Indiana Warrant Search

An Indiana warrant search is an inquiry into law enforcement agency records to determine whether an individual has an active or outstanding warrant issued in their name by a court. Warrant searches can be conducted through the local police department, court, or national crime databases.

There are several reasons for performing a warrant search: for example, as part of employment screening, where the individual will work with sensitive data or be near vulnerable people. It is also possible to do a warrant search to satisfy personal curiosity.

What is a Warrant?

A warrant in Indiana is a written court-ordered authorization given to law enforcement that permits them to carry out actions against individuals and their properties, such as arrests and seizures. Warrants are issued under probable cause that a crime has been committed or is about to be committed.

When a warrant is issued, according to Section 35 of Indiana Code (IC 35-33-5-7), law officers are granted the power to enforce them with actions that may ordinarily be contrary to the individual's Fourth Amendment rights. Depending on the type of warrant issued, warrants typically last indefinitely unless recalled by the court or upon the death of the individual.

Some of the most popular kinds of warrants issued in Indiana include the following:

• Arrest warrants
• Bench Warrants
• Search warrants.

Are Warrants Public Record in Indiana?

Yes, warrants are public records in Indiana. According to the Access to Public Records Act (Indiana Code § 5-14-3-3), individuals have the right to inspect and copy public records created or maintained by a public agency. Despite this provision, arrest, and search warrants may be confidential if they have not yet been executed. Similarly, warrants issued on juveniles are generally restricted from the public, and only authorized persons may view these warrants.

How Do I Look Up Warrants in Indiana?

Individuals can look up warrants in Indiana through third-party sites for free or for a fee. Warrant searches can be conducted on third-party sites that offer access to public information. The search is done by entering details like the subject’s full name, city, and state.

To access or download warrant results, searchers may be required to pay a one-time search or subscription fee. Subscription or payment for the service can cost around $2.95 to $29.95, depending on the service provider.

Third-party sites make searching for warrants easier as they offer a consolidated pool of records from various counties across the state. This takes away the need for an individual to search various county websites to look for a warrant. It is important to ensure that warrant records from third-party websites are up to date before use.

What is a Search Warrant in Indiana?

A search warrant is a type of warrant that authorizes a law enforcement officer to search an individual or property to find evidence of a crime. As provided by IN Code § 35-33-5-1, this warrant is issued by a judge only when there is probable cause that links the individual or property to the crime. Search warrants usually specify where law enforcement may search for evidence.

Are Search Warrants Public Records in Indiana?

It depends. According to Indiana Supreme Court Administrative Rule 9, search warrants are not public records in Indiana until after they have been executed. The warrants may also remain undisclosed to the public if a trial judge orders them to be.

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

There is no set duration for getting a search warrant in Indiana. As Indiana allows telephonic warrants, it can take as little as 30 minutes for the officer to give an affidavit and testimony of probable cause to the judge and then get the warrant approved.

How Long Does a Search Warrant Last?

Search warrants must be executed as soon as possible typically within ten days of their issue or returned to the court after execution.

What is a Bench Warrant in Indiana?

A bench warrant in Indiana is a warrant that is issued to facilitate the arrest of an individual who does not comply with a court order. According to Indiana Criminal Code 35-44.1 4 9, the individual may also attract additional charges as ignoring a court order is a type A misdemeanor under the law.

What is an Arrest Warrant in Indiana?

An arrest warrant in Indiana is a warrant that is issued to authorize law enforcement officers to take an individual into custody under suspicion of committing a crime. Arrest records are only valid when probable cause has been established through an affidavit. According to the Indiana Code IC 35-33-2, before arrest warrants are issued, probable cause has to be established through an affidavit. Arrest warrants can be for misdemeanors or felonies. A misdemeanor arrest warrant expires 180 days after it is issued, but a felony warrant does not expire.

How to Check if You Have a Warrant in Indiana

An individual can check if they have a warrant in Indiana through the sources described below.

• Indiana Licensed Attorneys: Individuals can visit a licensed attorney within the state to check if they have a warrant, and seek legal assistance on the next steps for resolving it.
• County Sheriff's Office: In Indiana, an individual can contact their local sheriff's department to get information on all active warrants for free. An inquirer will need information about the warrant including the subject's name. However, note that law enforcement may arrest the individual if there is a pending warrant on them.
• Police Department: An individual can inquire about a warrant by contacting their police department in person or via mail. It may also lead to an arrest if the individual has an active warrant issued in their name.

Can You Check Warrants Online in Indiana?

Yes. It is possible to check warrants online on a county level using online tools provided by local law enforcement websites. Some counties in Indiana have lists of active warrants on their websites and tools for searching them. Some of these countries include Lake County Sheriff's Warrant Search. Potter County Warrant Search and Vanderburgh County Warrants Search.

How To Find Out If You Have a Warrant for Free

An individual can find out if they have a warrant for free through the methods described below.

• Searching the local County Sheriff's Office Website using keywords like last name and warrant type.
• Requesting access to public records, which includes completed warrant records from the Indiana Judicial Branch
• Conducting free searches on third-party databases.

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

An individual can find out if someone has a warrant for free by conducting a lookup on their local County Sheriff's Office Website. This search can only be completed if they know details like the subject's full name. It is important to note that warrants only become publicly available after they are completed. If a warrant is exempted from public view by law, it will not be included in the search results.

How Long Does a Warrant Stay Active in Indiana?

The duration in which a warrant remains active depends on the type of warrant it is. Below are some warrants and how long they can be active. Generally, warrants with an expiration date are returned to the court to be reissued if they have not been executed.

• Search warrant: A search warrant is active for ten days after they are issued
• Misdemeanor arrest warrant: It is valid for 180 days after it is issued
• Felony arrest warrant: It has no expiration period. It is valid for life.

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

The United States Marshals Service (USMS) maintains an online Warrant Information System (WIN) that contains records of all federal warrants that have been issued. Although this database is not publicly searchable, individuals can find out if they have a federal warrant when they are taken into custody by federal marshals or if they are served a notice to appear in court. Some Indiana federal district courts may have public access systems to search for federal warrants from the U.S. District Court records.