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
We offer FREE consultations - Get in contact today!

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!

What types of warrants are there in California?

A Warrant is issued by the Court. It is then given to Law enforcement to serve on the person named in the warrant. Warrants not served are known as Active Warrants. If an active warrant is unable to be served, after time, it becomes an outstanding 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 related questions.
We offer FREE consultations - Get in contact today!

Warrants can be a serious issue if not dealt with swiftly

Bench Warrant

Bench Warrant is the most common warrant issues in California. A bench warrant is dispensed from the court, by a judge. Any failure to obey any order issued by California court can lead to a Bench Warrant being issued.

Some examples of this are

  • failure to pay fines
  • failure to attend classes or counselling
  • failure to appear at court.

Call your Attorney as soon as possible if you have been served with a Bench Warrant. You have a small window of time to act. Rather than surrender yourself to police custody, arrangements can be made to appear for arraignment. In some cases, it is possible for your Attorney to appear for you at arraignment and deal with your matter without you even attending.

Arrest Warrant

Arrest Warrant is usually initiated by police officer and/or DA and then issued by a judge.
This is done only when there is probable cause that a crime has been committed. This gives law enforcement the right to arrest and detain the person named in the Warrant.

There are two types of arrest Warrants, Felony Arrest Warrant (PC 813-PC816) and Misdemeanour arrest Warrant (PC 1427).
Do you believe you have an arrest warrant issued in your name? If so contact your attorney now. After establishing a warrant does exist – your attorney may have the matter dealt with by going directly to court.
The arrest warrant may be cleared without you spending any time in jail.

Search Warrant

Search Warrants are issued when it is suspected that that criminal activity exists in a particular location.

A magistrate will issue a Search Warrant. This is based on evidence presented by a police officer, and whether there is probable cause. The details of the Search Warrant are laid out and must be followed. For example: the time of execution & where exactly officers can search.

Your Attorney should be there when the Search Warrant is being executed. Police are required to provide written receipts of all items seized. Your Attorney can represent you in any further Court Proceedings and present any facts that may help you. They may move to suppress evidence or present new evidence so that the magistrate hearing your case may make an informed decision.

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.