How to Find Out if Someone Has a Warrant in Texas

Michelle Wilson - February 25, 2024

Anyone may find themselves facing a warrant for arrest in Texas for reasons such as failure to pay child support, missing a court appearance, or neglecting to pay a judge-ordered DWI fine. Whether you were looking for yourself or someone else, it is worth noting that with the right strategy, your search will resemble locating a needle in a haystack, given that there are over 50,600 warrants, according to online data.

The good news is you can find out if someone has a warrant in Texas by verifying warrants through the sheriff’s office or using the warrants search function.

The Warrants Page On The Texas Department of Public Safety

The Texas Department of Public Safety offers a wide array of services through its website, including the ability to search for outstanding warrants issued by county, state, or federal courts. Access the warrants page, citizens can swiftly research any warrants linked to a first and last name. Moreover, individuals can review their driver’s license records, encompassing details such as warrants, convictions, and other pertinent driver-specific information. Completing this task requires only basic personal details such as name, birthday, and driver’s license number.

The benefit of this method is that as a public resource it may alert individuals to unresolved arrest warrants associated with unpaid traffic fines, probation violations, criminal charges, or DWI offenses which you will need to address promptly to prevent further repercussions.

Verify Warrants Through The Sheriff’s Office

Experts often recommend contacting the sheriff’s office by phone or visiting their office in person to determine if you have an outstanding warrant. When opting to visit the sheriff’s office in person, it’s important to acknowledge the potential risk of arrest. However, the sheriff’s office may schedule a court date and release you in certain situations. Attending this scheduled court date is imperative to avoid a warrant for failure to appear.

Under the Texas Public Information Act, specified in the Government Code, Chapter 552, individuals can request records from the Central Records Division of the Sheriff’s Office. This means citizens can obtain information about another person’s warrant and other relevant records upon request.

Contact Your Local County Court

On a similar line of thought, you might consider contacting your local county court directly and asking about warrants in your name. To address your legal matter effectively, identify the relevant county court corresponding to the location of the issue. Each county operates its own court system, necessitating the location of the appropriate jurisdictional court. Utilize online platforms to locate contact details for the specific county court, typically offering phone numbers, email addresses, and physical locations for communication with court personnel.

The Texas Office of Court Administration (OCA) offers online resources to assist you with this. The OCA offers convenient online search tools accessible through their website at https://www.txcourts.gov/oca/. Upon visiting the website, navigate to the designated section for warrant searches. Here, you can input relevant information, such as your name or case number, to efficiently search for warrants across any county in the state. Utilizing these online search tools can streamline determining whether active warrants are associated with your name, providing valuable insight and enabling you to take appropriate action if necessary.

Court Records

Many county court websites in Texas offer convenient online access to their records, including warrant information. Look for sections or tabs labelled “Public Records,” “Online Services,” or “Search Court Records” on the county court’s website.

Once you’ve located the appropriate section, you can typically search by the individual’s name to see if any warrants exist. It’s important to input accurate and specific details to ensure the most accurate results. If you encounter difficulties navigating the website, consider contacting the county court clerk’s office for guidance. Additionally, while many county court websites offer online access to their records, some may require you to visit the courthouse in person to view certain documents.

Conduct a Background Check

Consider conducting a background check to determine whether someone has an outstanding warrant in Texas. This can be done through various means, including online databases, contacting the county sheriff’s office, or utilizing public records searches. Additionally, you can consult legal professionals or private investigators who specialize in such inquiries for comprehensive assistance.

Contact The Federal Court

Federal judges issue federal warrants, typically associated with crimes that violate federal laws or occur across state lines. By contacting the appropriate federal court, individuals can inquire about active federal warrants and gather relevant information regarding the warrant status, charges, and procedural steps necessary for resolution. It’s essential to provide accurate details and identifiers when making this inquiry to ensure the court’s most accurate and timely response.

Attending A Texas Warrant Roundup

Attending a Texas Warrant Roundup involves an annual statewide effort by law enforcement agencies to locate individuals with outstanding warrants, typically occurring in February or March. Despite some counties like Harris County offering a grace period, paying a fee may lead to unforeseen repercussions such as points on your license, elevated insurance premiums, and DMV surcharges based on the offense. If contacted during the roundup, seeking legal assistance promptly is advisable rather than paying the fine.

Request Legal Representation

If you’ve exhausted your other options, a paid alternative you might consider is using an attorney. Attorneys possess the expertise and access to databases within the law enforcement system that can provide comprehensive information regarding warrants and legal matters.

By retaining a qualified legal professional, individuals can access specialized resources and guidance tailored to their situation. While hiring legal representation typically involves expenses, the investment can offer peace of mind and ensure that the information obtained is legally sound. Additionally, an attorney can advise and assist in navigating any legal implications associated with the warrant, ensuring that individuals can address the situation effectively and protect their rights.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Information Do I Need To Search For Warrants In Texas?

Typically, you will need the individual’s full name to search for warrants in Texas. Some search tools may also allow you to input additional information, such as date of birth or case number, to narrow down the results.

Can I Fly With An Outstanding Warrant in Texas?

It is against the law to fly within or out of Texas with an unresolved arrest warrant. To avoid legal repercussions, it is essential to address the warrant by contacting your local county court or sheriff’s office before making travel arrangements.

A Word of Caution

As you check for warrants, it is worth noting that you might need to exercise an additional level of caution if the person you are searching for is yourself. It is worth noting that going to the county Sheriff’s Office may result in immediate arrest upon discovery of a warrant. Even contacting them by phone could lead to law enforcement tracking your call or location. Refrain from providing any information to the Sheriff’s Office and anticipate the imminent arrival of law enforcement. In the event of a warrant, you may be released after posting a bond or face potential imprisonment. Opting for an online search may be the safer alternative in this scenario.