Racine County Warrant Search
What Is a Search Warrant In Racine County?
A search warrant in Racine 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.
For a search warrant to be valid in Racine County, it must:
- Be based on probable cause as determined by a judge or court commissioner
- Particularly describe the place to be searched
- Specifically identify the items to be seized
- Be executed within a reasonable time, typically within 5 days of issuance
Search warrants are distinct from other types of warrants issued in Racine County. An arrest warrant authorizes law enforcement to take a specific person into custody, while a bench warrant is issued by a judge when an individual fails to appear for a scheduled court hearing or violates court orders. Unlike these person-directed warrants, search warrants focus on locations and items rather than individuals.
According to Wisconsin Statute § 968.13, search warrants may be issued to seize contraband, fruits of a crime, items used in the commission of a crime, or evidence that may constitute proof of the commission of a crime.
Are Warrants Public Records In Racine County?
The public accessibility of warrants in Racine County follows a nuanced framework established by Wisconsin public records law. Under Wisconsin Statute § 19.31, the state's public records law presumes that government records, including court records, are accessible to the public. However, this presumption is subject to specific exceptions that apply to warrants.
The public status of warrants in Racine County depends on several factors:
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Active vs. Executed Warrants: Active warrants (those not yet served) are typically not public records to prevent individuals from evading law enforcement. Once executed, warrant information generally becomes part of the public court record.
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Sealed Warrants: Pursuant to Wisconsin Statute § 968.26, a judge may order a warrant sealed for a specified period if disclosure would jeopardize an ongoing investigation, compromise confidential informants, or present other specific risks.
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Juvenile Warrants: Warrants involving juvenile offenders are subject to confidentiality protections under Wisconsin Statute § 938.396 and are generally not public records.
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Bench Warrants and Arrest Warrants: Information about outstanding bench warrants and arrest warrants is typically available through the Wisconsin Circuit Court Access (WCCA) system, commonly known as CCAP.
The Racine County Clerk of Circuit Court maintains records of warrants that have been executed and returned to the court as part of case files, which are generally accessible to the public unless specifically sealed by court order.
How to Find Out if I Have a Warrant In Racine County?
Individuals seeking to determine if they have an active warrant in Racine County may utilize several official channels. The Wisconsin court system provides multiple resources for warrant verification:
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Wisconsin Circuit Court Access (WCCA): Members of the public may search for warrant information through the Wisconsin Court System's online case search. This database includes information on bench warrants and some arrest warrants that have been issued as part of court proceedings.
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Racine County Sheriff's Office: The Sheriff's Office maintains records of active warrants issued within the county. Individuals may contact:
Racine County Sheriff's Office
717 Wisconsin Avenue
Racine, WI 53403
(262) 636-3200
Racine County Sheriff's Office
- Racine Police Department: For warrants issued within the City of Racine, individuals may check the active warrants database maintained by the Racine Police Department or contact:
Racine Police Department
730 Center Street
Racine, WI 53403
(262) 635-7700
Racine Police Department
- Racine County Clerk of Circuit Court: For information about bench warrants issued by Racine County courts, individuals may contact:
Racine County Clerk of Circuit Court
730 Wisconsin Avenue
Racine, WI 53403
(262) 636-3333
Racine County Clerk of Circuit Court
When inquiring about possible warrants, individuals should be prepared to provide their full legal name, date of birth, and potentially other identifying information to ensure accurate results.
How To Check for Warrants in Racine County for Free in 2026
Members of the public may verify the existence of warrants in Racine County through several no-cost methods currently available:
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Online Court Records Search: The Wisconsin Circuit Court Access portal provides free public access to court records, including information about bench warrants. Users may search by name at the Wisconsin Court System's case search page.
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Racine Police Department Active Warrants List: The City of Racine Police Department maintains a searchable database of active warrants within city limits. This resource is available at no cost through the department's official website.
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In-Person Inquiry at Law Enforcement Agencies: Individuals may visit the following agencies during regular business hours to request warrant information:
Racine County Sheriff's Office Records Division
717 Wisconsin Avenue
Racine, WI 53403
Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
(262) 636-3200
Racine Police Department Records Division
730 Center Street
Racine, WI 53403
Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
(262) 635-7700
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Telephone Verification: For those unable to access online resources or visit in person, telephone verification is available by contacting the Racine County Sheriff's Office Warrant Division at (262) 636-3190 during regular business hours.
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Wisconsin Department of Justice Records Check: The Wisconsin Online Record Check System (WORCS) provides access to criminal history information, which may include warrant status. This service is available through the Wisconsin Department of Justice.
When conducting warrant searches, individuals should provide complete and accurate identifying information to ensure reliable results. Pursuant to Wisconsin Statute § 19.35(1), public records requests do not require the requester to provide identification or state the purpose of their request.
What Types of Warrants In Racine County
Racine County courts and law enforcement agencies issue several distinct types of warrants, each serving specific legal purposes:
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 in Racine County are typically issued:
- After criminal charges are filed
- When a suspect fails to appear for arraignment
- Based on probable cause developed during criminal investigations
Bench Warrants: Judicial orders issued directly from the "bench" (court) when an individual:
- Fails to appear for a scheduled court hearing
- Violates conditions of probation or bail
- Fails to comply with court orders, such as payment of fines or completion of court-mandated programs
Search Warrants: Court orders authorizing law enforcement to search specified locations for evidence of criminal activity. In accordance with Wisconsin Statute § 968.12, search warrants in Racine County must be based on probable cause and specifically describe both the place to be searched and items to be seized.
Civil Warrants: Issued in non-criminal matters, including:
- Civil contempt warrants for failure to comply with court orders in civil cases
- Body attachments for failure to appear at court-ordered debtor examinations
- Child support warrants for significant non-payment of court-ordered support
Material Witness Warrants: Authorized under Wisconsin Statute § 968.06, these warrants secure the appearance of witnesses deemed material to criminal proceedings when there is reason to believe they will not appear voluntarily.
John Doe Warrants: Used in cases where a suspect's identity is unknown but can be described by other identifying characteristics, such as DNA profile or physical description.
Each warrant type follows specific procedural requirements for issuance, execution, and return as prescribed by Wisconsin statutes and court rules.
What Warrants in Racine County Contain
Warrants issued in Racine County contain specific information as required by Wisconsin law. Pursuant to Wisconsin Statute § 968.04 for arrest warrants and Wisconsin Statute § 968.12 for search warrants, these legal documents include the following elements:
Arrest Warrants contain:
- The name of the court issuing the warrant
- The name of the defendant or, if unknown, any name or description by which the defendant can be identified with reasonable certainty
- The date of issuance
- The offense charged
- A command that the defendant be arrested and brought before the issuing court
- Signature of the issuing judge or court commissioner
- The amount of bail, if applicable
- Return information documenting execution of the warrant
Search Warrants contain:
- The name of the court and the issuing judicial officer
- The date of issuance
- A description of the premises or person to be searched with reasonable particularity
- A description of the items to be seized with reasonable particularity
- The grounds or probable cause for issuance
- A command to the officer to conduct the search within a specified time period (typically 5 days)
- Restrictions on time of execution, if applicable
- Authorization for nighttime execution, if granted
- Signature of the issuing judge or court commissioner
- Return information documenting execution of the warrant and inventory of items seized
Bench Warrants contain:
- The name of the issuing court
- The case number and caption
- The name of the subject
- The reason for issuance (e.g., failure to appear, contempt of court)
- The date of the missed court appearance or violation
- The original charge or case type
- Bail amount or bond conditions, if applicable
- Signature of the issuing judge
All warrants must comply with the Fourth Amendment's requirement of particularity and be based on probable cause as determined by a neutral and detached judicial officer.
Who Issues Warrants In Racine County
In Racine County, the authority to issue warrants is vested in specific judicial officers as prescribed by Wisconsin law. The following officials possess the legal authority to issue warrants:
Circuit Court Judges: Racine County Circuit Court judges have plenary authority to issue all types of warrants, including arrest warrants, search warrants, and bench warrants. The Racine County Circuit Court consists of ten branches, with each judge presiding over one branch. These judges are located at:
Racine County Courthouse
730 Wisconsin Avenue
Racine, WI 53403
(262) 636-3111
Racine County Circuit Court
Court Commissioners: Pursuant to Wisconsin Statute § 757.69, court commissioners in Racine County are authorized to issue certain warrants, including:
- Search warrants
- Arrest warrants in criminal cases
- Bench warrants for failure to appear
Municipal Court Judges: Within their limited jurisdiction, municipal court judges in Racine County may issue:
- Municipal arrest warrants for ordinance violations
- Municipal bench warrants for failure to appear in municipal court
The City of Racine Municipal Court is located at:
City of Racine Municipal Court
800 Center Street, Room 115
Racine, WI 53403
(262) 636-9172
City of Racine Municipal Court
Federal Magistrate Judges: For federal offenses, United States Magistrate Judges at the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Wisconsin have authority to issue federal warrants that may be executed in Racine County.
The issuance of warrants follows strict constitutional and statutory requirements. Under Wisconsin Statute § 968.04 for arrest warrants and Wisconsin Statute § 968.12 for search warrants, the issuing judicial officer must make an independent determination of probable cause based on sworn testimony or affidavit before authorizing the warrant.
How To Find for Outstanding Warrants In Racine County
Members of the public seeking information about outstanding warrants in Racine County may utilize several official resources. The following methods provide access to warrant information:
Online Resources:
- The Wisconsin Circuit Court Access (WCCA) system allows users to search for court cases by name, which may indicate the existence of bench warrants or arrest warrants issued as part of court proceedings.
- The Racine Police Department maintains an active warrants database for warrants issued within city limits.
In-Person Inquiries: Individuals may visit the following agencies to request warrant information:
Racine County Sheriff's Office
717 Wisconsin Avenue
Racine, WI 53403
(262) 636-3200
Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Racine County Sheriff's Office
Racine Police Department
730 Center Street
Racine, WI 53403
(262) 635-7700
Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Racine Police Department
Racine County Clerk of Circuit Court
730 Wisconsin Avenue
Racine, WI 53403
(262) 636-3333
Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Racine County Clerk of Circuit Court
Written Requests: Pursuant to Wisconsin Statute § 19.35, individuals may submit written public records requests for warrant information to the appropriate law enforcement agency or court. Requests should include:
- The subject's full legal name
- Date of birth (if known)
- Any other identifying information that may assist in the search
Criminal History Record Checks: The Wisconsin Department of Justice provides criminal history information through the Wisconsin Online Record Check System (WORCS), which may include information about outstanding warrants.
When conducting warrant searches for another individual, requesters should be aware that while warrant information is generally public record, the use of such information may be subject to legal restrictions under various state and federal laws.
How To Check Federal Warrants In Racine County
Federal warrants operate under a separate system from state and county warrants, with distinct procedures for issuance and execution. Individuals seeking information about federal warrants that may affect them in Racine County should be aware of the following resources and procedures:
U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Wisconsin: Federal warrants issued for individuals in Racine County fall under the jurisdiction of the Eastern District of Wisconsin. Limited information about federal cases may be accessed through:
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
Public Access to Court Electronic Records (PACER): The federal court system's electronic records database provides access to federal court documents, including some warrant information after cases have been initiated. PACER requires registration and charges nominal fees for document access at pacer.uscourts.gov.
U.S. Marshals Service: The U.S. Marshals Service is responsible for executing federal warrants. While they do not provide comprehensive public access to warrant information, they maintain a "Most Wanted" list for high-profile fugitives:
U.S. Marshals Service - Eastern District of Wisconsin
517 East Wisconsin Avenue, Room 384
Milwaukee, WI 53202
(414) 297-3707
U.S. Marshals Service
Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI): The FBI maintains information about federal warrants for serious offenses. Limited information about wanted persons is available through:
FBI Milwaukee Field Office
3600 South Lake Drive
St. Francis, WI 53235
(414) 276-4684
FBI Milwaukee
Attorney Inquiry: Individuals who believe they may be subject to a federal warrant are advised to consult with an attorney who can make appropriate inquiries with federal authorities. Under 18 U.S.C. § 3142, attorneys may be able to negotiate surrender terms if a federal warrant exists.
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. Unlike many state and local warrants, federal warrants are not typically searchable through public databases.
How Long Do Warrants Last In Racine County?
Warrants issued in Racine County remain valid and enforceable according to specific timeframes established by Wisconsin law and court procedures. The duration of different warrant types is as follows:
Arrest Warrants and Bench Warrants: Under Wisconsin law, arrest warrants and bench warrants do not expire and remain in effect until:
- The warrant is executed (the person is arrested)
- The warrant is recalled or quashed by the issuing court
- The case is dismissed or otherwise resolved
This indefinite validity is consistent with Wisconsin Statute § 968.04(4), which states that arrest warrants "shall be executed and returned as a summons" but does not impose a time limitation on their validity.
Search Warrants: Search warrants in Racine County have specific execution timeframes:
- Pursuant to Wisconsin Statute § 968.15, a search warrant must be executed and returned within 5 days after the date of issuance
- After this 5-day period, the search warrant is considered void
- The warrant must be executed during daytime hours (between 6 a.m. and 10 p.m.) unless the judge explicitly authorizes nighttime execution
Municipal Warrants: Warrants issued by municipal courts in Racine County for ordinance violations typically follow the same rules as circuit court warrants and remain active until executed or recalled.
Statute of Limitations Considerations: While warrants themselves may not expire, the underlying charges may be subject to statutes of limitations:
- For most misdemeanors, prosecution must commence within 3 years under Wisconsin Statute § 939.74(1)
- For most felonies, prosecution must commence within 6 years
- Certain serious offenses, including homicide and sexual assault, have no statute of limitations
- The issuance of a warrant typically tolls (pauses) the statute of limitations
It is important to note that even after many years, an unexecuted warrant remains active in law enforcement databases and can result in arrest if the individual has any contact with law enforcement, attempts to renew a driver's license, or crosses international borders.
How Long Does It Take To Get a Search Warrant In Racine County?
The timeframe for obtaining a search warrant in Racine County varies based on several factors, including case urgency, judicial availability, and the complexity of the investigation. The process typically follows these steps and timelines:
Standard Search Warrant Process:
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Preparation of Affidavit: Law enforcement officers must prepare a detailed affidavit establishing probable cause. This typically requires 1-3 hours depending on case complexity.
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Review by Prosecutor: In many cases, a Racine County Assistant District Attorney reviews the warrant application before submission to a judge. This review may take 30 minutes to several hours.
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Judicial Review: Once submitted to a judge or court commissioner, the review process typically takes 30 minutes to 2 hours, depending on:
- The judge's current docket and availability
- The complexity of the probable cause statement
- Any questions the judge may have regarding the application
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Issuance: If approved, the warrant is signed and issued immediately.
Expedited Procedures: For urgent situations, Racine County has established expedited procedures:
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Electronic Warrants: Pursuant to Wisconsin Statute § 968.12(3), search warrants may be requested and approved electronically or by telephone in exigent circumstances, potentially reducing the process to under an hour.
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After-Hours Warrants: A duty judge or court commissioner is available 24/7 for emergency warrant requests, though after-hours processing may still require 1-2 hours for completion.
Factors Affecting Timing:
- Complexity: Warrants for digital evidence or multiple locations require more detailed affidavits and longer review times.
- Court Schedule: During regular court hours (8:00 AM - 4:30 PM, Monday-Friday), warrant processing is typically faster.
- Completeness of Application: Incomplete or legally insufficient applications require revision, extending the timeline.
Under Wisconsin Statute § 968.12, once issued, a search warrant must be executed within 5 days, after which it becomes void if not executed.
For standard, non-emergency situations during business hours, law enforcement officers in Racine County can typically obtain a properly prepared search warrant within 2-4 hours from the initiation of the application process to receipt of the signed warrant.
Search Warrant Records in Racine County
Active Warrants - City of Racine