Hidalgo County Warrant Search

Warrants are authorizations that courts issue to authorize specified law enforcement organizations to detain a person or take physical property. Usually, when a warrant is issued, an arrest follows. However, warrants may be addressed by appearing in court, turning oneself in to the police, or admitting to the warrant charge and paying the whole fee or penalty.

By conducting warrant searches, various individuals can confirm that they are not wanted by the police or that they have no outstanding commitments. Interested parties may check the Hidalgo County arrest records to determine if someone was arrested on a warrant.

Are Warrants Public Records?

Yes. According to Rule 12 of the Rules of Judicial Administration, warrants are considered public records and may be made available to members of the public. The general public's right to access Hidalgo County warrant information is governed by court rules and statutory law, including the Texas Code of Criminal Procedure.

However, the public may not be able to access certain exceptions, such as the warrant subject's social security number, recalled or expunged warrants, and warrants issued under seal. Chapter 18(b) of the Texas Code of Criminal Procedure also forbids the public release of a search warrant affidavit until the search warrant has been executed.

Types of Warrants in Hidalgo County

Hidalgo County courts have the authority to issue various warrants, each with a distinct function. However, warrants typically issued in Hidalgo County include:

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

Do I Have a Warrant in Hidalgo County?

Interested persons may obtain information about active warrants by querying any of the following:

• Texas Department of Public Safety Crime Records Division (CRD)
• Hidalgo County Sheriff's Office
• Hidalgo County Records Inquiry database
• Hidalgo County Court
• Third-party websites

Active Warrant Search in Hidalgo

In Hidalgo County, there are multiple methods by which a person can carry out a warrant search. Specific custodians maintain certain types of warrants. Nevertheless, courts and law enforcement organizations are the most common sources through which interested parties may look up a warrant.

A court primarily creates warrants. To obtain a warrant, inquirers may contact the courthouse where the matter is pending. Another option is to get information about warrants by contacting the county's local law enforcement agencies. These organizations are the main executors of court-issued warrants.

Arrest Warrant Search

The Crime Records Division of the Texas Department of Public Safety (TDPS) provides members of the public with information regarding current and outstanding arrest warrants issued in Texas. However, the system is restricted to registered users only. To search, sign in, and fill in the required information. Click on search.

Interested persons may also remotely look up warrant information on the Hidalgo County Records Inquiry online database. Requests may also be directed to the Hidalgo County Sheriff's Office at:

Hidalgo County Courthouse
100 North Closner
Edinburg, Texas 78539

However, it is important to note that warrant information is only available to the subject named in the warrant, their bondsman, or their legal representative. Furthermore, members of the public may look up the arrest warrant list at any of the local police departments operating within the county.

Bench Warrant Lookup

Under Art. 15.17, the court may direct a peace officer to arrest an individual for contempt of court, not showing up for court, or failing to pay the required fine. This order is known as a bench warrant. To look up a bench warrant, interested persons may contact any Hidalgo County Courthouses via phone or in person.

Furthermore, one may contact the Hidalgo County Clerk's Office to look up court case information, which may contain bench warrant records. Requests may be made by filling and submitting the Criminal Case Request Form or utilizing the County Clerk's Case Search online tool.

People may also look up bench warrants by contacting the Hidalgo County District and Municipal courts in person or through their attorneys.

Free Warrant Search

In Hidalgo County, conducting a warrant search is typically free. Although judicial and law enforcement agencies generally don't charge inquirers to search their online databases or confirm a name on their warrant lists, there may be costs associated with requests for physical copies of a warrant.

Can You Check Warrants Online?

Yes. Interested individuals seeking warrants in Hidalgo County may access third-party websites. Third-party websites keep records of warrants issued or carried out in various jurisdictions. To conduct a warrant search, users might be required to enter the subject's first and last name or case number. These unofficial websites could include public documents compiled from multiple sources and warrant information.

However, those who want to perform a thorough search might have to pay for a subscription. Additionally, users of third-party websites may not be able to obtain warrant information that is legally classified as confidential.

Do Warrants Expire?

Following Crim. Proc. Code art. 18.07, search warrants have the following execution periods:

• A 15-day execution period if a search warrant is only issued to locate and gather specimens, like blood and saliva samples, from a specific person for DNA analysis and comparison
• A 10-day execution period if the warrant is issued under Article 18B.354 or Subchapter G-1 and Chapter 18B
• A 3-day execution period for any other cause

Administrative inspection warrants issued per Chapter 556.105 of the Texas Occupations Code must be executed and returned by the tenth day following the date of issuance unless the judge grants an extension. However, once an arrest warrant is issued, it is valid indefinitely until the suspect specified in the warrant is either arrested or deceased. Therefore, the validity of warrants in Hidalgo County depends on their type or specific features.

How to Clear a Warrant Without Going to Jail

Several courts provide information on their websites to the general public on remotely clearing a warrant. Interested persons may contact their attorney or the relevant courthouse to understand the options for resolving warrants.

Anyone who wishes to clear a warrant without going to jail may choose to pay the warrant online through the presiding court's web payment system. If the court allows, payment may also be made in person, by mail, or over the phone. One may also post a cash, surety, or attorney bond for the warrant and be given a new court date or visit the court where the warrant was issued.