Conduct a free Wisconsin warrant search efficiently and effectively through state and local agencies. Warrant records typically include details such as warrant numbers, fees, the issuing authority, the name of the subject, and the date of issue.
This concise resource explains how to find warrant records, the various custodians of this type of information, and what to do if you discover someone has an active warrant.
Are Warrant Records Available to the Public?
There are several types of warrants, ranging from traffic warrants to bench warrants. Warrants are public records as stipulated by the Wisconsin Public Records Law.1
Some warrant records are available online, while for some, individuals have to call or physically visit the record custodians. The availability of the record depends on the type of warrant. Online searches for warrant records are mostly conducted through court-provided systems.
If a warrant was issued during the course of a court case, this information can be found in the docket history.
Necessary Details & Tips To Locate Warrants in Wisconsin
The process of conducting a Wisconsin warrant check starts with first knowing the details of the person whose record you seek.
At the minimum, you should know the person’s first and last name and the place where the warrant was issued. Additional details such as the date of birth, aliases, and addresses can help narrow the scope of your search.
In Wisconsin, several agencies are either custodians or provide ways for looking up information on warrants. Each agency provides access to specific types of records, depending on the type of offense and where it occurred.
Online searches provide the broadest method for searching active arrest warrants in Wisconsin, with court documents being the best resource, as they feature online search capabilities.
The Wisconsin court system provides a unified online access to court files and documents, where individuals can conduct warrant searches.2 Furthermore, county clerks of the circuit courts are a great place to look up warrant information if you want to narrow your search.
Some counties also maintain a list of outstanding warrants, with additional information available from the records divisions of the county sheriff’s offices. Certain cities and municipalities in Wisconsin also allow the public to request these records by contacting the city police department or submitting Freedom of Information Act requests.
There are various types of warrants, as outlined in the following sections; however, most of them are found through the same channels.
How To Run a Wisconsin Warrant Search on Yourself or Someone Else Online for Free
The Wisconsin Circuit Court Access (WCCA) allows individuals to conduct searches on cases handled by the Circuit Courts, Court of Appeals, and the Supreme Court.
Court case files may include information related to warrants. These files contain details of the parties involved and docket history, which can indicate if a warrant was issued in the process.
It is important to note that cases in which all charges have been dismissed or acquitted are entered into the system two years after the final order of the case. These cases include criminal felony and misdemeanor cases, traffic forfeitures, and injunctions that result in dismissal or denial.
To begin your Wisconsin warrant search through the WCCA, you must know the first and last name of the subject or the case number. To conduct a name search, you can enter either a complete first and last name or the first three consecutive letters of the first and last name of the individuals whose records you seek.
If your name search matches, the system displays the case number, filing date, county name, name of the offender (for criminal cases), date of birth, and the caption. To view more details about a particular case, click on the case number.
The court records display the case summary, the charges, details about the defendant, and citations. If a warrant was issued, this information is indicated within the court records, including the warrant number and the warrant fees, if available. Individuals can obtain copies of these warrants by visiting the county clerk of the circuit court.
Another way to look for warrant information in Wisconsin is to request someone’s criminal history since these are considered public records. Criminal history records often include details such as arrests, arrest charges, warrants, court findings, and sentences.
The Wisconsin Department of Justice Crime Information Bureau (CIB) allows individuals to look up records through its centralized criminal history database.4 An important point to note is that you can only request these records by creating an account at the Wisconsin Online Record Check System (WORCS).
When searching WORCS, you are required to provide both the first and last name, the gender, the race, the date of birth, and the Social Security Number, if known. Certified copies are available at $7 per copy, with an additional handling fee of $5 for both online and mail requests.
For mail requests, the Crime Information Bureau allows searchers to request records on one person or multiple individuals. You are required to fill out either the Single Subject Request Form or the Multiple Subject Request Form and mail it to the Wisconsin Department of Justice.
Payments are made via check, and duly filled and signed request forms should be emailed to the address below:
Wisconsin Department of Justice
Division of Law Enforcement Services
PO Box 2688
Madison WI 53701-2688 608/266-7314
The Wisconsin State Patrol has statewide jurisdiction for enforcing traffic and criminal laws.6 Since this division obtains and executes Wisconsin warrant roundups, individuals can obtain information about warrants by contacting the division’s designated record custodians spread across the state.
To contact the division headquarters, searchers can call them at 608.709.0058 or send an email to [email protected]. You can also contact the division headquarters through the address below:
Wisconsin State Patrol Division
4822 Madison Yards Way
Madison, WI 53705
Find Warrants Issued at the County Level in Wisconsin
Besides the various avenues offered by state agencies, you can also find out if you have a warrant at the county level. Copies of these records can be accessed either at the clerk of the circuit court or at the sheriff’s office in each county.
Starting with Milwaukee County, individuals can search case files, which contain information on warrants, through the Milwaukee Municipal Court. The system displays information on cases that have not been satisfied or are yet to be satisfied within the past five years.
To begin your search, enter the name of the defendant, case number, or citation number in the Case Search System.8 For name-based searches, you can search using the last letter of the first name, the entire first and last name, or even the date of birth, if known.
If your search criteria match, you can view additional details such as the case number, offense, date of offense, and citation. Clicking on the case number allows access to more information, including about the defendant, case specifics, details of the warrant or commitment, and the judgment. The warrant could be regular, a bench warrant, or an arrest warrant.
Individuals can also call the Milwaukee Municipal Court at 414.286.3800 and inquire about warrants.
The Criminal Investigations Unit at the Milwaukee County Sheriff’s Office is responsible for conducting warrant sweeps. To obtain information on arrest warrants, individuals can send requests to the Milwaukee Public Records Division.
Requests for information, including warrants, can be sent only by filling and submitting the Public Records Request Form or calling the office at 414.226-7085. The Public Records Division is open from Monday to Friday, 8 AM to 4 AM.
Individuals can also send mail requests or visit the office at the address listed below:
Milwaukee Public Records Division
821 W. State St., Rm 102
Milwaukee, WI 53233
Fax: 414.223.1267
Moving on to Dane County, the county sheriff’s office, through its Warrants Division, maintains an active warrant list. This list shows the name, mugshots (if available), type of warrant, the date, and the case number.
Searchers can also contact the Warrants Division at 608.284.6110 and inquire about the most recent information on arrests and warrants.
The Dane County Sheriff’s Office Records Division accepts requests for records by submitting an online form or mailing the request.9 The office charges prepayment for requests exceeding $5 by sending an invoice. The types of records available include police reports (which might include information related to warrants), mugshots, and phone records.
For mail and physical requests, first, fill out the Records Request Form and either mail or physically drop the form. The sheriff’s office typically emails completed requests if you provide your email address. Mail requests should be faxed to 608.284.6156 or sent to the following address:
Dane County Sheriff’s Office
Attention: Records Section
115 W. Doty St.
Madison, WI 53703
If you are physically dropping the duly filed request form, visit the county sheriff’s office on the second floor of the Public Safety Building. The office is open from Monday to Friday, 8 AM to 4 PM. Individuals can also call the sheriff’s office at 608.284.6827 or send an email to [email protected].
The Dane County Clerks of Courts also provides access to criminal records from 1984 to date through the Wisconsin Circuit Court Access. Records dating back to 5 years are available on-site.
Individuals can request court records by emailing the Dane County Clerk of Courts at [email protected] or sending a fax to 608.267.8859. Copies are available at $1.25 per page, while certified copies can be obtained at a cost of $5 per document.
Dane County also accepts in-person requests for a Wisconsin warrant search. The office, whose address is indicated below, is open from Monday to Friday, 7:45 AM to 4:40 PM.
Dane County Courthouse
Rm. 1000, 215 South Hamilton St.
Madison, WI 53703
When requesting information on warrants, ensure that you indicate the full name, address, phone number, and possibly the case number if known. Requests are typically processed within ten business days, depending on the volume of requests received.
In Waukesha County, the County Sheriff’s Records Division maintains and stores incident reports, citations, and accident reports.10 Individuals can request copies of these records, especially incident reports, which can sometimes show information related to warrants if the incident involved the execution of a warrant.
Individuals can request these records by filling and submitting the online Permissible Uses Form or physically submitting the form to the Records Division. The cost of obtaining copies is $0.25 per page.
The permissible use form should be forwarded to the following address. The office is open from Monday through Friday, 8 AM to 4:30 PM.
Waukesha County Sheriff’s Department
Attention: Records Division
PO Box 1488
Waukesha, WI 53187-1488
An important point to note is that you can only pick up these records physically or send someone to pick them up. Whichever the case, a form of photo identification must be presented when picking up the reports. You can also call the Records Division at 262-548-7156 and submit your request.
The Waukesha Circuit Courts also allow individuals to obtain copies of documents from case files—these range from civil to traffic and criminal case files, which often contain details on warrants. You are required to pay $1.25 for each copy and an additional $5 per copy if you need them certified.
The Circuit Court Division lists the various departments you can call or fax to submit your request. You are required to provide the case number, if known, or the name and date of birth of the party whose records you are seeking. In case you do not have these details, the Circuit Court Division can help you with the search at an additional fee of $5.
Check for Warrants Through Wisconsin Municipalities
Some cities in Wisconsin provide access to public records, including police reports and court documents.
For instance, the City of Madison Police Department lists daily police incident reports and allows individuals to request these reports.11 In case a warrant, such as a search warrant, was executed during the incident, this information is included. This information can be essential for conducting a warrant search.
The Records Section of the Madison Police Department also maintains and makes available various types of public records, including police reports. Individuals can access these records by calling MPD at 608.266.4075 or faxing at 608.267.1117.
The Records Division charges various fees depending on the type of record, with black copies costing $0.02, color copies $0.07, and certified copies $6.
Mail requests can be sent to the following address. The office is open from Monday to Friday, 8 AM to 4 PM.
Madison Police Department
Records Section
211 South, Carroll St.
Madison, WI, 53703
In-person requests are also allowed, with individuals required to visit the Ground Floor of the City-County Building at the following address:
Madison Police Department
Records Section
210 Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard
Madison, WI, 53703
The Green Bay Police Department also allows the public to request and obtain copies of police reports, which often contain information pertaining to warrants. Individuals can obtain copies of these records by calling the Records Department at 920.448.3329 or sending an email to [email protected].
The department requires inquirers to fill out and submit the Permissible Uses Form when requesting these documents. The form can also be mailed to the address below, with the officer operating between 7:30 AM and 4 PM from Monday to Friday, excluding public holidays.
Green Bay Police Department
Records Division
307 S Adams Street
Green Bay WI 54301
In the City of Kenosha, public records are made available by the police department. The types of records that can be obtained include accident reports, citations, police reports, and background checks. Since police reports and citations may contain details about warrants, copies of these documents can be requested through the Kenosha Joint Services.
Searchers are first required to fill out the Request for Copies of Reports form and either mail it or physically drop it at the address below. Requests can also be made by calling 262. 653.6909 or 262.605.5015. Printed copies are charged $0.05.
Kenosha Joint Services
Attn: Records Section
1000 55th Street
Kenosha, WI 53140
Find Federal Warrants Issued in Wisconsin & Elsewhere in the U.S.
Federal warrants are usually issued when someone has committed a federal crime. The types of federal warrants include arrest warrants, search warrants, and even bench warrants.
There are various ways of finding out if someone has a federal warrant issued against them.
For starters, the U.S. Marshals Service, one of the agencies responsible for executing federal warrants, maintains a list of 15 most wanted fugitives considered the most dangerous in the U.S.12 This warrant list details the mugshot of the offender, date of birth, the offense, and physical descriptions, among other details.
Under the Freedom of Information Act, the U.S. Marshals Service allows requesters to submit FOI requests for records under its custody. However, these requests are only available to authorized individuals, and you can seek the help of an attorney to assist you with the FOIA request.
The Marshals Service only charges for record searches and duplication, with a starting minimum of $.05 per page for duplication. Other fees apply according to the type and the intended use of the requested records.
The FBI also maintains a Top Ten Most Wanted List, a public program to help identify and potentially apprehend individuals considered dangerous fugitives. The list displays the name of the offender, the last taken mugshot, the last known surveillance video, and the reward, among other details that can lead to the arrest of the fugitive.
The DEA also has its own Most Wanted List, featuring individuals who have violated U.S. drug laws. The list shows the offender’s name, mugshot, aliases, physical description, and reward for successful capture and apprehension.
You can also look up federal warrants by searching court documents. The PACER Case Locator is a nationwide index for searching court cases. To use PACER, you need to create an account to conduct your search.
You can then search the person’s name and if they had an arrest warrant issued in Wisconsin; this information is shown in the docket report. PACER charges $0.10 to look up case information. PACER charges are capped at $3, an equivalent of 30 pages.
Primary Types of Warrants in Wisconsin & the Reason for Each
When running a Wisconsin warrant search, interested parties may benefit from knowing that there are various types of warrants — and that as long as the warrant has not been executed, it remains an active arrest warrant. All warrants are only issued if probable cause is shown.
A judge can issue an arrest warrant under various circumstances, including probable cause for a crime or even failure to appear in court. Once an arrest warrant has been issued, the police execute it by searching for and apprehending the named individual.
A bench warrant is typically a warrant issued out from the “bench.” It is a type of arrest warrant issued when an individual fails to appear in court and the case becomes overdue.
A warrant can also be issued if a parolee or probationer violates the terms of their probation or parole. A violation can include failing to report to a probation officer. A probation or parole violation warrant is typically issued in extreme cases following a warning or a home visit by a probation officer.
A traffic warrant is a type of bench warrant issued by a judge if someone fails to pay a traffic violation fine or fails to appear in court.
A warrant can also be issued if an individual is overdue with their child support payments. In Wisconsin, this type of warrant is sought by local child support agencies in their quest to fulfill child support orders.15 A child support warrant is also issued in extreme cases where the paying parent doesn’t answer calls or respond to letters, and attempts to locate them are futile.
A capias pro fine warrant is also a type of bench warrant issued when an individual with a guilty judgment fails to pay the court-ordered fine or fails to complete specific conditions as stipulated by the court judgment.
A fugitive warrant is issued when a person wanted for a crime flees into another state. The fugitive warrant allows law enforcement agencies to hold the “fugitive” until they are extradited for prosecution.
A fugitive warrant is also sometimes referred to as a governor’s warrant because the governor of the state where the crime occurred must send a written request for the extradition of the fugitive from the state where they are found.
A search warrant allows law enforcement officers to search a person or place and potentially seize a property. A judge issues this type of warrant if probable cause is shown.
What Should I Do if I Discover I or Someone Else Has a Warrant in Wisconsin?
If you find out that a friend or family member has a warrant, you can notify them. Some warrants, such as traffic warrants, require paying a fine, while more serious ones require the individuals to turn themselves in.
If you find out you have a warrant, it is advisable to seek legal counsel. An attorney can advise you on your rights and guide you through the process.
If you discover someone has a warrant in Wisconsin and you are worried about your safety, it is always advisable to notify law enforcement agencies. For the most wanted persons listed by the FBI, DEA, or U.S. Marshals Service, you can submit a tip for the DEA or FBI or call the U.S. Marshals Service Communications Center at+1.800.336.0102.
In Wisconsin, each county, city, or municipality outlines ways of addressing warrants. These often include contacting the Public Defender or visiting the court offices and paying a fine.
If you have a bench or an arrest warrant in Milwaukee County, there are various options to explore.16 For out-of-custody court misdemeanor warrants, you can visit Room 221 in the Safety Building to clear your warrant. The operations hours are on weekdays from 1 PM to 4 PM. The address is indicated below:
Milwaukee County Safety Building
821 W State St.
Milwaukee, WI 53233
You can also call the Public Defender’s Office at 414.227.4130 or walk into the Criminal Justice Facility to start the process of clearing your warrant. The facility is located at the following location:
Milwaukee Criminal Justice Facility
949 N 9th Street,
Milwaukee, WI 53233
The Milwaukee Municipal Court also accepts calls at 414.286-3800 to get additional information on the kind of warrant and how to clear it.
In Dane County, individuals can contact the Warrants Division at 608.284.6110 and either provide a tip or inquire about how to clear a warrant.
In Waukesha County, individuals can contact the sheriff’s office by calling 262.446.5070 or visiting the address below:
Waukesha County Sheriff’s Department
515 W. Moreland Boulevard
Waukesha, WI 53188
A Wisconsin warrant search involves looking up records through various agencies, including court files and records departments in county sheriff’s offices.
References
1Wisconsin State Legislature. (n.d.). Public Records Law. Retrieved November 20, 2023, from <https://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/statutes/statutes/19/ii/31>
2Wisconsin Circuit Court Access. (n.d.). Frequently asked questions. Retrieved November 20, 2023, from <https://wcca.wicourts.gov/faq.html>
3Wisconsin Circuit Court Access. (n.d.). Case search. Retrieved November 20, 2023, from <https://wcca.wicourts.gov/case.html>
4Wisconsin Department of Justice. (n.d.). CIB Frequently Asked Questions. Retrieved November 20, 2023, from <https://www.doj.state.wi.us/dles/cib/cib-frequently-asked-questions>
5Department of Justice CIB. (n.d.). Wisconsin Online Record Check System. Retrieved November 20, 2023, from <https://recordcheck.doj.wi.gov/Anonymous/BackgroundRequest/AnonymousSearchRequest/0?userType=Guest>
6Wisconsin State Patrol. (n.d.). FAQs. Retrieved November 20, 2023, from <https://wsp.wi.gov/Pages/faq.aspx>
7Wisconsin State Patrol. (n.d.). Open Records. Retrieved November 20, 2023, from <https://wsp.wi.gov/Pages/Open-Records.aspx>
8Milwaukee Municipal Court. (n.d.). Search Case. Retrieved November 20, 2023, from <https://municipalcourt.milwaukee.gov/i-want-to/search-case-information>
9Dane County Sheriff’s Office. (n.d.). Search Results. Records Requests. Retrieved November 20, 2023, from <https://danesheriff.com/Records>
10Waukesha County Sheriff. (n.d.). Records Division. Retrieved November 20, 2023, from <https://www.waukeshacounty.gov/sheriff/records-division/>
11City of Madison Police Department. (n.d.). RSS Police Incident Reports. Retrieved November 20, 2023, from <https://www.cityofmadison.com/police/newsroom/incidentreports/>
12US Marshals. (n.d.). 15 Most Wanted Fugitives. Retrieved November 20, 2023, from <https://www.usmarshals.gov/what-we-do/fugitive-investigations/15-most-wanted-fugitive>
13Federal Bureau of Investigations. (n.d.). Ten Most Wanted Fugitives. Retrieved November 20, 2023, from <https://www.fbi.gov/wanted/topten>
14United States Drug Enforcement Division. (n.d.). Wanted Individuals. Retrieved November 20, 2023, from <https://www.dea.gov/fugitives>
15Wisconsin Department of Children & Families. (n.d.). Enforcing Child Support Orders. Retrieved November 20, 2023, from <https://dcf.wisconsin.gov/cs/enforce/home>
16Milwaukee Justice Center. (n.d.). Clear a Warrant. Retrieved November 20, 2023, from <https://www.milwaukeejusticecenter.org/uploads/1/0/9/0/109072171/clear_a_warrant_final.pdf>