How do I know if I have a warrant?

All Warrants require your immediate attention. Warrants do not expire in the State of California.
The three types of Warrants commonly issued in California are: Bench Warrant; Arrest Warrant and Search Warrant.

Road Justice can help you with your warrant
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Warrants can be a serious issue if not dealt with swiftly

What happens if you ignore your warrant?

If you ignore your Bench Warrant, Arrest Warrant or Search Warrant your legal matter will be escalated within the judicial system.
The cost is far more than just money! Ignoring your Warrant can lead to further charges being laid against you. Apart from added violations, increased fines, licence suspensions and cancellation, there is even the possibility of jail.

Warrants do not expire in the state of California and will not go away.

How do I know if I have a warrant?

There are numerous ways to find out if you have a warrant.

California Department of Justice and Attorney General can perform a background check to see if you have any outstanding warrants. Various websites also exist, but they come at a cost and don’t always have full Judicial Information. Warrants in California are considered a public record. The data input can be subject to delays. This can affect the accuracy of the information.

Speaking to the clerk or attending the courthouse in the County of issue can provide accurate information, but may lead to your arrest. If you feel that you may have a Warrant issued in your name, contact your Attorney. They can search within the judicial system. They can then provide you with the best possible way to proceed.

How do I check if someone has a warrant?

In the state of California you are able to perform a free online Warrant search. There is a Wanted Persons System (WPS).

This is provided by the Department of Justice and the Attorney General. You can also contact the courthouse in the county where you think a warrant may be issued. Some Courthouses have a Warrants line specifically dedicated to this. If you cannot get your results by phone then you can visit the courthouse physically.

At Road Justice we are happy to assist our clients in accessing the most up to date Judicial records to determine whether Warrants exist for the nominated person.

How should I proceed?

Contact your Attorney as soon as possible. They will establish what type of Warrant has been issued in your name and obtain verification of your Warrant. Remember there are different ways of proceeding for different cases. Having as much information on your matter will ensure the best possible outcome. Be sure that you provide your attorney with as much evidence as you can to assist with your matter.

At Road Justice our team of Attorneys treat you as an individual. Our successful resolution rate is a testament to our dedicated team and their efforts. Our aim is to provide all of our clients with the best possible outcome.

We're Here To Help

The process is as easy as can be - simply call or contact us online for a FREE consultation! We'll go over your case and all options that are available.
Then we send you a standard attorney-client agreement either via email or through the mail with all information and instructions you need to continue.
Once you send back these documents, we're ready to go - you don't have to lift a finger whatsoever!
We will constantly update you on the status of your case, but there's no reason for you to take time off work, speak to the court or attend any court dates.
We take care of everything!

Warrants Information Sheet

Warrants are signed by judges, and they give police the authority to search your home or arrest you when they see you.
There are three types of warrants that can be issued against you in California: an arrest warrant, bench warrant, and search warrant. While they have some similarities, they are used for different reasons.


In California specifically, arrest, bench, and search warrants are court orders issued by a court or judge.
Once a warrant is issued police officers must promptly search for the defendant. If found, the officers may or may not display the warrant to the defendant or if unavailable, advise the defendant of its existence and display the original or certified copy to the defendant at a later time if requested, usually by the defendant’s attorney.

A California arrest warrant authorizes law enforcement officers to arrest and detain you if they suspect you of committing a crime outside of an officer's presence.

Judges issue arrest warrants based on:

  •         evidence presented to them by a peace officer and/or a District Attorney, or
  •         following a grand jury indictment.

 

In order to be valid, a California arrest warrant must include:

  •         name of the defendant,
  •         crime which he/she is accused of committing,
  •         time of issuance,
  •         city or county of issuance,
  •         signature and title of the judge, and
  •         name of the court.

 

While in many cases, warrants are issued for the arrest of criminal suspects, the majority of warrants in California are issued as a result of an individual's noncompliance. An attorney is always recommended to ensure a prompt and efficient outcome.

DUI Information Sheet

A first-time DUI in California can result in consequences ranging from misdemeanor probation to time in jail.
Defendants may be able to continue driving if they are granted an "IID restricted license," which requires them to keep an
ignition interlock device (IID) in their car for four months.
But first-time DUI defendants who do not get an IID restricted license may endure up to a 6-month's
driver's license suspension unless; the driver requests a California DMV hearing and wins, or if the driver is not convicted of a DUI in court.

All in all, consequences of a first-time DUI conviction in California can include:

  • 3 to 5 years of informal probation (typically 3 years)
  • DUI school ranging from 3 to 9 months
  • Fines and penalty assessments totaling between $1,500 and $2,000 (depending on the county)
  • A 6-month driver's license suspension (though people may be able to get a restricted license or drive immediately with an IID restricted license)
  • Installation of an ignition interlock device for six months (unless the defendant chooses not to drive);
  • Up to 6 months in jail (depending on the county)
  • In some counties, work release
  • Indirect consequences (such as increased car insurance premiums and harsher penalties if the defendant gets convicted of a subsequent DUI).

 

A DUI arrest triggers two types of legal proceedings

Being arrested for driving under the influence subjects the driver to two sets of proceedings:

  1. A jury trial or a bench trial in a California criminal court, and
  2. A California DMV license suspension hearing.

The California DMV cannot find a defendant or put him or her in jail. It can only suspend the defendant's license. It will suspend a license automatically unless the defendant timely requests – and then prevails at a hearing but getting a DMV hearing is not automatic. The defendant must request one within 10 days of being arrested.

However if  you hire an attorney, it's typically to represent you in the DMV proceedings and criminal court. Having the same attorney work on both aspects of your case can lead to better outcomes, including a shorter license-suspension period.