Warrants are considered public records in Delavan, Wisconsin, pursuant to Wisconsin Public Records Law (Wis. Stat. §§ 19.31-19.39). This legislation establishes that governmental records, including judicial documents such as warrants, shall be accessible to members of the public with limited exceptions. The Wisconsin Supreme Court has consistently upheld the presumption of complete public access to governmental records, reinforcing transparency in judicial proceedings.
The public nature of warrant records serves multiple governmental and societal functions. Law enforcement agencies utilize public warrant databases to facilitate the apprehension of individuals with outstanding warrants. Additionally, public access to these records promotes accountability within the judicial system and enables citizens to verify their own legal status. Wisconsin courts have determined that the public interest in disclosure generally outweighs privacy concerns in matters of warrant records.
Certain exceptions may apply to warrant accessibility, particularly in cases involving ongoing investigations, juvenile proceedings pursuant to Wis. Stat. § 938.396, or matters where disclosure would compromise public safety. In such instances, records may be temporarily sealed or redacted in accordance with statutory provisions.
Several official resources are available for locating warrant information in the Delavan area:
Wisconsin Circuit Court Access (WCCA): The Wisconsin Court System provides a comprehensive database of court records, including information about warrants issued through circuit courts in Walworth County.
Delavan Police Department: The Delavan Police Department maintains records of local warrants and may provide limited information through their official website or upon direct inquiry.
Walworth County Sheriff's Office: The Walworth County Sheriff's Office database contains warrant information for the entire county jurisdiction, including Delavan.
Delavan Municipal Court: The Delavan Municipal Court maintains records of warrants issued for municipal ordinance violations within city limits.
Pursuant to Wisconsin Statute § 66.0113, municipal courts have authority to issue warrants for ordinance violations, and these records are maintained separately from circuit court warrants.
Individuals seeking to determine if they have an active warrant in Delavan may utilize several official channels:
Direct Contact with Law Enforcement: Citizens may contact the Delavan Police Department located at 123 S. Second Street, Delavan, WI 53115. Phone: (262) 728-6311. Office hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM.
Online Court Records: The Wisconsin Circuit Court Access portal provides searchable records of warrants issued through the circuit court system. This resource is updated regularly in compliance with Wisconsin Supreme Court Rule 72.
Walworth County Sheriff's Office: Located at 1770 County Road NN, Elkhorn, WI 53121. Phone: (262) 741-4400. The Sheriff's Office maintains a comprehensive database of all warrants issued within county jurisdiction.
Legal Representation: An attorney may conduct a warrant search on behalf of a client through privileged access to court systems. The Walworth County Bar Association can provide referrals to qualified legal professionals.
Pursuant to Wisconsin Statute § 968.04, warrants remain in effect until executed or canceled by judicial order. Therefore, warrants issued prior to 2025 may remain active if unresolved.
Members of the public may verify the existence of outstanding warrants through several authorized methods:
In-Person Inquiry: Individuals may visit the Walworth County Courthouse located at 1800 County Road NN, Elkhorn, WI 53121. Public access hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM. Photo identification is required for all in-person inquiries.
Electronic Verification: The Walworth County Inmate Search provides information about individuals with active warrants who may be in custody or sought by authorities.
Telephone Verification: The Walworth County Clerk of Courts office accepts telephone inquiries at (262) 741-7012 during regular business hours. Staff may provide limited information regarding publicly available warrant records.
Written Request: Pursuant to Wisconsin Statute § 19.35(1), citizens may submit written requests for warrant information to the Records Division of the Delavan Police Department or the Walworth County Sheriff's Office.
Wisconsin Administrative Code § JC 6.02 establishes procedures for accessing court records, including warrant information. Requesters should be prepared to provide full legal name and date of birth to facilitate accurate record searches.
Warrant records in Delavan, Wisconsin typically contain the following information as prescribed by Wisconsin Statute § 968.04:
Subject Identification: Full legal name of the subject, date of birth, physical description, and last known address. In accordance with Wisconsin Administrative Code § JC 6.03, certain personal identifiers may be redacted from public copies.
Case Information: Court case number, issuing court, date of issuance, and statutory authority under which the warrant was issued.
Alleged Offense: Description of the alleged violation, including statutory references and classification (misdemeanor or felony).
Bond Information: Amount of bail or bond required for release, if applicable, as determined pursuant to Wisconsin Statute § 969.01.
Judicial Authorization: Name and signature of the issuing judge or court commissioner, as authorized under Wisconsin Statute § 757.69.
Service Status: Information regarding whether the warrant has been served, is outstanding, or has been recalled by court order.
The Wisconsin Supreme Court has established that warrant records must be maintained in accordance with SCR 72.01, which governs retention periods for court records.
Official resources for searching warrant records in Delavan include:
Delavan Police Department
123 S. Second Street
Delavan, WI 53115
(262) 728-6311
Delavan Police Department
Walworth County Sheriff's Office
1770 County Road NN
Elkhorn, WI 53121
(262) 741-4400
Walworth County Sheriff's Office
Walworth County Clerk of Circuit Court
1800 County Road NN
Elkhorn, WI 53121
(262) 741-7012
Wisconsin Court System
Delavan Municipal Court
123 S. Second Street
Delavan, WI 53115
(262) 728-6911
Delavan Municipal Court
Pursuant to Wisconsin Statute § 19.35(3), agencies may charge reasonable fees for searching, copying, and certifying warrant records. Fee schedules are established by each agency in accordance with statutory guidelines.