California Warrant Search

Private citizens, law enforcement officers, and others may perform a warrant search in California for one of two reasons: to find information about warrants issued within a particular region (a county, city, or town) or to know if someone is named on an active or outstanding warrant. This information can help determine if an individual is wanted for a crime or violated a court order.

The State of California does not maintain a centralized warrant search repository or online database that the public may query for warrant information. Mainly, warrant searches are conducted regionally, through government divisions like a local court or police department. Such inquiries can also be performed through independent public records providers (otherwise known as third-party/private aggregator websites). From the search, a person can determine a warrant's issuer (i.e., issuing agency), issuance date, subject, and reason for issue.

What is a Warrant in California?

A warrant is a judicial order (a common type of "writ") authorizing law enforcement to perform a particular action: search a premises, seize property, or make an arrest. The requirement for warrants in California is rooted in the United States Constitution's Fourth Amendment, which allows the people to be secure against "unreasonable searches and seizures" from the government.

Warrants are issued by judges or magistrates in California upon probable cause, certified by an oath or affirmation, per the U.S. Fourth Amendment and California Constitution. Common types of warrants released in California include arrest, bench, and search warrants.

What is a Search Warrant?

A search warrant is a written order released by a magistrate or judge upon the finding of probable cause that instructs a peace officer to search a premises, person, or thing for evidence related to a crime (Cal. Pen. Code § 1523).

What is a Bench Warrant?

A bench warrant in California (sometimes called a "body attachment") is a written order for the police to arrest and bring an individual to court for failing to pay a fine, missing a court date, or disobeying some other court order.

What is an Arrest Warrant?

An arrest warrant is a judge or magistrate's order to apprehend someone suspected of committing a criminal offense. Cal. Pen Code § 815 outlines what these warrants should contain, including a defendant's name, alleged offense, the time of issuance, and bail amount.

Are Arrest Warrants Public Records in California?

Yes. Warrants are part of California's public records under the Public Records Law (CPRA). Accordingly, anyone can access details about active or pending warrants in the state unless a particular law, court order, or court rule bars disclosure. A case in point pertains to search warrants, which are ordinarily confidential.

Besides the confidentiality rules applying to certain warrants, the CPRA prevents the private or sensitive data of subjects of warrants, such as their Social Security numbers, from being disclosed upon a warrant search.

Are Search Warrants Public Records in California?

No, search warrants are not public records in California. Per Cal. Pen. Code § 1534(a), search warrants remain confidential until duly executed or upon expiry, and such warrants are only public when not sealed by the court.

How to Find Out If I Have a Warrant in California

Several third-party websites are available to members of the public who wish to look up warrants in California.

Compared to government websites that offer warrant query tools, search results obtained from a third-party site are not constrained to a singular jurisdiction. Instead, users can look up warrants issued in different jurisdictions (other U.S. states and counties) simultaneously as the sites amass public records, including warrants, from various government repositories. Consequently, a third-party site is an ideal place to start one's investigation.

A person's first and last name is the standard criterion for warrant searches on third-party sites. Often, a user can query a third-party database at no cost. However, although basic record details may be revealed to the user without charge, a fee may apply to download a complete report. This fee may be charged one-time or at intervals (usually monthly), sometimes with the option of a free trial. If a trial period is offered, a user may pay around $2.95 to $4.95 at first and then about $19.95 to $24.95/month if choosing to continue the subscription. The fee may be higher or lower, depending on the provider.

It is good practice to vet information retrieved from non-governmental sources with government resources to ensure authenticity and completeness.

Can You Check Online if You Have a Warrant?

Yes. Many county superior courts and sheriff's offices in California maintain online databases where interested members of the public can conduct warrant searches. Examples include the Lake County Sheriff's Office Warrants List, the Sonoma County Sheriff's Office Warrant Search, and the Santa Clara Superior Court's Traffic Case Info portal (see FAQs). Usually, these online systems are accessible with a person's last name, although a first name may be required.

Free Warrant Check in California

Here's how a person can find out if they have a warrant in California for free:

• Input a last name (and first name, if necessary) into the warrants search portal provided on the applicable county sheriff's or superior court's website.
• Enlist an attorney to contact the local police department.
• Contact the relevant court clerk's office.

How to Find Out if Someone Has a Warrant Online For Free

Free methods to research if someone has a warrant online for free in California include searching a local superior court or police station's warrants database. Generally, these inquiries have no limitations as warrants are classified as public records in California, except for circumstances where a warrant record is confidential.

How Do I Find Out If I Have a Federal Warrant?

Federal warrant records are stored in the Warrant Information System (WIN) of the U.S. Marshals Service. However, this database is not publicly accessible, as such warrants are typically under seal until served. Thus, a person may only realize they have a federal warrant when Marshals or other authorized officers show up at their doorstep or place of work/business.

It might be possible to learn about a federal warrant by speaking to a federal criminal defense attorney, who may have access to resources that help clarify a warrant's existence. One might also deduce if they have a federal warrant if federal agents arrest someone connected to the case or contact a close contact. Again, an individual's listing on a U.S. wanted persons or most wanted list may indicate the presence of an active federal warrant.

How Long Does a Warrant Stay Active?

Most warrants issued in California stay active indefinitely unless the court recalls the warrant or the subject dies. An exception to this general rule is a search warrant, which remains active only for 10 days after issuance. However, it may be reissued if not executed within that time frame, and the judge believes probable cause still exists for the warrant.

How Long Does it Take to Get a Search Warrant in California?

The timeline to obtain a search warrant in California is not predetermined by statute or any other regulation. California's core prerequisite for issuing search warrants is "upon probable cause, supported by affidavit." In other words, a search warrant is granted only when a peace officer can establish a reasonable basis to a judge or magistrate.

A California search warrant is valid only for 10 days (Cal Pen. Code § 1534(a)). Beyond that, the warrant becomes void unless executed.