New York Warrant Search

Thank you for coming here for help. We aim to give you the best facts for your New York Warrant Search. We hope this page guides you well.

If you need to begin your New York Warrant Search right now, visit https://newyorkwarrantrecords.com/. This site offers a way to look into records. It can help you find out if there is an active warrant. Use their tools to check names and details. Starting your New York Warrant Search there may provide quick answers you need. Please note this is a way to start your inquiry into warrant status in New York.

Understanding Warrants in New York

What is a Warrant?

A warrant is a legal paper. A judge issues it. It gives police the power to act. This action might be to arrest some one. Or it could be to search a place. The main goal of an arrest warrant is clear. It is to make sure a person shows up in court. This is for a charge listed in a court paper. Warrants are based on law. They must follow rules. They protect people's rights. But they also help keep the peace.

Types of Warrants in New York

New York uses different kinds of warrants. Each type has a set use. It is good to know the main types.

• Arrest Warrants: A judge issues this for an arrest. It needs an accusatory tool filed with the court. It tells police to arrest the named person. See New York Criminal Procedure Law (CPL) § 120.10. The warrant names the court. It shows the issue date. It lists the crime charged. It names the person to be caught.

• Bench Warrants: A judge issues this from the "bench". This often happens if a person misses court. Or they fail to pay a fine. Or they do not show up for jury duty. CPL § 510.50 covers this. A judge might give 48 hours notice first. This lets the person come in on their own. A bench warrant allows arrest any where in the state per CPL § 530.70.

• Search Warrants: This order lets police search a spot. They look for proof of a crime. A judge needs good reason, called probable cause. The warrant must list the place to search. It must say what they can seize. It must be done in a set time. Learn more from the US Law guide on search warrants. The New York courts also have a detailed manual on search warrants.

• Extradition Warrants: This is used when a person flees. They commit a crime in one state. Then they go to an other state. This warrant lets police arrest them. It allows them to send the person back. Back to the state where the crime took place.

• Civil Contempt Warrants: These are not for crimes. They are used in civil court cases. For example, if some one ignores a court order. The NYC Department of Finance notes the Sheriff handles these. This might relate to money judgments. Or divorce case orders. There may be a fee ($120) to file these with the Sheriff.

• Family Court Warrants: These can be issued in family cases. Such as when a person does not obey a summons. Or they fail to show up after being on bail. Or if they might leave the area.

• Housing Court Warrants (Eviction): In housing court, a warrant can mean eviction. It comes after a judgment of possession. It lets a Sheriff or Marshal remove people. It states the soonest date for the eviction. See NYC Housing Court information on warrants.

Legal Basis for Warrants

Warrants in New York are rooted in law. The main source is the New York Criminal Procedure Law (CPL). Article 120 deals with arrest warrants. It defines them and sets rules. It says who can issue them (local criminal courts). It details the form and content. It states when they can be issued. This requires reasonable cause. The court must believe the person did the crime. Other parts of the CPL cover bench warrants (Article 510, 530) and search warrants (Article 690). State laws ensure warrants respect rights. They need review by a judge. This check helps stop unfair acts. The law tries to balance police needs with personal freedom.

Are Warrants Public Records?

Yes, warrants can be public records in New York. This is under the state's Freedom of Information Law (FOIL). FOIL gives the public the right to see government records. This includes court and police records like warrants. You can ask the right agency for warrant info. But, there are limits. Some facts or whole warrants might be kept private. This can happen if showing them would harm a case. Or if it would risk some one's safety. Federal or other state laws might also block access. So, while warrants are often public, you might not always get full details. It depends on the case and the rules that apply.

Warrant Expiration

Do warrants expire in New York? Most criminal warrants do not. Arrest warrants and bench warrants stay active. They remain valid until dealt with. This usually happens in one of two ways. First, the person named in the warrant appears in court. They must go before the judge who issued it. Second, the warrant is cleared if the person dies. There is no set end date based on time alone. A warrant from years ago can still be active. It is vital to deal with any known warrant. Ignoring it does not make it go away. It stays in police systems. It can lead to arrest at any time.

How to Conduct a New York Warrant Search

There are many ways to check for warrants in New York. Some ways let you check from home. Others need you to go some place. Or make a phone call. Choose the way that fits your needs best. Be aware of risks with some methods. A New York Warrant Search needs care.

Online Databases

Some parts of New York may offer online checks. These could be court or police web sites. You might search public records there. But know these limits. The data may not be fully up to date. New warrants might not show up right away. Not all counties or cities have this option. The state Office of Court Administration (OCA) has a tool. It is called the Criminal History Record Search (CHRS). It is online. It searches state wide court records. It looks for open cases and past convictions. It costs $95 per search. The search needs an exact name and date of birth match. It checks records from all 62 counties. Results are not certified court records. You can learn more at the NYS OCA CHRS page. Some county sheriff offices also post lists online. For example, Madison County posts an active warrants PDF list. Broome County lists its 'Most Wanted' online. Check local court or sheriff sites too.

Contacting Local Courts

You can ask the court clerk direct. Go to the clerk's office for the court. This is useful if you think a warrant is from a missed court date. Or if it relates to a known case. Be ready to give your full name. Also give your date of birth. If you know the case number, give that too. They need this info to search their files.

For New York City courts, use the Criminal Court Information Line. The number is (646) 386-4900. They are open Monday to Friday, 9 AM to 5 PM. Staff can help during business hours. You can also visit the specific county court clerk's office in NYC:

• New York County (Manhattan): 100 Centre Street, New York, NY 10007. Phone: (646) 386-4511. Hours: Mon-Fri, 9 AM - 5 PM.

• Bronx County: 215 East 161st Street, Bronx, NY 10451. Phone: (718) 618-2460. General Info: (718) 618-2400. Hours: Mon-Fri, 9 AM - 5 PM.

• Kings County (Brooklyn): 120 Schermerhorn Street, Brooklyn, NY 11201. Phone: (347) 404-9400. Hours: Mon-Fri, 9 AM - 5 PM.

• Queens County: 125-01 Queens Blvd, Kew Gardens, NY 11415. Phone: (718) 298-0792. Hours: Mon-Fri, 9 AM - 5 PM (Clerk's Office).

• Richmond County (Staten Island): 26 Central Avenue, Staten Island, NY 10301. Phone: (718) 675-8558. Hours: Mon-Fri, 9 AM - 5 PM.

If you go in person, bring a valid photo ID. Check the NYS Unified Court System website for court locations and details outside NYC. Hours are usually 9 AM to 5 PM on week days. But check the specific court first.

Contacting Law Enforcement Agencies

Local police or the county sheriff can often tell you about warrants. You can call or visit their office. Give them your name and date of birth. They can check their records for active warrants in their area. For example, the Broome County Sheriff's Warrants Division has phone numbers: 607-778-2933 or 607-778-2923. They also have a tip line at 607-778-1196. The Madison County Sheriff's Office number is 315-366-2311 or 315-366-2318. Their address is 138 N Court Street - Building 7, Wampsville, NY 13163. The NYC Sheriff's Office handles certain warrants like civil ones. Contact NYC Finance for details on those.

There is a risk here. If you have an active warrant, going to the police could lead to arrest. It is wise to think about this risk. Some people choose to have a lawyer ask for them. This avoids direct contact if a warrant exists. This is often the safest way to check with police.

Checking Your NYS Criminal History Record (DCJS)

You can ask for your own official criminal record. The New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services (DCJS) keeps these records. This record would show any warrants issued against you in the state. There are two types of records you can ask for. An "unsuppressed" record shows everything. This includes sealed or dismissed cases. A "suppressed" record hides those sealed items.

To get your record, you need to get finger prints taken. You must make an appointment. Use the IdentoGo website or call 877-472-6915. You need a service code: 15464Z for suppressed, or 15465F for unsuppressed. You must bring ID to the appointment. The fee was $14.25 as of May 1, 2024. Pay with credit card, check, or money order to "Idemia". DCJS will process the request after they get your finger prints. This check shows your full state record. It includes warrants listed there. Find full details on the DCJS Record Review page.

Information Needed for a New York Warrant Search

To do a good New York Warrant Search, you need certain facts. The more info you have, the better the search. This helps make sure the results are for the right person. Key details include:

• Full Name: Use the complete legal name. Include middle names or initials if known. Nick names might also help police, but use the real name for court checks.

• Date of Birth (DOB): This is very important. It helps tell people with the same name apart. Many record systems use DOB to confirm identity.

• Last Known Address: Where the person lived last can help narrow the search. Especially when checking local court or police records.

• Other Identifying Details: Things like race, sex, height, and weight can help. Police records often include these physical traits.

• Case Number: If the warrant relates to a known court case, the case number is very useful. Give this to the court clerk if you have it.

Having these details ready makes the search faster. It also makes the results more sure. If you ask a clerk or officer, they will likely ask for this info. Online searches like the OCA CHRS need exact name and DOB.

What If a Warrant Exists?

Finding out you have a warrant can be scary. An outstanding warrant means police can arrest you at any time. This could happen during a traffic stop. Or if you have any contact with law officers. The warrant stays active across the state. Sometimes even across the country for serious crimes. You need to deal with it. Do not ignore it.

How are warrants cleared? The main way is to show up in court. You must go to the court that issued the warrant. A judge will then address the warrant. This might involve setting bail. Or setting new court dates. The warrant is cleared once you are back in the court system. The only other way a warrant clears is if the person dies. Until then, it remains a risk.

If you find out there is a warrant for you, get legal advice. Talk to a criminal defense lawyer. They can explain what the warrant is for. They know the best way to handle it. They can contact the court or police for you. This can often be done with less risk of immediate arrest. A lawyer protects your rights. What you tell them is private. They can plan the best steps to take. This might be arranging a time to turn your self in. Or fighting the charges that led to the warrant.

Specific New York Jurisdictions

Warrant searches can differ based on where you are in New York. Big cities and small towns have their own systems.

New York City

NYC has a large, complex court system. The NYC Criminal Court handles lesser crimes. It also handles first steps for major crimes (felonies). You can call their main line at (646) 386-4900. Or contact the clerk in the borough where the case might be: Manhattan, Bronx, Brooklyn, Queens, or Staten Island. Their addresses and phone numbers are listed above. Many offices are open 9 AM to 5 PM weekdays. NYC311 can give info on arrest warrants from the NYPD. Call 311 or visit the NYC311 portal (KA-01400). The NYC Sheriff deals with some civil warrants.

County-Specific Information

Outside NYC, each county has its own courts and sheriff. Some sheriff offices help with warrant checks. Broome County Sheriff's Office asks people to call them if they think they have a warrant (607-778-2933/2923). They also post a 'Most Wanted' list online. Madison County Sheriff posts an active warrant list (PDF) on their site. They ask people not to act on their own. Call them at 315-366-2311 if you have info. Always check the specific county court or sheriff's website. Or call them for how they handle warrant questions. Contact info is often on the county's official web page.

Local Town/Village/City Courts

Smaller local courts handle minor offenses. These include violations and misdemeanors. They might issue warrants too. Like if some one misses court for a traffic ticket. Or for a local code breach. Per CPL § 10.30, city courts (outside NYC) handle non-felony trials. Town and village courts also have limits. Warrants from these courts are usually handled by local police. Or by the county sheriff. Check with the specific town, village, or city court clerk for info. Find court locations through the NYS Unified Court System directory.

Understanding Warrant Details

A warrant is a formal document. It has specific information set by law (like CPL § 120.10 for arrest warrants). Key details usually include:

• Issuing Court: The name of the court that gave the order (e.g., Kings County Criminal Court, Town of Brighton Court).

• Date of Issuance: When the judge signed and issued the warrant.

• Defendant's Name: The full name of the person to be arrested or whose property is to be searched. If the name isn't known, a specific description might be used.

• Offense Charged: The crime or violation the person is accused of. This might be a CPL section number or a description (e.g., PL 155.30 - Grand Larceny 4th).

• Judge's Signature: The warrant must be signed by the judge who issued it.

• Police Agency: It may be addressed to a specific police agency (like NYPD, NY State Police, or a county sheriff). Or to a class of officers (e.g., "any police officer in New York State").

Execution of Warrants

Who can carry out a warrant? CPL § 120.60 says an arrest warrant can be executed by any police officer it is addressed to. Or one they delegate it to. Parole or probation officers might execute warrants for people they supervise (CPL § 120.55).

When can they act? Arrest warrants can be executed any day, any time (CPL § 120.80). Search warrants often have time limits. Federal rules suggest 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM unless special conditions exist. Police usually need to knock and state who they are. They must say why they are there before entering. This is the "knock-and-announce" rule. They should wait a fair time. Unless they are refused entry or special facts allow forced entry. The search must stay within the scope set by the warrant. They can only search places listed. They can only seize items described.

Helpful Resources

Kent County Jail | Louisiana Criminal Records | Louisiana Public Records