Warrant records in Perkins County, South Dakota are classified as public records pursuant to South Dakota Codified Laws § 1-27-1, which establishes the state's Public Records Act. This legislation mandates that judicial documents, including arrest warrants, bench warrants, and search warrants, shall be accessible to members of the public once they have been executed or returned to the court. The transparency of these records serves the dual purpose of maintaining judicial accountability and preserving public confidence in law enforcement operations.
The South Dakota Unified Judicial System maintains that public access to warrant information is essential to the proper functioning of the judicial process. Citizens may inspect warrant records during regular business hours at designated public access terminals. However, certain restrictions apply to warrants that remain under seal by judicial order or those pertaining to ongoing investigations as determined by the Fourth Judicial Circuit Court, which has jurisdiction over Perkins County.
Pursuant to SDCL § 23A-35-4.1, warrant records may be temporarily restricted from public view when disclosure might compromise an investigation, endanger law enforcement personnel, or jeopardize public safety. Such determinations are made on a case-by-case basis by the issuing magistrate or judge.
Warrant records maintained by the Perkins County Clerk of Courts contain standardized information as prescribed by South Dakota judicial procedures. Each warrant document typically includes:
• Full legal name and known aliases of the subject • Date of birth and/or other identifying information • Physical description of the subject when available • Residential address or last known location • Nature and classification of the alleged offense • Statutory citation of violated laws • Date and time of warrant issuance • Name and signature of the issuing judicial officer • Case number and court docket information • Bond amount, if applicable • Special conditions or instructions for executing officers
The Fourth Judicial Circuit Court, which serves Perkins County, maintains these records in accordance with South Dakota Supreme Court Administrative Rule 2003-01, which governs record retention schedules for judicial documents. Warrant records are preserved for a minimum of seven years following case disposition or warrant recall.
Members of the public seeking to verify warrant status in Perkins County may utilize several no-cost resources established by state and county authorities. The South Dakota Unified Judicial System provides multiple channels for warrant verification:
• In-person inquiries may be conducted at the Perkins County Courthouse located at:
Perkins County Clerk of Courts
100 E Main Street
Bison, SD 57620
(605) 244-5243
South Dakota Unified Judicial System
• The Public Access Records Search (PARS) system allows for online verification of certain warrant information.
• Telephone inquiries may be directed to the Perkins County Sheriff's Office during regular business hours.
Pursuant to SDCL § 23A-2-4, individuals conducting warrant searches should be prepared to provide sufficient identifying information to ensure accurate results. The South Dakota Unified Judicial System advises that while basic warrant information is available without charge, certified copies of warrant documents may incur statutory fees as established by SDCL § 16-2-29.
The Perkins County Sheriff's Office is the primary law enforcement agency responsible for executing warrants within county boundaries. Sheriff warrants in Perkins County are categorized according to their judicial purpose and statutory authority:
• Arrest warrants authorize the apprehension of individuals charged with criminal offenses • Bench warrants are issued for failure to appear at scheduled court proceedings • Civil warrants pertain to non-criminal matters such as judgment enforcement • Search warrants authorize the examination of specified locations or property
The Sheriff's Office maintains a warrant division that coordinates with the Fourth Judicial Circuit Court and other law enforcement agencies to ensure timely execution of outstanding warrants. According to the 2023 Sheriff's Management Study conducted by the South Dakota Attorney General's Office, Perkins County allocates approximately $742,625 annually for sheriff operations serving a population of 2,804 residents.
Perkins County Sheriff's Office
100 E Main Street
Bison, SD 57620
(605) 244-5243
SHERIFF/EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT
Warrant service is conducted in accordance with SDCL § 23A-2-8, which establishes procedures for warrant execution and return. The Sheriff's Office maintains regular business hours of 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, Monday through Friday, for public inquiries regarding warrant status.
Individuals seeking to determine their warrant status in Perkins County as of 2025 have multiple verification methods established by the South Dakota Unified Judicial System. The most comprehensive approach involves utilizing the state's enhanced digital resources:
• The South Dakota Judicial System's online portal provides 24-hour access to public court records, including executed warrants.
• The Public Access Records Search (PARS) system allows for name-based searches of court records, including warrant information.
• Direct verification through the Perkins County Clerk of Courts office during regular business hours.
• Legal representation inquiries, wherein attorneys of record may access warrant information on behalf of clients.
Pursuant to SDCL § 23A-2-3.1, individuals with active warrants are encouraged to address these matters promptly to avoid potential arrest. The Fourth Judicial Circuit Court, which has jurisdiction over Perkins County, has established procedures for warrant resolution that may include surrender arrangements, bond posting, or court appearances.
The verification of outstanding warrants in Perkins County requires adherence to established protocols designed to balance public information access with procedural integrity. Authorized search methods include:
• Direct inquiry at the Perkins County Sheriff's Office, where warrant records are maintained in accordance with SDCL § 23A-2-5.
• Utilization of the South Dakota Unified Judicial System's public access terminals located at the courthouse.
• Remote access through the Public Access Records Search system, which provides limited warrant information pursuant to Supreme Court Rule 05-13.
• Written requests submitted to the Clerk of Courts, which must include sufficient identifying information to ensure accurate results.
The Fourth Judicial Circuit Court, which serves Perkins County, maintains warrant records in accordance with established retention schedules. Individuals conducting searches should note that certain warrant information may be restricted if the warrant remains under seal or pertains to ongoing investigations as determined by judicial order.