Washington County Warrant Search

A Washington County warrant search helps determine if an individual has active or outstanding warrants in the region. Parties often conduct this search for legal or personal reasons, such as verifying court obligations or confirming that law enforcement has not issued a warrant for an arrest.

Law enforcement agencies and court offices in Washington County, Minnesota, handle warrant inquiries. The appropriate agency depends on the warrant type. Some warrants lead to immediate arrest, while others can be resolved through court appearances, voluntary surrender, or payment of fines.

Inquirers may review Washington County arrest records to check if an arrest occurred due to a warrant or to gather details about a prior arrest. These records provide insight into law enforcement actions and relevant case details, informing individuals about their legal status.

Are Warrants Public Records?

Yes. Washington County warrants are generally considered public records under the Minnesota Government Data Practices Act (MGDPA). However, access to specific warrant information may be restricted to protect ongoing investigations, ensure individual privacy, or maintain public safety. For instance, details of active warrants might be withheld to prevent compromising law enforcement efforts or to safeguard individuals involved.

Types of Warrants in Washington County

The Washington County 10th District Court issues warrants to authorize specific law enforcement actions, such as arrests or property searches. The most common types include arrest warrants, issued when probable cause exists for a criminal offense; bench warrants, typically resulting from missed court appearances or violations of judicial orders; and search warrants, which allow authorities to inspect locations for evidence. Additional warrants may address probation violations or fugitives.

Do I Have a Warrant in Washington County?

Several methods exist for locating active or outstanding warrants in Washington County, including:

• Searching court case databases
• Reviewing law enforcement warrant lists
• Using third-party search sites
• Consulting bail bond agencies
• Obtaining legal counsel.

Active Warrant Search in Washington County

Conducting a thorough warrant search within the county involves reviewing court and law enforcement records. The courthouse is the primary verification source since Washington County's 10th District Court is responsible for issuing most warrants. Court databases, court clerk offices, and official online tools provide direct access to warrant details.

County police departments also play a critical role in active warrant searches. As agencies responsible for executing warrants—particularly arrest warrants—police departments maintain records of outstanding warrants within the jurisdiction. Some provide warrant lists online or offer in-person assistance for inquiries.

Custodians of county warrant records offer some methods for locating or verifying outstanding warrants, outlined below.

Arrest Warrant Search

According to the Washington County Sheriff’s office, the District Court issues arrest warrants and forwards documents (s) to the dealing police department for execution. Most arrest warrants stem from failure to appear or comply with a court order. Probation officers also issue arrest and detention orders for probation violations, which are added to the County Sheriff's Office online active warrants list.

To conduct an arrest warrant search, parties should take the following steps:

• Visit the Washington County Sheriff's Office website.
• Scroll on a PC and locate "Warrant Search" on the right.
• Click "Start Search".
• Enter the subject's entire name.
• Click "Start Search" to generate results.

Bench Warrant Lookup

Bench warrants are arrest warrants typically issued for judicial non-compliance, including failure to appear in court, failure to fulfil a judgment, or failure to adhere to a probation order.

A practical method for locating a bench warrant involves reviewing court records for the relevant case. While in-person inquiries can be made at the court clerk's office, Washington County's 10th District Court, responsible for civil, criminal, traffic, family, probate, and juvenile cases, allows public access to court records within the Minnesota Court Records Online (MCRO) network.

To search for court records, requesters should do the following:

• Visit the "Case Search" section of the MCRO.
• Scroll down and select "Washington" from the list.
• Enter case details to begin the search.

Free Warrant Search

The Washington County Sheriff’s Office provides a free online tool for searching active warrants. This allows individuals to perform name-based searches to check warrant status without visiting the office in person.

Another method involves the Washington County 10th District Court, which offers case record access through the Minnesota Court Records Online (MCRO) system. Users can search court records to determine if an active warrant is tied to a specific case.

Although most county warrant search options are typically free, parties should note that obtaining hard copies of court documents like these may involve a fee.

Can You Check Washington County Warrants Online?

Yes. Court and law enforcement records aside, individuals can also check third-party public records websites for Washington County warrants. The individual's name or case number is usually required to perform a search. Users should note that these sites do not provide access to confidential information, such as sealed warrants, as those are legally protected.

Third-party websites typically pull data from various public records sources, but they may charge a fee or require a subscription for more detailed or comprehensive results.

Do Washington County Warrants Expire?

It depends. Washington County arrest warrants do not expire under statutory law and remain in effect until the individual is apprehended or the court cancels the warrant. Search warrants, however, are subject to expiration. Under Minn. Stat. § 626.15, search warrants typically have a 10-day validity period, starting the day after issuance and excluding the day of execution. The court may grant an extension, but this is generally rare. Administrative warrants, which are issued for inspections or similar purposes, also have set execution time frames.

How to Clear a Washington County Warrant Without Going to Jail

A Washington County arrest warrant can be cleared without incarceration through the following ways:

• Making a payment online, by phone, mail, or in person—if permitted by the court. This action results in a conviction, equating to a guilty or no-contest plea.
• Posting a bond through cash, surety, or attorney representation to secure a new court date if no prior court appearance had occurred.
• Voluntarily appearing before the issuing court. The courts may interpret this action as a sincere attempt to resolve the warrant, reducing the likelihood of immediate arrest. It is prudent to consult an attorney before making this decision.