Warrants are public record in Racine, Wisconsin, pursuant to the Wisconsin Public Records Law (Wis. Stat. §§ 19.31-19.39). This statute establishes the presumption that all government records, including warrants, shall be accessible to the public unless specifically exempted by law. The Wisconsin Supreme Court has consistently upheld the public's right to access court records, including warrants, to ensure transparency in judicial proceedings.
The Racine County Sheriff's Office and the Racine County Circuit Court maintain warrant records as part of their official duties. These records document the legal authorization for law enforcement to take specific actions, such as arresting individuals or searching properties. Public access to these records serves the important governmental function of maintaining accountability within the criminal justice system.
Members of the public seeking warrant information should note that certain records may be temporarily sealed by court order, particularly in cases where premature disclosure might compromise an ongoing investigation. Additionally, pursuant to Wis. Stat. § 19.35(1)(am), some personal identifying information may be redacted to protect privacy interests while still maintaining the public nature of the warrant record.
Several official resources are available for locating warrant information in Racine County:
Wisconsin Circuit Court Access (WCCA): The Wisconsin Court System's case search portal provides public access to court records, including warrant information. This database includes records from the Wisconsin Supreme Court, Court of Appeals, and circuit courts throughout the state, including Racine County.
Racine County Sheriff's Office: The Sheriff's Office maintains records of active warrants issued within its jurisdiction. The agency's website may provide a searchable database of current warrants or instructions for obtaining this information.
Racine Police Department: The Racine Police Department handles warrant service within city limits and maintains records of active warrants. Their records division can provide information on outstanding warrants.
Municipal Courts: The Mount Pleasant Municipal Court and other municipal courts in Racine County maintain records of warrants issued for violations of municipal ordinances within their respective jurisdictions.
Racine County Courthouse
730 Wisconsin Avenue
Racine, WI 53403
(262) 636-3111
https://racinecounty.com/government/clerk-of-circuit-court
Individuals concerned about possible outstanding warrants in Racine County may utilize several methods to verify their status:
Contact the Racine County Clerk of Circuit Court: The Clerk's Office maintains official court records, including warrants issued by Racine County judges. Individuals may inquire in person, by telephone, or through written correspondence.
Consult the Wisconsin Circuit Court Access system: This online database, commonly known as CCAP, provides public access to court records from all 72 Wisconsin counties. Users may search by name to locate case information, including active warrants.
Communicate with legal counsel: Attorneys licensed to practice in Wisconsin have access to court records and can determine if warrants exist for their clients. Attorney-client privilege protects these communications.
Contact the Racine County Sheriff's Office: The Warrants Division can confirm whether an active warrant exists. Individuals should be aware that if a warrant is confirmed, they may be subject to immediate arrest if appearing in person.
Pursuant to Wis. Stat. § 968.04, warrants remain active until executed or canceled by court order. There is no expiration date for most warrants issued in Wisconsin, and they remain enforceable across county and state lines through interstate compact agreements.
Racine County Sheriff's Office
717 Wisconsin Avenue
Racine, WI 53403
(262) 636-3100
https://racinecounty.com/government/sheriff-s-office
The verification process for outstanding warrants in Racine County involves several official channels:
Wisconsin Circuit Court Access: The Wisconsin Court System's online database provides public access to court records, including warrant information. Users may search by name to determine if warrants have been issued.
Racine County Sheriff's Office Warrant Division: This specialized unit maintains records of all active warrants issued by Racine County courts. The division operates during regular business hours and can verify warrant status upon request.
Racine County Clerk of Circuit Court: As the official custodian of court records, the Clerk's Office maintains documentation of all warrants issued by circuit court judges. Staff can assist with warrant inquiries during business hours.
Wisconsin State Law Library: The Racine County Legal Resources section provides guidance on accessing local legal records, including warrants and other court documents.
Individuals should be prepared to provide proper identification when making inquiries. Pursuant to Wis. Stat. § 19.35(1)(i), agencies may require verification of identity before releasing certain records to protect against identity theft and ensure appropriate disclosure.
Racine Police Department
730 Center Street
Racine, WI 53403
(262) 635-7700
https://www.cityofracine.org/Police/
Warrant records in Racine County contain specific information as required by Wisconsin Statutes § 968.04 for arrest warrants and § 968.12 for search warrants. These documents typically include:
For search warrants, additional information includes the specific location to be searched and items to be seized, along with the probable cause statement justifying the search. All warrants must be supported by sworn testimony or affidavits establishing probable cause as required by the Fourth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution and Article I, Section 11 of the Wisconsin Constitution.