Columbia County, Wisconsin Warrant Records
Are Warrants Public Record in Columbia County, Wisconsin?
Yes, warrants are public records in Columbia County, Wisconsin. Pursuant to Wisconsin Public Records Law (Wis. Stat. §§ 19.31-19.39), warrant information is maintained as public record to ensure governmental transparency and accountability. This statute establishes that all records created or maintained by government agencies, including warrant records, shall be accessible to the public unless specifically exempted by law.
The Columbia County Sheriff's Office maintains warrant records in accordance with Wisconsin state law. These records are made available to promote public safety and ensure that law enforcement activities are conducted with appropriate oversight. Members of the public may access warrant information through designated channels established by county authorities.
Access to warrant records in Columbia County is governed by both state statutes and local administrative procedures. The Wisconsin Public Records Law specifically states that public records shall be open to inspection "as rapidly as possible" (Wis. Stat. § 19.35(4)). Custodians of records in Columbia County adhere to these requirements when processing requests for warrant information.
What Is Contained in Warrant Records in Columbia County?
Warrant records maintained by the Columbia County Sheriff's Office typically include the following information:
- Full legal name of the subject
- Date of birth and/or age
- Physical description (height, weight, identifying marks)
- Last known address
- Warrant number and date of issuance
- Type of warrant (arrest, bench, search)
- Nature of the alleged offense
- Bond amount, if applicable
- Issuing court or judicial authority
- Status of the warrant (active, recalled, served)
The level of detail contained in publicly accessible warrant records may vary based on the nature of the case and applicable privacy restrictions under Wisconsin law. Certain sensitive information may be redacted in accordance with Wis. Stat. § 19.36, which provides exemptions for specific categories of information.
How to Check For Warrants in Columbia County For Free
Columbia County residents and other interested parties may verify warrant status through several no-cost methods. The following options are available for conducting free warrant searches:
In-person requests may be submitted at:
Columbia County Sheriff's Office
711 East Cook Street
Portage, WI 53901
(608) 742-4166
Columbia County Sheriff's Office
Office hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM
Individuals may also access the Wisconsin Circuit Court Access portal, which provides information on court cases including those involving warrants. This state-maintained database allows searches by name and case number.
For telephone inquiries, the Columbia County Sheriff's Office Warrants Division can be reached at (608) 742-4166 ext. 3315 during regular business hours. Staff members can verify whether an active warrant exists but may require personal identifying information to conduct the search.
Columbia County Sheriff Warrants
The Columbia County Sheriff's Office is the primary law enforcement agency responsible for executing warrants within the county's jurisdiction. Sheriff's warrants are issued pursuant to Wisconsin Statutes Chapter 968, which governs criminal procedure and the issuance of warrants.
Sheriff's warrants in Columbia County fall into several categories:
- Arrest warrants: Issued when probable cause exists that an individual has committed a crime
- Bench warrants: Issued when an individual fails to appear for a scheduled court date
- Search warrants: Authorizing law enforcement to search specified premises
- Civil warrants: Related to non-criminal matters such as child support enforcement
The Sheriff's Office maintains a current list of active warrants that is updated regularly. This list includes individuals for whom the office holds active warrants as of the most recent update date. The information is provided as a public service and to assist in the apprehension of wanted persons.
Pursuant to Wisconsin Statute § 59.27, the Sheriff has a duty to "execute or serve all processes, writs, precepts and orders issued or made by lawful authority and delivered to the sheriff." This statutory obligation forms the legal basis for the Sheriff's warrant execution activities.
How to Know If You Have a Warrant in Columbia County in 2025
As of 2025, Columbia County offers multiple methods for individuals to determine if they have an outstanding warrant. The county has implemented several technological improvements to facilitate public access to this information.
To verify warrant status, individuals may:
Check the Columbia County Sheriff's Office online warrant database, which is updated daily with current warrant information.
Visit the Wisconsin Court System's case search portal to review court records that may indicate the existence of a warrant.
Contact the Columbia County Clerk of Courts directly:
Columbia County Clerk of Courts
400 DeWitt Street
Portage, WI 53901
(608) 742-9634
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM
- Consult with a licensed attorney who can conduct a confidential search on your behalf and provide legal advice regarding any outstanding warrants.
The Columbia County Sheriff's Office advises that individuals with active warrants should address the matter promptly by contacting the appropriate authorities. Voluntary surrender is typically viewed favorably by the courts and may result in more lenient treatment.
How to Check For Outstanding Warrants in Columbia County
Columbia County provides several official channels through which members of the public may verify the existence of outstanding warrants. These methods are established pursuant to Wisconsin's commitment to transparent government operations.
The most direct method is to contact the Columbia County Sheriff's Office Warrants Division at (608) 742-4166. Division personnel can conduct real-time searches of the warrant database during regular business hours.
For in-person inquiries, individuals may visit:
Columbia County Justice Center
400 DeWitt Street
Portage, WI 53901
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM
When requesting warrant information, be prepared to provide:
- Full legal name of the subject
- Date of birth
- Social Security Number (for verification purposes)
- Photo identification (for in-person requests)
Pursuant to Wisconsin Statute § 19.35(1)(a), "any requester has a right to inspect any record." However, requesters should note that certain identifying information may be required to ensure accurate results when searching warrant records.
The Columbia County Sheriff's Office jail booking records may also indicate if an individual was arrested on an outstanding warrant. These records are updated regularly and include information on current inmates and recent bookings.
Search Warrant Records in Columbia County
