A warrant can be issued for many reasons – from something as minor as missing a court appearance or failing to pay a parking ticket, to an unsolved crime or alleged misdemeanor. It’s always a good idea to find out whether there is a warrant out for your arrest because it can cause problems down the road, including missed court appearances and expensive fines or even jail time.
You can check for warrants online by contacting law enforcement agencies or local courts. Many of these websites offer a free search for arrest warrants by name, but they may only provide basic information. Some third-party websites offer more details, but they may charge a fee.
Searches can be conducted by state, county, or municipal courts. Usually, the name and address of the person, the type of warrant (bench or arrest), and the date of the warrant are included. It can also list a description of the person if available.
Warrants can be issued by a judge or magistrate for several reasons. The affidavit that police officers submit to the court must cite sufficient factual evidence for probable cause that a particular person committed the crime. Moreover, the description used in the warrant must be specific enough that it can be identified with reasonable certainty, without revealing any personal identifying information.
Finding out if there is an active warrant against you can be very serious and should be dealt with immediately. The best way to do this is to hire a criminal defense attorney for advice and representation. If you can’t afford to hire an attorney, ask friends and family for attorney referrals or contact your local public defender’s office. online warrant