Yes, warrants are considered public record in Marshfield, Wisconsin. Under the Wisconsin Public Records Law (Wis. Stat. § 19.31-19.39), governmental bodies are required to provide access to public records, ensuring transparency and accountability. This law mandates that information concerning warrants, which are issued by judicial authorities, is accessible to the public unless specifically exempted by statute.
The rationale behind making warrant records public is to uphold the principles of open governance and to allow citizens to be informed about legal actions that may affect them or their community. By providing access to such records, the law supports the public's right to know and fosters trust in the judicial process.
Pursuant to Wisconsin Statute § 19.35(1)(a), "any requester has a right to inspect any record." This includes warrant records maintained by the Marshfield Police Department and Wood County courts, subject to specific exemptions outlined in the statutes.
To find warrants online in Marshfield, individuals can utilize several resources:
The Marshfield Police Department also publishes a PDF document of active warrants that is updated periodically.
To determine if you have a warrant in Marshfield, several official channels are available for verification:
Contact the Marshfield Police Department: Marshfield Police Department 110 W. 1st Street Marshfield, WI 54449 Phone: (715) 387-4394 Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Visit the Wood County Clerk of Courts Office: Wood County Courthouse 400 Market Street Wisconsin Rapids, WI 54495 Phone: (715) 421-8490 Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Check Online Resources: Utilize the Marshfield Police Department's active warrants page or the Wood County Sheriff's warrant database.
Consult with Legal Counsel: An attorney can conduct a comprehensive search and provide legal advice if a warrant is found. The State Bar of Wisconsin can provide referrals to qualified attorneys in the Marshfield area.
Pursuant to Wisconsin Statute § 968.04, warrants remain active until executed or canceled by judicial order. Individuals with active warrants may be subject to arrest at any time.
Searching for outstanding warrants in Marshfield can be accomplished through several official channels:
Online Warrant Databases: The Marshfield Police Department maintains an active warrants list on their official website.
In-Person Inquiries: Individuals may visit the Marshfield Police Department Records Division at 110 W. 1st Street, Marshfield, WI 54449 during business hours (Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM) to request warrant information.
Record Release Requests: The Marshfield Police Department accepts formal record requests for warrant information and other police records.
Municipal Court Inquiries: For warrants related to municipal ordinance violations, contact the Marshfield Municipal Court at City Hall, 207 W. 6th Street, Marshfield, WI 54449.
When checking for warrants, requesters should be prepared to provide proper identification and may be required to complete a formal records request form in accordance with Wisconsin Public Records Law.
A Marshfield warrant record typically contains the following information as required by Wisconsin Statute § 968.04:
Subject Identification: Full legal name, date of birth, physical description, and last known address of the individual named in the warrant.
Case Information: Court case number, issuing court, and date of issuance.
Warrant Type: Specification of whether the document is an arrest warrant, bench warrant, search warrant, or other judicial directive.
Offense Details: Description of the alleged criminal violation or reason for the warrant, including relevant Wisconsin statute numbers.
Bond Information: Amount of bail or bond required, if applicable, and conditions for release.
Issuing Authority: Name of the judge or court commissioner who authorized the warrant.
Service Instructions: Special instructions for law enforcement regarding execution of the warrant.
Pursuant to Wisconsin Statute § 968.04(3), arrest warrants must "command that the person against whom the complaint was made be arrested and brought before the judge issuing the warrant, or, if the judge is absent or unable to act, before some other judge in the same county."
Members of the public seeking warrant information in Marshfield have several official resources available:
Marshfield Police Department
110 W. 1st Street
Marshfield, WI 54449
Phone: (715) 387-4394
Official Website
Wood County Clerk of Courts
400 Market Street
Wisconsin Rapids, WI 54495
Phone: (715) 421-8490
Official Website
Wood County Sheriff's Department
400 Market Street
Wisconsin Rapids, WI 54495
Phone: (715) 421-8700
Official Website
Pursuant to Wisconsin Statute § 19.35, record custodians must respond to public records requests "as soon as practicable and without delay." Fees for copies of records may be charged at a rate not exceeding the actual, necessary, and direct cost of reproduction and transcription.
For warrant searches, requesters should provide as much identifying information as possible, including full name and date of birth of the subject. Some records may be exempt from disclosure under Wisconsin Statute § 19.36 if they contain sensitive information or are part of an ongoing investigation.