Milwaukee County Warrant Search

A Milwaukee County warrant search involves checking official sources and databases for active or outstanding warrants issued by a Milwaukee County court. As public records under Wisconsin law, these searches allow individuals to see whether they or someone else has an outstanding warrant in the county. A search is typically conducted offline (e.g., in person or by phone) or online through the Milwaukee County Sheriff's Office, the Milwaukee Municipal Court, or other official sources.

The information available from a warrant search includes, but is not limited to, the type of warrant, the reason for the warrant, the subject’s details (such as full name and physical description), the issuance date, and the issuing authority.

Why Conduct a Warrant Search in Milwaukee County?

Individuals conduct a warrant search in Milwaukee County to determine whether an active or outstanding warrant is in their name for these reasons:

• Failure to appear in court
• Unpaid fines or tickets
• Probation or parole violations
• Outstanding criminal charges
• Criminal offenses

Additionally, employers and landlords conduct warrant searches as part of background checks to assess a potential employee and tenant’s trustworthiness and credibility. Similarly, a law enforcement officer may perform a warrant check during a traffic stop to determine if a driver or passenger is wanted for an offense.

Situations where knowing about an active or outstanding warrant proves relevant include before job, visa, or licensing applications; immigration & travel; and before any law enforcement encounter (mostly to avoid sudden arrests).

How to Perform a Milwaukee County Warrant Search Online

Persons looking for Milwaukee County warrants can use the following tools:

• Wisconsin Circuit Court Access (WCCA): Individuals can search the WCCA portal for Milwaukee County Circuit Court records, including active and outstanding warrants originating from the court. Search criteria include party name, case number, or birth date.
• City Municipal Court Case Search Portal: Where available, individuals can search active or outstanding warrants online through a municipal court case search system. For example, the Milwaukee Municipal Court’s “Case Search” portal allows users to check whether an active or outstanding warrant exists using a citation number, name, or case number.
• Third-Party Websites: Individuals can also use third-party warrant information sites to perform a Milwaukee County warrant search online. Most offer their services for free and provide statewide warrant information. The subject's first and last name, as well as their location (city), are the most commonly used search criteria. However, these sites should be used with caution, as they're not official sources.

Regardless of site or database, a Milwaukee County warrant search typically requires the subject's full legal name, DOB, address, and case number (for court-related portals).

How to Check for Outstanding Warrants in Milwaukee County by Phone or In Person

To check for outstanding warrants in Milwaukee County by phone or in person, call the Warrants Division of the Milwaukee County Sheriff's Office at (414) 278-4713 or visit and/or call the Public Records Division, Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Individuals can also visit and/or call the Milwaukee County Clerk of Circuit Court to check for any active or outstanding warrants.

Similarly, individuals can check for warrants by calling or visiting a city municipal court. For example, one may call the Milwaukee Municipal Court at (414) 286-3800 or visit the courthouse.

Milwaukee Municipal Court

During a phone check, the caller verbally submits their request, which includes the subject's name, date of birth, or address. The staff searches the system and provides feedback over the phone. In-person checks follow the same process, but with the added option of written requests.

Milwaukee County Sheriff’s Office Warrant Search Process

The Milwaukee County Sheriff’s Office handles public warrant checks through its Warrants Division. Individuals may call the warrants division at (414) 278‑4713 or visit the office in person during business hours. Whether calling on the phone or visiting in person, the office requires the inquirer to specify that they wish to conduct a warrant check and provide all relevant information that would facilitate the check, such as the subject’s full name, date of birth, and address. Requestors may also be required to provide a means of identification (e.g., SSN, driver’s license number, and a photo ID).

If an outstanding warrant is found, they release information or a copy in accordance with the Wisconsin Public Records Law. Released details typically include confirmation of the warrant, the individual’s information, the type of warrant, the reason for its issuance, the issue date, and the court that issued it.

Accessing Public Records Related to Warrants in Milwaukee County

Common public records related to warrants that individuals may check in Milwaukee County include:

• Court records: These records document case information and include judicial actions such as court orders, judgments, and issued warrants. The court where a case is filed is responsible for generating and storing its record. To request a court record in Milwaukee County, contact the court where the case was filed or search its case portal (e.g., the Milwaukee County Clerk of Circuit Court or the WCCA portal).
• Arrest log/records: These are official police records of arrest incidents, including the arrestee’s information, the time/place of the arrest, charges, circumstances of the arrest, and arresting agency. The Milwaukee County Sheriff is the custodian of arrest records in the county. Contact the sheriff’s Public Records Division for arrest records and local criminal record checks.
• Jail records: Official records of individuals currently in custody in Milwaukee County. Use the Milwaukee County “In Custody Locator” to find whether a person is in jail in the county.

Types of Warrants Issued in Milwaukee County

The common types of warrants issued in Milwaukee County are:

• Arrest warrant: A written legal order issued that authorizes a law enforcement officer to arrest a named individual. Wis. Stat. §968.04 governs the issuance and execution of arrest warrants in Milwaukee County. According to the law, arrest warrants must be issued based on probable cause, which must be established through a criminal complaint supported by affidavits or through sworn testimony from the complainant or witnesses.
• Bench warrant: A form of arrest warrant issued directly by a judge (i.e., from the bench, without a criminal complaint). It is issued when a person fails to appear in court, violates a court order, or is held in contempt of court. In Milwaukee County, bench warrants are issued under Wis. Stat. § 968.09. A bench warrant's purpose is to ensure an individual's presence in court or to enforce court orders.
• Search warrant: A legal order that authorizes a law enforcement officer to search a person, property, or place to look for and seize evidence of crime (Wis. Stat. § 968.12). A judge issues a search warrant based on a sworn complaint or affidavit. Unlike other warrants, a search warrant must be executed within a specified timeframe.

Note: Individuals should ensure they understand the type of warrant before deciding on the official source to contact/check for warrants. The reason is that certain sources/agencies are better for some warrants. For example, courts are better for bench warrant checks and carry minimal risk of immediate arrest.

How Long Warrants Remain Active in Milwaukee County

In Milwaukee County, the duration of a warrant's activity depends on its type. For example, a search warrant remains active for only 5 days from the date of issuance, after which it expires and becomes invalid unless formally extended (Wis. Stat. §968.15).

In contrast, an arrest warrant remains active indefinitely until executed (typically through the subject's arrest). Similarly, a bench warrant remains open indefinitely until the named individual is arrested and arraigned.

Nevertheless, law enforcement procedures, individual actions like turning oneself in or resolving the underlying matter, or court actions like recalling or canceling a warrant, can all influence the duration of arrest and bench warrants.

What to Do if You Find an Outstanding Warrant in Milwaukee County

If an active or outstanding warrant is discovered during checks, do not ignore it. Legal experts typically advise that subjects contact the originating court or consult an attorney for further guidance. In most instances, making a required payment on a case can result in the lifting of a bench warrant or arrest warrant. Nonetheless, always verify and understand the context of a warrant, as this may be critical to taking the right step.