Washington Warrant Search

In Washington, when an individual is accused of a crime or law enforcement has probable cause with notable evidence, a court may issue a warrant empowering law enforcement to take that individual into custody. All arrest warrants must be issued in writing, including the state's name, the county of issuance, and the signature of the court officer who issued the order.

A Washington Warrant Search is one way an interested person can find out if there are any active warrants for their arrest in the state. The warrant allows the police to search for and seize criminal evidence for any open investigation. It also defines the scope of the search, including the locations the police can legally search or the items they seek.

Washington State provides various government-owned online databases for individuals to search for warrant information. A comprehensive warrant search can also be conducted through independently owned information providers like third-party websites.

What is a Warrant?

A warrant in Washington is a legal document that permits police officers to carry out a specific task, such as making an arrest, examining a property, or seizing goods. Thus, the various types of warrants issued in Washington include bench warrants, search warrants, and arrest warrants.

Washington State Courts issue warrants to authorized law enforcement officers only. But first, the court must establish that law enforcement has probable cause before issuing a warrant. In other words, the judge must get sufficient grounds from the petitioning police officer before issuing a warrant.

According to the Washington State Public Records Act (PRA) and Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), certain warrant information is available unless a specific exemption applies. Information on the different types of state warrants may vary, and they include the following:

• Name and description of the individual or property stated on the warrant.
• The time and date of warrant issuing.
• The name and signature of the issuing judge or magistrate.
• The warrant's probable cause, a statement that explains why law enforcement officials want to carry out an authorized search warrant.
• The warrant's scope, which specifies the precise acts that law enforcement officials are permitted to carry out, including conducting a search in a specific area or making an arrest of a particular person.
• Any conditions or limitations imposed by the warrant, including a deadline.

Are Warrants Public Records in Washington?

Yes, warrants are public records per the Washington State Public Records Act, Section 42.56 of the Revised Code of Washington (RCW). Per this law, anyone can view or access warrants online or in person upon request.

However, certain warrants may not be public per court order or under state or federal regulations. For instance, when an arrest or criminal record is expunged or sealed, all related warrants are not accessible to the public. Similarly, arrest warrants issued on a juvenile are not publicly available. Only authorized persons may lookup such warrants.

How Do I Look Up Warrants in Washington?

Interested persons may lookup Washington warrants on third-party sites that provide the service. These sites are a good option when starting research or when a person seeks a centralized repository for different warrants across jurisdictions.

When searching warrant records online, searchers must provide the full name of the subject of the warrant. Providing the subject’s general location may also help narrow down the search.

Note that because these sources are not affiliated with the government, the information obtained on third-party sites may differ. These independent service providers generally offer free searches, but obtaining additional information may come at a one-time fee or require a subscription.

What is a Search Warrant in Washington?

Per the Washington Superior Courts Criminal Rules, CrR 2.3, a search warrant in Washington allows legal law authorities to search a place, property, vehicle, or item for evidence of criminal activity. Furthermore, per Section 10.79.035 of the RCW, any magistrate in the state may issue a search warrant for any person or evidence located anywhere within the state.

Are Search Warrants Public Records in Washington?

Yes. Search warrants are public records unless the court orders them sealed. Requesters will be required to submit a motion to get it sealed. However, there will be a need to persuade the judge that the right to privacy outweighs the public's right to access these documents.

How Long Does it Take to Get a Search Warrant in Washington?

To obtain a warrant depends on how long the prosecutor can convince a court judge to issue a warrant. The most important rule is that the prosecutor must present an affidavit proving probable cause to think there is evidence of a crime at the location. The person or selected area, as well as any item or property that the police may seize, must be stated in the affidavit.

How Long Does a Search Warrant Last?

The warrant will require the authorized officer to search the person, property, or item within a specified period not exceeding ten days. At the end of the time frame, the search warrant becomes null and invalid.

What is a Bench Warrant in Washington?

A bench warrant in Washington is a written order that permits the police officer to detain and produce the individual stated in the order before the court. Most bench warrants in Washington are issued when an individual fails to appear in court following the judge's order. According to RCW 10.79.040, failure to appear in court is when the individual does not obey the order to attend a specified court appearance.

What is an Arrest Warrant in Washington?

Under CrR 2.2, an arrest warrant in Washington is a judge's court order to permit law enforcement officers to detain anyone accused of breaking state law. Apart from the state judge, a court clerk can also issue an arrest warrant in Washington. However, the court usually issues an arrest warrant after the prosecutor presents evidence that gives sensible reasons to think an individual committed a crime.

How to Check if You Have a Warrant in Washington

Individuals who want to verify their warrant status in Washington may need to contact their attorney or visit the Sheriff's Office at the county level. However, some offices will not provide warrant information via phone or mail. For example, the Criminal Warrants Unit of the King County Sheriff’s Office does not provide information about warrants over the phone or email. This measure is to ensure that the privacy of individuals is respected.

Can You Check Warrants Online in Washington?

Yes. One of the ways to search for warrants online is through the Washington Access to Criminal History (WATCH) under the Washington State Patrol. Register for an account and get access to the agency's criminal records, which include information about warrants.

The Department of Corrections(DOC) provides a warrant search tool that allows individuals to obtain information about warrants in Washington. Requesters search using the suspect's full name, DOC number, crime type, or county. This search tool is accessible to persons on a county level.

How To Find Out If You Have a Warrant for Free

The Washington State Department of Corrections provides a warrant search tool allowing individuals to search for outstanding secretary warrants for free. The site contains a sheet showing the warrant date, the suspect's name, the crime committed, and the county.

How to Find Out if Someone Has a Warrant Online For Free in Washington

A way to find out if someone has a warrant for free in Washington is through the warrants search tool provided by the Washington State Department of Corrections. The search tool provided on this site has no limitations, as the warrants uploaded are public records.

How Long Does a Warrant Stay Active in Washington?

A warrant stays active in Washington until it is served or revoked by the court. In other words, if an individual is issued an arrest warrant, law enforcement officers can arrest the individual at any time. The only exception to this rule is the search warrant that stays active until after ten days.

How Do I Find Out If I Have a Federal Warrant?

Federal warrants are authorized by a federal court and enforced by federal agencies like the FBI. These warrants are issued when there is evidence or probable cause to suspect a violation of federal law. Once the federal judge has issued the warrant, officers can apprehend and arrest the suspect. Interested persons may lookup federal warrants via the Warrant Information System (WIN) maintained by the U.S. Department of Justice.