How County Warrants are Issued and Where to Find Them

Knowledge about various types of county warrants should not only be possessed by law enforcement officials and attorneys, but also by the public to ensure that their rights are not violated. Knowing about county warrants involves knowing about the crimes that invite these warrants.

Arrest Warrants

There are many types of county warrants: arrest warrants, search warrants, warrants of attachment, and bench warrants.

A warrant of arrest can be issued by the county court, asking a law enforcement officer to detain a person. An arrest warrant can only be issued if a crime has been committed and there is a reasonable belief, substantiated by tangible proof, that a person was involved in or had committed the crime. The arrest warrant should in this case, clearly spell the name of the person to be arrested.

There are however, other instances, when an arrest warrant may be issued by a county court. A county warrant for arrest may be issued if a person has failed to turn up in court despite a summoning order. For instance, an arrest warrant will be issued in your name if you have not paid the amount on your outstanding parking tickets or have failed to turn up in court for a scheduled case hearing.

Search Warrants

A county warrant to search a person or some premises may also be issued if there is proof of crime being committed. A search warrant is not identical to an arrest warrant, but law empowers the enforcement authorities to make arrests if narcotics are found on a person or in a location that is being searched. The law enforcement officers may also make arrests if they find substantial proof of some crime being committed. In such instances, the county search warrant is enough to make the arrest.

Warrants of Attachment

A county warrant of attachment may be issued by the judge that empowers the law enforcement officer to seize a defendant’s properties before a trial has begun. Such a warrant may also be issued before the court actually sits to hear cases involving determining the judicial ownership rights of the seized property.

Bench Warrants

The county court may issue a bench warrant against persons who have missed their next scheduled court appearance. The county court may issue the superior court warrant to ensure that a defendant, who has been indicted, turns up in court for a scheduled hearing.
 

How to Search for County Warrant Records

The state government websites are the best places to carry out a county warrant search. They house immense volumes of information, are maintained and updated regularly, and are authentic. Most of these websites are free and give you the basic warrant information.

You can also call up the county Sheriff’s Office and ask to be directed to the Warrants Division, if there is one. Many Sheriff's offices have a dedicated warrants line. You may also visit the Sheriff’s Office to request access to county warrant information.

Knowing about the various types of county warrants and where to look for them ensures that your rights are not violated, and you can check the criminal background of dubious persons.
 

Specific County Warrant Information:

Arizona County Warrants

Florida County Warrants

Indiana County Warrants

Ohio County Warrants

Texas County Warrants

Washington County Warrants