Ozaukee County Warrant Search
What Is a Search Warrant In Ozaukee County?
A search warrant in Ozaukee 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. Pursuant to Wisconsin Statute § 968.12, search warrants may only be issued upon probable cause, supported by oath or affirmation, and must particularly describe the place to be searched and items to be seized.
Search warrants differ from other types of warrants in several important ways:
- Search Warrant: Authorizes the search of a specific location and seizure of specific evidence
- Arrest Warrant: Authorizes law enforcement to take a specific person into custody
- Bench Warrant: Issued by a judge when an individual fails to appear for a scheduled court appearance
The legal foundation for search warrants in Ozaukee County stems from both the Fourth Amendment to the United States Constitution and Article I, Section 11 of the Wisconsin Constitution, which protect citizens against unreasonable searches and seizures. These constitutional provisions establish that warrants shall only be issued upon probable cause, supported by oath or affirmation, and particularly describing the place to be searched and the persons or things to be seized.
Law enforcement agencies in Ozaukee County must adhere to strict procedural requirements when executing search warrants to ensure the protection of constitutional rights and the admissibility of evidence in subsequent court proceedings.
Are Warrants Public Records In Ozaukee County?
The public record status of warrants in Ozaukee County follows a nuanced framework established by Wisconsin public records law. Under Wisconsin Statute § 19.31, the legislature has declared that providing citizens with the greatest possible information regarding the affairs of government is an essential function of a representative government. However, the public accessibility of warrants is subject to specific limitations and exceptions.
The status of warrants as public records depends on several factors:
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Active vs. Executed Warrants: Active warrants may be temporarily shielded from public disclosure to prevent flight risk or interference with law enforcement operations. Once executed, warrant information typically becomes more accessible.
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Sealed Warrants: Under certain circumstances, a judge may order a warrant sealed, removing it from public access for a specified period. This commonly occurs in sensitive investigations where premature disclosure could compromise public safety or investigative integrity.
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Juvenile Matters: Warrants pertaining to juvenile offenders are subject to heightened confidentiality protections under Wisconsin Statute § 938.396.
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Warrant Type: Bench warrants and arrest warrants for failure to appear are generally more accessible than search warrants in ongoing investigations.
The Ozaukee County Clerk of Circuit Court maintains warrant records in accordance with Wisconsin Supreme Court rules on record retention and access. While many warrant records are accessible through public terminals at the courthouse or online systems, specific access restrictions may apply based on the aforementioned factors.
How to Find Out if I Have a Warrant In Ozaukee County?
Members of the public seeking to determine if they have an active warrant in Ozaukee County may utilize several official channels. The most reliable methods include:
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Contact the Ozaukee County Sheriff's Office: The Sheriff's Office maintains current warrant information and can verify warrant status.
Ozaukee County Sheriff's Office
1201 S Spring Street
Port Washington, WI 53074
262-284-7172
Ozaukee County Sheriff's Office -
Check the Wisconsin Circuit Court Access (WCCA): This online database, commonly known as CCAP, provides public access to court records, including warrant information.
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Contact the Ozaukee County Clerk of Circuit Court: This office maintains official court records, including warrant information.
Ozaukee County Clerk of Circuit Court
1201 S Spring Street
Port Washington, WI 53074
262-284-8409
Clerk of Circuit Court -
Consult with an Attorney: Legal counsel can access court records and provide guidance on addressing any outstanding warrants.
It is important to note that all warrants must be verified through the Ozaukee County Sheriff's Office before any action is taken. Information obtained through online searches should be considered preliminary until officially confirmed by authorized county personnel.
How To Check for Warrants in Ozaukee County for Free in 2026
Members of the public may currently check for warrants in Ozaukee County without incurring fees through several established channels:
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Wisconsin Circuit Court Access (WCCA): This free online resource provides public access to court records, including warrant information.
- Navigate to the Wisconsin Court System case search
- Select "Circuit Court" from the available options
- Enter the name of the individual in question
- Review any cases associated with that name
- Look for notations regarding outstanding warrants
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In-Person Verification at the Sheriff's Office:
- Visit the Ozaukee County Sheriff's Office during regular business hours (Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM)
- Provide proper identification to the records clerk
- Request a warrant check for yourself or the individual in question
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Telephone Inquiry to the Sheriff's Office:
- Call the non-emergency number (262-284-7172)
- Provide the necessary identifying information
- Request verification of warrant status
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Public Access Terminals at the Courthouse:
- Visit the Ozaukee County Justice Center
- Use the public access terminals in the Clerk of Courts office
- Search for cases and warrant information
Under current Wisconsin law, these methods remain available without charge to promote transparency and public access to judicial records. The verification process typically requires basic identifying information such as full name and date of birth to ensure accurate results.
What Types of Warrants In Ozaukee County
Ozaukee County courts issue several distinct types of warrants, each serving a specific legal purpose within the criminal justice system:
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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. Arrest warrants are commonly issued following criminal investigations or grand jury indictments.
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Bench Warrants: Judicial orders issued when an individual fails to appear for a scheduled court appearance or violates court orders. Common triggers include:
- Failure to appear for arraignment, trial, or sentencing
- Failure to comply with court-ordered conditions
- Failure to pay court-ordered fines or fees
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Search Warrants: Authorize law enforcement to search specified premises and seize designated evidence. Pursuant to Wisconsin Statute § 968.12, these warrants require:
- Probable cause established through sworn affidavit
- Specific description of places to be searched
- Particular identification of items to be seized
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Civil Warrants: Issued in non-criminal matters, including:
- Child support enforcement
- Civil contempt proceedings
- Judgment enforcement actions
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Material Witness Warrants: Issued to secure testimony from witnesses deemed essential to criminal proceedings who may otherwise be unavailable.
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John/Jane Doe Warrants: Issued when a suspect's identity is unknown but can be identified through physical description or DNA profile.
Each warrant type follows specific procedural requirements established by Wisconsin statutes and court rules, with judicial oversight to ensure compliance with constitutional protections.
What Warrants in Ozaukee County Contain
Warrants issued in Ozaukee County contain specific information mandated by Wisconsin law to ensure legal validity and proper execution. Pursuant to Wisconsin Statute § 968.04 for arrest warrants and § 968.12 for search warrants, these documents typically include:
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Case Identification Information:
- Court case number
- Issuing court name
- Date of issuance
- Warrant expiration date (if applicable)
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Subject Information:
- Full legal name of the subject (for arrest warrants)
- Known aliases
- Date of birth
- Physical description (height, weight, identifying marks)
- Last known address
- Driver's license number (when available)
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Legal Basis:
- Criminal charges or allegations
- Statutory citations for alleged violations
- Statement of probable cause
- Reference to supporting affidavits
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Execution Instructions:
- Specific location to be searched (for search warrants)
- Items authorized for seizure (for search warrants)
- Geographic limitations of authority
- Special execution instructions (time restrictions, knock-and-announce requirements)
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Judicial Authorization:
- Name of issuing judge or court commissioner
- Official signature
- Court seal
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Bond Information (for arrest warrants):
- Bond amount
- Bond conditions
- Release eligibility
The specificity requirements for warrants serve to protect constitutional rights while providing clear guidance to law enforcement officers responsible for execution. All warrants must comply with the particularity requirements established by the Fourth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution and Article I, Section 11 of the Wisconsin Constitution.
Who Issues Warrants In Ozaukee County
In Ozaukee County, the authority to issue warrants is vested in specific judicial officers as prescribed by Wisconsin law. The following officials possess warrant-issuing authority:
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Circuit Court Judges: The primary judicial officers authorized to issue all types of warrants in Ozaukee County. The county currently has three circuit court branches, each presided over by an elected judge with full warrant authority.
Ozaukee County Circuit Court
1201 S Spring Street
Port Washington, WI 53074
262-284-8409
Ozaukee County Circuit Court -
Court Commissioners: Appointed judicial officers who, under Wisconsin Statute § 757.69, may issue certain warrants, including:
- Arrest warrants in criminal cases
- Bench warrants for failure to appear
- Search warrants in specified circumstances
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Municipal Court Judges: Limited authority to issue warrants related to municipal ordinance violations within their respective jurisdictions.
The warrant issuance process typically begins with an application from law enforcement or a prosecutor, supported by an affidavit establishing probable cause. The judicial officer reviews the application to ensure it meets constitutional and statutory requirements before issuing the warrant.
For emergency situations occurring outside regular court hours, Ozaukee County maintains an on-call judicial officer system to review urgent warrant applications, particularly for domestic violence cases, serious felonies, or circumstances where evidence might be destroyed if warrant issuance is delayed.
All warrant-issuing authorities must adhere to the probable cause standard established by the Fourth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution and Article I, Section 11 of the Wisconsin Constitution.
How To Find for Outstanding Warrants In Ozaukee County
Members of the public seeking information about outstanding warrants in Ozaukee County may utilize several official channels to conduct a comprehensive search:
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Wisconsin Circuit Court Access (WCCA/CCAP):
- Access the Wisconsin Court System case search
- Select "Circuit Court" from the available options
- Enter the name of the individual in question
- Review case records for warrant notations
- Note that not all warrant information may be immediately visible in this system
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Ozaukee County Sheriff's Office Warrant Search:
- Visit the Ozaukee County Sheriff's Office warrants page
- Follow the instructions for warrant verification
- Contact the Sheriff's Office directly for confirmation
Ozaukee County Sheriff's Office
1201 S Spring Street
Port Washington, WI 53074
262-284-7172
Ozaukee County Sheriff's Office -
Clerk of Circuit Court Records Request:
- Submit a records request to the Clerk of Circuit Court
- Provide the name and identifying information of the subject
- Specify that warrant information is being requested
- Allow processing time as established by office procedures
Ozaukee County Clerk of Circuit Court
1201 S Spring Street
Port Washington, WI 53074
262-284-8409
Clerk of Circuit Court -
In-Person Inquiry at the Justice Center:
- Visit the Ozaukee County Justice Center during regular business hours
- Request assistance from the Sheriff's Office records division
- Provide proper identification and the name of the subject
- Receive official verification of warrant status
It is important to note that all warrant information obtained through these channels should be verified directly with the Ozaukee County Sheriff's Office before taking any action, as online records may not reflect the most current status.
How To Check Federal Warrants In Ozaukee County
Federal warrants operate under a separate jurisdiction from county warrants and require different search methods. Members of the public seeking information about federal warrants that may be executable in Ozaukee County should be aware of the following procedures:
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U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Wisconsin:
- Federal warrants affecting Ozaukee County residents would typically originate from this court
- Access the Public Access to Court Electronic Records (PACER) system
- Create an account and pay applicable fees
- Search for cases by name to identify potential federal warrants
U.S. District Court - Eastern District of Wisconsin
517 East Wisconsin Avenue
Milwaukee, WI 53202
414-297-3372
U.S. District Court - Eastern District of Wisconsin -
Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Milwaukee Field Office:
- The FBI maintains information on federal warrants
- Direct inquiries may be made regarding warrant status
- Verification typically requires personal identifying information
FBI Milwaukee Field Office
3600 S Lake Drive
St. Francis, WI 53235
414-276-4684
FBI Milwaukee -
U.S. Marshals Service:
- The primary federal agency responsible for executing federal warrants
- Maintains the "Most Wanted" database for serious federal offenders
- Can verify the existence of federal warrants
U.S. Marshals Service - Eastern District of Wisconsin
517 East Wisconsin Avenue, Room 364
Milwaukee, WI 53202
414-297-3707
U.S. Marshals Service -
Legal Counsel Consultation:
- Federal criminal defense attorneys can access federal court records
- May provide confidential verification of federal warrant status
- Can advise on appropriate responses to federal warrants
It is important to note that federal agencies generally do not provide comprehensive public access to active warrant information due to law enforcement and public safety considerations. Individuals with reason to believe they may be subject to a federal warrant are advised to consult with qualified legal counsel promptly.
How Long Do Warrants Last In Ozaukee County?
The duration of warrants in Ozaukee County is governed by Wisconsin state law and varies according to warrant type and underlying offense. Under current legal frameworks:
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Arrest Warrants and Bench Warrants:
- Remain active until executed or recalled by the issuing court
- No statutory expiration date exists under Wisconsin law
- Subject to the statute of limitations for the underlying offense
- For serious felonies, including homicide, sexual assault, and certain other offenses enumerated in Wisconsin Statute § 939.74, there is no statute of limitations, meaning these warrants remain active indefinitely
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Search Warrants:
- Must be executed within a reasonable time, typically within 5 days of issuance per Wisconsin Statute § 968.15
- Automatically expire if not executed within the timeframe specified on the warrant
- May include specific time constraints for execution (e.g., daytime hours only)
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Extradition Warrants:
- Remain active until the subject is apprehended
- Subject to interstate agreements and the Uniform Criminal Extradition Act
- May have jurisdictional limitations based on the severity of the underlying offense
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Municipal Warrants:
- Typically remain active until resolved
- May be subject to municipal policies regarding warrant renewal or review
It is important to note that while a warrant may remain legally valid for extended periods, practical considerations often lead to periodic review of outstanding warrants by the issuing courts. Additionally, the passage of time does not generally invalidate a properly issued warrant, though it may affect the court's assessment of other factors if the warrant execution is challenged.
How Long Does It Take To Get a Search Warrant In Ozaukee County?
The timeframe for obtaining a search warrant in Ozaukee County varies based on several factors, including case urgency, judicial availability, and the complexity of the investigation. Under standard procedures:
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Regular Business Hours Process:
- Law enforcement prepares a detailed affidavit establishing probable cause
- The application is submitted to an available judge or court commissioner
- Review typically occurs within 1-3 hours of submission
- Upon approval, the warrant is immediately executable (subject to any time restrictions specified)
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After-Hours Emergency Process:
- Ozaukee County maintains an on-call judicial officer system
- Law enforcement contacts the on-call judge or court commissioner
- Review may occur electronically or in person
- Urgent warrants can be obtained within 1-2 hours in emergency situations
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Complex Investigations:
- Warrants requiring extensive supporting documentation
- May involve consultation with the District Attorney's Office
- Preparation and review can extend to 24-48 hours
- Additional time may be needed for specialized warrants (e.g., electronic data, financial records)
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Expedited Procedures:
- Available for exigent circumstances where evidence might be destroyed
- Cases involving imminent danger to individuals
- Can reduce timeframe to under one hour in critical situations
Wisconsin law, specifically Wisconsin Statute § 968.12(3), also permits testimony supporting search warrant applications to be communicated by telephone, radio, or other electronic means under certain circumstances, which can significantly expedite the process when necessary.
The judicial review process ensures that all search warrants meet constitutional requirements for probable cause and particularity before issuance, balancing the need for thorough review against the practical investigative needs of law enforcement.