An arrest warrant can be checked online, by phone, or in person. In most jurisdictions, an arrest warrant and a warrant for arrest are not the same thing. It is easy to check for an arrest warrant using basic information or a case number. If the case number is not available, checking the justice system using the person’s name, date of birth, or Social Security number can pinpoint an active arrest warrant. Online companies also offer to conduct state or country audits for a fee.
An arrest warrant can be issued following a police investigation or because a defendant in a criminal case fails to appear in court. If a person believes they have an active arrest warrant, an arrest warrant check can be performed via the Internet, telephone, or in person. Jurisdictions will differ on whether or not active arrest warrants are public information; however, in jurisdictions where the information is publicly available, it is normally fairly easy to ascertain.
In most jurisdictions, an arrest warrant and a warrant for arrest are not the same thing. A subpoena is typically issued in a civil suit following a party, witness, or even prospective juror’s failure to appear in court, or failure to pay any fines or fees. An arrest warrant, as a rule, is a warrant issued by a judge in criminal matters. While not all jurisdictions treat case information as public information, in the United States most states have a fairly liberal public record policy. As a result, with some basic information, such as your name, case number, if applicable, and date of birth, you can usually do a successful arrest warrant check.
If the warrant is about not appearing for a scheduled court date, the easiest method to complete an arrest warrant check is to use the case number. All court files contain a chronological summary of the case, or record sheet, where all important information that occurs in the case is noted. If an arrest warrant has been issued by a judge, the record sheet will include that information.
Many court systems have an online search option that makes it easier to complete an arrest warrant check. Just find the court’s website and look for a “search documents” option or something similar. From there, entering the case number should yield all entries for the case, including an arrest warrant entry, if one was made. If the court doesn’t have a search option, calling the court or making a personal visit should secure the requested information.
If the arrest warrant check does not include a no-show, the case number may not be available. If so, checking the justice system using the person’s name, date of birth, or Social Security number can pinpoint an active arrest warrant. If none of the other methods locate your information, there are many online companies that offer to conduct state or country audits for a fee. It is best, however, to confirm information obtained from one of these companies by telephoning the court.
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