How to Check if Someone Has a Warrant
An outstanding warrant means a court has authorized law enforcement to arrest a person. Warrants can be issued for failing to appear in court, violating probation, or as part of a criminal investigation. Knowing whether you or someone else has a warrant is important because it can be resolved proactively rather than leading to an unexpected arrest.
Types of Warrants
Understanding the type of warrant helps determine its seriousness and urgency:
Arrest warrant — Issued when a judge finds probable cause that a person committed a crime. Law enforcement will actively seek to arrest the person.
Bench warrant — Issued by a judge when someone fails to appear in court (FTA), fails to pay a fine, or fails to comply with a court order. These are often discovered during routine traffic stops.
Search warrant — Authorizes law enforcement to search a specific location. This does not authorize the arrest of a person, but contraband found during the search could lead to an arrest warrant.
Fugitive warrant — Issued for someone who has fled the jurisdiction to avoid prosecution or serving a sentence.
Method 1: Online Court Records
Many courts maintain online databases where you can search for active warrants:
State court websites — Most states have a centralized case search system. Search by name or case number to find active warrants and pending cases.
County clerk of court websites — Individual county courts often have their own searchable databases.
PACER (federal courts) — The Public Access to Court Electronic Records system allows searches of federal court records for a small per-page fee.
Method 2: Law Enforcement Databases
Some law enforcement agencies provide warrant information to the public:
Local sheriff's office — Many sheriff departments maintain online warrant lists or allow phone inquiries. Some publish most-wanted lists that include individuals with outstanding warrants.
State police websites — Some state police agencies maintain searchable warrant databases.
Crime Stoppers — Local Crime Stoppers programs sometimes list active warrants, particularly for serious offenses.
Method 3: Call the Court or Sheriff
If online searches are inconclusive, you can contact the relevant authorities directly:
Call the court clerk — Provide the person's full legal name and date of birth. The clerk can check for active warrants in that jurisdiction.
Call the local sheriff's office — The non-emergency line can often confirm whether a warrant exists.
Visit the courthouse — In-person inquiries allow you to search records that may not be available online.
Method 4: Third-Party Background Check Services
Commercial background check services aggregate public records and may reveal warrants:
These services charge fees and vary in accuracy and completeness.
They may not have the most current information, as there is a lag between warrant issuance and database updates.
Use reputable services and verify any findings through official sources.
Method 5: Hire an Attorney
If you suspect you have a warrant, consulting a criminal defense attorney is often the wisest approach:
An attorney can conduct confidential inquiries without triggering your arrest.
They can advise you on the best strategy for resolving the warrant, which may include arranging a voluntary surrender or filing a motion to quash the warrant.
Attorney-client privilege protects your communications.
What to Do If You Have a Warrant
If you discover that you have an outstanding warrant, take action promptly:
Do not ignore it — Warrants do not expire or go away on their own. The longer you wait, the more serious the consequences may become.
Consult an attorney — Before turning yourself in, speak with a lawyer who can negotiate on your behalf and potentially arrange a supervised surrender.
Arrange a voluntary surrender — Turning yourself in voluntarily, especially with an attorney, is viewed more favorably by judges than being arrested during a traffic stop.
Prepare for the hearing — If the warrant is for a failure to appear, bring any documentation that explains your absence (medical records, proof of address change, etc.).
Address underlying issues — If the warrant stems from unpaid fines or missed court dates, address the root cause to prevent future warrants.
Can Warrants Cross State Lines?
Yes. While states have discretion about whether to extradite for minor offenses, serious warrants are entered into the National Crime Information Center (NCIC) database, which is accessible to law enforcement agencies nationwide. This means:
Felony warrants are almost always enforced across state lines.
Misdemeanor warrants may or may not result in extradition, depending on the issuing state's policies.
Bench warrants for traffic violations are less likely to result in extradition but will appear during background checks.
Important Considerations
Warrants can affect employment — Many employers conduct background checks that reveal active warrants.
Warrants can affect housing — Landlords may deny rental applications based on active warrants.
Warrants can affect immigration — Active warrants can complicate immigration proceedings and lead to detention.
Disclaimer: Warrant search procedures and available resources vary by jurisdiction. This guide provides general information and should not replace advice from a qualified attorney.