Houston Warrant Search

How to Run a Houston Warrant Search

In Houston, as in many large cities, understanding how to conduct a warrant search is important for many. Whether it is to check on their legal status or that of someone else. This guide will delve into the various channels available for running a Houston warrant search, and explain the different types of warrants.

To begin a Houston Texas warrant search you only need to know the name of the individual you want to check. Then using either using courthouse resources or third-party public record site, you can quickly find this information online.

Understanding Houston TX Warrants

Before diving into the search process, let’s define what a warrant is. These are legal documents issued by a judge or magistrate that give law enforcement to carry out a specific action, such as an arrest, a search of property, or seizure of assets.

Houston Arrest Warrants

A TX arrest warrant is issued when there is enough evidence, and probable cause, that someone committed a crime. This court order tells local law enforcement to apprehend that person, and book them into jail. They can remain in holding until their arraignment in court, or released on bail.

Houston Bench Warrants

TX bench warrants are issued directly by a judge or magistrate. Most commonly these are issued when someone misses their required court appearance. These can also be issued for failure to comply with a direct court order. These are typically not related to criminal activity but they can lead to a person’s arrest if they do not comply with this court order.

Houston Warrant Search Techniques

When it comes to running a Houston TX warrant search, there are multiple options available to the public. Each of these options have its own set of procedures. You can either go direct to the courts and law enforcement agencies, or you can use third-party resources to search anonymously.

1. Third-Party Online Databases

Using a public records site, that specializes in criminal record retrieval is a popular method to perform this search. You can anonymously search for these publicly available records online with just a first and last name. These resources typically charge a fee for reports but some sites will give you some limited information for free.

2. Houston Municipal Court Website

Since warrants are issued by the courts, you can go straight to the Houston Courts Website. They offer a searchable database where you can make a public records request for a fee. You will need to register with the court website and provide the full name and date of birth of the person of interest.

3. Harris County District Clerk’s Website

For county-level requests, you can visit the Harris County Clerk’s website and make your request for criminal records. You can also run a comprehensive background check on someone for a fee. These will typically include criminal records history, court records, convictions, sentencings and convictions. You will also need to know the person’s full name and date of birth to run these reports.

4. Law Enforcement Agencies

Local law enforcement agencies can also be contacted to run a Houston arrest warrant search. The Houston Police Department and the Harris County Sheriff’s Office are the primary agencies that manage this information. The only caveat to reaching out to them directly is you can potentially be arrested on the spot if you have one outstanding. This is why many people opt to use a third-party service first, so that they can hire a lawyer to help them navigate the legal complications ahead.

Common Types of Arrest Warrants in Houston

While court ordered arrests can be issued for a multitude of reasons, some are more common than others. Here are some of the most common types you will find here:

Felonies: These are issued for serious crimes such as violent offenses, theft, or drug-related activities.

Misdemeanors: These are less severe than felonies. However, these types of crimes are still a serious matter and require prompt attention.

Common Types of Bench Warrants in Houston

These “bench” court orders are not typically criminal in nature, but still require swift attention. If ignored or unresponsive, these can potentially lead to a person’s arrest until they can appear in court.

Failure to Appear (FTA): When an individual doesn’t show up for their scheduled court date, an FTA court ordered notice is likely to be issued.

Violation of Probation (VOP): If a person violates the terms of their probation, the court may issue a court order for that person’s arrest.

Unpaid Fines and Fees: Failing to pay court-ordered fines or fees can result in a required court appearance, additional fines and penalties.

Steps to Take If You Have an Arrest Warrant

If you discover that there is one issued for your arrest, it’s advisable to take immediate action. The longer you wait, the more complicated your situation will become. Here are some simple to take steps that can help mitigate this type of situation.

Consult with an Attorney: Before making any moves, it’s wise to speak with a legal professional who can advise on the best course of action.

Self-Surrender: In some cases, voluntarily turning yourself voluntarily in can be seen as a sign of good faith. This can potentially result in more favorable treatment by the courts and the presiding judge.

Resolve the Underlying Issue: Fixing the problem is paramount. Whether it’s appearing in court, paying fines, or surrendering yourself to law enforcement. Taking these steps to fix the situation is the only course to recovering from it.