAX DEDUCTIBLE ACCOUNT -- "FRIENDS OF THE JAIL".
FUNDS IN THIS ACCOUNT CAN ONLY BE USED TO PROMOTE FUTURE JAIL PROGRAMS.