Warrant records in Florence County, Wisconsin are classified as public records under Wisconsin Public Records Law (Wis. Stat. §§ 19.31-19.39). This legislation establishes the fundamental right of Wisconsin citizens to access government records maintained by public authorities, including those related to arrest warrants, bench warrants, and search warrants. The statute specifically declares that providing citizens with the greatest possible information about government affairs is an essential function of representative government.
The Florence County Sheriff's Office maintains warrant records as part of its official duties. These records are generally accessible to members of the public upon proper request, subject to certain statutory exemptions and limitations. Wisconsin law presumes that public records shall be open to inspection unless there is a clear statutory or common law exception that applies.
Pursuant to Wis. Stat. § 19.35(1)(a), any requester has the right to inspect any public record. However, authorities may impose reasonable restrictions on the manner of access to original records to protect them from damage or disorganization. Additionally, certain information within warrant records may be redacted if disclosure would compromise an ongoing investigation or endanger public safety.
Warrant records maintained by Florence County law enforcement agencies typically contain the following information:
The level of detail contained in warrant records may vary depending on the type of warrant issued and the circumstances surrounding the case. Search warrants typically contain additional information regarding the specific location to be searched and items to be seized, while bench warrants may reference court appearances or other legal obligations that were not fulfilled.
Members of the public seeking to determine if warrants exist in Florence County may utilize several no-cost methods to access this information:
When making inquiries, requesters should be prepared to provide specific identifying information about the subject of the search, including full legal name and date of birth if available. Pursuant to Wis. Stat. § 19.35(1)(i), requesters are not required to identify themselves or state the purpose of their request, except in limited circumstances.
The Florence County Sheriff's Office is the primary law enforcement agency responsible for executing warrants within county jurisdiction. Sheriff warrants are issued under the authority of the Florence County Circuit Court and fall into several categories:
The Sheriff's Office maintains a dedicated Warrants Division responsible for processing and executing these legal documents. Deputies assigned to this division coordinate with other law enforcement agencies to locate and apprehend individuals with active warrants.
The execution of warrants follows strict procedural guidelines established by Wisconsin statutes and case law. Officers must properly identify themselves, announce their purpose, and present the warrant when executing it. Failure to follow proper procedures may result in evidence being deemed inadmissible in subsequent court proceedings.
Individuals seeking to determine if warrants exist in their name in Florence County may utilize several official channels:
Pursuant to Wisconsin law, individuals have the right to know if warrants have been issued for their arrest. However, authorities are not obligated to provide advance notice before executing a valid warrant. Persons who discover active warrants in their name are advised to address the matter promptly through appropriate legal channels.
The Florence County Sheriff's Office does not accept payment of fines or bond amounts over the telephone or through electronic means. Individuals with active warrants must typically appear before a judge to resolve the underlying legal matter.
Florence County maintains systems for tracking outstanding warrants within its jurisdiction. Members of the public seeking information about outstanding warrants may:
When conducting a warrant search, requesters should provide as much identifying information as possible, including the subject's full legal name, date of birth, and any known aliases. This information helps ensure accurate results and reduces the possibility of misidentification.
Under Wisconsin's Public Records Law, agencies may charge reasonable fees for locating and copying records. The Florence County Sheriff's Office typically charges $0.25 per page for photocopies of warrant records, plus actual, necessary, and direct location costs if the request requires extensive staff time to fulfill.