Warrants are public records in Appleton, Wisconsin, pursuant to Wisconsin Open Records Law (Wis. Stat. § 19.31-19.39). This legislation establishes the presumption that the public has the right to access government records, including warrants, unless specifically exempted by statute. The law operates under the principle that governmental transparency is essential to a functioning democracy.
The City of Appleton maintains warrant records as public documents in accordance with state regulations. These records are maintained to ensure transparency in law enforcement operations and to provide citizens with access to information regarding legal proceedings. While certain sensitive information may be redacted in accordance with Wis. Stat. § 19.36 to protect privacy interests or ongoing investigations, the fundamental details of warrants remain accessible to the public.
Warrant information typically becomes available after the warrant has been issued by a judge and entered into the official record system. The Wisconsin Public Records Law requires that custodians of records respond to requests "as soon as practicable and without delay," though specific response times may vary depending on the complexity of the request and available resources.
Members of the public seeking warrant information in Appleton may utilize several online resources:
Wisconsin Circuit Court Access (WCCA): This statewide public access system, commonly known as CCAP, provides information about court cases, including warrants. The system is maintained by the Wisconsin Court System and updated regularly with information from circuit courts throughout the state, including Outagamie County where Appleton is located.
Appleton Police Department: The department's website may provide limited information about active warrants or instructions for conducting warrant searches. The department maintains records in accordance with the Municipal Code of the City of Appleton.
Outagamie County Sheriff's Office: The Sheriff's Office may maintain an online database of outstanding warrants within the county jurisdiction.
Third-Party Public Record Aggregators: Various commercial websites compile public records from multiple sources, though the accuracy and currency of such information cannot be guaranteed by official agencies.
Individuals seeking to determine if they have an active warrant in Appleton may pursue several official channels:
Direct Inquiry with Law Enforcement: Contact the Appleton Police Department directly at their headquarters:
Appleton Police Department
222 S. Walnut Street
Appleton, WI 54911
(920) 832-5500
Official Website
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Circuit Court Records: Access the Wisconsin Circuit Court Access system to search for your name in the database. This system provides information about cases filed in Wisconsin circuit courts, including warrant status.
Outagamie County Clerk of Courts Office:
320 S. Walnut Street
Appleton, WI 54911
(920) 832-5131
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Legal Representation: Consult with an attorney who can conduct a confidential search on your behalf. The Outagamie County Bar Association can provide referrals to qualified attorneys.
Pursuant to Wis. Stat. § 968.04, warrants remain in effect until executed, canceled by the issuing court, or superseded by subsequent legal action. Individuals with active warrants may be subject to arrest at any time, including during routine interactions with law enforcement.
The verification of outstanding warrants in Appleton may be accomplished through several official channels:
Online Court Records: The Wisconsin Circuit Court Access system provides a searchable database of court records, including warrant information. Users may search by name to identify any outstanding warrants within the state court system.
In-Person Inquiry: Individuals may visit the Outagamie County Courthouse to request warrant information:
Outagamie County Courthouse
320 S. Walnut Street
Appleton, WI 54911
(920) 832-5131
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Telephone Verification: The Appleton Police Department Records Division can provide limited information regarding warrants via telephone at (920) 832-5500.
Wisconsin Department of Corrections: For warrants related to probation or parole violations, the Department of Corrections may provide information regarding outstanding apprehension requests.
When conducting a warrant search, requestors should be prepared to provide full legal name, date of birth, and other identifying information to ensure accurate results. Pursuant to Wis. Stat. § 19.35(1)(i), agencies may require verification of identity before releasing certain records.
Warrant records maintained by Appleton authorities typically contain the following information as prescribed by Wisconsin Statutes Chapter 968:
Subject Identification: Full legal name, date of birth, physical description, last known address, and other identifying information of the individual named in the warrant.
Warrant Classification: Designation of the warrant type (arrest warrant, bench warrant, search warrant, etc.) and the statutory authority under which it was issued.
Case Information: Associated case number, court of issuance, and filing date. For criminal matters, the specific charges are enumerated with reference to the applicable Wisconsin Statutes.
Judicial Authorization: Name of the issuing judge or court commissioner, date of issuance, and electronic or physical signature authenticating the document.
Warrant Status: Current status indicating whether the warrant is active, recalled, or executed, including relevant dates of status changes.
Bond Information: If applicable, the specified bail amount and any special conditions imposed by the court.
Service Instructions: Any special instructions for law enforcement regarding execution of the warrant, including cautions about potential dangers or flight risk.
Pursuant to Wis. Stat. § 968.04(3), arrest warrants must "command that the person against whom the complaint was made be arrested and brought before the judge issuing the warrant, or, if the judge is absent or unable to act, before some other judge in the same county."