Conducting a warrant search in Washington, DC, involves navigating official channels like the DC Superior Court and the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD). This process requires specific personal details and may benefit from legal guidance.
DC Warrant Search Options
To initiate a warrant search in Washington, DC, two primary methods are available:
- DC Superior Court: Accessible online at dccourts.gov/superior-court, by phone at (202) 879-1010, or in person at 500 Indiana Avenue, NW.
- Metropolitan Police Department (MPD): Contact the Warrant Office at (202) 727-4275, available Monday through Friday from 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM.
How do you access the warrant list for Washington DC?
Of all the inquiries on criminal records, a warrant search is the easiest to undertake. The DC judiciary makes life simple for civilians seeking this information by providing their warrant database here.
You can access the complete warrant list for the area or search the repository by using the name of the subject, the case number or the year in which the warrant was issued. The database has details on outstanding warrants that go back to 1973.
The only problem is that the tool does not provide information on the charges for which the warrant was issued. All you get is a case number and the full name of the person against whom the warrant has been issued. So, you will have to go ahead and put in some extra work to find the criminal records for the case number. You can use the tool discussed in the judicial records section above for this.
Required Details for a Search
Accurate identification requires providing specific information:
- Full legal name
- Date of birth
- Social Security number (if available)
- Case number (if known)
Having these details prepared can streamline interactions with authorities and facilitate locating relevant records.
Types of Warrants
Warrants in Washington, DC, fall into several categories, each with unique legal implications:
- Arrest warrants: Authorize law enforcement to detain individuals suspected of criminal activity.
- Bench warrants: Issued by judges for failing to appear in court or violating probation.
- Search warrants: Permit officials to search specific locations for evidence.
- Civil warrants: Related to non-criminal matters, including unpaid debts or property disputes.
These classifications help clarify the nature and potential impact of any existing warrants during a search.
What are Washington DC arrest warrants and when are they issued?
An arrest warrant is, quite simply, a term used for a court issued order of detention. The document itself contains details such as the name of the accused, the charges that he is being accused of, the date of issue of the warrant and the judge’s/magistrate’s signature. Of course, it will also have a clearly stated order that instructs the police to take the accused into custody and produce him/her before the court.
When a crime is witnessed by a police officer, he can take the perpetrator into custody without seeking an order for his arrest. This is what happens in case of most misdemeanors, including DUI driving offenses. However, not every crime is witnessed by a law enforcement officer.
For instance, consider a criminal case in which a person is assaulted in the park and the perpetrator flees the scene leaving the victim injured. This victim may or may not know the perpetrator. If the accused is known to the victim, a warrant will be sought against him.
In cases, where the victim does not know the accused, police detectives investigate the crime and locate the criminal. However, they cannot take him into custody unless they have a warrant allowing the arrest. To cut a long story short, unless a suspect is apprehended while he is committing the criminal act, the police will need a court-issued warrant to arrest him.
What is the procedure for the issue of warrants?
Once the law enforcement agency that is investigating the crime or has received the criminal complaint against the perpetrator has evidence against this individual, they approach the court for the warrant. The investigating officer has to file a sworn affidavit providing information about the criminal act and the cause for suspecting the alleged perpetrator.
This affidavit is first vetted by the prosecutor who will study if the probable cause (evidence provided as the basis for suspecting a person) will hold up in court. This affidavit is then taken to the Superior Court, where the judge examines the affidavit.
The judiciary confirms that there is indeed enough evidence to make a reasonable person conclude that the crime could have been committed by the suspect. Once this is confirmed, the arrest warrant is issued to the police.
Is it normal for the police to conduct a warrant check in your name?
Yes it is, even if you are not stopped or questioned for committing a crime. For instance, it is the norm for police officers to run your name through the warrant database if you are stopped for a traffic related offense.
In fact, chances are that they will run a warrant check in your name anytime that you are asked to provide an ID card. Although civilians only get access to limited warrant information, police officers run their warrant lookup by connecting to a national database. So, they will get information on all outstanding warrants in your name, including those that were issued outside Washington DC.
Will a warrant search bring back information on all the different types of arrest orders?
Yes, with a warrant inquiry, you can get details on all types of warrants issued against the subject. So, you are likely to come across certain terms such as:
Bench warrants: These are orders for arrest that get issued because a person has violated a court order. A bench warrant simply orders the police to arrest a person and bring him before the court. The judge will then decide whether the person should be let off with a warning/fine or if he should be held in detention for longer.
Active warrants: This is simply another term for arrest warrants. The actual arrest order may be issued in connection with a felony or misdemeanor. Another term used to refer to these orders is “outstanding warrants”. These are orders that have been in the system for a while, usually longer than a year.
Both bench warrants and active warrants are executed by the police. A warrant can lead to a person’s arrest at any time and at any place within the geographical jurisdiction of the order.
What are the time and territorial limits of arrest warrants issued in Washington DC?
Section 23-563 imposes certain limits on active warrants based on the crimes in connection with which the orders have been issued:
- If an arrest warrant or summons has been issued in connection with a crime that is punishable by a sentence of more than one year of incarceration, the order will have indefinite validity. This means, it will not expire unless the person against whom it has been issued is arrested. Furthermore, such detention orders can be served at any time and at any place within the United States.
- If a warrant or summons has been issued in connection with a crime that is punishable by a term of less than one year or with only a fine or both, the order will only be valid for one year after issue. Moreover, it can only be served in any place in the District of Columbia and not outside.
Steps to Take After Discovering a Warrant
If you learn of a warrant for your arrest in Washington, DC, taking prompt and effective steps can help you manage the situation:
-
Contact an Attorney Promptly
A criminal defense attorney can guide you through the process and protect your rights. They may also assist in negotiating with authorities and organizing a smoother surrender. -
Gather Details on the Warrant
Try to obtain information such as the type of warrant, associated charges, and the issuing court. These details can help your attorney plan a more effective response. -
Voluntarily Surrender if Advised
Turning yourself in may encourage more lenient treatment by the court. Your attorney can arrange this to reduce the time spent in custody. -
Prepare for Possible Bail
Contact a bail bondsperson in advance to streamline the process if bail is required, which can speed up your release. -
Exercise Your Right to Remain Silent
Avoid discussing your case with anyone other than your attorney if you’re arrested, as anything you say may be used in court. -
Keep a Record of Interactions
Document all communications with law enforcement, including names, badge numbers, and significant details. -
Inform a Trusted Contact
Notify a family member or friend about your situation and location in case you’re taken into custody. -
Address Related Issues
If the warrant involves missed court dates or unpaid fines, work with your attorney to resolve these issues promptly. -
Prepare for Court Appearances
After the warrant is executed, you’ll likely need to appear in court. Coordinate with your attorney to prepare for these hearings and understand your legal options.
Taking these steps can help you manage the situation proactively and potentially improve your legal circumstances.