How to Check for Warrants in Texas

Do I have a Warrant in Texas?

Perhaps you have not paid child support, have failed to appear in court for a mandatory hearing, or have failed to pay a DWI fine ordered by a judge. These are just a handful of the reasons why the police in Texas may issue a warrant for your arrest. If you fear a warrant has been issued, you could be arrested at home at any time or face the embarrassment of being arrested at work or school.

County and municipal governments can also issue arrest warrants. County arrest warrants are typically issued in cases involving Class A misdemeanors, Class B misdemeanors, and felonies. While warrantless arrests are common when people are detained at the purported “scene of the crime,” arrest warrants are normally granted after some amount of police investigation. Warrants for a person’s blood are also becoming more regular in DWI cases.

A Texas warrant search can be conducted through the Department of Public Safety’s Criminal History Search program. Users can check the arrest records, case dispositions, and prosecutions of people arrested for offenses no less serious than Class B misdemeanors on the website.

Types of Warrants

A warrant might be of two types. The first type of warrant is an arrest warrant, which includes the more serious Class A and B warrants. Arrest warrants are also issued for persons who fail to appear in court to answer class C misdemeanor offenses such as traffic fines.

The second type of fine is a Capias Pro-fine, which is issued when court-ordered fines are not paid. When a warrant is issued, it is usually forwarded to the address listed on your ticket. In addition to the above-stated causes, arrest warrants are issued when:

  • Within 11 days, there has been no response to the ticket.
  • Mandatory Driving Safety Course is not completed, and the person has not demonstrated cause.
  • Community service order was not followed by the individual.
  • Probation terms were not met, resulting in probation revocation.

How to Check for Warrants in Texas

If you are looking to check for any local warrants in the state of Texas, the best way to do so is to contact your local law enforcement agency. Depending on your county, you may be able to call the sheriff’s office or police department and ask if they have any records of outstanding warrants in your name. Alternatively, you can also conduct an online search using a public records database such as Texas.gov. This type of search will provide you with information on any active warrants issued in the state of Texas. Lastly, if you are unsure about whether or not there is an active warrant out for your arrest, it is always best to contact a lawyer who can help guide you through the process and advise you on what steps to take next.

Texas Department of Public Safety Warrant Search

The Texas Department of Public Safety has a comprehensive website that offers a variety of services, from Motor Vehicle and Driver License information to Criminal History Checks. By accessing their warrants page, citizens can quickly research any outstanding warrants issued by county, state, or federal courts. With just a few clicks, they can also check their own driver license records, which include any warrants, convictions, or other relevant driver-specific data. Completing this task is quick and easy; all that’s required is your name, date of birth, and driver’s license number. By submitting this information, you can confirm the accuracy of your records and stay informed of any potential legal issues that could arise. Additionally, searching public records may alert you to any outstanding arrest warrants related to unpaid traffic fines, failed probation checks, criminal charges, or DWI charges. It is important to address these matters immediately to avoid further consequences. With the resources provided by the Texas Department of Public Safety website, you have the power to protect yourself and remain well-informed.

How Do I Check for County Warrants?

If you are looking to check for county warrants in Texas, the best way to do so is by contacting your local law enforcement agency. Depending on the county you live in, there may be different procedures for obtaining warrant information. Generally, you can call or visit the sheriff’s office and ask if they have any outstanding warrants for your name. They will likely need some form of identification such as a driver’s license or other government-issued ID to confirm your identity before providing the information.

You can also check online through the Texas Department of Public Safety website. This site provides a searchable database of all active warrants across the state. Simply enter your name and other basic information such as date of birth and address to see if there are any active warrants issued for you in Texas.

Finally, if you are unsure whether or not there is an outstanding warrant for you, it’s always best to contact an attorney who specializes in criminal defense law.

Check for Warrants with the Sheriff’s Office

You can check with the sheriff’s office by phone or in-person to determine if you have a warrant. If you go to the sheriff’s office, be prepared to be arrested. With luck, they will schedule a court date and release you. Simply show up for your court date to avoid receiving a warrant for failure to appear.

The Central Records Division of the Sheriff’s Office is obligated under the Texas Public Information Act in Government Code, Chapter 552 to provide records to all citizens who request them.

What NOT to Do When Checking for Warrants

You can go to the county Sheriff’s Office to find out if you have a warrant, but if you do, expect to be arrested right away. Even if you call the Sheriff’s Office rather than going in person, law enforcement officers may trace your call or request your location while you are on the phone. Do not tell the Sheriff’s Office anything. Expect law enforcement to arrive soon.

In the best-case situation, you are released after posting a bond and awaiting a court date set by the government, but you could potentially be imprisoned. This is why conducting an online search is the best option.

Texas Warrant Roundup

The Texas Warrant Roundup is an annual event held in February or March during which law enforcement agencies from across the state search for persons who have outstanding warrants. While Harris County, for example, may grant a week-long grace period, even if you are only paying a fee, unexpected consequences may emerge. You may receive points on your license, increased insurance premiums, and DMV surcharges depending on the offense. If you are called during the Texas Warrant Roundup, don’t just pay the fine; instead, get legal assistance as soon as feasible.

texas warrant roundup
The primary goal of the Texas Warrant Roundup is to ensure that individuals with outstanding warrants appear before a judge. This helps ensure that justice is served and that people don’t avoid their court dates or other obligations related to criminal charges. Additionally, it helps reduce crime as those who have outstanding warrants may be more likely to commit further offenses if they are not brought into court.

The Texas Warrant Roundup can be a stressful time for those with outstanding warrants.

What is a roundup warrant?

You may get correspondence encouraging you to settle your outstanding balance during a two-week “grace period” if you have active arrest warrants for unpaid traffic citations, parking tickets, city code violations, Class C misdemeanors, and other fine-only infractions. It may appear to be a fantastic opportunity to avoid more serious fines, but there are unintended repercussions to “doing the right thing.”

Simply paying a traffic fine will:

  • Put the citation on your driving record
  • Result in points on your driver’s license (two for a moving violation)
  • Trigger DMV surcharges (which could range from $100 to $250 per year, for three years)
  • Cause higher insurance premiums

You can’t just hide your head in the sand if you’ve been contacted. At the very least, the state will suspend your driver’s license and charge you $30 to renew it. They’ll make it impossible for you to register your car or lawfully drive to work.

Rest assured, they’re looking for you in full force. If you are arrested, you will be required to pay a bail in the number of your unpaid penalties in order to be released from jail. While you can engage a bondsman to assist you, he or she cannot represent you in court.

What Should I Do About an Active Warrant?

Regardless of whatever Texas city or municipality issued the Class C misdemeanor warrant for your arrest, an attorney can post a surety bond on your behalf and have your warrant removed in most situations within 24 hours. An attorney bond also usually prevents a Class C conviction by resuming your case in court, where an attorney will most likely be able to handle your problem in such a way that the ticket is erased and does not appear on your criminal record. Contact an attorney today to start clearing your name of active warrants.

FAQs on Texas Warrants

How do you check if you have a warrant Texas?

To check if you have an active warrant in the state of Texas, contact your local county court or sheriff’s office. You can also use the online search tools provided by the Texas Office of Court Administration at https://www.txcourts.gov/oca/ to easily search for warrants in any county.

Are Texas warrants public record?

Yes, warrants issued in Texas are public record and can be accessed by anyone who requests them from the issuing county court or sheriff’s office.

How do I find out if I have a local warrant?

The best way to find out if you have a local warrant is to contact your local county court or sheriff’s office. You can also use the online search tools provided by the Texas Office of Court Administration at https://www.txcourts.gov/oca/ to easily search for warrants in any county.

What is the phone number to check for warrants in Texas?

To check for warrants in Texas, contact your local county court or sheriff’s office. They will be able to provide you with more information about your specific case.

How do I find out if I have a blue warrant in Texas?

Blue warrants are out-of-state warrants that are requested by another state when a suspect has violated the law there but has fled the jurisdiction. To find out if you have a blue warrant in Texas, contact your local county court or sheriff’s office. They will be able to provide you with more information about your specific case.

Do Texas warrants show up in other states?

Yes, Texas warrants will show up in other states as part of a national criminal database. If you are stopped by law enforcement in another state and they run your name through this system, any active warrants from Texas will show up.

What to do if you have a warrant in Texas?

If you have an active warrant in Texas, contact your local county court or sheriff’s office to resolve the issue. Depending on the nature of the offense, it may be necessary to appear in court or simply pay fines and fees associated with the warrant.

How long before an unpaid ticket becomes a warrant in Texas?

In some cases, unpaid tickets can become warrants after only 30 days, so it is important to take care of any traffic violations immediately in order to avoid potential legal trouble down the road.

How to check for warrants in Dallas Texas for free?

The Dallas County Sheriff’s Office provides a free online tool for checking outstanding warrants within their jurisdiction. Additionally, the Texas Office of Court Administration provides an online search tool for locating warrants across all counties in the state at txcourts.gov/oca/.

What crimes will Texas extradite for?

The state of Texas will extradite individuals who are wanted for certain serious felonies such as murder, kidnapping, rape, and robbery. Additionally, certain misdemeanors that involve violence are subject to extradition.

 Can you fly if you have a warrant in Texas?

No, it is illegal to fly within the United States if you have an outstanding arrest warrant. In this situation, it is best to contact your local county court or sheriff’s office to resolve the issue before attempting to travel by air.

Can you fly out of Texas with a warrant?

No, it is illegal to fly outside of the United States if you have an outstanding arrest warrant. In this situation, it is best to contact your local county court or sheriff’s office to resolve the issue before attempting to travel by air.

Can I renew my ID if I have a warrant in Texas?

No, it is not possible to renew your identification card until any outstanding warrants have been resolved. Contact your local county court or sheriff’s office to take care of the issue before attempting to renew your ID.

Can a lawyer clear a warrant Texas?

Yes, a Texas criminal lawyer can help to resolve an outstanding warrant and clear your record. This typically involves appearing in court and making arrangements to pay any fines or fees associated with the warrant. A lawyer can also help negotiate a settlement with the court if necessary.

How long do you have to run a search warrant in Texas?

According to state law, police officers have 48 hours from the time they obtain the search warrant to execute it. If more than 48 hours elapse without execution of the warrant, then it becomes void and must be re-issued by a judge.

Final Word

Checking for warrants in Texas is an important step to take if you have been informed that you may have a warrant out. With the ability to search online and contact your local law enforcement, it’s easy to check and verify any outstanding warrants. Taking the time to do this research can provide peace of mind and ensure that any potential legal issues are addressed before they become bigger problems.

2 thoughts on “How to Check for Warrants in Texas”

  1. My daughter, which whom is 26 years old now and had been living in Texas until the age of 23. At which time she she moved out of state. She some outstanding tickets for driving without a license from when she was 19 or so. The latest one being issued in 2017. Quite a while before her moving out of state she paid off all of her outstanding tickets in Texas. She has not resided in Texas since June 24, 2021. Now in February of 2024 my daughter received a message on her phone that a Bench Warrant has been issued for Failure To Appear for a ticket issued in 2017. I am really confused as to why a Judge would wait 7 years to sign a Bench Warrant for her arrest and 4 to 5 years after she paid off all of her tickets? If there’s any advice that you could offer, I would greatly appreciate it.

    Sincerely,
    Jeanette Woody

    Reply
    • It sounds like your daughter might be the target of a common scam. Law enforcement agencies, including the FBI and local sheriff’s departments, have issued warnings about scams involving individuals posing as law enforcement officers. These scammers call potential victims, claiming there is a warrant out for their arrest for various reasons, including failure to appear in court. They may spoof caller ID to appear more legitimate and often demand payment to clear the supposed warrant, usually through gift cards, bank deposits, or other untraceable methods.

      Key points to remember:

      • Genuine law enforcement agencies will never demand payment over the phone to clear a warrant.
      • Payments related to warrants are processed through the court system, not over the phone.
      • If you’re contacted by someone claiming to be from law enforcement who demands payment, hang up and contact the law enforcement agency directly using their public phone number to verify the claim.

      Given the situation you described, it’s highly advisable to contact the local police department or court directly to inquire about any outstanding issues. However, given that your daughter cleared her tickets and the manner of the message she received, it’s likely a scam attempt.

      Reply

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