How to Check for Warrants

Warrants are issued by the state/courts and carried out by the police department. Different warrants have different functions. Two of the most popular warrants include "bench warrants" and "arrest warrants". A bench warrant simply orders you to voluntarily show up to a court date or face penalties. An arrest warrant orders you to be immediately apprehended and detained.

The information below will inform you on how to find out if you have any active warrants against you.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Look Online
   
   Go online and start a search for warrant search databases. There are many such websites available online. Some such sites are offered free of charge but most will charge a small fee. When it comes to choosing such a website avoid the free sites as they will be far less comprehensive and can sometimes be useless. Opting for a warrant database website that charges a small fee will ensure that you receive accurate and up to date information.

2. Check Your Local Database
   
   Log on to your county's local crime/warrant database. You can find your county's local database simply by entering your county followed by "warrant database" in the search prompt of your web browser. Also be sure to check the main website of your local Sheriffs department.

3. Contact the Sheriffs Dept.
   
   Refer to your local phone book or look online for the contact information of your county's Sheriff department. Call the department and inquire as to if you have an warrants.
   
   Keep in mind it is better to call your Sheriffs department than show up in person. Showing up in person may result in your immediate arrest.

4. Visit Your Local Courthouse
   
   Head down to your local courthouse and direct yourself to the office that handles warrants and other records. Provide the clerk with your name and other required info. The clerk will look up your records and inform you as to whether or not you have any active warrants.

5. If you have confirmed that do in fact have an active warrant, be sure to immediately date care of it. Failure to promptly sort out your warrant may result in hefty fees and possible jail time extensions.
   
   If you discover that the warrant issued against you is false, you may be a victim of identity theft. Many identity thieves take on other peoples identities and commit crimes that are later blamed on that unsuspecting victim. Consider hiring a service or looking online to confirm or dis-affirm whether or not such a crime has been committed against you.

[nancycarol]

on 11/12/2009 Terrific information in How to Check for Warrants. *5 and a recommend.