How to Find Out if You Have a Warrant in Arizona

5 Ways to Check if You Have a Warrant in Arizona

If you worry about having active arrest warrants in Arizona, it’s important to know how to find out if you have a warrant. While you can usually look up warrant information online, it is a good idea to contact a Phoenix criminal defense attorney. An experienced legal professional with our firm can help you conduct a warrant search and find out if you need to take action.

At Ybarra Maldonado Law Group, our criminal defense team is ready to represent you and help you build a strong defense. We know that navigating the legal system can be difficult. That’s why we pride ourselves on acting as fierce advocates for our community. If you are facing criminal accusations or charges, contact the Ybarra Maldonado Law Group. Call our office at 602-910-4040 today to schedule a consultation with us.

What Is a Warrant?

A warrant is a legal document issued by a court or other authorized entity that gives law enforcement officials the authority to perform certain actions. There are many types of warrants, each serving a specific purpose. There are several types of active warrants, such as an arrest warrant or search warrant.

Warrants are an important legal tool that helps protect individual rights by ensuring that law enforcement actions are based on probable cause and authorized by a neutral third party, such as a judge. Failure to comply with a valid warrant can lead to legal consequences. It’s important to note that the specifics of warrants, their issuance, and execution can vary by jurisdiction and legal system.

Why Did I Get a Warrant?

A person might get a warrant issued against them for various reasons, typically in the context of a criminal or civil case. Warrants are issued to ensure that law enforcement or the court can take certain actions in compliance with legal procedures. Here are some common reasons someone might have a warrant issued against them.

• Law enforcement has probable cause to believe that someone has committed a crime.
• Someone failed to appear for their scheduled court date.
• The court issues a warrant when someone disobeys a court order or behaves disrespectfully or disruptively in court.
• If someone on probation or parole violates their conditions or restrictions, they may face an arrest warrant.
• If a parent fails to meet their child support obligations, the court may issue a warrant to compel them to address the issue.
• Even though it does not allow for an arrest, the court may issue a search warrant to allow law enforcement officers to gather evidence related to a crime.
• It is also possible for warrants to be issued for conducting surveillance or wiretapping. This usually occurs in cases involving serious criminal activity.
• Sometimes, even civil cases can involve warrants. Civil warrants are generally used as a way to compel someone to appear in court.

Types of Warrants in Arizona

Once a judge executes a search warrant, that warrant shows up as part of a person’s criminal history. There are several types of warrants in Arizona. The most common types are search warrants, arrest warrants, bench warrants, and fugitive warrants.

Search Warrant in Arizona

A search warrant is a legal document issued by a judge that authorizes law enforcement officials to search a specific location, such as a home, business, or vehicle, for evidence related to a crime. Search warrants are an important tool in the legal system to ensure that searches are conducted in accordance with the Fourth Amendment to the United States Constitution, which protects individuals from unreasonable searches and seizures.

Arrest Warrant in Arizona

An arrest warrant authorizes law enforcement officials to arrest and detain an individual who is suspected of committing a crime. It is a specific type of warrant that is used in the criminal justice system to ensure that individuals suspected of criminal activity are apprehended and brought into custody following legal procedures and protections.

If you have an outstanding arrest warrant, it’s important to contact an experienced defense attorney as soon as possible.

Active Bench Warrant in Arizona

An active bench warrant is a type of warrant issued by a judge when an individual fails to appear in court as required or violates a court order. Bench warrants are typically issued in the context of non-criminal matters, such as civil cases or traffic violations, but they can also be issued in criminal cases when a defendant does not appear for scheduled court proceedings.

An active bench warrant means that the warrant is currently in effect and that law enforcement is authorized to arrest the individual named in the warrant when they encounter them. As an example, imagine that someone has missed their county court date and failed to explain. In this case, the county court judge may issue a bench warrant.

Fugitive Warrant in Arizona

A fugitive warrant, often referred to as an extradition warrant or an out-of-state warrant, is a type of warrant issued with the specific purpose of apprehending and returning a fugitive to the jurisdiction where they are wanted for criminal prosecution.

Fugitive warrants are typically issued when an individual has fled from one jurisdiction (usually a state or country) to another to avoid facing criminal charges or to evade the legal process. When a police officer finds an individual with an active fugitive warrant against them, they can arrest and detain the fugitive.

Are Any Warrants Excluded from Public Records Searches?

You can find information about most outstanding warrants through online public records searches or on government websites. However, not every warrant will appear in online searches. Generally, warrants related to mental health or probate cases will not appear in online public records.

If you think you have an active warrant, but can’t seem to find it, contact our Phoenix and Mesa criminal defense lawyers. We will help you conduct a thorough search to identify any arrest warrants you may have.

How to Check if You Have an Outstanding Warrant in Arizona

If you’re wondering whether you have an outstanding warrant in Arizona, we have the knowledge you need to find out. While some options involve fees, we can help you search for free, public information about any warrants you have. This way, you can avoid paying unnecessary fees or undergoing legal proceedings just to find an outstanding warrant.

Below, we outline the easiest ways to conduct a warrant search for free in Arizona.

1. Check Online with the Arizona Judicial Branch Through Warrant Search

One of the easiest ways to find warrant information is to search online court records through the Arizona Judicial Branch. These records are free to access, and you can search for a warrant with your name, birth date, or case number.

Through this search method, you can find specific information about the warrant and general information about the case. Of the 184 state courts in Arizona, this online search tool allows you to check for warrants from 177 of them. If the court you are searching for does not come up in your search, it likely has its own records search site.

Below, we list the courts not included in that database.

Maricopa County

• Chandler Municipal
• Gilbert Municipal
• Justice of the Peace Courts
• Maricopa County Superior Court
• Mesa Municipal
• Paradise Valley Municipal
• Tempe Municipal

Pima County

• Pima County Superior Court
• Pima Consolidated Justice Court

State Level Courts

• Division 1 Court of Appeals
• Division 2 Court of Appeals
• Arizona Supreme Court

If you believe your warrant may be issued by one of the above courts, we recommend calling that court’s office directly.

2. Call the Criminal Court Administration Information Desk

You can also speak with the court clerk at the Criminal Court Administration Information desk. They have a specific phone line individuals can call to help conduct free warrant searches for the state of Arizona. Call 602-506-8575 and provide them with your full name and date of birth.

Importantly, this phone number can only gain you access to information about felony warrants in Maricopa County. You may need to contact another source to find information about your case if you cannot find it through this phone line.

3. Call the Arizona Department of Public Safety (DPS)

The Arizona Department of Public Safety (DPS) has a specific department dedicated to warrant checks. By giving them your full name and date of birth, they can tell you if there is a warrant for your arrest or any other warrant. They can also tell you which jurisdiction the warrant is in.

4. Call Local Law Enforcement Officers

We generally don’t recommend calling a police station or the sheriff’s office as your first course of action. However, it is still an option if you have trouble finding information about outstanding warrants. If you want to use this method to search for a warrant, we strongly recommend doing so over the phone. Speaking with police officers about warrants in person could risk getting you arrested, so calling is the safer option.

5. Contact a Phoenix Criminal Defense Lawyer

To check your warrant status in Arizona, a criminal defense attorney is your best option. We can not only help you find any warrants for your arrest, but we can also oversee your criminal case. At Ybarra Maldonado Law Group, we have extensive experience helping clients with various warrants across the state.

If you are wondering whether you have an outstanding warrant in your name, we strongly recommend speaking with an attorney. We will advise you of the status of your warrant, as well as help craft a strong defense for your case.

What to Do If You Have a Warrant in Arizona

After searching for outstanding warrants, you either will or will not discover an active warrant for your arrest. Warrants become part of your criminal record once a judge issues them. So, they can greatly impact your life. However, there are certain steps we recommend following after you find your warrant.

• Contact a criminal defense lawyer about your case.
• Do not turn yourself in to the police station before speaking with your attorney.
• Don’t try to run from the police.
• Do not just ignore the warrant. It will not resolve if you merely wait for the warrant to go away.

Contact a Phoenix Criminal Defense Lawyer at Ybarra Maldonado Law Group

At Ybarra Maldonado Law Group, we understand that facing the possibility of a warrant can be a daunting and stressful experience. Our dedicated team of criminal defense attorneys is here to provide the guidance, support, and legal expertise you need to navigate this challenging situation. If you or a family member has an outstanding warrant in Arizona, don’t hesitate to reach out to us for professional assistance.

We are committed to safeguarding your rights and ensuring a fair and just legal process. Our goal is to help you find the best path forward and achieve the best possible outcome for your case. Your peace of mind and legal protection are our priorities. Contact us today to get the answers and legal representation you deserve. Call 602-910-4040 today to schedule your consultation.