How to Check For Warrants, Outstanding Warrants, and Warrants Of Arrest For Free Online

In this article you will learn how to check for warrants on somebody or yourself for free or anonymously for free or little cost.

This is the same methods many lawyers use to find out if there are any warrants.

Things You'll Need

• An internet connection and computer.
• Possibly a pre-paid cell phone.

Instructions

1. First you'll need to have the name and birth date of the person you wish to check for a warrant on. If it is yourself, this information you already have of course. A few county online databases also require a drivers license number or social security number.

2. If you wish to remain anonymous, it is important to first try on the internet. Go to a search engine such as google and type in the name of the county followed by the word government. For instance, if the county name is Harris county you would type in Harris county government. The usually the REAL county web sites are followed by a ..gov or .us or the postal abbreviation of the state such as .NY (New York) .OH (Ohio) .TX (Texas). Be sure its the REAL county web site.

3. On many county web sites, they will have a criminal records section. Some of these sections list "active warrants". If not, they may have an "active warrant link" or a "county sheriff link". Be sure to check the county Sheriff link as they may list active warrants as well. It may also be located under the county clerk section on the web site.

4. If you can not find any information on line, you must call the county sheriffs office. If you wish to remain anonymous in this call, a pre-paid cell phone can be obtained from almost any store for $20. Or simply find a pay phone.

5. When you call the county Sheriff, you'll most likely need the name and birth date. Ask "I need to find out if there is a warrant for a "insert name" and if there is what is the bond amount? If it comes up that there is no warrant, say "thank you" and hang up. If there is a warrant, get bond amount. An attorney will need this and can possibly post this without the arrest of somebody or yourself. It's always better to be safe and pay for an attorney than be surprised with an arrest at an inconvenient time.

6. Remember, if there is a warrant and you get the bond amount, you are not obligated to answer or hear anything from the Sheriff. A kind "Thank you, just calling about the warrant", and hanging up will do. Don't try to lie about anything. You should not have to tell them who you are.

7. Some counties are funny about this stuff and only let an attorney or bail bondsmen call. You may need to hire one. These counties often tell you that the person seeking warrant information must show up with an ID. This is a bad idea as the person with a potential warrant will be arrested on the spot if they have one.

Tips & Warnings

• Pay online services are not as accurate as calling the Sheriff & county sites.

• A local attorney can help determine if you have a warrant, often for free.

• You are not obligated to say anything to anybody.

• Attorney advice is golden if you have an outstanding warrant of arrest.

• If the person you are calling about (or yourself) goes into a police station to check, if it comes back they do have a warrant, they can expect to be arrested on the spot. Be sure they do this after talking with an attorney (over the phone) and have an attorney's number with them. Have somebody drive the person checking if they go this route. (To avoid a vehicle tow if an arrest happens) (This method is NOT suggested). IF you are arrested only speak to an attorney about your case & charge, NOBODY else.