Washington Warrant Search

Washington Warrant Search
What is a Washington Warrant Search?
How To Conduct a Warrant Search in Washington
Are Washington Warrant Records Publicly Accessible?
How Are Warrants Issued in Washington?
Common Types of Warrants in Washington
How Long Are Warrants Valid in Washington?
How To Find Out If You Have a Warrant in Washington
FAQ

A warrant search in Washington involves checking whether any active or outstanding warrants have been issued against an individual by state or local authorities. This warrant search may be conducted for various purposes, such as personal research and legal due diligence. This warrant search may reveal the type of warrant, the date it was issued, and the court or agency that issued it.

What is a Washington Warrant Search?

A Washington warrant search is the process of looking up warrants that have been issued or executed within the state. Warrants are legal documents issued by the court that authorize law enforcement officers to carry out specific actions, such as making an arrest, conducting a search, or seizing property. These documents are generally considered public under the state's Public Records Act (RCW 42.56), allowing interested parties to request warrant information from relevant law enforcement agencies or courts.

However, access to certain warrant details may be restricted under specific circumstances. For example, records involving juveniles, sealed cases, or ongoing criminal investigations are usually exempt from public disclosure to protect privacy rights, the integrity of investigations, and sensitive legal proceedings.

How To Conduct a Warrant Search in Washington

There are various ways to conduct a warrant search in the state, depending on the county and the type of warrant involved. They include:

Through the Washington Department of Corrections (DOC) warrant search tool or county-specific clerk websites, where available.
Contacting local law enforcement agencies or sheriff's offices in the county where the warrant may have been issued.
Using third-party websites like RecordsFinder, which compile public records and may provide information on outstanding warrants.

County Sheriff's Offices and Local Police Departments

You can typically conduct a warrant search in Washington by contacting the local police department or sheriff's office in the county where the warrant was issued. Note that you may need to visit these agencies in person, as many counties do not publish warrant information online. However, some agencies, like the Washington Department of Corrections (DOC), Kittitas County Sheriff's Office, and Washington State Patrol (WSP), maintain "Most Wanted" lists on their official websites that feature individuals with outstanding warrants issued in their respective jurisdictions. You may contact the appropriate law enforcement agency for more information.

Are Washington Warrant Records Publicly Accessible?

In Washington, warrant records are generally considered public information under the state's Public Records Act (RCW 42.56). This law requires that government agencies make public records, including warrant records, available for public inspection upon request, unless a specific exemption applies. To this end, you may access certain warrant information through county courts, law enforcement agencies, or online platforms.

You may be required to submit a formal public records request and provide details such as the full name of the subject, the county or court involved, and the approximate date or type of offense. Fees may also apply to obtain physical copies of the warrant.

However, not all warrant records are publicly accessible. Warrants related to juvenile cases, sealed court matters, or active investigations are typically exempt from disclosure and may be redacted or withheld.

How Are Warrants Issued in Washington?

The issuance and execution of warrants in the state are governed by several provisions in the Revised Code of Washington (RCW) and Washington State Court Rules. This process is designed to ensure that individual rights are protected while also allowing law enforcement to effectively investigate and address criminal activity. To this end, certain key steps must be taken before a warrant may be issued and after it has been executed. These include determination of probable cause, judicial authorization, and proper documentation.

Probable Cause Determination

Probable cause is a fundamental requirement for the issuance of warrants in the state. Before any warrant can be issued, law enforcement officers must demonstrate probable cause by presenting facts that establish a reasonable belief that a crime has been committed and that the person or place to be searched is connected to the crime.

This supporting evidence may include witness statements, surveillance footage, physical evidence, or other reliable information. The officer seeking the warrant has to submit an affidavit detailing the facts and circumstances that he or she believes establish this probable cause.

Issuance by a Judge or Magistrate

After probable cause has been established, a judge or other authorized judicial officer must review the affidavit and any supporting documentation. The judicial officer will evaluate whether the legal standard for probable cause has been met and whether the warrant complies with all procedural requirements. If so, the judge or magistrate will authorize the warrant by signing it.

In Washington, warrants may be issued by judges of the superior, district, and municipal courts, as well as court commissioners acting within the scope of their authority.

Entry into Law Enforcement Databases

Once a warrant is issued in Washington, it is usually entered into several law enforcement databases. These include the State Patrol's ACCESS (A Central Computerized Enforcement Service System), which connects state and local law enforcement to various databases, including the WACIC (Washington Crime Information Center) and the Washington State Identification System (WASIS).

Depending on the type of warrant and severity of the offense, the information may also be uploaded to national systems such as the FBI's National Crime Information Center (NCIC), making it accessible to law enforcement nationwide.

While these systems are primarily restricted to criminal justice personnel, some agencies may share limited warrant or "most wanted" information with the public through official websites or public records portals.

Common Types of Warrants in Washington

There are several types of warrants issued in Washington State, each serving a specific legal purpose. These include, but are not limited to:

Arrest Warrants: These authorize law enforcement to apprehend and detain a person suspected of committing a crime.
Bench Warrants: These are issued when a person fails to appear in court as required or violates a court order (e.g., skipping a hearing, not complying with probation terms, or failing to pay fines).
Search Warrants: These authorize law enforcement to search a specific location for evidence connected to a crime.
Governor's Warrant: These are issued to facilitate the extradition of a fugitive from another state.

Arrest Warrants in Washington

An arrest warrant is a court order that authorizes law enforcement officers to apprehend and take a specific suspect into custody. These warrants are issued when there is probable cause to believe that the individual (named on the warrant) has committed a crime. Arrest warrants are commonly used in Washington criminal proceedings and remain active until they are executed (the person is arrested) or recalled by the issuing court.

Bench Warrants

A bench warrant is issued by a judge "from the bench" (in the courtroom, hence the name) when an individual fails to comply with a court order, most often for not appearing at a scheduled court date. These warrants empower law enforcement to detain the person and bring them before the court. Like arrest warrants, bench warrants in Washington remain in effect until they are executed or recalled by the court.

Search Warrants

Search warrants authorize law enforcement to search a person or enter a specified location to search for and seize evidence related to a criminal investigation. In Washington, these warrants must be supported by a sworn affidavit establishing probable cause and must particularly describe the place to be searched and the items sought. These warrants are closely regulated under state law and the U.S. Constitution's Fourth Amendment. Once issued, they must be executed and returned within a specific timeframe, typically 10 days.

How Long Are Warrants Valid in Washington?

The validity of warrants in Washington depends on the type issued. Arrest warrants and bench warrants generally do not expire and remain active indefinitely until the warrant is executed or recalled/resolved by the issuing court.

However, under Criminal Rule (CrR) 2.3(c) for superior courts and Criminal Rule for Courts of Limited Jurisdiction (CrRLJ) 2.3(c), a search warrant must be executed and returned within 10 days of issuance.

While arrest warrants do not expire, the underlying criminal charges may be subject to a statute of limitations, as outlined in RCW 9A.04.080. If the statute of limitations for the underlying offense has expired, while the warrant might still technically exist, the ability to prosecute the case could be affected. However, this typically does not affect arrest warrants for certain serious offenses, including murder.

How To Find Out If You Have a Warrant in Washington

There are several steps you can take to verify if a warrant has been issued for your arrest or appearance in Washington State. They include:

Contact local law enforcement: You can call the non-emergency number of the police department or sheriff's office in the county where the warrant was issued. Some agencies may require you to provide identification or submit a formal request. Be aware, however, that confirming the existence of a warrant may result in immediate enforcement action.
Check court records. You may visit the clerk's office of the District or Superior Court in the county where you have had any legal proceedings to inquire whether a bench warrant or other judicial order has been issued against you.
Utilize online databases: You may use online databases like the Washington Department of Corrections (DOC) warrant search tool, county court websites, or third-party platforms like RecordsFinder that provide online access to public warrant information and may be used to search for outstanding warrants in your name. However, the completeness and accuracy of records on third-party platforms may not be guaranteed and should be verified with official sources.
Consult with an attorney: It is generally advisable to consult an attorney when conducting a warrant search in Washington, especially if you suspect that there may be legal complications or if the information obtained online is unclear. Attorneys are often the safest and most effective way to determine if you have an outstanding warrant and can also provide legal guidance on resolving any active warrants.

FAQ

Can Police Search Your Car Without a Warrant in Washington?

While the Fourth Amendment and Article I, Section 7 of the Washington State Constitution protect individuals from unreasonable searches and seizures, some exceptions allow law enforcement to search a vehicle without a warrant. One primary exception is the presence of probable cause. If law enforcement reasonably believes that your vehicle contains evidence of a crime, they may search without first obtaining a warrant. Another exception applies when the driver or occupant of the vehicle voluntarily consents to the search.

Officers may also conduct a warrantless search if contraband or evidence of a crime is in plain view during a lawful stop. Additionally, if a person is arrested in or near a vehicle, officers may search areas within the suspect's immediate reach as part of a search incident to arrest. Exigent circumstances, such as the belief that evidence will be destroyed or that there is an immediate threat to public safety, can also justify a warrantless search.

How Long Does It Take to Get a Search Warrant in Washington?

There is no fixed amount of time it takes to obtain a search warrant in Washington, as the process depends on several key factors. These include the complexity of the case, the urgency of the situation, the quality of the affidavit submitted by law enforcement, and the availability of a judicial officer authorized to issue the warrant. In straightforward cases, especially when judges are readily available, law enforcement may be able to secure a warrant within a few hours.

In more complex investigations, obtaining a warrant may take longer, potentially up to a day or more if additional documentation or clarification is needed. However, when there is an immediate threat to public safety or a risk that evidence may be destroyed, the process may be expedited, and the warrant issued within minutes. Note that this issuance must still be done by an authorized judicial officer, regardless of the nature of the emergency.

What Happens After a Search Warrant Is Executed?

The execution of a search warrant in Washington typically involves law enforcement officers entering the specified premises and conducting a search for the items listed in the warrant. They are typically required to follow strict protocols regarding the areas they can access and the items they are permitted to seize.

Any property seized during the search must be properly documented in a written inventory. A copy of this inventory must be left at the location searched or provided to the occupant, if present. If the occupant is present during the search, they have the right to review the warrant to verify its validity. However, while the occupant may observe the search, they are not permitted to interfere with it, as doing so could result in charges such as obstruction of justice.

Following the execution of the warrant, the officer must return the original warrant to the issuing court. This return includes a report detailing when and how the warrant was executed and a full list of items seized. If any issues arise regarding the legality of the warrant or how the search was performed, the occupant may later file a motion to suppress the evidence.