Hays County Warrant Search

In Texas, a warrant is a written order issued by a judge that grants law enforcement the power to make an arrest or carry out an act of justice in maintaining the law. In Hays County, a warrant search involves looking up an active or outstanding warrant by contacting judicial or law enforcement agencies. Individuals may verify that they are not wanted by the police or that they have no unresolved obligations by conducting warrant searches. Interested persons may look up the Hays County arrest records to see whether someone was arrested on a warrant.

Warrants are typically issued with an arrest as a result. However, not all warrants require that outcome, as many can be resolved by appearing in court, turning oneself into the police, or admitting to the warrant charge and paying the full fine or cost.

Are Warrants Public Records?

Yes. Warrants are deemed to be public records and may be accessible by the general public under Rule 12 of the Rules of Judicial Administration. The public's right to obtain Hays County warrant information is governed by statutory law such as the Texas Code of Criminal Procedure and court rules.

However, some exceptions, such as the social security number of the subject of a warrant, recalled or expunged warrants, and warrants issued under seal, may not be accessible to the general public. Furthermore, Chapter 18(b) of the Texas Code of Criminal Procedure, prohibits a search warrant affidavit from being made public until the search warrant has been executed.

Types of Warrants in Hays County

Different warrants are issued by the courts in Hays County to serve specific law enforcement purposes. The following are the most common types of warrants issued in Hays County

• Search warrants
• Arrest warrants
• Bench warrants
• Capias warrants.

Do I Have a Warrant in Hays County?

Anyone who desires to find an active or outstanding Hays County warrant may do so through the available search options

• The Texas Department of Public Safety Crime Records Division (CRD)
• The Hays County Sheriff's Office
• The Hays County court case information database
• Hays County courts
• Third-party websites.

Active Warrant Search in Hays County

An individual may conduct a search warrant in Hay County in several ways. The process may vary depending on the type of warrant. However, courts and law enforcement agencies are the most common sources for interested persons to search for a warrant.

Warrants are documents primarily issued by a court. Therefore, individuals may contact the courthouse where the case is ongoing to search for a warrant. Inquirers may also look for warrant information by contacting local law enforcement agencies operating within the county. This is because these agencies are the primary executors of warrants that the court has issued.

Arrest Warrant Search

Several resources are available for interested persons to search for an arrest warrant in Hays County. One may contact the Hays County Sheriff's Office (HCSO) in person to conduct an arrest warrant search. It is important to note that the HCSO does not release arrest warrant information to the general public via phone or email. However, individuals who suspect they may have an arrest warrant may have a bail bond agent or their attorney email the sheriff's office on official letterhead about warrants regarding new charges.

Hays County Sheriff's Office
810 South Stagecoach Trail
San Marcos, TX 78666
Phone: (512) 393-7800

Individuals who cannot conduct in-person searches may find outstanding or existing arrest warrant information or charges on the Hays County Case Records online portal. The Hays County District Clerk's Office also provides arrest warrant information to record seekers via email, online, or in person. One can search for arrest warrant information by utilizing the search terminals available in the reception area of the District Clerk's office during regular business hours for public use.

Hays County District Clerk's Office
712 South Stagecoach Trail
Suite 2211
San Marcos, TX 78666
Phone: (512) 393-7660
Email: distclerk@hayscountytx.gov.

Furthermore, to inquire about an outstanding arrest warrant, one may contact the Precinct 4 Constable's Office Warrant Division at (512) 858-7605.

Bench Warrant Lookup

A Hays County bench warrant is a court order for an individual's arrest. It is typically issued when a defendant fails to appear for a court date. Law enforcement agents with a bench warrant seek out the defendant for arrest. Anyone seeking information regarding a bench warrant may contact the Precinct 4 Constable's Office Warrant Division at (512) 858-7605.

One may search for a bench warrant by contacting the Courts Division of the Hays County Clerk's Office via email at ccsearches@co.hays.tx.us or in person during working hours at

Hays County Government Center
Suite 2008
712 South Stagecoach Trail
San Marcos, TX 78666
Phone: (512) 393-7330
Fax: (512) 393-7735

Individuals may utilize the Hay County Online Court Case Records portal to look up bench warrant information online. Inquirers may also visit the District Clerk's Office in person, using the search terminals available in the reception area. Requests for physical copies of warrant information may be processed along with the required. Requests may also be made via mail or email.

Free Warrant Search

Conducting a warrant search in Hays County usually comes at no cost. While judicial and law enforcement agencies do not charge fees from inquirers to search their online databases or verify a name on their warrant lists, requests for physical copies of a warrant may require an accompanying fee.

Can You Check Hays County Warrants Online?

Yes. Interested persons seeking warrants in Hays County may utilize third-party websites. To complete a warrant search, users may need to provide the subject's first and last name or a case number.

These unofficial websites may feature warrant information and other public records collated from several sources. However, individuals who desire an extensive search may be required to make a paid subscription. Warrant information made confidential by law may also not be accessed by individuals using third-party websites.

Do Hays County Warrants Expire?

The validity of warrants in Hays County depends on the type of warrant issued. Some warrants expire after some time, while others do not. Arrest warrants remain valid indefinitely. They do not expire once they have been issued until the subject named in the warrant has been arrested or deceased.

However, following Chapter 556.105 of the Texas Occupations Code, issued administrative inspection warrants must be executed and returned not later than the 10th day after the date of the warrant's issuance unless the judge allows additional time.

Furthermore, under Crim. Proc. Code art. 18.07, search warrants have an execution period of 15 days if they are only granted to find and collect specimens, such as blood and saliva samples, from a particular individual for DNA analysis and comparison. There is also an execution period of 10 days if the warrant is issued under Article 18B.354 or Subchapter G-1, Chapter 18B, and 3 days for any other purpose.

How to Clear a Warrant Without Going to Jail

Generally, a person may clear a warrant by resolving the issue that led to the warrant issuance. For example, persons with overdue court fees may make payment via the phone, in person, by mail, or online via the relevant court's payment system.

Interested persons may also opt for a walk-through arrest, where the defendant, their attorney, and a representative from a bail bonds company go to court, asking the judge to set a bond in the case while the judge is on the bench. The judge may permit the defendant to leave the courtroom with a representative of a bail bonds company to complete the bonding process rather than arresting the defendant. If the defendant has never appeared in court, the defendant may post a cash, surety, or attorney bond for the warrant and receive a new court date.