San Diego County Warrant Search

Understanding San Diego Arrest and Bench Warrants

San Diego warrants are an important part of preserving law and order in this Southern California community. However, not all warrants are the same. There are significant differences between arrest warrants and bench warrants. Each has its own set of circumstances, where one results in someone being arrested and the other being a court order demanding someone's presence in court. Both types are important to understand and can easily found online using some easy to use database resources. The process of running a San Diego warrant search begins with collecting some basic information, such as first and last name and a date of birth. Then using the online resources we will show you in this article, you will be able to lookup any active warrants in your name, or anyone else, as they are considered public records.

What Are Warrants and Why Are They Issued?

In San Diego County warrants are always issued by the courts. Some warrants direct law enforcement to arrest a person suspected of a crime. While others are a summons to appear in court. The difference between these is significant as one can potentially result in a criminal conviction where the other is not a crime at all. Here is the difference between both types of these court orders:

San Diego Arrest Warrants: These are issued based on probable cause of a crime. While these are allegations of a crime, there is either strong evidence to support this, or an affidavit by law enforcement that a crime has been witnessed. The 4th Amendment of the Constitution protects people from being arrested if there is not a strong case against them.

San Diego Bench Warrants: These are issued by the courts for various non-criminal reasons. A judge or magistrate will typically issue these for a missed court appearance, a failed court order, or unpaid court fees. These do not result in a person's arrest unless they are ignored. Often times, these can be resolved by rescheduling a court appearance, following through with the respective court order, or paying the past due court fees.

What Happens When An Arrest Record is Issued in Your Name

Having an active arrest warrant in San Diego County can lead to serious consequences, including jail time. The most immediate is the risk of arrest. This can happen at any time and any place. It could be during a routine traffic stop or even at your place of work. After your arrest, you will be booked into jail and await your arraignment in court for the alleged criminal charges. They can quickly upend a person's livelihood.

Additionally, warrants can have profound impacts your personal and professional life. They can show up in background checks, as criminal records, which can affect employment opportunities and housing applications. While they are not considered criminal convictions, they are still looked bucketed as part of your criminal history.

How to Run a San Diego Warrant Search

If you suspect you have a warrant in San Diego County, don't wait to long or things can get much worse. There are several ways to conduct a San Diego warrant search online, some resources allow you to search anonymously. The first step is to know the full name, including middle name if you know it, of the person you want to lookup. Then using either the San Diego County Sheriff website, or verified third-party resources, you can quickly find out if there is an active warrant in your name, or someone else. The Sheriff Department site also post their most wanted online, including mugshots, that is publicly accessible.

Do I Have a Warrant in San Diego?

You can quickly find out if you have one issued in your name without being arrested. You can search via the SD Sheriff Department website using a first and last name. They will let you know if there is anything active without having to register. This will give you the opportunity to address the warrant before getting arrested.

Steps to Take if You Have a Warrant in San Diego County

If you discover you have a warrant, don't panic, there are steps you can take to address the situation. First, you may want to contact a criminal defense attorney to find out what your options are. They can provide guidance on the best course of action. This may include turning yourself and arranging for bail. An attorney will also help you understand your rights and make sure you are treated fairly. The next steps are to plan your defense and plead your case in court. While an arrest warrant is typically an allegation of a crime, you are not convicted of one. This is a key point to remember. You might be able to reduce your charges or potentially stay out of jail with legal assistance.