Rock County, Wisconsin Warrant Records
Are Warrants Public Record in Rock County, Wisconsin?
Warrants are public records in Rock County, Wisconsin, pursuant to Wisconsin Public Records Law (Wis. Stat. § 19.31-19.39). This statute establishes that most governmental records, including warrants, shall be accessible to the public unless specifically exempted by law. The transparency provisions ensure governmental accountability and allow citizens to remain informed about legal proceedings and law enforcement activities within the county.
The Wisconsin Public Records Law mandates that records such as arrest warrants, bench warrants, and search warrants be made available for public inspection. Exceptions to disclosure may apply in circumstances involving ongoing investigations, matters of national security, or when disclosure would compromise public safety. The Rock County Sheriff's Office maintains these records in accordance with state statutes governing public access to governmental information.
Members of the public seeking warrant information should be aware that while these records are generally accessible, certain identifying information may be redacted to protect privacy interests as required under Wis. Stat. § 19.36(10). The public's right to access these records reflects Rock County's commitment to open government and transparency in judicial proceedings.
What Is Contained in Warrant Records in Rock County?
Warrant records maintained by Rock County authorities typically contain the following information:
- The full legal name and identifying information of the individual subject to the warrant
- The classification of warrant issued (arrest, bench, search, etc.)
- The date of issuance and, if applicable, expiration date
- The issuing judicial authority or court of jurisdiction
- Case number and docket information for reference purposes
- Details of the alleged offense or reason for the warrant's issuance
- Any specific conditions or instructions related to the warrant's execution
- Bond amount, if applicable
- Status information (active, recalled, served, etc.)
Pursuant to Wisconsin law, certain sensitive information may be redacted from public warrant records, including Social Security numbers, financial account information, and other personal identifiers as specified in Wis. Stat. § 801.19.
How to Check For Warrants in Rock County For Free
Rock County residents and interested parties may conduct free searches for warrant records through several authorized methods:
- Visiting the Rock County Sheriff's Office in person at 200 East U.S. Highway 14, Janesville, WI 53545, during regular business hours (Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM-4:30 PM) to request public records information
- Contacting the Rock County Sheriff's Office by telephone at (608) 757-8000 to inquire about warrant status
- Utilizing public access terminals located at the Rock County Courthouse, 51 South Main Street, Janesville, WI 53545
- Accessing the Wisconsin Court System online case search portal for certain warrant information
- Reviewing publicly posted warrant lists at the Sheriff's Office or on the county website
Individuals seeking warrant information should be prepared to provide identifying information such as full name, date of birth, and other relevant details to ensure accurate search results. The Rock County Sheriff's Office processes these requests in accordance with Wisconsin Public Records Law and applicable county ordinances.
Rock County Sheriff Warrants
Sheriff warrants in Rock County are official legal documents issued by a judge or magistrate that authorize law enforcement personnel to perform specific actions. These warrants are executed by the Rock County Sheriff's Office under the authority granted by Wisconsin Statutes Chapter 968. Sheriff warrants typically contain:
- The complete legal name and identifying characteristics of the subject
- A detailed description of the specific actions authorized by the warrant
- The legal basis or probable cause for the warrant's issuance
- Any special instructions or limitations regarding execution of the warrant
- The signature of the issuing judicial authority
- Date and time restrictions for execution, if applicable
The Rock County Sheriff's Office maintains records of all warrants issued within its jurisdiction. These warrants remain active until they are executed, recalled by the court, or expire according to their terms. Pursuant to Wisconsin law, the Sheriff's Office is responsible for maintaining accurate records of all warrant activities and providing appropriate public access to non-confidential warrant information.
Rock County Sheriff's Office
200 East U.S. Highway 14
Janesville, WI 53545
(608) 757-8000
Rock County Sheriff's Office Website
How to Know If You Have a Warrant in Rock County in 2025
To determine whether a warrant exists in one's name in Rock County in 2025, several official channels are available for verification. The Rock County judicial system maintains current warrant information that may be accessed through multiple methods:
- Visiting the Rock County Sheriff's Office website for online search tools and publicly posted warrant lists
- Contacting the Rock County Clerk of Courts at 51 South Main Street, Janesville, WI 53545, or by telephone at (608) 743-2200 during business hours (Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM-4:30 PM)
- Utilizing public access terminals located in the Rock County Courthouse to search court records
- Calling the Rock County Sheriff's Office warrant division at (608) 757-8000 for assistance with warrant verification
- Consulting with a licensed attorney who can access court records on behalf of a client
Individuals seeking warrant information should be prepared to provide proper identification and may be required to submit a formal records request in accordance with Wisconsin Public Records Law. The Rock County Clerk of Courts processes these requests in compliance with Wis. Stat. § 19.35 regarding records access.
Rock County Clerk of Courts
51 South Main Street
Janesville, WI 53545
(608) 743-2200
Rock County Clerk of Courts Website
How to Check For Outstanding Warrants in Rock County
Searching for outstanding warrants in Rock County may be accomplished through several authorized methods:
- Visiting the Rock County Sheriff's Office in person at 200 East U.S. Highway 14, Janesville, WI 53545, during regular business hours to request warrant information
- Using public access terminals located in the Rock County Courthouse at 51 South Main Street, Janesville, WI 53545
- Contacting the Rock County Sheriff's Office Records Division by telephone at (608) 757-8000 for assistance with public records inquiries
- Reviewing publicly posted warrant lists on the Sheriff's Office website or bulletin boards
- Accessing the Wisconsin Circuit Court Access Program (CCAP) for certain warrant information related to court cases
Pursuant to Wisconsin Statutes § 19.35, members of the public have the right to inspect and obtain copies of public records maintained by governmental agencies, including certain warrant information. The Rock County Sheriff's Office processes these requests in accordance with established procedures and applicable fees for document reproduction.
Search Warrant Records in Rock County
