Monroe County, Wisconsin Warrant Records
Are Warrants Public Record in Monroe County, Wisconsin?
Warrants are public records in Monroe County, Wisconsin, pursuant to Wisconsin Public Records Law (Wis. Stat. §§ 19.31-19.39). This statute establishes that most government records, including warrants, must be accessible to the public to maintain transparency in governmental operations. The law specifically presumes that all government records are open to public inspection unless there is a clear statutory or common law exception.
In Monroe County, warrant information is maintained as part of the court record system and is generally available for public review. The Wisconsin Supreme Court has consistently upheld the public's right to access judicial records, including warrants, as established in cases such as Newspapers, Inc. v. Breier, 89 Wis. 2d 417 (1979), which affirmed that arrest records are public documents.
Members of the public seeking warrant information may access these records through the Monroe County Clerk of Courts or the Sheriff's Office. However, certain warrants may be temporarily sealed by court order if their disclosure would compromise an ongoing investigation or endanger public safety.
What Is Contents in Warrant Records in Monroe County?
Warrant records maintained by Monroe County authorities typically contain the following information as required by Wisconsin Statute § 968.04:
• Full legal name of the subject (including aliases when known) • Date of birth and physical description • Last known address • Nature of the alleged offense and statutory citation • Case number and issuing court information • Date of issuance and name of the issuing judge • Bond amount (if applicable) • Special conditions related to the warrant execution • Status of the warrant (active, recalled, or served)
Pursuant to Wisconsin law, warrant records may also include supporting documentation such as affidavits establishing probable cause. However, these supporting documents may be subject to redaction or restricted access in certain circumstances as determined by the court.
How to Check For Warrants in Monroe County For Free
Monroe County residents may verify warrant status through several no-cost methods established under Wisconsin's open records provisions:
• Visit the Monroe County Courthouse located at 112 South Court Street, Sparta, WI 54656, during regular business hours (Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM-4:30 PM) • Access the Wisconsin Court System's online case search which provides information on warrants issued through circuit courts • Contact the Monroe County Sheriff's Office at (608) 269-2117 to inquire about active warrants • Review public postings at the Monroe County Justice Center, 112 South Court Street, Sparta, WI 54656
When conducting a warrant search, individuals must provide sufficient identifying information to ensure accurate results. The Wisconsin Public Records Law permits agencies to charge only the actual, necessary, and direct costs of locating and reproducing records, but initial searches are typically provided without charge.
Monroe County Sheriff Warrants
The Monroe County Sheriff's Office maintains and executes warrants issued by courts within its jurisdiction as authorized by Wisconsin Statute § 59.27. These legal documents grant law enforcement officers the authority to take specific actions including:
• Arrest of individuals charged with criminal offenses • Execution of court-ordered property seizures • Service of civil process documents • Enforcement of child support orders • Apprehension of individuals who have failed to appear for court proceedings
The Sheriff's Office maintains a current database of active warrants which is updated daily. This information is accessible to the public through:
Monroe County Sheriff's Office
112 South Court Street
Sparta, WI 54656
(608) 269-2117
Monroe County Sheriff's Office
Pursuant to Wisconsin Statute § 66.0113, the Sheriff's Office also coordinates with municipal police departments within Monroe County to execute warrants issued by municipal courts for ordinance violations.
How to Know If You Have a Warrant in Monroe County in 2025
Individuals seeking to determine if they are subject to an active warrant in Monroe County in 2025 may utilize several official channels:
• Access the Wisconsin Circuit Court Access Program (CCAP), which provides real-time information on court cases including warrant status • Contact the Monroe County Clerk of Circuit Court directly at (608) 269-8745 during business hours (Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM-4:30 PM) • Visit the Monroe County Justice Center in person at 112 South Court Street, Sparta, WI 54656 • Consult with the Monroe County Legal Resources department for assistance in navigating the court system
When inquiring about warrant status, individuals should be prepared to provide their full legal name, date of birth, and other identifying information to ensure accurate results. Under Wisconsin Statute § 968.04(3)(a)7, warrants remain in effect until served or canceled by court order, regardless of the passage of time.
How to Check For Outstanding Warrants in Monroe County
Verification of outstanding warrants in Monroe County requires accessing official government records through established channels. The following methods are available to members of the public:
• Utilize the Tomah Police Department's warrant search for municipal warrants issued within city limits • Contact the Monroe County Sheriff's Office Warrant Division at (608) 269-2117 • Visit the Monroe County Clerk of Courts Office located at 112 South Court Street, Sparta, WI 54656 • Access the Wisconsin Department of Corrections Warrant Database for probation and parole violation warrants at (608) 240-3750 • Request assistance from Wisconsin State Law Library's legal resources for guidance on accessing court records
Pursuant to Wisconsin Statute § 19.35(1), these records must be made available for inspection during regular office hours. Individuals conducting searches should note that some warrant information may be subject to temporary sealing orders or redaction if disclosure would compromise public safety or ongoing investigations.
Search Warrant Records in Monroe County
