Warrant Search

Columbus, Wisconsin Warrant Records

Are Warrants Public Record in Columbus, Wisconsin?

Warrants are public records in Columbus, Wisconsin, pursuant to Wisconsin Open Records Law (Wis. Stat. § 19.31-19.39). This legislation establishes that government records, including warrant information, shall be accessible to the public unless specifically exempted by statute. The law operates under the presumption that the public has a right to the greatest possible information regarding the affairs of government.

The Columbia County Sheriff's Office maintains a list of active warrants that is updated regularly and available for public inspection. This transparency serves multiple public interests, including:

  • Promoting accountability within law enforcement agencies
  • Enabling citizens to verify their own legal status
  • Assisting in the apprehension of individuals with outstanding warrants
  • Supporting public safety through community awareness

Certain warrant information may be temporarily sealed or restricted if disclosure would compromise an ongoing investigation or endanger public safety, as permitted under Wis. Stat. § 19.35(1)(am).

Where Can I Find Warrants Online in Columbus?

Members of the public seeking warrant information in Columbus, Wisconsin may access several online resources maintained by local and county authorities:

  • Columbia County Sheriff's Office Warrant Database: The Sheriff's Office maintains an online database of active warrants that is regularly updated with current information.

  • Wisconsin Circuit Court Access (CCAP): This statewide database includes information about warrants issued through circuit courts, accessible at https://wcca.wicourts.gov.

  • Eastern Columbia County Joint Municipal Court: Information about municipal warrants may be available through the municipal court system, which handles ordinance violations and first-time OWI offenses.

  • Columbus Police Department Records: The Columbus Police Department may provide certain warrant information through their records division.

Individuals seeking warrant information should note that online databases may not be comprehensive or immediately updated. For the most current and accurate information, direct contact with the appropriate agency is recommended.

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

Individuals seeking to determine if they have an active warrant in Columbus, Wisconsin may utilize several official channels to obtain this information:

  • Contact the Columbia County Sheriff's Office directly: Columbia County Sheriff's Office 711 East Cook Street Portage, WI 53901 Phone: (608) 742-4166 Official Website Office Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM

  • Check the Eastern Columbia County Joint Municipal Court: Eastern Columbia County Joint Municipal Court 105 N. Dickason Boulevard Columbus, WI 53925 Phone: (920) 623-5900 Official Website Court Hours: First and Third Wednesday of each month, 5:00 PM

  • Review the Online Warrant Database maintained by the Columbia County Sheriff's Office, which lists individuals with active warrants as of the most recent update date.

  • Consult with Legal Counsel: An attorney can conduct a confidential search of warrant records on behalf of a client and provide guidance on appropriate next steps.

Pursuant to Wisconsin Statute § 968.04, warrants remain active until executed or canceled by judicial order. Individuals with active warrants may be subject to arrest at any time, including during routine traffic stops or other interactions with law enforcement.

How to Check For Outstanding Warrants in Columbus

The verification of outstanding warrants in Columbus, Wisconsin is facilitated through several official channels established by local authorities:

  • In-Person Inquiry: Individuals may visit the Columbia County Sheriff's Office Records Division at 711 East Cook Street, Portage, WI 53901 during regular business hours (Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM). Photo identification is required for all in-person inquiries.

  • Telephone Verification: The Columbia County Sheriff's Office Warrant Division can be contacted at (608) 742-4166 ext. 3315. Staff can confirm the existence of warrants but may require personal identifying information.

  • Municipal Court Records: For warrants related to municipal ordinance violations, contact the Eastern Columbia County Joint Municipal Court at (920) 623-5900.

  • Online Resources: The Columbia County Sheriff's Office warrant page provides a regularly updated list of individuals with active warrants.

Pursuant to Wisconsin Statute § 66.0113, municipal warrants may be issued for unpaid citations or failure to appear in municipal court. These warrants may result in arrest or license suspension if not addressed promptly.

Contents of a Columbus Warrant Records

Warrant records in Columbus, Wisconsin contain specific information as required by Wisconsin Statute § 968.04. These official documents typically include the following elements:

  • Case Number: A unique identifier assigned to the specific case or incident
  • Subject Information: Full legal name, date of birth, physical description, and last known address of the individual
  • Warrant Type: Designation as an arrest warrant, bench warrant, or search warrant
  • Issuing Authority: Name of the judge or court commissioner who authorized the warrant
  • Date of Issuance: The official date when the warrant was signed and entered into the system
  • Statutory Violations: Citations of the specific Wisconsin statutes or Columbus municipal ordinances allegedly violated
  • Bond Information: Details regarding bail amount and conditions, if applicable
  • Service Instructions: Special directives for law enforcement regarding execution of the warrant

In accordance with Wisconsin municipal court procedures, warrants issued for ordinance violations may contain additional information regarding payment options or appearance requirements.

The Columbus Police Department maintains warrant records in compliance with Wisconsin Department of Justice standards and the City of Columbus Municipal Code.

Search Warrant Records in Columbus, Wisconsin

The search of warrant records in Columbus is governed by Wisconsin's Open Records Law (Wis. Stat. § 19.31-19.39). Members of the public may access these records through established procedures:

Eastern Columbia County Joint Municipal Court
105 N. Dickason Boulevard
Columbus, WI 53925
Phone: (920) 623-5900
Official Website

Columbia County Sheriff's Office
711 East Cook Street
Portage, WI 53901
Phone: (608) 742-4166
Official Website

Columbus Police Department
105 N. Dickason Boulevard
Columbus, WI 53925
Phone: (920) 623-5919
Official Website

Requestors seeking warrant information should be prepared to provide:

  • The full name of the individual
  • Date of birth (if known)
  • Approximate date of warrant issuance (if known)
  • Case number (if available)

Certain warrant information may be temporarily restricted if disclosure would compromise an active investigation, as permitted under Wis. Stat. § 19.35(1)(am). Additionally, municipal court warrants for unpaid fines or failure to appear may result in additional penalties, including license suspension or tax refund interception.

Search Arrest Records in Columbus