Wichita County Warrant Search

Warrants are legal documents issued by a magistrate or judge that authorize law enforcement to search or seize property or arrest an individual and present them before the court. In Texas, warrants are also issued for failing to appear in court or ignoring fines and other court orders.

The warrant search process helps individuals be proactive in addressing any outstanding legal issues, inform citizens of wanted persons for personal and community safety, and help attorneys determine how to help their clients.

The Wichita District Clerk’s Office, Wichita County arrest records, and the Texas Department of Safety Crime Records Division are a couple of research sources that can serve as guides for conducting warrant inquiries in Wichita County.

Are Warrants Public Records?

Yes. Under the Texas Public Information Act, court records related to adjudication are open to the general public for inspection and copying during regular business hours. In addition, Article 15.26 of the Texas Code of Criminal Procedure clearly states that any affidavit presented before a magistrate in support of the issuance of a warrant is public information once the warrant is executed.

Under Article 18.01, (b), the law explains that an affidavit for a search warrant does not become public information until the search warrant has been executed. All such warrants and affidavits must be available for public inspection and reasonably accessible to members of the public.

However, some records may be classified as confidential under the law, by court order, or by other federal or state statutes. When this is the case, the record custodian is prohibited from disclosing such warrants or affidavits. This rule also applies to situations where the record holder has been granted an order of expungement regarding the warrant and other related criminal and arrest records.

Types of Warrants in Wichita County

Courts in Wichita County issue different types of warrants for criminal and civil justice purposes. Generally, the warrants typically issued in the county include:

• Arrest warrants: issued when a person is suspected of committing or being party to a crime.
• Bench or capias warrants: issued to compel individuals to appear before the court.
• Search warrants: issued to permit lawful search and seizure of a private property.
• Blue warrants: issued when a person violates parole privileges.

Do I Have a Warrant in Wichita County?

When a person suspects or has reason to believe that they have a warrant in Wichita County, they can check the websites of the following custodians for an online list of warrants or contact them to request a warrant search.

• The Wichita County District Clerk
• The City of Wichita Falls Municipal Court
• Wichita County Sheriff’s Office.

Active Warrant Search in Wichita

There is no central online repository for warrants in Wichita County. If an individual suspects that a warrant has been issued in their name, they must take proactive steps to resolve the warrant as soon as possible. Copies of Arrest and bench warrants and affidavits for search warrants are primarily in the custody of the Wichita Municipal Court and District Court. As statutorily authorized executors of warrants, law enforcement agencies also keep records of warrants granted to them by the court.

All concerned parties can find information on warrants and conduct their searches through platforms provided by the issuing county courts or law enforcement agencies. Simply check the websites of or contact the local law enforcement authorities, as well as the county, district, and municipal courthouses.

Arrest Warrant Search

The Wichita District Court issues arrest warrants and capias to arrest individuals for investigations, legal proceedings, and the administration of justice. The difference between these two warrants is that while an arrest warrant is executed pre-trial before the defendant is formally charged and court proceedings begin, a capias is issued after the criminal court case commences (after bail or before trial).

In Wichita, requests for warrant searches may be in writing to the Wichita District Court Clerk or the Wichita County Sheriff’s Office.

However, if the person in question opts to perform a warrant search in person and they indeed have an active arrest warrant in their name, the police have the right to arrest them on the spot. The step in the right direction is to hire a criminal defense attorney for professional legal advice.

Wichita County Sheriff’s Office
2815 Central Freeway East
Wichita Falls, TX 76302
Phone: (940) 766-8170
Fax: (940) 766-8102

Wichita County District Clerk
900 7th Street RM 108
Wichita Falls, TX 76301
Phone: (940) 766-8100 - option 5.

Bench Warrant Lookup

Bench warrants are issued for defendants who fail to make an appearance in court when scheduled or fail to meet payment or other court-imposed deadlines without prior notice to the court. A bench warrant commands a police officer to arrest the subject and bring them before the court.

The Wichita Municipal Court warrant officers are in charge of informing residents and other individuals of active warrants issued in their name. Usually, the warrant officer will call you or leave a message at your home lines, place of employment, friend, or family, or place a notice at the defendant’s door. This notice is to inform you that you have a warrant for your arrest. If you receive this, contact the Municipal Court immediately at (940) 761-7880.

The Municipal Court also provides online court services to help check for warrants. Researchers can search for warrant information by name, date of birth, and a valid Texas Driver’s License number.

Free Warrant Search

Individuals can access warrants for free at the Wichita Traffic/Criminal Case Search site or by looking up warrants at the issuing courts or County sheriff’s office.

Can You Check Wichita County Warrants Online?

Researchers can find warrants online at third-party public records search sites. These sites are often subscription-based or paid services, but this might be a plus for some users as they are convenient and easily accessible and offer a wider range of search results and information from multiple jurisdictions. Interestingly, a number of third-party apps offer cheaper or even cost-free search options. To perform a warrant search, the searcher must provide the names of the persons in the warrant, their date of birth, and the county of issuance.

Do Wichita County Warrants Expire?

It depends. Search warrants issued in Texas expire within three to 15 days and become void. The duration of validity does not include the day the warrant is issued or served (Article 18.07 Texas Code of Criminal Procedure). On the other hand, arrest warrants do not expire and remain active indefinitely until the individual is arrested. The defendant can be arrested based on an arrest warrant at any time or place until it is recalled, quashed, or resolved.

Just like arrest warrants, bench warrants do not expire until the defendant appears in court or takes active steps to resolve the warrant.

How to Clear a Warrant Without Going to Jail

Concerned persons may consult a criminal defense attorney who can guide them through the proper court procedures. An attorney will help them understand their legal options and contact the court to determine the next steps based on the specific charges and circumstances.

Possible actions may include requesting a new court date, negotiating a plea bargain, seeking alternatives like community service, or voluntarily surrendering to the warrant, which allows for posting bail and being released after a new court hearing is scheduled. Taking strategic steps like these demonstrates to the court that you are remorseful and willing to cooperate, which is integral for resolving warrants.