Warrants are public records in Waukesha County, Wisconsin, pursuant to Wisconsin Public Records Law (Wis. Stat. §§ 19.31-19.39). This statute establishes that governmental records, including warrants, shall be accessible to the public unless specifically exempted by statutory provisions. The Wisconsin Supreme Court has consistently upheld the public's right to access court records as fundamental to maintaining transparency in governmental operations.
Warrant records in Waukesha County are maintained by multiple agencies within the county's criminal justice system, including the Waukesha County Sheriff's Office and the Circuit Courts of Waukesha County. These records document judicial orders authorizing law enforcement to take specific actions against individuals suspected of legal violations. Public access to these records serves the statutory purpose of providing citizens with complete information regarding the affairs of government and the official acts of government officers and employees.
The Wisconsin Public Records Law specifically states that denial of public access is generally contrary to the public interest and only in exceptional cases may access be denied. Warrant information may be temporarily restricted if disclosure would compromise an ongoing investigation or endanger law enforcement personnel, as provided under Wis. Stat. § 19.36(2).
Warrant records in Waukesha County typically contain comprehensive information related to the judicial order. Standard elements included in these official documents are:
Additional information may be included depending on the type of warrant issued (arrest warrant, bench warrant, search warrant) and the specific circumstances of the case. All warrant information is maintained in accordance with Wisconsin Statutes § 59.40, which governs record-keeping requirements for county courts.
Members of the public may access warrant information in Waukesha County without charge through several official channels:
Waukesha County Courthouse
515 W. Moreland Boulevard
Waukesha, WI 53188
(262) 548-7484
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Waukesha County Sheriff's Department
515 W. Moreland Boulevard
Waukesha, WI 53188
(262) 548-7122
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Pursuant to Wisconsin Statutes § 19.35(1), these agencies must provide access to records "as soon as practicable and without delay." While electronic access is available immediately, in-person requests may require processing time depending on staff availability and the complexity of the request.
The Waukesha County Sheriff's Office is the primary law enforcement agency responsible for executing warrants within the county's jurisdiction. Sheriff warrants are official documents issued under judicial authority that empower deputies to take specific actions. These warrants are categorized as follows:
The Sheriff's Office maintains a current list of individuals with active warrants as part of their public information services. This list is updated hourly to reflect current warrant status. The Sheriff's Warrant Division operates under the authority granted by Wisconsin Statutes § 59.27, which establishes the powers and duties of county sheriffs.
Individuals with information regarding the whereabouts of persons with active warrants may contact:
Waukesha County Sheriff's Office - Warrant Division
515 W. Moreland Boulevard
Waukesha, WI 53188
(262) 548-7122
Anonymous tips: (262) 896-8047
Individuals seeking to determine if they are subject to an active warrant in Waukesha County may utilize several official verification methods:
Waukesha County Clerk of Circuit Court
515 W. Moreland Boulevard, Room C-120
Waukesha, WI 53188
(262) 548-7484
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Waukesha County Sheriff's Office - Records Division
515 W. Moreland Boulevard
Waukesha, WI 53188
(262) 548-7156
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Pursuant to Wisconsin Statutes § 19.35(4), agencies must respond to record requests "as soon as practicable and without delay." Individuals should be prepared to provide proper identification when making inquiries about warrant status. Legal counsel may also request this information on behalf of clients in accordance with Wisconsin Supreme Court Rules Chapter 20 governing attorney professional conduct.
The verification of outstanding warrants in Waukesha County may be accomplished through multiple official channels. Members of the public seeking this information have access to the following resources:
Waukesha County Sheriff's Office
515 W. Moreland Boulevard
Waukesha, WI 53188
(262) 548-7122
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Waukesha County Circuit Court
515 W. Moreland Boulevard
Waukesha, WI 53188
(262) 548-7538
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Waukesha County Law Library
515 W. Moreland Boulevard, Room C-259
Waukesha, WI 53188
(262) 548-7546
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Warrant information is provided in accordance with Wisconsin Statutes § 19.35, which establishes that "any requester has a right to inspect any record." Exceptions to disclosure are limited to those specifically enumerated in the statutes or by judicial determination.