Warrant records are public in Ozaukee County, Wisconsin, pursuant to Wisconsin Public Records Law (Wis. Stat. §§ 19.31-19.39). This legislation establishes that governmental bodies must provide access to public records, including warrants, to ensure transparency in governmental operations. The Wisconsin Supreme Court has consistently upheld the public's right to access court records, including warrants, as fundamental to maintaining an open and accountable justice system.
Under Wis. Stat. § 19.35(1)(a), "any requester has a right to inspect any record." This statutory provision applies to warrant records maintained by the Ozaukee County Sheriff's Office and the Ozaukee County Clerk of Circuit Court, except in cases where specific statutory exemptions apply. Such exemptions may include ongoing investigations where disclosure could compromise public safety or cases involving juvenile offenders.
The Wisconsin Public Records Law operates with the presumption that records are accessible to the public unless specifically exempted by statute, case law, or common law principles. This framework supports governmental accountability and allows citizens to remain informed about law enforcement activities within their community.
Warrant records maintained by Ozaukee County authorities typically contain the following information pursuant to Wisconsin Statutes Chapter 968, which governs criminal procedure:
The level of detail in warrant records may vary depending on the nature of the case and the type of warrant issued. All warrant information is maintained in accordance with Wisconsin Supreme Court Rule 72, which governs record retention requirements.
Members of the public may conduct free searches of warrant records in Ozaukee County through several official channels:
Pursuant to Wis. Stat. § 19.35(3)(a), while inspection of records is free, agencies may impose fees for copying records or for locating records if the cost exceeds $50. Requesters should be prepared to provide proper identification when making in-person inquiries about warrant status.
The Ozaukee County Sheriff's Office is the primary law enforcement agency responsible for executing warrants within the county's jurisdiction. Sheriff warrants are issued under the authority granted by Wisconsin Statutes Chapter 968 and are categorized as follows:
The Sheriff's Office maintains a dedicated warrants division responsible for processing and executing all types of warrants issued within Ozaukee County. This division works in coordination with other law enforcement agencies to apprehend individuals with active warrants.
The Ozaukee County Sheriff's Office maintains a database of active warrants that is updated regularly. Pursuant to Wisconsin law, the Sheriff must attempt to serve warrants promptly upon receipt from the court. The Sheriff's Office also participates in multi-jurisdictional warrant sweeps periodically throughout the year to address outstanding warrants.
Individuals seeking to determine if they have an active warrant in Ozaukee County in 2025 may utilize the following official resources:
Pursuant to Wisconsin law, individuals with active warrants should address the matter promptly through proper legal channels. Consulting with legal counsel is advisable when addressing warrant-related matters.
Verification of outstanding warrants in Ozaukee County may be accomplished through several official channels:
Pursuant to Wis. Stat. § 968.04(3)(a)7, warrants remain in effect until executed, canceled by the court, or until the statute of limitations for the underlying offense has expired.