How to Find Out if You Have a Warrant in California
You’re driving home from work when you get pulled over for a broken taillight. The officer runs your name—and suddenly, you’re in handcuffs.
Many people in California have warrants issued against them without ever knowing it. Whether it’s from a missed court date, unpaid fines, or an unresolved criminal allegation, a warrant can seriously disrupt your life.
Fortunately, you can take control of the situation if you act early. Your first step to clearing your warrant is determining whether you have one. Here’s more on how to find out you have a warrant and common reasons the judge may issue one.
How to Find Out if You Have a Warrant
Here is a breakdown of the following methods for searching for warrants:
Search Online
Many counties in California allow you to search for active warrants online. You’ll typically need your full name and date of birth. Some examples include:
- Searching your name on org and selecting the county you reside in
- You can request your criminal history record on the Office of the Attorney General’s website
- Search your name on the Alameda County Sheriff’s Office website
- Visit the Contra Costa County Superior Court of California’s website
Not every county offers public warrant searches, so results may vary depending on where your case originated.
Request Your Criminal History
You can request your full criminal history record through the California Department of Justice (DOJ) via the Office of the Attorney General. This will show any outstanding warrants, arrests, and charges tied to your name. Be aware this process may take time and requires fingerprinting.
Hire a Criminal Defense Lawyer
A defense lawyer can discreetly check for active warrants and advise you on next steps—without putting you at risk of immediate arrest. This is often the safest option if you have reason to believe a warrant exists.
Why Find Out if You Have a Warrant?
If you believe you have a warrant issued against you, you should find out on your own terms. The last thing you want is for police to show up at your residence or office, search you, and arrest you on-site.
You may think that you would’ve been notified if you had a warrant. However, law enforcement purposefully does not inform individuals when a warrant is issued against them for fear they may flee and dodge an arrest or search.
Any type of warrant issued against you will appear in criminal background checks, which could prevent you from future job opportunities or securing stable housing. It would be wise to ensure that you have no outstanding warrants before applying for a new job or housing.
Reasons You Might Have a Warrant
Warrants could be issued for various reasons, from federal allegations, for which you’d need felony attorneys in Oakland, to unpaid parking tickets. You might have a warrant because of the following:
- Failing to appear in court
- Failing to pay a fine
- Allegedly committing a crime
- Failing to follow court orders
Types of Warrants in California
It’s important to understand what type of warrant you may be facing:
Bench Warrant
Issued when you fail to comply with a court order—like missing a hearing or ignoring a subpoena.
Arrest Warrant
Issued when law enforcement has probable cause to believe you committed a crime. Police may arrest you at any time.
Search Warrant
Authorizes police to search your home, vehicle, or property for evidence. You may not know about it unless or until a search happens.
What to Do if You Have a Warrant
After discovering you have a warrant, you should try to clear it as soon as possible. You can do this in the following way
Contact a Criminal Defense Lawyer
Before taking any action, speak with an experienced criminal defense attorney in Oakland. An experienced lawyer can confirm whether a warrant actually exists, explain its scope, and advise you on the safest path forward. In some cases, a lawyer may be able to resolve the issue without requiring you to appear in court immediately. Just as importantly, they can ensure that you don’t walk into a courthouse or police station unprepared, putting you at risk of being taken into custody.
Voluntarily Address the Warrant
Voluntarily addressing a warrant—especially when accompanied by legal counsel—can show the court that you’re taking responsibility. Judges often view this favorably, which may lead to reduced bail, a quicker resolution, or even avoiding jail altogether.
Explore Your Legal Options
Your attorney will help determine the most appropriate legal strategy based on the type of warrant and the circumstances surrounding it. This might involve filing a motion to quash the warrant entirely, negotiating with the court to set up a payment plan for unpaid fines, or advocating for you to enter a rehabilitation or diversion program if applicable. In more serious cases, your lawyer may negotiate reduced charges or alternative sentencing to avoid jail time.
Worried About a Warrant? Talk to a California Criminal Defense Lawyer Today
Once you find out you have a warrant, your immediate next step should be contacting an Oakland criminal defense lawyer capable of clearing it promptly. They may challenge the warrant’s validity and represent your case to defend you against any alleged charges outlined in the document.
Law enforcement may have gone beyond the warrant’s scope, or other police misconduct might have occurred. At Morris Law, we help people resolve warrants quickly and safely. Call today at (510) 225-9955 to schedule your free consultation.
