If you suspect you have an outstanding warrant in California, it's critical to take proactive steps to verify and resolve it immediately. Ignoring an active warrant increases the risk of an unexpected arrest during routine traffic stops, at your workplace, or at home.
In California, active warrants are entered into state and federal databases accessible to law enforcement nationwide, making prompt action essential.
3 Types of Warrants Issued by California Courts
California judges issue three main types of warrants, each serving a distinct legal purpose:
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Arrest Warrants: Authorized under California Penal Code § 813, an arrest warrant allows law enforcement officers to apprehend an individual suspected of committing a crime based on probable cause presented by a prosecutor or grand jury indictment.
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Bench Warrants: Issued directly by a judge from the "bench" under California Penal Code § 978.5, a bench warrant orders an arrest for court noncompliance rather than a new criminal charge. Common causes include failure to appear (FTA) in court, failure to pay court fines, or violating probation terms.
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Search Warrants: Governed by California Penal Code § 1524, a search warrant authorizes police officers to search a specific person, vehicle, residence, or business for evidence of a crime. Unlike arrest or bench warrants, search warrants do not directly order an individual's arrest.
Once a magistrate signs them, active arrest and bench warrants are entered into the California Law Enforcement Telecommunications System (CLETS) and the National Crime Information Center (NCIC), allowing any peace officer across the country to verify warrant status instantly.
How to Perform a California Warrant Search
Finding out whether you have an active warrant in California depends on whether you know the specific jurisdiction involved.
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Search Method |
Best Used For |
Information Required |
| County Sheriff Website | Known local jurisdiction | Full name, approximate date of offense |
| Superior Court Public Portal | Case-specific lookups | Full name, DOB, Driver's License, or Case # |
| Criminal Background Check | Statewide or multi-county searches | Live Scan fingerprints or public record provider |
1. County Sheriff Department Online Portals
If you know the specific county where the alleged offense or court missed date occurred, check the official County Sheriff's Department website. Many larger counties—such as Los Angeles, Orange, San Diego, and San Bernardino—maintain public warrant lookup databases or active warrant lists.
2. California Superior Court Websites
Every county in California operates a Superior Court portal containing public criminal case records. By accessing the online court portal for the relevant county, you can search public records using your full legal name, date of birth, driver's license number, or court case number to identify active bench warrants.
3. Comprehensive Criminal Background Checks
If you are unsure which county issued the warrant, run a criminal background check. You can request an official state background check through the California Department of Justice via Live Scan fingerprinting or use an authorized public records service to uncover active warrants, open charges, or probation violations.
Related California Penal Codes and Legal References
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California Penal Code § 813: Statutory authority governing the issuance of felony and misdemeanor arrest warrants.
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California Penal Code § 978.5: Statutory grounds for issuing bench warrants following a failure to appear.
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California Penal Code § 1524: Rules and conditions defining lawful search warrant execution.
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California Penal Code § 1214.1: Civil assessment penalties (up to $100) imposed for failure to appear or failure to pay fines in court proceedings.
What to Do If You Have an Active Warrant in California
Discovering an active warrant requires immediate, strategic action. Self-surrendering or calling court clerks without legal representation can lead to immediate arrest and detention.
A skilled criminal defense attorney can resolve an outstanding warrant safely by:
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Filing a Motion to Quash or Recall the Warrant: In many bench warrant cases, an attorney can appear in court on your behalf to clear the warrant without you having to set foot inside a jail cell.
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Negotiating Bail or Own Recognizance (OR) Release: If a court appearance is required, your lawyer can arrange a voluntary walk-through appearance and advocate for reduced bail or OR release.
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Protecting Your Constitutional Rights: Ensuring police officers execute search or arrest warrants within statutory boundaries while mitigating potential criminal liability.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How do I check if I have an active warrant in California for free?
You can check for active warrants for free by accessing the official website of the local County Sheriff's Department or searching the online case access portal of the local California Superior Court where the offense occurred.
Will police arrest me immediately if I check for a warrant in person?
Yes. If you walk into a police department, sheriff's station, or courthouse clerk's office with an active felony or misdemeanor warrant, law enforcement officers must arrest you on the spot. Consulting a defense lawyer prior to checking in person is strongly advised.
Can a California bench warrant clear itself over time?
No. Warrants issued in California do not expire over time or disappear after a set number of years. An active bench warrant or arrest warrant remains open indefinitely until a judge formally recalls, quashes, or resolves it in court.
Is a bench warrant the same thing as an arrest warrant in California?
No. An arrest warrant is issued at the request of law enforcement based on new criminal allegations, whereas a bench warrant is issued directly by a judge because a defendant failed to comply with court orders, missed a hearing, or failed to pay fines.
Can an attorney clear a warrant without me going to court?
In many California misdemeanor cases, an attorney can appear in court on your behalf under California Penal Code § 977 to recall and quash a bench warrant, preventing you from having to go to court or face arrest.
An attorney from Esfandi Law Group in Los Angeles specializing in criminal defense can assist you. Book your free consultation by either calling us or filling out the contact form.
