What is a warrant?
A warrant is a legal document issued by an Alabama court that authorizes law enforcement officers to take a specific action. Warrants are used to instruct officers to make an arrest, conduct a search, or take other actions.
If you think there might be a warrant out in your name, it’s important to know how to check. Ignoring a warrant can lead to serious consequences, including arrest, so it’s vital to take action as soon as possible.
This article can help you with your Alabama warrant search. It will explain the different types of warrants that can be issued in Alabama, how to conduct a warrant search, and what to do if you discover that there is a warrant for your arrest.
Types of Warrants in Alabama
There are several types of warrants in Alabama. Here’s a look at the most common:
Arrest Warrants
An arrest warrant orders law enforcement to take someone into custody. To get an arrest warrant, law enforcement must show probable cause that a crime has been committed and that the person they want to arrest committed it. (Al. Code § 15-7-4)
Search Warrants
A search warrant allows law enforcement to search a specific place for evidence related to a crime. To get a search warrant, law enforcement must show probable cause to believe that evidence of a crime will be found at the location they want to search. They must also submit an affidavit explaining the basis for their belief. (Al. Code §15-5-1)
Alabama law specifies that a search warrant can be issued if there’s evidence of unlawful acquisition, suspected felony use, or use of something as a tool in a public offense, or if the item is crucial evidence in a case. (Al. Code §15-5-2)
Bench Warrants
A bench warrant is issued when someone fails to show up in court. It’s different from an arrest warrant, although it also leads to an arrest.
Other Types of Warrants
Alabama also has alias warrants, civil capias warrants, and recall warrants, all of which are used in specific circumstances.
How to Conduct an Alabama Warrant Search
If you’re looking to see if someone has an outstanding warrant in Alabama, here’s how you can go about it. It’s crucial to remember that the information you find, especially online, might not be completely up-to-date, so always double-check with official sources.
Official Sources
The best place to start is with official law enforcement agencies:
- Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA): Check out ALEA’s website. They might have resources for fugitive searches, which could give you some leads.
- Local Law Enforcement Agencies: Get in touch with the local police or sheriff’s office in the area you’re interested in. For example, the Baldwin County Sheriff’s Office deals with a whopping 18,000 warrants each year, so they’re a good resource for that county.
- County Sheriff’s Offices and Court Clerk’s Offices: Head down to the county sheriff’s office or the court clerk’s office and ask to search their records. Some counties, like Barbour, Calhoun, and Dale, specifically keep warrant records.
Methods of Searching
You have a couple of options for getting the information:
- In-Person Searches: This means physically going to the local offices or courthouses. You might be able to use self-service computers at the courthouse to do a free warrant search.
- Online Resources: Some areas might have online tools for searching warrants. Check the official websites of the agencies mentioned above.
Third-Party Websites
You’ll find plenty of websites that claim to offer warrant searches, but be super careful:
- Accuracy Concerns: These sites aren’t always accurate, so don’t take what they say as gospel.
- Use with Caution: Treat these websites as a starting point, not the final word. Always verify the information with an official source.
Legal Considerations and Warrant Validity
It’s important to understand the legal aspects of warrants in Alabama. Here’s what you should know:
Warrants as Public Records
Generally, warrants are considered public record in Alabama, according to Alabama Code §36-12-40. This means that, in theory, the public has access to these documents.
However, there are exceptions. Some warrants might be kept private to protect ongoing investigations or to ensure the safety of individuals involved.
Warrant Execution Timeframe
Alabama law (Al. Code § 15-5-12) states that warrants should be executed within 10 days of being issued. If a warrant isn’t executed within that timeframe, it becomes void and can no longer be used.
Probable Cause Requirement
A warrant can’t just be issued on a whim. It must be based on probable cause, supported by a sworn affidavit. This means there needs to be a reasonable belief, based on facts, that a crime has been committed.
What to Do If You Discover a Warrant in Your Name
Finding out there’s a warrant out for your arrest can be scary. Here’s what to do:
- Seek legal counsel. If you find out there’s a warrant for your arrest, the first thing you should do is call a lawyer. A good attorney can help you figure out the best way to handle the situation.
- Don’t ignore the warrant. Ignoring a warrant won’t make it go away. In fact, it can make things worse.
- Consider turning yourself in. Talk to your lawyer about the possibility of turning yourself in. This shows you’re taking the situation seriously.
- Address the underlying issues. If the warrant is because you missed a court date or didn’t pay a fine, take care of those things.
- Attend all court proceedings. Make sure you show up for all your court dates.
What happens when you’re arrested on a warrant?
If police have an arrest warrant for you, they can arrest you on the spot. If you have a bench warrant because you didn’t show up for court or violated probation, you may not be arrested right away. However, if you don’t take care of the warrant, you could be arrested in the future.
It’s important to understand your rights when police arrest you on a warrant.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I file a police report in Alabama?
Filing a police report in Alabama usually involves contacting your local police department or sheriff’s office. You can typically do this in person at their station or by calling their non-emergency phone line. Be prepared to provide detailed information about the incident, including the date, time, location, and any relevant descriptions. Depending on the situation, an officer may come to your location to take the report, or you may need to visit the station. For online reporting, check if your local department offers that service on their website.
Does Alacourt show active warrants?
Alacourt is Alabama’s online court record system and can be a useful resource, but it typically does not display active warrant information. While you might find case details related to charges that could lead to a warrant, the specific warrant itself is generally not accessible to the public through this system. Warrant information is often restricted to law enforcement to prevent suspects from evading arrest. Therefore, Alacourt is not a reliable tool for determining if a warrant exists for you or someone else.
How do I check if I have a warrant in Alabama?
The most direct and reliable way to check if you have a warrant in Alabama is to contact the relevant law enforcement agency directly. This could be your local police department, the sheriff’s office in the county where you reside or where you suspect the warrant might have been issued, or even a court clerk’s office. Be aware that inquiring about a warrant could potentially lead to your arrest if one exists. Another option is to consult with an attorney who can discreetly investigate the matter on your behalf and advise you on the best course of action.
Key takeaways
So, in Alabama, warrants are considered public record, but access may be limited based on the specifics of the case. If you think there might be a warrant out for you, contact local law enforcement or talk with an attorney. A lawyer can help you navigate the situation.