Milwaukee County Warrant Search

What Is a Search Warrant In Milwaukee County?

A search warrant in Milwaukee County is a legal document issued by a judicial officer that authorizes law enforcement personnel to search a specifically designated location and seize particular items or evidence described within the warrant. Search warrants are governed by both the Fourth Amendment to the United States Constitution and Wisconsin Statute § 968.12, which establishes the requirements and procedures for obtaining and executing search warrants within the state.

Pursuant to Wisconsin law, a search warrant may be issued only upon probable cause, supported by oath or affirmation, and particularly describing the place to be searched and items to be seized. The probable cause requirement means that law enforcement must present sufficient facts to a judge that would lead a reasonable person to believe that evidence of a crime will be found at the specified location.

Search warrants differ significantly from other types of warrants issued in Milwaukee County:

• Arrest Warrants: Authorize law enforcement to take a specific person into custody
• Bench Warrants: Issued by a judge when an individual fails to appear for a scheduled court date
• Civil Warrants: Issued in non-criminal matters, often related to civil contempt

The Milwaukee County Circuit Court, operating under the authority of Wisconsin Statute § 968.12(2), requires that search warrants be executed within a reasonable time after issuance and according to strict procedural guidelines to protect constitutional rights.

Are Warrants Public Records In Milwaukee County?

Warrants in Milwaukee County are subject to Wisconsin's Public Records Law, codified in Wisconsin Statute § 19.31-19.39, which generally provides that all records of government agencies are accessible to the public unless specifically exempted by law. However, the public accessibility of warrants is nuanced and depends on several factors including the warrant type, status, and stage of the associated investigation.

Active warrants that are part of ongoing investigations may be temporarily exempt from disclosure under Wisconsin Statute § 19.36(2), which protects records related to current investigations. This exemption helps preserve the integrity of law enforcement operations and prevents individuals from evading justice.

The public record status of different warrant types in Milwaukee County is as follows:

• Executed Search Warrants: Generally become public records after execution and return to the court, though sensitive information may be redacted
• Active Arrest Warrants: Basic information is typically available through public databases, though full warrant details may be restricted
• Bench Warrants: Usually accessible as public records through court systems
• Sealed Warrants: Not available as public records until unsealed by court order

The Milwaukee County Clerk of Circuit Court maintains warrant records that have been filed with the court system and provides public access in accordance with state law and court rules.

Milwaukee County Clerk of Circuit Court
901 N. 9th Street, Room 104
Milwaukee, WI 53233
(414) 278-4120
Milwaukee County Clerk of Circuit Court

How to Find Out if I Have a Warrant In Milwaukee County?

Members of the public seeking to determine if they have an outstanding warrant in Milwaukee County may utilize several official channels. The most direct and reliable methods include:

1. Contact the Milwaukee County Sheriff's Office: The Sheriff's Office maintains records of active warrants issued within the county.

Milwaukee County Sheriff's Office
821 W. State Street
Milwaukee, WI 53233
(414) 278-4766
Milwaukee County Sheriff's Office

2. Check the Wisconsin Circuit Court Access (WCCA): This online database, commonly known as CCAP, provides public access to court records including information about warrants.

3. Contact the Milwaukee Municipal Court: For municipal warrants related to city ordinance violations.

Milwaukee Municipal Court
951 N. James Lovell Street
Milwaukee, WI 53233
(414) 286-3800
Milwaukee Municipal Court

4. Consult with an Attorney: Legal counsel can conduct a thorough search of court records and advise on appropriate next steps.

5. Visit the Clerk of Circuit Court: In-person inquiries can be made at the courthouse during regular business hours.

Pursuant to Wisconsin Statute § 968.04(3)(b), individuals with active warrants should address the matter promptly, as warrants remain in effect until executed or withdrawn by court order.

How To Check for Warrants in Milwaukee County for Free in 2026

Milwaukee County residents and interested parties may check for warrants at no cost through several official channels. The following steps provide a comprehensive approach to conducting a free warrant search:

1. Access the Wisconsin Circuit Court Access (WCCA) Portal: This free online database allows users to search for court cases and associated warrants by name.

   • Navigate to the Wisconsin Court System case search
   • Enter the name of the individual in question
   • Review any case records for warrant information

2. Use the Milwaukee Municipal Court Online System: For city ordinance violations and municipal warrants.

   • Visit the Municipal Court website
   • Select "Case Search" from the available options
   • Enter the required identifying information

3. Contact the Milwaukee County Sheriff's Office Warrant Squad: Direct phone inquiries can be made during business hours.

   • Call (414) 278-4788
   • Provide the name and date of birth of the person in question

4. Visit the Milwaukee Justice Center: This resource provides free legal assistance and access to court records.

Milwaukee Justice Center
901 N. 9th Street, Room G-9
Milwaukee, WI 53233
(414) 278-2910
Milwaukee Justice Center

5. Check with the Wisconsin Department of Justice: The DOJ maintains a database that includes warrant information.
   • Access the Wisconsin Online Record Check System
   • Create an account or log in as a guest
   • Follow the prompts to conduct a name-based search

Under current Wisconsin law, these resources remain available to the public without charge, though certain enhanced services or expedited searches may involve fees.

What Types of Warrants In Milwaukee County

Milwaukee County courts issue several distinct types of warrants, each serving a specific legal purpose within the criminal justice system. The primary warrant types include:

Arrest Warrants: Issued when probable cause exists that an individual has committed a crime. These warrants authorize law enforcement to take the named person into custody. Pursuant to Wisconsin Statute § 968.04, arrest warrants must specify the offense charged and command that the person be arrested and brought before the court.

Bench Warrants: Issued directly by a judge when an individual fails to appear for a scheduled court appearance or violates a court order. These warrants authorize immediate arrest and court appearance.

Search Warrants: Authorize law enforcement to search specified premises and seize designated evidence or contraband. These warrants require detailed descriptions of the place to be searched and items to be seized.

Civil Warrants: Issued in non-criminal matters, often related to civil contempt or failure to comply with court orders in civil cases.

John Doe Warrants: Used when the identity of the suspect is unknown but can be described with reasonable specificity.

Material Witness Warrants: Issued to secure the testimony of a witness deemed material to a criminal proceeding who is likely to flee or avoid testifying.

Capias Warrants: Special warrants issued in child support cases when a parent fails to appear for hearings related to support obligations.

The Milwaukee County Circuit Court, in conjunction with the District Attorney's Office, processes these various warrant types according to established legal procedures and constitutional requirements.

What Warrants in Milwaukee County Contain

Warrants issued in Milwaukee County contain specific information as required by Wisconsin Statute § 968.04(3) for arrest warrants and Wisconsin Statute § 968.12(2) for search warrants. The content of a typical warrant includes:

• Case Number: A unique identifier assigned to the associated court case
• Issuing Authority: Name and title of the judicial officer who issued the warrant
• Subject Information: For arrest warrants, the full name of the subject, date of birth, physical description, and last known address
• Offense Details: Specific criminal charges or violations, including statute numbers and offense descriptions
• Probable Cause Statement: A summary of the facts establishing probable cause for the warrant
• Location Information: For search warrants, a detailed description of the premises to be searched
• Items to be Seized: For search warrants, a specific list of evidence or contraband to be seized
• Date of Issuance: When the warrant was signed by the judicial officer
• Execution Parameters: Any special instructions regarding execution, including time restrictions
• Bond Information: For arrest warrants, any bail or bond amount set by the court
• Return Requirements: Instructions for reporting back to the court after execution

All warrants must be signed by the issuing judicial officer and contain a court seal to be valid. The Milwaukee County Sheriff's Office and other law enforcement agencies are responsible for executing warrants in accordance with these specifications.

Who Issues Warrants In Milwaukee County

In Milwaukee County, the authority to issue warrants is vested in specific judicial officers as prescribed by Wisconsin law. The following officials have the power to issue warrants:

Circuit Court Judges: The primary judicial authorities in Milwaukee County with full power to issue all types of warrants in criminal and civil matters. Milwaukee County currently has 47 circuit court judges serving in various divisions.

Court Commissioners: Appointed by the chief judge of the judicial administrative district, court commissioners have limited authority to issue certain warrants, particularly in preliminary proceedings.

Municipal Court Judges: Authorized to issue warrants related to violations of municipal ordinances within their jurisdiction. The Milwaukee Municipal Court has three judges who can issue municipal warrants.

Reserve Judges: Retired judges who have been appointed by the chief justice to perform judicial duties, including issuing warrants.

The process for issuing warrants typically begins with a request from law enforcement or a prosecutor, who must present sufficient evidence to establish probable cause. The judicial officer reviews this evidence and, if satisfied that legal standards have been met, signs and issues the warrant.

Milwaukee County Courthouse
901 N. 9th Street
Milwaukee, WI 53233
(414) 278-4444
Milwaukee County Circuit Court

The authority to issue warrants is governed by Wisconsin Statute § 757.69 for court commissioners and Wisconsin Statute § 968.04 for the general warrant issuance process.

How To Find for Outstanding Warrants In Milwaukee County

Members of the public seeking information about outstanding warrants in Milwaukee County may utilize several official resources. The process for locating warrant information includes:

1. Wisconsin Circuit Court Access (WCCA): This online database provides public access to court records, including information about outstanding warrants.

   • Access the Wisconsin Court System case search
   • Enter the name of the individual in question
   • Review case records for warrant information
   • Note that not all warrant information may be immediately visible online

2. Milwaukee County Sheriff's Office: The Sheriff's Office maintains a comprehensive database of active warrants.

Milwaukee County Sheriff's Office - Warrant Squad
821 W. State Street
Milwaukee, WI 53233
(414) 278-4788
Milwaukee County Sheriff's Office

3. Milwaukee Municipal Court: For warrants related to city ordinance violations.

Milwaukee Municipal Court
951 N. James Lovell Street
Milwaukee, WI 53233
(414) 286-3800
Milwaukee Municipal Court

4. Wisconsin Department of Justice: The DOJ maintains the Wisconsin Online Record Check System (WORCS).

   • Visit the Wisconsin Online Record Check System
   • Create an account or proceed as a guest
   • Conduct a name-based search
   • Review results for warrant information

5. In-Person Inquiry at the Clerk of Circuit Court: Direct inquiries can be made during business hours.

Milwaukee County Clerk of Circuit Court
901 N. 9th Street, Room 104
Milwaukee, WI 53233
(414) 278-4120
Milwaukee County Clerk of Circuit Court

Pursuant to Wisconsin's Public Records Law, basic information about outstanding warrants is generally available to the public, though certain details may be restricted for active investigations.

How To Check Federal Warrants In Milwaukee County

Federal warrants operate under a separate system from state and county warrants, and checking for federal warrants requires different procedures. Federal warrants issued for individuals in Milwaukee County are processed through the federal court system rather than county courts. To check for federal warrants:

1. Contact the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Wisconsin: This court has jurisdiction over federal cases in Milwaukee County.

U.S. District Court - Eastern District of Wisconsin
517 E. Wisconsin Avenue
Milwaukee, WI 53202
(414) 297-3372
U.S. District Court - Eastern District of Wisconsin

2. Public Access to Court Electronic Records (PACER): This online system provides access to federal court records, including warrant information in some cases.

   • Register for a PACER account
   • Search for cases by name
   • Review docket entries for warrant information
   • Note that active federal warrants may not be visible in public searches

3. U.S. Marshals Service: The primary federal agency responsible for executing federal warrants.

U.S. Marshals Service - Eastern District of Wisconsin
517 E. Wisconsin Avenue, Room 564
Milwaukee, WI 53202
(414) 297-3707
U.S. Marshals Service

4. Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI): For serious federal offenses, the FBI may have information about outstanding warrants.

FBI Milwaukee Field Office
3600 S. Lake Drive
St. Francis, WI 53235
(414) 276-4684
FBI Milwaukee

Federal warrants are issued under the authority of 18 U.S.C. § 3041 and related federal statutes. Unlike county warrants, federal warrant information is often more restricted from public view, particularly for active investigations.

How Long Do Warrants Last In Milwaukee County?

Warrants issued in Milwaukee County remain valid and enforceable until they are executed, recalled by the court, or the subject appears voluntarily to address the underlying matter. Under Wisconsin law, there is no automatic expiration date for most types of warrants. This principle is established in Wisconsin Statute § 968.04(4) for arrest warrants and similar provisions for other warrant types.

The duration of different warrant types in Milwaukee County is as follows:

• Arrest Warrants: Remain active indefinitely until executed or withdrawn by court order
• Bench Warrants: Valid until the subject appears in court or the warrant is recalled
• Search Warrants: Must be executed within a reasonable time after issuance, typically within 5 days as specified in Wisconsin Statute § 968.15
• Municipal Warrants: Generally remain active until resolved, though some municipalities may have policies for periodic review

It is important to note that while warrants do not expire, the statute of limitations for the underlying offense continues to run. However, in many cases, the issuance of a warrant tolls (pauses) the statute of limitations until the warrant is executed.

The Milwaukee County Sheriff's Office periodically reviews outstanding warrants to prioritize enforcement efforts, but this review does not invalidate older warrants. Individuals with long-standing warrants remain subject to arrest if encountered by law enforcement.

How Long Does It Take To Get a Search Warrant In Milwaukee County?

The timeframe for obtaining a search warrant in Milwaukee County varies depending on the circumstances, urgency of the investigation, and availability of judicial officers. Under normal circumstances, the process typically includes:

1. Preparation Phase: Law enforcement officers prepare an affidavit establishing probable cause, which generally takes 2-4 hours depending on case complexity.

2. Review by Prosecutor: In many cases, a prosecutor from the Milwaukee County District Attorney's Office reviews the warrant application before submission to a judge, adding approximately 1-3 hours to the process.

3. Judicial Review: A judge or court commissioner examines the application to determine if probable cause exists, which may take 30 minutes to several hours depending on court availability and workload.

4. Issuance: If approved, the warrant is signed and issued immediately.

In standard situations, the entire process typically takes 4-8 hours from initiation to issuance. However, Milwaukee County has established procedures for expedited warrants in emergency situations:

• Electronic Warrants: Pursuant to Wisconsin Statute § 968.12(3), warrants may be requested and approved electronically or by telephone in urgent circumstances, reducing the process to 1-2 hours.

• After-Hours Warrants: A duty judge is available 24/7 for emergency warrant requests, though these typically require demonstration of immediate necessity.

• Exigent Circumstances: In certain emergency situations where evidence might be destroyed or lives endangered, law enforcement may conduct searches without warrants under exceptions recognized by Wisconsin courts, though subsequent judicial review is required.

The Milwaukee County District Attorney's Office works closely with law enforcement agencies to facilitate the warrant process while ensuring constitutional requirements are met.

Search Warrant Records in Milwaukee County

Milwaukee Municipal Court warrant information

Wisconsin Court System case search database

Wisconsin Department of Justice Online Record Check System