Kenosha County Warrant Search

What Is a Search Warrant In Kenosha County?

A search warrant in Kenosha County is a legal document issued by a judicial officer that authorizes law enforcement personnel to search a specified location and seize designated items or evidence. Pursuant to Wisconsin Statute § 968.12, a search warrant is a written order signed by a judge directing a law enforcement officer to conduct a search of a designated person, a designated object, or a designated place for the purpose of seizing designated property or kinds of property.

Search warrants in Kenosha County must be based on probable cause, which requires specific facts and circumstances that would lead a reasonable person to believe that a crime has been, is being, or will be committed, and that evidence related to that crime will be found in the location to be searched. The Fourth Amendment of the United States Constitution and Article I, Section 11 of the Wisconsin Constitution provide the fundamental legal basis for search warrant requirements, protecting citizens against unreasonable searches and seizures.

Search warrants differ from other types of warrants in several important ways:

• A search warrant authorizes the search of a specific location and seizure of specific items
• An arrest warrant authorizes law enforcement to take a specific person into custody
• A bench warrant is issued by a judge when an individual fails to appear for a scheduled court date or violates a court order

In Kenosha County, search warrants must particularly describe the place to be searched and the items to be seized, as required by Wisconsin law and constitutional protections against general searches.

Are Warrants Public Records In Kenosha County?

The public record status of warrants in Kenosha County follows a nuanced framework established by Wisconsin public records law. Under Wisconsin Statute § 19.31-19.39, commonly known as the Wisconsin Public Records Law, there is a presumption of complete public access to government records. However, this presumption is subject to specific exceptions that apply to certain warrant information.

The accessibility of warrant information depends on several factors:

• Active vs. Executed Warrants: Active warrants (those not yet served) may be temporarily shielded from public disclosure to prevent interference with ongoing investigations or to avoid alerting subjects who might flee. Once executed, warrant information generally becomes more accessible.

• Sealed Warrants: Under certain circumstances, a judge may order a warrant sealed, removing it from public access. This typically occurs when disclosure might compromise an investigation, endanger witnesses, or reveal confidential informants.

• Warrant Type: Different types of warrants have varying levels of public accessibility. For example, bench warrants for failure to appear in court are typically more accessible than search warrants related to ongoing criminal investigations.

The Kenosha County Clerk of Courts maintains records of warrants issued within the county's jurisdiction and determines access according to Wisconsin law. While basic information about the existence of certain warrants may be publicly available, the supporting affidavits and specific details may be subject to restricted access, particularly if disclosure would compromise law enforcement objectives or individual privacy rights.

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

Members of the public seeking to determine if they have an active warrant in Kenosha County may utilize several official channels. The following methods are currently available for warrant verification:

1. Contact the Kenosha County Sheriff's Office directly to inquire about possible warrants. This can be done in person, by telephone, or through their official website.

   Kenosha County Sheriff's Office
   1000 55th Street
   Kenosha, WI 53140
   (262) 605-5100
   Kenosha County Sheriff's Office
   Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

2. Check with the Kenosha County Clerk of Courts for information regarding bench warrants or other court-ordered warrants.

   Kenosha County Clerk of Courts
   912 56th Street
   Kenosha, WI 53140
   (262) 653-2664
   Kenosha County Clerk of Courts
   Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

3. Utilize the Wisconsin Circuit Court Access (WCCA) online portal, commonly known as CCAP, to search for court cases that may indicate the existence of a warrant. This system provides public access to certain court records from Wisconsin's circuit courts.

   Wisconsin Circuit Court Access

4. Consult with a licensed attorney who can conduct a confidential search on your behalf and provide legal advice regarding any outstanding warrants.

When conducting a warrant search, individuals will need to provide their full legal name and may be asked for additional identifying information such as date of birth or address to ensure accurate results.

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

Members of the public may verify the existence of warrants in Kenosha County without incurring fees through several official channels. The following steps outline the current process for conducting a free warrant check:

1. Access the Wisconsin Circuit Court Access (WCCA) website

   • Navigate to the Wisconsin Court System case search portal
   • Select "Circuit Court" from the available options
   • Enter the name of the person for whom you are searching
   • Review any case records that appear, noting any active warrants listed

2. Visit the Kenosha County Sheriff's Office website

   • Access the Kenosha County Sheriff's Office official website
   • Navigate to the "Inmate/Warrant Search" section
   • Enter the required identifying information
   • Review the results for any active warrants

3. Contact or visit the Kenosha County Clerk of Courts

   • Call the office at (262) 653-2664 during business hours
   • Provide your full legal name and date of birth
   • Request information about any active warrants
   • Alternatively, visit the office in person at the Kenosha County Courthouse

4. Utilize the Wisconsin Department of Justice's Wisconsin Online Record Check System (WORCS)

   • Access the WORCS portal
   • While background checks typically require a fee, basic information about certain warrants may be available without charge
   • Follow the on-screen instructions to conduct a name-based search

When conducting these searches, individuals should be prepared to provide accurate identifying information, including full legal name, date of birth, and possibly address history to ensure accurate results.

What Types of Warrants In Kenosha County

Kenosha County courts issue several distinct types of warrants, each serving a specific legal purpose within the criminal justice system. The following warrant categories are currently recognized under Wisconsin law:

1. Arrest Warrants: Issued when there is probable cause to believe an individual has committed a crime. These warrants authorize law enforcement to take the named person into custody. Arrest warrants in Kenosha County are typically issued pursuant to Wisconsin Statute § 968.04.

2. Bench Warrants: Judicial orders issued when an individual fails to appear for a scheduled court date or violates a court order. These warrants direct law enforcement to bring the person before the court.

3. Search Warrants: Court orders authorizing law enforcement to search specified premises and seize particular items as evidence. These warrants must describe with particularity the place to be searched and items to be seized, as required by the Fourth Amendment and Wisconsin law.

4. Civil Warrants: Issued in non-criminal matters, such as civil contempt proceedings, when an individual fails to comply with a court order in a civil case.

5. John Doe Warrants: Used when the identity of the subject is unknown but can be described with reasonable specificity. These warrants allow for the arrest of individuals whose identities are discovered during an investigation.

6. Material Witness Warrants: Issued to secure the presence of witnesses deemed essential to legal proceedings who may otherwise fail to appear.

7. Probation/Parole Violation Warrants: Issued when an individual on probation or parole violates the terms of their supervised release.

Each warrant type follows specific procedural requirements established by Wisconsin statutes and court rules, with judicial oversight provided by the Kenosha County Circuit Court.

What Warrants in Kenosha County Contain

Warrants issued in Kenosha County contain specific information as mandated by Wisconsin law and constitutional requirements. Pursuant to Wisconsin Statute § 968.12(2) for search warrants and related provisions for other warrant types, the following elements are typically included:

1. Caption and Case Information:

   • Court name and jurisdiction (Kenosha County Circuit Court)
   • Case number or reference identifier
   • Date of issuance

2. Subject Identification:

   • For arrest warrants: Full legal name of the person to be arrested, physical description, date of birth, and last known address when available
   • For search warrants: Precise description of the location to be searched

3. Legal Authority and Basis:

   • Citation of relevant Wisconsin statutes authorizing the warrant
   • Statement of probable cause supporting the warrant's issuance
   • Reference to supporting affidavits or testimony

4. Scope and Limitations:

   • For search warrants: Particular description of items to be seized
   • For arrest warrants: Specific charges or allegations
   • Any special instructions or limitations on execution

5. Execution Requirements:

   • Time constraints for execution (e.g., daytime hours only)
   • Return of service requirements
   • Instructions for handling seized property or arrested individuals

6. Judicial Authorization:

   • Signature of the issuing judge or court commissioner
   • Official court seal
   • Date and time of signing

7. Expiration Information:

   • Date after which the warrant is no longer valid
   • Any special conditions affecting validity

The specificity required in Kenosha County warrants serves to protect constitutional rights against unreasonable searches and seizures while providing clear direction to law enforcement officers executing the warrant.

Who Issues Warrants In Kenosha County

In Kenosha County, the authority to issue warrants is vested in specific judicial officers as prescribed by Wisconsin law. The following officials currently possess the legal authority to issue warrants:

1. Circuit Court Judges: Judges of the Kenosha County Circuit Court have plenary authority to issue all types of warrants, including arrest warrants, search warrants, and bench warrants. These judges are elected officials who preside over the county's judicial branch.

2. Court Commissioners: Pursuant to Wisconsin Statute § 757.69, court commissioners in Kenosha County are authorized to issue certain warrants, including arrest warrants in criminal cases and bench warrants for failure to appear. Court commissioners are attorneys appointed by the chief judge of the judicial administrative district.

3. Reserve Judges: Retired judges serving in a reserve capacity may issue warrants when properly assigned to hear cases in Kenosha County.

4. Intake Court Magistrates: During initial appearances and intake proceedings, designated magistrates may issue certain types of warrants related to the cases before them.

The issuance of warrants follows a structured legal process:

• Law enforcement officers or prosecutors must present sworn affidavits or testimony establishing probable cause
• The judicial officer must independently evaluate the evidence presented
• The warrant must be signed by the issuing authority and contain all legally required elements
• The warrant becomes effective immediately upon issuance unless otherwise specified

The Kenosha County Circuit Court, located at 912 56th Street, Kenosha, WI 53140, serves as the primary venue for warrant issuance proceedings. All warrant issuance activities are conducted in compliance with the Fourth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution, Article I, Section 11 of the Wisconsin Constitution, and applicable Wisconsin statutes.

How To Find for Outstanding Warrants In Kenosha County

Members of the public seeking information about outstanding warrants in Kenosha County may utilize several official resources. The following methods are currently available for conducting a comprehensive warrant search:

1. Wisconsin Circuit Court Access (WCCA)

   • Access the Wisconsin Court System's case search portal
   • Enter the name of the individual in question
   • Review case records for notations regarding active warrants
   • Note that not all warrant information may be displayed in this system

2. Kenosha County Sheriff's Office

   • Contact the Warrants Division directly at (262) 605-5100
   • Provide the full name and date of birth of the person in question
   • For in-person inquiries, visit:

   Kenosha County Sheriff's Office
   1000 55th Street
   Kenosha, WI 53140
   Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
   Kenosha County Sheriff's Office

3. Kenosha County Clerk of Courts

   • Contact the office at (262) 653-2664
   • Request information about outstanding warrants related to court cases
   • For in-person inquiries, visit:

   Kenosha County Clerk of Courts
   912 56th Street
   Kenosha, WI 53140
   Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
   Kenosha County Clerk of Courts

4. Wisconsin Department of Justice

   • Utilize the Wisconsin Online Record Check System (WORCS)
   • Follow the instructions to conduct a criminal history search
   • Note that this service may require payment of a fee
   • Some warrant information may be included in criminal history reports

When conducting warrant searches, individuals should provide accurate identifying information, including full legal name, date of birth, and any aliases or previous names. It is important to note that some warrant information may be restricted from public access, particularly in cases involving ongoing investigations or sealed court records.

How To Check Federal Warrants In Kenosha County

Federal warrants operate under a separate legal system from state and county warrants in Kenosha County. To check for federal warrants, individuals must access federal resources rather than county-level systems. The following methods are currently available for verifying the existence of federal warrants:

1. Contact the U.S. Marshals Service - Eastern District of Wisconsin

   • The U.S. Marshals Service is the primary federal agency responsible for executing federal warrants
   • Call the Milwaukee office at (414) 297-3707
   • For in-person inquiries:

   U.S. Marshals Service - Eastern District of Wisconsin
   517 East Wisconsin Avenue, Room 384
   Milwaukee, WI 53202
   Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
   U.S. Marshals Service

2. Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) - Milwaukee Field Office

   • The FBI may have information regarding federal warrants related to their investigations
   • Contact the Milwaukee Field Office at (414) 276-4684
   • For in-person inquiries:

   FBI Milwaukee Field Office
   3600 South Lake Drive
   St. Francis, WI 53235
   Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:15 AM - 5:00 PM
   FBI Milwaukee

3. U.S. District Court - Eastern District of Wisconsin

   • The clerk's office may provide limited information about public federal court cases
   • Call (414) 297-3372 for the Milwaukee office
   • For in-person inquiries:

   U.S. District Court - Eastern District of Wisconsin
   517 East Wisconsin Avenue
   Milwaukee, WI 53202
   Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
   U.S. District Court - Eastern District of Wisconsin

4. Public Access to Court Electronic Records (PACER)

   • This online system provides access to federal court documents
   • Registration is required, and fees may apply
   • Visit PACER to register and search federal court records
   • Note that sealed warrants will not appear in PACER searches

When inquiring about federal warrants, individuals should be prepared to provide their full legal name, date of birth, and possibly a Social Security number for accurate identification. It is important to note that federal agencies may limit the information they provide about active warrants, particularly in sensitive or ongoing investigations.

How Long Do Warrants Last In Kenosha County?

Warrants issued in Kenosha County remain valid and enforceable according to specific timeframes established by Wisconsin law. The duration of a warrant's validity depends on its type and the circumstances of its issuance:

1. Arrest Warrants and Bench Warrants

   • Under Wisconsin law, these warrants generally remain active until they are executed (the person is arrested) or recalled by the issuing court
   • There is no statutory expiration date for most arrest warrants in Kenosha County
   • Pursuant to Wisconsin Statute § 968.04(4), arrest warrants remain in force until executed

2. Search Warrants

   • Search warrants in Kenosha County have specific execution timeframes
   • According to Wisconsin Statute § 968.15, a search warrant must be executed and returned within 5 days after the date of issuance
   • After this period, the search warrant is considered void unless extended by the issuing judge for good cause

3. Extradition Warrants

   • Warrants for the extradition of individuals from other states to Wisconsin typically remain active until the person is apprehended
   • These warrants may be subject to interstate agreements and the Uniform Criminal Extradition Act

4. Juvenile Warrants

   • Warrants issued in juvenile cases may have different parameters
   • Some juvenile warrants may expire when the subject reaches the age of majority

It is important to note that while a warrant may remain legally valid indefinitely, practical considerations such as changes in address, name, or appearance may affect law enforcement's ability to execute older warrants. Additionally, the statute of limitations for the underlying offense does not typically affect the validity of an issued warrant, though it may impact prosecution once the warrant is executed.

The Kenosha County Sheriff's Office and Clerk of Courts maintain records of active warrants within their respective jurisdictions, and these agencies periodically review warrant status to ensure accuracy and relevance.

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

The timeframe for obtaining a search warrant in Kenosha County varies based on several factors, including case urgency, judicial availability, and the complexity of the investigation. Under current procedures, the process typically unfolds as follows:

1. Standard Search Warrant Process

   • Preparation of affidavit and warrant application by law enforcement: 1-3 hours
   • Review by prosecuting attorney (when required): 1-4 hours
   • Judicial review and decision: 1-24 hours
   • Total standard timeframe: Approximately 3-48 hours from initiation to issuance

2. Expedited Process for Urgent Situations

   • In cases involving imminent danger, risk of evidence destruction, or serious crimes in progress
   • Expedited preparation and review: 30 minutes to 2 hours
   • Emergency judicial review (including after-hours availability): 15 minutes to 1 hour
   • Total expedited timeframe: As little as 1-3 hours from initiation to issuance

3. Electronic Warrant Process

   • Wisconsin law permits electronic submission of search warrant applications
   • This process allows for remote judicial review and electronic signatures
   • Typical electronic process timeframe: 2-12 hours

The search warrant process in Kenosha County follows the requirements established in Wisconsin Statute § 968.12, which governs search warrant issuance. The statute requires that warrants be based on probable cause supported by oath or affirmation, particularly describing the place to be searched and items to be seized.

Factors that may extend the timeframe include:

• Complexity of the investigation requiring extensive documentation
• Need for specialized judicial review (e.g., for sensitive locations or materials)
• Court calendar congestion
• Availability of judges or court commissioners
• Technical issues with electronic submission systems

The Kenosha County Sheriff's Office and other local law enforcement agencies work closely with the courts to ensure that warrant applications are processed efficiently while maintaining constitutional protections and legal requirements.

Search Warrant Records in Kenosha County

Sheriff's Office records and services

Kenosha County Clerk of Courts record access

Wisconsin Court System case search portal

Wisconsin Department of Justice Online Record Check System

Wisconsin Department of Justice public safety resources