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California Warrant Search – How to Find Out If You Have One

California Warrant Search – How to Find Out If You Have One

Having an active warrant in California can lead to arrest, jail time, and criminal charges. That’s why it’s important to find out if you have any outstanding warrants as soon as possible. Here’s a guide on how to check if you have a warrant in California, the different types of warrants, and what to do if you discover you have one.

What is a Warrant in California?

A warrant is a court order that authorizes police to arrest someone or conduct a search. There are three main types of warrants in California:

Arrest Warrants

An arrest warrant allows police to apprehend someone and bring them before a judge. Arrest warrants are issued when law enforcement has probable cause to believe someone committed a crime.

Bench Warrants

A bench warrant is issued when someone fails to appear for a court hearing or disobeys a court order. For example, if you miss a court date or fail to pay fines, a judge may issue a bench warrant.

Search Warrants

Search warrants allow police to search a person’s home, car, or other property for evidence of a crime. To get a search warrant, police must demonstrate probable cause to a judge.

How to Check for a Warrant in California

If you think you may have an outstanding warrant, here are some ways to check:

Check the Sheriff’s Website

Most county sheriff’s departments in California have an online warrant search tool. Simply search “[county name] sheriff warrant search” to find the relevant website. Enter your name and any other details like date of birth to see if you have a warrant.

Check the Superior Court Website

Every county in California has a Superior Court website that allows you to search for warrants. For example, you can check Los Angeles Superior Court or Orange County Superior Court.

Request Your Criminal Record

You can request your statewide criminal history record from the California Department of Justice. This report will show if you have any outstanding warrants. There is a $25 fee and you’ll need to submit fingerprints. Get details here.

Hire a Background Check Service

For a fee, you can hire a company to run a background check using your name, date of birth, and other details. Many services check for active warrants as part of their reports.

Contact a Criminal Defense Lawyer

An experienced criminal defense attorney can help check for warrants discreetly and advise you on the best steps if you do have one.

What to Do If You Have a Warrant

If you find out that you have an active warrant, remain calm. Here are some steps to take:

• Don’t ignore it – The warrant won’t go away on its own. You need to take action.
• Consult a criminal defense lawyer – They can walk you through your options, negotiate with the prosecutor, and represent you in court.
• Consider turning yourself in – In some cases, it’s best to turn yourself in at the nearest police station. Have your lawyer arrange your surrender.
• Request a recall of the warrant – Your attorney may be able to convince a judge to recall the warrant so you can appear in court voluntarily.
• Attend all court hearings – If you resolve the warrant, be sure to attend all subsequent court dates to avoid another warrant.
• Resolve the underlying issue – Take whatever steps are needed to resolve what led to the warrant, like paying fines or meeting probation requirements.

Consequences of an Outstanding Warrant

Ignoring an active warrant can lead to serious consequences:

• You may be arrested at any time, including at home, work, or during a traffic stop.
• You may have to post bail and bond to be released from jail while the case is pending.
• Additional penalties like probation violations may be imposed.
• You may face punishment for the failure to appear in court that led to the warrant.
• Your license may be suspended.
• You may be ineligible for certain jobs, housing, loans, and other opportunities due to an outstanding warrant.

How Long Warrants Last in California

Warrants do not expire in California. An active warrant remains valid until the person named in the warrant is arrested or dies. However, some warrants do become inactive if they go unserved for a certain period of time, usually 6 months to a year.Bench warrants typically last longer than arrest warrants. Judges can keep bench warrants active indefinitely as a way to compel someone to appear in court.

Getting a Warrant Removed from Your Record

If you resolve your warrant, you may be able to get it removed from your criminal record. This prevents the warrant from negatively impacting your life going forward.To get a warrant removed, you generally need to petition the court to seal your record under Penal Code 851.8. An attorney can help guide you through this process.

When Police Can Enter a Home Without a Warrant

Police officers generally need a warrant to enter and search someone’s home without permission. However, there are some exceptions where police can enter a residence without a warrant:

• Exigent circumstances – If there is an emergency, like an ongoing crime or someone needing urgent medical care.
• Consent – If someone with authority over the residence consents to the police entering.
• Plain view – If officers see contraband or evidence of a crime through a window.
• Hot pursuit – If police are chasing a suspect who runs into a home.
• Probation/parole searches – If the homeowner is on probation or parole and subject to search as a condition.

In these limited cases, any evidence found may be admissible even without a warrant. But in general, a warrant is required for police to conduct searches inside your home.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I search for warrants online?

Yes, many sheriff’s departments and courts provide an online warrant search tool where you can check for warrants by name. You can also use background check services, but they usually charge a fee.

Do I have a warrant in another state?

Warrants are issued by individual counties and states. If you think you may have a warrant in another state, you would need to check that state’s records specifically. An out-of-state warrant can still lead to your arrest.

What if I’m arrested on an invalid warrant?

If police arrest you based on a warrant that is invalid, lacks probable cause, or has other legal issues, your attorney can file a motion to suppress evidence and may be able to get charges dismissed.

Can I get arrested for any warrant, even a minor one?

Yes, police have authority to arrest you if you have any active warrant, even for minor infractions. The seriousness of the underlying charges does not affect the warrant itself.

What if I can’t afford a lawyer?

If you cannot afford an attorney, you may qualify for a public defender to represent you for free. Public defenders are experienced criminal lawyers who can help defend your case.Finding out that you have an outstanding warrant can be scary. But taking proactive steps with the help of a criminal defense lawyer can help resolve the situation in the best possible way. Don’t ignore a California warrant – get the legal advice you need right away.