Harris County Warrant Search

Warrants are legal orders that authorize specific law enforcement actions. In Harris County, Texas, a court can issue a warrant in a civil or criminal case, often when someone is found in contempt of the court or when sufficient evidence exists that a crime occurred.

A warrant search in Harris County provides information about active, unexecuted local warrants. In some cases, these warrants result in the arrest of an identified subject. Further details about such arrests can be reviewed in the Harris County arrest records.

Are Warrants Public Records?

Yes. In Texas, the public generally has access to the contents of warrants. Statutes like Tex. Code Crim. Proc. Ann. art. 15 and art. 18 ensure that arrest and search warrants are available for public inspection.

Notwithstanding, while warrants are typically public information, affidavits accompanying a warrant may not be accessible. For instance, search warrant affidavits are not public until execution. Once a search warrant is executed, the accompanying affidavit will be made public unless the prosecuting attorney requests its sealing under these circumstances:

• Public disclosure of the affidavit would endanger the safety of a victim, witness, or confidential informant or result in the destruction of evidence.
• The affidavit contains information obtained from a court-ordered wiretap that has not yet expired at the time of the sealing request.

If the affidavit is sealed at the attorney's request, its confidentiality is limited to 31 days after the execution of the search warrant. Once this period expires, the affidavit becomes part of the public record unless the court grants an additional 30-day extension. However, even when an affidavit is temporarily sealed, it does not limit public access to the contents of the search warrant.

Types of Warrants in Harris County

In Harris County, courts issue warrants for different purposes. For instance, an arrest warrant can be issued when a person is suspected of a crime and needs to be brought in to face the charges. Similarly, a search and seizure warrant can be approved when law enforcement reasonably believes that criminal evidence can be found at a specific location.

Common warrants issued in Harris County include arrest, bench, and search warrants. Additionally, Texas law allows for unique warrants tailored to specific situations. An example is a capias pro fine warrant issued to enforce the payment of fines in cases where a person was convicted but failed to comply with the payment requirements.

Do I Have a Warrant in Harris County?

Individuals can find out if they have an active warrant in Harris County using the following methods:

• Contacting local law enforcement agencies in Harris County
• Contacting a Harris County court
• Performing an online search on available law enforcement and court databases
• Consulting an attorney

Active Warrant Search in Harris

Knowing if a warrant exists in one's name allows the individual to act proactively to resolve the underlying issues and avoid legal repercussions. Individuals may check with local courts or law enforcement agencies to find an active Harris County warrant. However, as explained below, agencies may only maintain specific warrant types.

Arrest Warrant Search

Harris County courts and local law enforcement agencies typically maintain repositories of outstanding arrest warrants. Courts generate these warrants and issue them to the Sheriff's Office and other local law enforcement agencies as needed for execution. Inquirers can check for active arrest warrants at the Sheriff's Office, which is located at the address below.

Harris County Sheriff's Office
1200 Baker Street
Houston, TX 77002

A local police agency may also maintain a copy of an arrest warrant if the execution is within its jurisdiction.

An inquirer who does not want to risk an arrest while checking for an arrest warrant at a law enforcement agency can check online. The Sheriff's Office and courts provide online access to warrant search databases. Examples include:

• The District Court Clerk's Records and Documents site provides access to felony, misdemeanor, and other warrants issued in the Criminal Courts at Law and District Courts. Researchers must create an account to perform a search, but there is no cost associated with registering or performing searches.
• The Sheriff's Warrant Search portal provides researchers access to active Class A and Class B misdemeanor warrants and other processes approved by a local Criminal Court at Law. Users can search the database by first name, last name, SPN (System Person Number), or date of birth. Partial name searches are also possible if the full name is unknown.

Bench Warrant Lookup

Bench warrants are arrest warrants issued when an individual fails to appear in court as required or violates a court order. In Harris County, individuals can find information on bench warrants by searching court records at a clerk's office. If the issuing court offers an online public database, inquirers may also search for warrant information remotely.

Free Warrant Search

Harris County residents can obtain warrant information for free via public records requests to courts or by accessing court and law enforcement databases. Public bodies generally do not require a fee to disclose warrant information unless the inquirer needs a copy of the warrant.

Can You Check Warrants Online?

Yes, Harris County warrants can be accessed online on third-party websites. These websites offer an alternative for individuals who prefer not to make in-person inquiries or search multiple official sites, as no official public online database lists all Harris County warrants.

A first and last name is typically sufficient to perform a warrant search on third-party databases, although users may be charged to see complete search results. Further, while third-party databases are a convenient resource for online warrant searches, they may not be an ideal option when seeking up-to-date information.

Do Warrants Expire?

Arrest warrants in Harris County typically do not expire; they remain active until executed or withdrawn by the court. Search warrants, however, have specific validity timelines based on their purpose. For instance, search warrants for DNA specimens expire after 15 days, those for certain electronic data expire after 10 days, and warrants for other purposes expire after 3 days (Crim. Proc. Code art. 18.07). If a search warrant is not executed within its statutory time frame, a judge may renew it if probable cause still exists. Otherwise, it becomes void.

How to Clear a Warrant Without Going to Jail

Clearing a warrant without going to jail is possible, depending on the circumstances. One option is to post bail through a licensed bail bond agent using a surety bond. Alternatively, an individual can voluntarily appear in court and request release on a personal bond, which does not require surety or other securities. One can also consult with an attorney to verify the warrant's existence and obtain legal guidance on how to clear it, thereby avoiding possible complications if unsure about the proper way to approach the situation.

It is important to note that a warrant subject may still face jail time for serious offenses, such as felonies, even if they voluntarily appear in court and request release on a personal bond.