Yes, you can check for warrants online in California through an online search. You can request this information anonymously, but you need several pieces of information to look them up. The state offers an online warrant search system that allows individuals to search for outstanding warrants issued by various law enforcement agencies across the state.
If you’re wondering how to check to see if you have a warrant in California, this guide will provide you with the necessary information and steps to use the online warrant search process.
If you have been charged with a crime or believe you may have a warrant out for your arrest, contact an experienced Los Angeles criminal defense lawyer from the Simmrin Law Group. We can help you understand your situation and give you advice on how to proceed.
Where to Check for Warrants Online in California
Many sites will pop up if you search for warrant checks, but if these sites aren’t part of the government, you cannot trust their information will be accurate or updated. Here are the best places to check for warrants online in California:
- The website of the Superior Court of California for your county
- The website of the county sheriff or court that issued the warrant
- Purchasing a criminal background check
Criminal background checks can take some time and require additional paperwork, so the first two options are better if you believe there is a warrant out for your arrest. When you check the county website, it needs to be the one where the alleged crime or court violation took place.
Not every county makes it easy to find out if you have a warrant in California, so you will need to do your research on their websites. This is why there are so many sites that offer to find this information for a fee. These sites can be useful if you need to know the warrant’s jurisdiction.
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Where Can I Find the Websites to Check to See if I Have a Warrant?
Finding the right website can be tricky, so here’s how you can find the website of your county court or county sheriff’s office:
- List of sheriff’s offices from the California State Sheriff’s Association.
- The California Courts’ “Find Your Court” tool.
What if the Information Isn’t There?
Some less densely populated areas or smaller towns may not have this information available on their websites, so you may need to call to find out how to get the information you seek. This is risky if you have an active warrant.
If you think you have a bench or an arrest warrant on you and you cannot search for the warrant anonymously, you should contact a lawyer immediately. The warrant may contain incorrect information, or you may not have committed the offense it accuses you of.
Trying to avoid the warrant or ignoring the allegations against you could worsen your situation. As soon as the warrant is signed and entered into the database, any officer can find out you have an outstanding warrant.
Types of Warrants Found in a Warrant Check
A warrant permits the police to force you to do certain things or to allow them to search for evidence. Court officials have to sign the warrant to be valid. There are three common types of warrants you might find in your check. These are:
Search Warrant
A search warrant means the court has reason to believe a crime was committed and gives permission for the police to search you and your property. The warrant may limit what the police can look for and where they can look. Resisting a search backed up by a warrant could get you arrested.
Bench Warrant
PC 978.5 grants the court system the authority to issue bench warrants. A bench warrant is a warrant given directly by a court to people who didn’t follow the court’s orders. These are given because someone didn’t appear like they were required to or they didn’t comply with an order given by the court.
Arrest Warrant
This is an order for the police to arrest the person named on the warrant. An arrest warrant means the court has reason to believe that someone committed a crime and wants them in custody to start the criminal justice process.
If you check to see if you have a warrant and find out that there is indeed a warrant against you, it’s vital to speak with a criminal defense attorney right away for advice. The police do not have to let you know you have a warrant before you’re arrested if you have a bench or arrest warrant.
What Information Do I Need to Request a California Warrant Search?
This will depend on the website you use, but all warrants are required to have the following information:
- The name of the defendant
- The alleged offense
- Where the warrant was issued
- The name of the court issuing the warrant
- The date and time the warrant was issued
- The title and signature of the authority issuing the warrant
As an example, Orange County’s arrest warrants are on a website that requests the name of the person on the warrant and their date of birth. Be careful if you just request a warrant check using a name alone. Someone could have the same name in your county.
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How Do Officers Know I Have a Warrant?
Once a judge signs a warrant, the court clerk enters it into the local court or law enforcement website, which is accessible through the Department of Justice (DOJ) website. Any police officer nationwide will likely be able to access this information.
Therefore, any encounter with a police officer or other law enforcement agent could lead to an arrest if you have a warrant. You do not want to face arrest at the most inopportune time because you forgot to pay a traffic ticket, and the court issued a bench warrant.
If you discover a warrant for you, a criminal defense lawyer may be able to help you through the process to clear the warrant and/or fight the charges against you. Discussing your options with an attorney should be your first step after learning there is a warrant issued for you.
I Know I Have a Warrant. Should I Turn Myself In?
Turning yourself into the court or the police without an experienced criminal defense lawyer on your side could be one of the biggest mistakes you make. A criminal defense attorney in California can provide you with an honest assessment of your case so you know what to expect.
The attorneys with our firm will know the most effective arguments and steps to take to resolve your case in a way that is in your best interests. Put our experience to work for you when facing a criminal charge so you have the best shot against the allegations against you.
Check for your California warrant online anonymously, then call Simmrin Law Group for a free consultation. We are available to take your call 24/7. Do not talk to the police until you talk to us.
Call or text (310) 896-2723 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form