How to Find Out If You Have a Warrant in Your Name
Learn practical, discreet ways to check for active warrants and understand your options if one is discovered.
Knowing your legal standing regarding outstanding warrants can prevent unexpected complications, whether during a job application, license renewal, or a routine police encounter. This article outlines methods for checking if a warrant exists in your name and the appropriate steps to take if one is discovered.
Court Record Inquiry
Checking directly with the court system is a primary method for determining if a warrant has been issued in your name. Courts issue various warrants, including arrest warrants based on probable cause determined by a judge, and bench warrants, often for failing to appear in court or comply with a court order.1National Center for State Courts. Warrant Types
To make an inquiry, you can contact or visit the clerk’s office of the relevant court (municipal, county, district, or federal). You will typically need to provide your full name and date of birth. The clerk can search the court’s records or docket system. Some courthouses also provide public access terminals for searching case information, which might include warrant status.
Access to warrant information can vary. While many court records become public after a warrant is served, details about unserved warrants or sensitive cases might be restricted. Fees may apply for record searches or document copies. For example, the federal PACER system charges per page, although fees can be capped or waived in some circumstances.2PACER. Pricing Frequently Asked Questions State and local courts may have similar fee structures.
Local Law Enforcement Requests
Contacting local law enforcement, like a city police department or county sheriff’s office, is another option. These agencies execute warrants and maintain databases of active ones within their jurisdiction. You might call a non-emergency line or visit the station; some have dedicated warrant divisions.
However, this approach carries a significant risk: if an active warrant is found, you could be arrested immediately upon inquiry, especially if you appear in person. Some departments explicitly refuse to provide warrant information over the phone due to identification difficulties and prioritize execution over information dissemination. Agencies like the Pasco Sheriff’s Office in Florida direct individuals who believe they have a warrant to turn themselves in. Carefully consider the potential for immediate detention before contacting law enforcement directly about a warrant.
Public Online Searches
Many government entities, such as county sheriff’s offices or court systems, now offer online warrant search tools. These websites allow searches for active warrants within a specific jurisdiction, usually using a name and sometimes date of birth.
To use these tools, navigate to the official website of the relevant agency and look for sections like “Warrant Search” or “Public Records.” The results might show the warrant number, type, issue date, and associated charge.
Be aware of the limitations of these online searches. They often display only certain types of warrants (e.g., specific misdemeanor classes) or those issued within a particular timeframe, excluding older, sealed, or out-of-jurisdiction warrants. Agencies provide disclaimers that the data may not be fully current or accurate and that they are not liable for errors or actions taken based on the online information. These searches are for informational purposes only and do not constitute official confirmation; law enforcement must verify warrants through official channels like the National Crime Information Center (NCIC) before making an arrest. An absence of results online does not guarantee no warrant exists.
Commercial Database Services
Commercial background screening companies, often used by employers or landlords, compile data from numerous public records, which might include warrant information. These Consumer Reporting Agencies (CRAs) gather data from court dockets, criminal record repositories, and other public sources across multiple jurisdictions.
These services can potentially uncover information about certain types of warrants logged in public records, such as those related to civil contempt or pending criminal cases. However, non-public information like active search warrants or fugitive warrants from other states may not appear unless a comprehensive national check is performed.
These services operate under regulations like the federal Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA), which governs data collection, use, reporting, and accuracy standards, and grants individuals the right to dispute errors.3Federal Trade Commission. Background Checks: What Employers Need to Know Despite these regulations, the accuracy and completeness of information from commercial databases can vary significantly. They rely on aggregated public data, which may be outdated, incomplete, or mismatched. Unlike direct access to official databases like NCIC (restricted to law enforcement), commercial checks depend on the quality and timeliness of publicly available information. Findings from these services should be viewed with an understanding of these potential limitations.
Next Steps If a Warrant Is Found
Discovering an active warrant requires prompt attention, as warrants generally do not expire and can lead to arrest unexpectedly. The first step should be consulting a criminal defense attorney. An attorney can verify the warrant’s details, explain the underlying charges and potential consequences, and advise on the best course of action.
Legal counsel allows for strategic planning. For certain warrants, like bench warrants for failure to appear or pay fines on minor offenses, an attorney might file a motion to quash (cancel) the warrant, potentially resolving the issue without arrest by scheduling a new court date or arranging payment.
If the warrant involves more serious charges or cannot be easily quashed, arranging a voluntary surrender through an attorney is often advisable. This demonstrates responsibility and allows for a more controlled process than an unplanned arrest. Preparation might involve gathering identification and arranging for potential bail.
Upon surrender, an individual typically undergoes booking (recording information, fingerprinting, photograph). An initial court appearance, or arraignment, follows, where the judge informs the individual of the charges and addresses bail. Bail is set based on factors like offense severity and community ties. An attorney’s presence is crucial during these stages to advocate for reasonable release conditions. Addressing a warrant proactively with legal guidance offers the best path toward resolution.
