Find out How to Check if Someone Has a Warrant Online for Free 

Imagine driving to the store with your family and ending up in jail for something as inconsequential as an unpaid parking ticket. It could happen to you – as it does to many people across the country who have open arrest warrants on their records. If the prospect of getting arrested while running errands on an ordinary day is alarming, so is the number of open arrest warrants in the U.S., which some investigations of public records estimate at two million. Knowing how to find out if someone has a warrant can prevent such unexpected situations. Conducting a warrant search or a warrant check is essential to avoid these scenarios. You can check if someone has a warrant online or through local authorities to ensure you’re not caught off guard.

What Is a Warrant?

A warrant is a way for police and judges to broadcast the need for an individual who is suspected of breaking the law to be brought to justice, like “wanted” posters of the old days. If you're wondering how to check if someone has a warrant, this knowledge is crucial.

There are many ways to end up with a warrant for your arrest. That’s why it’s important to find out about them through a warrant search before they are executed so that the police aren’t arresting you in front of your family, at your place of business, or when you’re sitting in a restaurant. Many people ask, how can you see if someone has a warrant to avoid such situations. In addition, many states suspend other privileges, such as professional license renewals, or driver’s license renewals, until the warrant is cleared up.

Many jurisdictions are backing away from the most controversial type of warrant: a no-knock warrant. This sort of unannounced police raid has received increased scrutiny in recent years when they’ve backfired on authorities, including charging into homes when children are having birthday parties, when police have the wrong address, or when the information about evidence is wrong. While these sorts of warrants were intended to capture only the most dangerous sort of criminal (thus justifying the element of surprise) many, including the Council on Criminal Justice, say they’ve been overused and damaged the reputation of law enforcement.

Are Warrants Public Records?

Warrants aren’t just for dangerous criminals, they are public records and part of the process of the legal system. If you're looking to see how to find out if someone has a warrant online for free, understanding the types of warrants is helpful.

Types of Arrest Warrants

• Bench warrant: this compels police to bring a person before a specific judge, usually to settle court business, such as paying a court-ordered fine, or to complete a legal process like attending a hearing or missing a court date. For those wondering how to see if someone has a warrant, this is a common type of warrant to look for.
• Capias: this type of warrant is specific to unfinished court processes, including not showing up for scheduled hearings or complying with the court’s judgment to pay a fine or serve a sentence. Capias warrants can be applied in criminal or civil situations.
• Fugitive or Governor’s warrant: these are executed when a person has fled across state lines. For those wondering how to see if someone has a warrant, this is a common type of warrant to look for.

Warrants are created when a court officer (judge or magistrate) orders their staff to create one as a result of court business (when a person jumps bail, doesn’t show up for a hearing, or doesn’t comply with a judgment), or warrants may be created by police with the assistance (authority) of a court officer. The latter has very specific requirements, including an officer swearing that the evidence and information presented is valid, truthful, and complete. Conducting a warrant check can reveal such details.

Can You Look up if Someone Has a Warrant

Yes, you can look up if someone has a warrant. Knowing whether an individual has an active warrant is crucial for various reasons, such as ensuring personal safety, fulfilling legal obligations, or making informed decisions. Many people wonder, "how do you find out if someone has a warrant?" Fortunately, there are multiple methods available to check if someone has a warrant. These methods range from online resources to in-person inquiries at local law enforcement agencies.

How Do You Look Up if Someone Has a Warrant?

Finding out if someone has a warrant can be stressful. Here are some ways to check, depending on the level of access you have and your comfort level: 

• Contact NCIC: The NCIC is the national criminal offender database maintained by the FBI. This is used by police departments to communicate information about outstanding warrants across state lines. Unfortunately it’s not possible for individuals to request information from NCIC as it is only accessible by law enforcement. However, knowing how to check if someone has a warrant through other means can be crucial.
• Use public records: Public records include court and arrest records. You may be able to look up your court proceeding online and determine if a magistrate or judge ordered you to complete a class, pay a fine, or serve time that you did not follow through on. This method is often used for warrant searches.
• Check government websites: Court websites in some jurisdictions allow internet searches for warrants and cases. If there is no specific search for warrants you can find your case file and figure out if you completed the court’s requirements. This is a straightforward way to see how to find out if someone has a warrant online for free.
• Ask a police officer: Police officers can search their databases to determine if there is an active warrant for your arrest, but they could be compelled to arrest you on the spot if they find one, and such databases aren’t perfect as a warrant from a different jurisdiction may not show up. Understanding how can you see if someone has a warrant through various means is essential to avoid unexpected situations.

How to Find Out if Someone Has a Warrant Online for Free?

It is possible to find out about outstanding warrants for free. The most direct way is to contact the courthouse in the jurisdiction where you live, work, or frequently visit. Many have closed-system records that allow you to search for warrants when you’re in the building (not through the internet), so a phone call or email request may be possible. This can help if you're wondering how to check if someone has a warrant through official channels.

There are many online search engines like RecordsFinder.com that are able to turn up outstanding warrants through a name search. The benefit of this portal is that it is able to search multiple jurisdictions for public records whereas a courthouse is likely to only have records of warrants for the immediate jurisdiction (a city or county). If you're looking for how to find out if someone has a warrant online for free, using such services can be very effective. Searching through RecordsFinder.com can save a lot of time and effort, making it a convenient option for a warrant check or warrant search.

FAQ

What Should You Do If You Find Out You Have a Warrant?

If you find you have a warrant, settle it immediately. Options include calling an attorney to help you, showing up at the courthouse where it was issued, or calling to find out what is needed to settle it.

How Long Do You Stay in Jail for a Warrant for Missing Court

The duration you stay in jail for a warrant issued for missing court depends on several factors, including the severity of the original offense and the jurisdiction. Typically, if you are arrested on such a warrant, you will remain in jail until a court hearing can be scheduled. This could range from a few hours to a few days. In some cases, you might be eligible for bail, allowing you to be released until your court date. However, repeated offenses or serious underlying charges may result in longer detention periods.

How Long Do You Stay in Jail for a Bench Warrant?

While an arrest warrant might lead to immediate jail time, bench warrants (issued for missing court dates) are different. You'll likely be held until you see a judge and address the missed court appearance. The judge will then determine next steps, which could involve setting a new court date, a fine, or even converting the bench warrant to an arrest warrant.

How to Find Out if Someone Has a Warrant for Their Arrest?

To find out if someone has a warrant for their arrest, you can start by performing a warrant check through local or state law enforcement agencies. Many police departments and sheriff's offices offer online warrant search tools. Additionally, you can use free online resources to check if someone has a warrant. If online options are unavailable, visiting the courthouse or contacting the local law enforcement office directly can provide the necessary information.

How to Find Out if Someone Has a Warrant in Michigan?

If you need to find out if someone has a warrant in Michigan, you can start by visiting the Michigan State Police's Internet Criminal History Access Tool (ICHAT). This online service allows you to perform a warrant check for a fee. Additionally, you can check local county court websites, which often provide warrant search tools. For a free option, contacting the local sheriff’s office can provide information on how to see if someone has a warrant.