Wisconsin Warrant Search

Are Warrants Public Record in Wisconsin

Pursuant to Wisconsin's Public Records Law (Wis. Stat. § 19.31-19.39), warrants are considered public records in the state of Wisconsin. This transparency measure is maintained to ensure public safety and community awareness. The Wisconsin Legislature has established that providing citizens with access to governmental records, including warrant information, is an essential function of a democratic government and a fundamental state policy.

Warrant records fall under the jurisdiction of the Wisconsin court system and law enforcement agencies. These documents become part of the public judicial process upon issuance by a judge or magistrate. The Wisconsin Supreme Court has consistently upheld the public's right to access court records, including warrants, except in cases where specific statutory exemptions apply or when a court has ordered records sealed.

Members of the public may access warrant information through various official channels established by state and local authorities. The Wisconsin Court System maintains a comprehensive database that includes warrant information as part of its commitment to judicial transparency. Additionally, the Wisconsin Department of Justice oversees certain aspects of warrant record management at the state level.

Law enforcement agencies throughout Wisconsin maintain warrant records as part of their official duties. These records typically remain accessible to the public unless specifically exempted by statute or court order. Exemptions may apply to warrants related to ongoing investigations, juvenile matters, or cases where public disclosure could compromise public safety.

What Is Contents in Warrant Records in Wisconsin?

Warrant records in Wisconsin contain specific information as prescribed by Wisconsin Statutes § 968.04 regarding arrest warrants and § 968.12 regarding search warrants. Standard information included in Wisconsin warrant records comprises:

Subject identification: Full legal name of the individual, date of birth, physical description, and last known address
Case information: Court case number, issuing court jurisdiction, and date of issuance
Offense details: Specific statutory violations alleged, classification of offense (misdemeanor or felony), and brief description of the alleged criminal activity
Judicial authorization: Name of the issuing judge or court commissioner and their jurisdiction
Warrant status: Whether the warrant is active, recalled, or satisfied
Bail information: Amount of bail set, if applicable, and any special conditions imposed by the court
Service instructions: Any special instructions for law enforcement regarding execution of the warrant

The Ozaukee County Sheriff's Office maintains typical warrant records that demonstrate these standard contents. Wisconsin law enforcement agencies follow uniform protocols for warrant documentation as established by the Wisconsin Department of Justice.

How to Check For Warrants in Wisconsin For Free

Wisconsin residents may verify warrant status through several no-cost methods established by state and local authorities. The Wisconsin court system provides public access to warrant information through the following channels:

Wisconsin Circuit Court Access (WCCA): The public interface of the Consolidated Court Automation Programs (CCAP) allows free online searches of court records, including warrant information, at Wisconsin Court System.
County Sheriff's Offices: Most county sheriff departments maintain public terminals for warrant searches. For example:

Wisconsin Department of Justice
17 W. Main Street
Madison, WI 53703
(608) 266-1221
Wisconsin Department of Justice
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM

Milwaukee Municipal Court
951 N. James Lovell Street
Milwaukee, WI 53233
(414) 286-3800
Milwaukee Municipal Court
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM

Individuals seeking warrant information should be prepared to provide their full legal name and date of birth to facilitate accurate searches. Wisconsin law enforcement agencies maintain public-facing warrant lists as part of their community safety initiatives, though the comprehensiveness of these resources varies by jurisdiction.

How to Know If You Have a Warrant in Wisconsin in 2025

As of 2025, Wisconsin residents have multiple official channels through which to verify warrant status. The Wisconsin Court System continues to maintain its online case search functionality, which has been enhanced to provide more comprehensive warrant information. To determine if a warrant exists in your name, the following official resources are available:

Wisconsin Online Record Check System (WORCS): The Wisconsin Department of Justice maintains this official portal for background checks, which includes warrant information.
County Sheriff's Department Websites: Many Wisconsin counties maintain online warrant databases. The Walworth County Sheriff's Office and Barron County Sheriff's Department exemplify this practice.
In-Person Verification: Individuals may visit their local courthouse or sheriff's office with proper identification to inquire about warrant status.

Wisconsin Statute § 968.04(3)(a)7 requires that warrant information be maintained in accessible formats. However, certain warrants may not appear in public-facing databases if they are related to sealed cases or ongoing investigations. For comprehensive verification, direct contact with the relevant county clerk of courts office is advisable.

How to Check For Outstanding Warrants in Wisconsin

Wisconsin residents seeking to verify outstanding warrant status may utilize several official channels established by state and local authorities. The process for checking outstanding warrants involves:

Online Court Records: The Wisconsin Circuit Court Access portal provides searchable access to court records, including most warrant information.
County Sheriff's Offices: Each county sheriff maintains warrant records for their jurisdiction. For example:

Wisconsin Department of Corrections
3099 East Washington Avenue
Madison, WI 53704
(608) 240-5000
Wisconsin Department of Corrections
Hours: Monday-Friday, 7:45 AM - 4:30 PM

Local Police Departments: Municipal police departments maintain records of local warrants and can provide verification upon request with proper identification.
Wisconsin Department of Justice: The DOJ maintains the Wisconsin Online Record Check System for official background checks that include warrant information.

Pursuant to Wisconsin Statute § 59.27, sheriff's departments are required to maintain accurate warrant records and execute warrants within their jurisdictions. Individuals with concerns about possible warrants should be aware that Wisconsin law enforcement agencies actively pursue warrant service, and voluntary resolution of outstanding warrants is encouraged.

How to Find Federal Warrant Search

Federal warrants in Wisconsin fall under the jurisdiction of federal law enforcement agencies and the U.S. District Courts for the Eastern and Western Districts of Wisconsin. These warrants are not typically included in state-level databases. To determine if a federal warrant exists:

U.S. District Courts: The federal courts maintain public access terminals where individuals may search federal court records, including warrant information.

U.S. District Court - Eastern District of Wisconsin
517 East Wisconsin Avenue
Milwaukee, WI 53202
(414) 297-3372
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM

U.S. District Court - Western District of Wisconsin
120 North Henry Street
Madison, WI 53703
(608) 264-5156
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM

Federal Law Enforcement Agencies: Agencies such as the U.S. Marshals Service maintain information on federal warrants.

U.S. Marshals Service - Eastern District of Wisconsin
517 East Wisconsin Avenue, Room 384
Milwaukee, WI 53202
(414) 297-3707
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM

Federal warrants are issued pursuant to Federal Rules of Criminal Procedure Rule 4 (arrest warrants) and Rule 41 (search warrants). The Wisconsin DOC NOTIS system provides notification services related to offenders in custody, which may include information about warrant status in certain cases.