Bexar County Warrant Search
If you're trying to lookup a Bexar warrant, you're not alone. Whether you're attempting to check your own status or assisting someone else, understanding the basics can be extremely helpful. These are serious matters that require swift attention to avoid further complications or criminal charges. The first step is to determine which type of warrant has been issued, and where to confirm the existence of one. The next step is to handle the legal situation surrounding a warrant, which in some cases might require hiring an attorney.
In the following sections, we will go over the different types of warrants, how to run a Bexar warrant search, and what to do if you have one. Since these are considered public records, you have more than one option when researching them online. We'll highlight these various research options, and discuss how to avoid being arrested while doing so.
What Exactly Are Warrants?
A warrant is essentially a court order that is issued when the court needs to see someone in person for either a crime they've committed or a missed court appearance. There is quite a bit of difference between these two types as one usually leads to someone's arrest and arraignment in court, where the other is non-criminal and merely requests a person's presence. Both are directives that are put in motion by a judge or magistrate, but with very different implications.
Different Types of Warrants in Bexar County
Warrants in generally fall into two categories: arrest warrants and bench warrants. The difference between these two types of warrants is quite large. An arrest warrant is self explanatory, as it results in a wanted person for an alleged crime. A bench warrant is more of a civil administration command that requests. Here is a more comprehensive overview of the two types:
Arrest Warrants: An Bexar arrest warrant is issued when there is strong evidence that a person has likely committed a crime. This type of court order allows law enforcement to arrest the person listed on the warrant. The process usually begins with a law enforcement officer or prosecutor presenting evidence to a judge, or an affidavit, who then decides whether there's enough probable cause to arrest someone.
Bench Warrants: A Bexar bench warrant, on the other hand, is issued because an someone has failed to appear in court as required. This could be for a traffic ticket, a missed court date, jury duty, or any other legal obligation. Unlike arrest warrants, these types are not based on suspicion of a new crime, but rather on the failure to comply with a court order. They can often be remedied by making an appointment to appear in court.
How to Run a Bexar Warrant Lookup
Running a warrant lookup in Bexar County can quickly verify if you or someone you care about is not unknowingly subject of a warrant. This can quickly let you know if you should hire an attorney or surrender to law enforcement. Here are the various ways to run a warrant lookup online.
Sheriff Department: The County Sheriff's Office provides an online database where you can search for active warrants. To run a lookup, visit their official website and navigate to the warrants section. You will need basic information, such as the individual's name and date of birth, to conduct the search.
Texas DPS: The Texas Department of Public Safety offers a crime records search that will show every conviction, incarceration and active warrant on a person's record. This service does cost a few bucks, but it offers a more comprehensive approach to looking up someone's active criminal charges.
Third Party Services: Since warrants are considered public records, there are many third party services, such as public record and background check sites that offer access to this information. These service do charge a fee but they have become increasingly popular for warrant searches as many of these resources offer anonymous searching. This means you can lookup these public records without anyone knowing.
How Arrest Warrants Are Enforced
Once an arrest warrant is issued by the courts, law enforcement is responsible for its taking action. This means that police officers are authorized to arrest the individual named in the court order. This can occur during a traffic stop, at the person's home, or in any public place. Bench warrants can also potentially lead to an arrest, but enforcement often starts with attempts to contact the individual and resolve the matter voluntarily. If necessary, law enforcement will proceed with an arrest if the courts deem it's necessary.
Do I Have a Warrant in Bexar County Texas?
If you want to find out if you have one there are couple of quick ways to find out with an online search. The County Sheriff Department has an online search tool that is publicly accessible to run a Bexar warrant search. Thi will let you know if you have one issued for your arrest. You can also use a background check or public records website to lookup active warrants. These resources are popular because many of them allow you to search in confidence without notifying law enforcement. This will give you a chance to lawyer-up and get some legal assistance to deal with your situation.
