Brown County Warrant Search
What Is a Search Warrant In Brown County?
A search warrant in Brown County is a legal document issued by a judge or court commissioner that authorizes law enforcement officers to search specified premises, vehicles, or persons and seize designated property or materials. Search warrants are governed by the Fourth Amendment to the United States Constitution and Wisconsin Statutes § 968.12, which establish the requirements for their issuance and execution.
For a search warrant to be valid in Brown County, the following elements must be present:
- Probable cause must be established through sworn testimony or affidavit
- The warrant must particularly describe the place to be searched
- The warrant must specifically identify items to be seized
- The warrant must be executed by authorized law enforcement personnel
Search warrants in Brown County are typically requested by the Brown County Sheriff's Office or other local law enforcement agencies when investigating potential criminal activity. These warrants are distinct from arrest warrants, which authorize the apprehension of individuals rather than the search of locations.
Are Warrants Public Records In Brown County?
Warrants in Brown County are generally considered public records pursuant to Wisconsin Public Records Law (Wis. Stat. §§ 19.31-19.39), though certain limitations apply regarding their accessibility. The public status of warrants varies by type and stage of execution:
- Executed search warrants typically become public records after the investigation concludes
- Active arrest warrants are public records accessible through various county resources
- Sealed warrants remain confidential until unsealed by court order
- Bench warrants issued for failure to appear in court are public records
Members of the public seeking warrant information may access these records through the Brown County Circuit Court or the Wisconsin Court System's online resources. However, certain warrant information may be redacted or restricted if disclosure would:
- Compromise an ongoing investigation
- Endanger law enforcement personnel
- Violate privacy rights protected by state or federal law
- Interfere with the apprehension of a wanted individual
The Brown County Clerk of Courts maintains warrant records in accordance with Wisconsin Statutes § 59.40, which establishes record-keeping requirements for county court systems.
Brown County Clerk of Courts
100 S. Jefferson Street
Green Bay, WI 54301
Phone: (920) 448-4160
Brown County Circuit Court
How Do I Find Out if I Have a Warrant In Brown County?
Individuals seeking to determine if they have an active warrant in Brown County may utilize several official channels to obtain this information. The following methods are available to the public:
- Contact the Brown County Sheriff's Office Records Division directly
- Visit the Brown County Courthouse to inquire with the Clerk of Courts
- Check the Wisconsin Circuit Court Access (CCAP) online database
- Contact the Green Bay Municipal Court for city-issued warrants
- Consult with a licensed attorney who can access court records
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.
Brown County Sheriff's Office
2684 Development Drive
Green Bay, WI 54311
Phone: (920) 448-4200
Brown County Sheriff's Office
Green Bay Municipal Court
100 N. Jefferson Street, Room 101
Green Bay, WI 54301
Phone: (920) 448-3131
Green Bay Municipal Court
How To Check for Warrants in Brown County for Free in 2025
Brown County residents and interested parties may verify warrant status at no cost through several government-provided resources. The following free methods are available for warrant verification in 2025:
- The Wisconsin Circuit Court Access portal provides free online access to court records, including warrant information
- The Green Bay Municipal Court website offers a searchable database of municipal warrants
- In-person inquiries at the Brown County Sheriff's Office public counter during business hours
- Telephone inquiries to the Brown County Clerk of Courts during regular business hours
- Public access terminals located at the Brown County Law Library
When utilizing these free resources, individuals should note that the most current and comprehensive information is typically available through direct contact with the Sheriff's Office or Clerk of Courts, as online databases may experience updating delays.
Public counter hours for in-person warrant checks:
Brown County Sheriff's Office Records Division
2684 Development Drive
Green Bay, WI 54311
Phone: (920) 448-4200
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Brown County Sheriff's Office
What Types of Warrants In Brown County
Brown County's judicial system issues several distinct types of warrants, each serving a specific legal purpose. The primary warrant classifications include:
- Arrest Warrants: Issued when probable cause exists that an individual has committed a crime
- Bench Warrants: Ordered by a judge when an individual fails to appear for a scheduled court date
- Search Warrants: Authorize law enforcement to search specified locations for evidence
- Civil Warrants: Issued in non-criminal matters, often related to civil contempt
- John/Jane Doe Warrants: Contain physical descriptions when a suspect's identity is unknown
- Extradition Warrants: Allow for the transfer of individuals between jurisdictions
Each warrant type follows specific procedural requirements established by Wisconsin Statutes Chapter 968 and relevant case law. The Brown County Circuit Court maintains records of all warrants issued within its jurisdiction, while the Green Bay Municipal Court handles warrants for ordinance violations within city limits.
What Warrants in Brown County Contain
Warrants issued in Brown County contain specific information as required by Wisconsin Statutes § 968.04 for arrest warrants and § 968.12 for search warrants. The standard content includes:
- Case number and issuing court identification
- Name and description of the individual (for arrest warrants)
- Precise description of premises to be searched (for search warrants)
- Statement of the alleged offense or probable cause
- Signature of the issuing judicial officer
- Date of issuance and expiration terms
- Specific items to be seized (for search warrants)
- Instructions for law enforcement regarding execution
All warrants must comply with constitutional requirements for particularity and probable cause. The Brown County Sheriff's Office maintains records of warrants issued within the county, while municipal warrants are tracked by the respective municipal courts, such as the Green Bay Municipal Court.
Who Issues Warrants In Brown County
In Brown County, the authority to issue warrants is vested in specific judicial officers as prescribed by Wisconsin Statutes § 968.04 and § 757.69. The following officials possess warrant-issuing authority:
- Circuit Court Judges assigned to Brown County branches
- Court Commissioners appointed by the Circuit Court
- Municipal Court Judges (limited to municipal ordinance violations)
- Reserve Judges serving by assignment
The issuance process typically begins with a law enforcement agency or prosecutor presenting an affidavit establishing probable cause to the judicial officer. Upon review and determination that legal standards have been met, the judicial officer may sign and issue the warrant.
The Brown County Circuit Court, located at the Brown County Courthouse, houses the primary judicial officers with warrant authority:
Brown County Circuit Court
100 S. Jefferson Street
Green Bay, WI 54301
Phone: (920) 448-4120
Brown County Circuit Court
For municipal ordinance violations, the Green Bay Municipal Court has jurisdiction to issue warrants within city limits.
How To Find for Outstanding Warrants In Brown County
Individuals seeking information about outstanding warrants in Brown County may utilize several official channels to conduct their search. The following methods are available to the public:
- Access the Wisconsin Circuit Court Access website for statewide warrant information
- Visit the Brown County Sheriff's Office website for local warrant listings
- Check the Green Bay Municipal Court records for city-issued warrants
- Submit a public records request to the Brown County Clerk of Courts
- Contact the Brown County Sheriff's Office Records Division by telephone
When searching for outstanding warrants, requestors should provide accurate identifying information to ensure correct results. Pursuant to Wisconsin Statutes § 19.35, certain warrant information may be subject to redaction if disclosure would compromise public safety or ongoing investigations.
Brown County Sheriff's Office Records Division
2684 Development Drive
Green Bay, WI 54311
Phone: (920) 448-4200
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Brown County Sheriff's Office
How To Check Federal Warrants In Brown County
Federal warrants differ from state and local warrants and are not typically accessible through Brown County resources. Individuals seeking information about federal warrants should be aware of the following procedures:
- Federal warrant information is not available through the Wisconsin Circuit Court Access system
- The U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Wisconsin maintains federal warrant records
- PACER (Public Access to Court Electronic Records) provides limited access to federal court documents
- The U.S. Marshals Service is the primary federal agency responsible for executing federal warrants
- Federal warrant status inquiries may require the assistance of a federal defense attorney
Due to security concerns and ongoing investigation protocols, federal agencies generally do not provide public confirmation of active federal warrants. Individuals with concerns about possible federal warrants may contact:
U.S. District Court - Eastern District of Wisconsin
517 East Wisconsin Avenue
Milwaukee, WI 53202
Phone: (414) 297-3372
Official Website: www.wied.uscourts.gov
How Long Do Warrants Last In Brown County?
Warrants issued in Brown County remain active until they are executed, recalled by the court, or expire according to statutory limitations. The duration of warrants varies by type:
- Arrest warrants generally remain active indefinitely until executed or recalled
- Search warrants in Wisconsin must be executed within 5 days of issuance per Wisconsin Statutes § 968.15
- Bench warrants typically remain active until the subject appears in court
- Municipal warrants may have specific expiration dates set by the issuing court
The Brown County Sheriff's Office maintains records of active warrants within its jurisdiction, while the Wisconsin Court System database reflects current warrant status for cases within the state court system. Warrants that remain unexecuted for extended periods may be subject to periodic review by the issuing court.
How Long Does It Take To Get a Search Warrant In Brown County?
The timeframe for obtaining a search warrant in Brown County varies based on several factors, including case urgency and judicial availability. The standard process includes:
- Regular business hours: Search warrants may be obtained within 1-3 hours
- After hours/emergency situations: Expedited process available through on-call judges
- Electronic warrants: May be processed more rapidly using digital submission systems
- Complex investigations: May require additional time for review of extensive probable cause evidence
Wisconsin Statutes § 968.12(3) authorizes the use of electronic communication for warrant applications in urgent situations. The Brown County Sheriff's Office and other local law enforcement agencies coordinate with the Brown County Circuit Court to facilitate the warrant application process.
In cases involving imminent danger or risk of evidence destruction, law enforcement may utilize emergency procedures to obtain warrants more rapidly, subject to judicial approval and constitutional requirements.
Search Warrant Records in Brown County
Wisconsin Court System search portal
Brown County Sheriff's Office records