Denton County Warrant Search
Before going directly into how to conduct a warrant search, it's important to know what warrants are and how they differ. There are generally two primary types of warrants: arrest warrants and bench warrants. However, knowing the nuances of these warrants, what their implications are, and the processes involved in how they're issued can significantly impact how you handle them. We'll cover all of this and how to run a warrant search anonymously in the following sections.
Denton County Arrest Warrants
An arrest warrant is only issued by a judge or magistrate when there has likely been a crime committed, which is also known as probable cause. This type of warrant directs local law enforcement to take the individual into custody and have them arraigned in court. The majority of arrest warrants are issued following investigations that provide enough evidence to justify the arrest, or a sworn affidavit by law enforcement.
Denton County Bench Warrants
Bench warrants, which don't normally result in someone's arrest, are issued directly by a judge when someone fails to comply with a specific court order. This could happen if you miss a court date or fail to pay a fine. Unlike arrest warrants, bench warrants are not issued as a result of suspected criminal activity but rather due to non-compliance with the respective court procedures.
Denton County Capias Warrant
A capias warrant, similar to an arrest warrant, can only be issued by a judge or magistrate. These allow law enforcement to arrests someone but these are issued once someone is already on trial but fail to show up. This is a way for the courts to enforce a person's appearance in a criminal trial.
How to Run a Denton County Texas Warrant Search
If you suspect there might be an outstanding warrant for your arrest or someone else in Denton County, conducting a warrant search is a prudent first step. Here's how you can go about it:
County Resources: Denton County provides online resources that allow you to search for active warrants. You can visit the county's main website and go to the Warrant Division page and make an inquiry. Since they do not post these online, you will need to contact the Warrant Division by email or phone directly @ 940-898-5696.
Sheriff Department: To access arrest warrant databases, you can contact the Denton County Sheriff's Office website. The site has a dedicated section for warrant searches where you can input your personal information. Ensuring that you enter accurate details is crucial for obtaining reliable search results.
Texas DPS: The Texas Department of Public Safety offers a crime records search which include active warrants. You will have to pay for this service but by running a criminal history search on someone, you can find out if they have any active Denton County Texas warrants, as well as their criminal history. The caveat to using this service is it takes a few days for them to process your request and get back to you.
Third-Party Services: There are also third-party services that offer warrant searches, which are considered public record. With these types of services, often referred to as public record websites, offer anonymous searching for active warrants. All you need is a first and last name and you'll have results in moments. These are a great way to find out if you or someone you know. It can give you an opportunity to address one before being arrested.
What to Do If You Have a Warrant
Discovering that you have an outstanding warrant can be more than just unsettling, it can upend one's livelihood. However, by taking swift action, you can potentially mitigate your situation and have a much more favorable outcome. Here are the steps on how to go about handling this legal conundrum.
1). First Verify: Either contact the county Sheriff Department or use a reputable third party service to verify the warrant is active and in your name.
2). Consult with an Attorney: Once you've found out there's a warrant in your name, it's time to consult with a legal professional. An experienced attorney in these matters can provide guidance tailored to your specific situation and help you understand your rights and options. They can also represent you in court. While you can represent yourself, if your situation is serious, you might want to consult with an attorney first.
3). Voluntary Surrender: In arrest warrant situations, voluntarily surrendering to authorities can work to your favor. It shows the courts your willingness to cooperate and can sometimes lead to more favorable outcomes. An attorney can advise you on whether this is the best course of action, of if you have a chance to have your case dropped or settled out of court.
4). Your Court Hearing: Preparing for your day in court is very important. If you choose to plead not-guilty then you want to be very prepared and bring any evidence and witness testimonies to court with you. An attorney can help advise you in these situations but it's ultimately up to you to make your case in front of a judge or jury. It's also important to be respectful and be on time and dress appropriately. This shows respect to the courts, which is always a good thing.
How Do I Check For Active Warrants in Denton County?
There are a couple of options when checking for active warrants. You can contact the Sheriff Department or the Courthouse Clerk however, you stand the chance of being arrested on the spot if you have an active warrant. Another option is to use a third party service, such as a public records website to lookup warrants anonymously. This is totally legal as they are considered public records, and it will give you a chance to prepare before being arrested or surrendering yourself to the authorities.
Do I Have a Warrant in Denton County?
If you suspect you have a warrant there is a quick and easy way to find out. With third-party public record sites, you can search for active warrants instantly and find out if you have one. One of the main benefits of using a public record site is you can search confidentially without anyone knowing you are looking. This is a good way to find out without being arrested.
