If you suspect you have a warrant out for your arrest, it’s important to resolve the issue as soon as possible. You can be arrested at home, work or even during a routine traffic stop if you are considered a wanted person by law enforcement. Fortunately, it is possible to find out if you have a warrant by using an online warrant search tool.
In most cases, police officers will have the right to apply for a warrant to arrest someone based on probable cause of having committed an offense. The burden is on the applicant to prove that probable cause exists. If they can’t, the warrant will be denied. There are exceptions to this rule such as the need for a criminal history check or a mental health evaluation.
Most counties have a website where you can find out if there is an active warrant for your arrest. You can also find the information in a database provided by third party companies. Some of these sites charge a fee to use their service. However, it may be cheaper to go directly to your county’s website or contact a court clerk.
It’s a good idea to periodically check for a warrant on your name, especially if you have missed a few court dates or violated the terms of your pretrial release. It is also a good idea to speak with a local criminal defense attorney who can help you deal with the warrant and any other legal issues.