Harris County TX Warrant Search

Thank you for visiting this page. We will do our best to help you with your Harris County TX Warrant Search. We hope you find the facts you need on this web page. We aim to give you a full view of how to look for these court orders.

If you want to start your Harris County TX Warrant Search right now, you can go to https://texaswarrantrecords.com/harris-county-warrant-search/. This site may give you a quick way to check for a name. Lots of folks look for these things. It is wise to know if there is a court note for you or someone you know. This site can be a first step. Please note that for full and sure facts, you should use the means we list in this guide as well.

Understanding Warrants in Harris County

What is a Warrant?

A warrant is a note from a judge. It lets the police take some action. It is a due course of law step. Most times, it is to hold someone. Or it can be to look at a place. It is a key part of the law work here. These notes come from a court. They are based on good cause shown to a judge. You must take them very seriously. Not all are for bad deeds. Some are for things like not showing up to court.

Types of Warrants in Harris County

Harris County uses many kinds of warrants. Each one has its own aim and rules. It helps to know the type if one is out. This can guide what you do next. Some are more grave than others. You will want to know which one you face.

• Arrest Warrants: These are the most known. A judge gives one out when there is cause to think a person did a crime. They can be for felony acts. These are big crimes. Or they can be for misdemeanor acts. These are less big. But all arrest warrants mean the police can take you in. The Harris County Sheriff’s Office and Constable Offices deal with these. If you think one is out for you, it is key to find out for sure. Do not wait for the law to find you.

• Bench Warrants: A judge may give out a bench warrant. This often is when someone does not show up for a court date. Or it can be if a person breaks a rule from the court. For example, if you had to pay a fine and did not. Or if you had to do some task and did not. These warrants call for you to come to the court. They tell the law to bring you in. These are grave. They mean you did not do what the court said. This can add more woes to your case.

• Search Warrants: These are different. They do not ask for a person to be held. Instead, they let lawmen look in a place. This could be a home, a car, or an office. They look for proof of a crime. There are strong rules for these. The search must be just for what the warrant says. And just where it says. These warrants have short times to be used. As per Texas Code of Criminal Procedure Art. 18.07 (found at https://statutes.capitol.texas.gov/Docs/CR/htm/CR.18.htm#18.07), a warrant to get a DNA sample is good for 15 full days. One for some electronic data is good for 10 full days. Other search warrants end in 3 days if not used. These time frames do not count the day of issue or the day of use.

• Juvenile Warrants: These are for persons not yet of adult age. There are five main kinds. An Order of Immediate Custody (OIC) is one. A Juvenile Arrest warrant (JAW or ARR) is another. A Directive to Apprehend (DTA) is also used. Then there is a Probable Cause Warrant (PCW). Last is a Violation of Probation warrant (VOP). Each serves a role in the juvenile court ways. These are dealt with in a way that thinks of the youth’s age. The goal is often to help, not just to punish. The Harris County Juvenile Probation Department plays a big part here.

• Class C Warrants: These are often for less grave things. Think of traffic tickets not paid. Or for writing hot checks. These are misdemeanors. The Harris County Constable’s Office in each precinct often deals with these. For example, Harris County Constable Precinct 7 notes they serve Class C Warrants from the Justice of the Peace Courts. These still need to be dealt with. If not, you can be held.

• Capias Warrants: A capias is a type of arrest warrant. It is often given out when a person fails to follow a court order after a case is done. Or if they owe fines and costs. One known use is for child support cases where payments are not made. The Harris County Precinct 2 Warrant Division states they serve child support capias warrants. These are served by Constables too. These should be dealt with fast. Failure to do so can lead to arrest and more court time.

How to Perform a Harris County TX Warrant Search

There are a few good ways to do a Harris County TX Warrant Search. You can look on the web. Or you can call key offices. It is best to use official means to get facts that are right and up to date. This will help you know for sure.

Official Online Search Portals

Several Harris County offices have online tools. These let you look for some types of warrants. These tools are free to use. They are the first place most folks should check for a Harris County TX Warrant Search.

Harris County Sheriff's Office (HCSO) Warrant Search

The Harris County Sheriff’s Office has a web search for warrants. It is found at https://harriscountyso.org/JailInfo/warrantssearch. This tool shows Class A and Class B misdemeanor warrants. These are those that a Harris County Criminal Court at Law gave out. You can look by first name, last name, SPN (System Person Number), or date of birth. The site says it can also do partial name searches. If your name is on this list, you should act fast. This will help you not get held. The site notes you can post bail. You can use a surety bond from a bail bond firm. Or you can put up cash for the bail sum. Or you can turn yourself in and ask a judge to free you on a personal bond. Lawmen should check a warrant from a new source too before they hold someone based on this site.

Harris County District Clerk's Office

The Harris County District Clerk’s website gives facts on felony and misdemeanor warrants. Go to www.hcdistrictclerk.com. Then look for "Online Services" and "Search Our Records and Documents". Some sources say you may need to make an account to search. But it should be free to sign up and look. This site is a key tool for a full Harris County TX Warrant Search for more grave case types. Keep in mind websites can be slow or down at times. If you cannot get on, you might need to call the office. Their main page lists ways to get help. This is a good place to look for court case files too. So you can get more facts if a warrant is tied to a case.

Other Jurisdictions within Harris County

Harris County is big. It has many courts. Some warrants may be from these courts. Not just the main Sheriff or District Clerk. So you may need to check these too for a full search.

Harris County Justice Courts (JP Courts)

The Harris County Justice Courts deal with fine-only misdemeanor cases. These are things like some traffic notes or small rule breaks. You can find facts on these cases and any warrants for them. Go to the courts' website at www.jp.hctx.net. Look for links like “Find Information about Cases and Dockets” or “Find My Case and Court Date.” To search here, you may need a case number. Or you can use a name and date of birth. A driver's license number might work too. These courts are for less grave acts. But a warrant from a JP Court can still lead to an arrest. So it is wise to check if you had a case in one of these courts. Each precinct has its own JP Court.

City of Houston Municipal Courts

If the case is in the City of Houston, they have their own courts. These are the Municipal Courts. They also deal with fine-only misdemeanor cases. These can be for things like city rule breaks or some traffic notes in the city. You can get facts on these cases. You can call 311. This is the City of Houston help line. Or you can call the Municipal Courts direct at 713-247-5479. Their website is www.houstontx.gov/courts. It may have an online search too. If you think you have a warrant from the City of Houston, these are the right folks to check with. Not all warrants in Harris County are from the county itself. Some are from cities in it.

Phone Inquiries for Warrant Information

Sometimes a phone call is a good way to check for a warrant. Or if you can't find it online. Or if you need more help. There are a few key phone numbers.

• Harris County Sheriff's Office Warrants Division: You can try to call the HCSO for warrant facts. One number seen for the County Warrants Division is 713-755-6055. This may be for more general checks. But they may point you to the online tool for Class A and B misdemeanors.

• Harris County Constable Precincts: If you got a note from a Constable. Or if you think it is a Class C warrant (like a traffic ticket). Call the Constable in your precinct. Or the precinct where the case was. Some contacts are:

  • Precinct 2 Warrant Division: (713) 274-6165 or (713) 477-4070. Their office is at 10851 Scarsdale Blvd, Suite #600, Houston, TX 77089.

  • Precinct 7 Warrant Division: (713) 643-6118. Their main office is at 5290 Griggs Rd, Houston, TX 77021. (Verify current address if critical, or use phone). Their clerks can check the Harris County system for open warrants. And they can tell you how to clear them. They note if you get a door hanger or letter, you should call the deputy named. Or call this number for help.

  • Precinct 8 Warrant Division: (281) 488-4040. This division works out of their Clear Lake office. It is at 16602 Diana Ln, Houston, TX 77062. They send a note if a warrant is made. But if no one acts, they will find and hold the person.

• Harris County District Clerk's Office: For facts on warrants with court costs, fines, and fees, you can call the Criminal Collections Office at 832-927-5921. The general number for the District Clerk for help with case records is 832-927-5800. Though they may charge a small fee for some lookups by phone if you do not have a case number.

Key Harris County Offices for Warrant Information & Resolution

To find facts or fix a warrant, you need to know which office to reach. Here are some key ones. Note that office hours are mostly Monday to Friday, 8 AM to 5 PM. But it is best to call first or check their website.

Harris County Sheriff's Office (HCSO)

The HCSO is a main law group in the county. They deal with many types of warrants. Especially Class A and B misdemeanors and felony warrants.

• Address: The main HCSO building is at 1200 Baker Street, Houston, TX 77002.

• Relevant Divisions: The Criminal Warrants Division is the key part for warrants.

• Contact: For online search, see https://harriscountyso.org/JailInfo/warrantssearch. For phone help, the Warrants Division might be reached at 713-755-6055. However, for Class A and B misdemeanor warrants, they guide you to their online search. You should always check the HCSO website for the most up to date contact numbers and ways to ask. If you are told you have a warrant by an HCSO deputy, get their name and badge number. And ask for clear steps on what to do next. This office is where many people are taken if held on a warrant. They run the county jail. So, they play a big role from start to end of a warrant path. Their website also has facts on jail inmates and how to post bail. This can be useful if someone you know has been held on a warrant.

Harris County District Clerk - Marilyn Burgess

The District Clerk’s office keeps all court records for District Courts and County Criminal Courts at Law. This means they have the files for felony and more grave misdemeanor cases. And any warrants tied to them.

• Main Office Address: The Harris County Civil Courthouse is at 201 Caroline, Houston, TX 77002. However, criminal matters and records are often at the Criminal Justice Center.

• Criminal Justice Center Address (Collections): 1201 Franklin, Suite 1016, Houston, TX 77002. This is where the Criminal Collections Office is.

• Hours (Collections): Monday to Friday, 8 AM to 4:30 PM.

• Phone (Collections): 832-927-5920. For warrants tied to court costs, fines, and fees, call 832-927-5921.

• Website: www.hcdistrictclerk.com. This site is key for your Harris County TX Warrant Search for felony and A/B misdemeanor warrants. You can search case files and some warrant lists. You can also find forms and fee lists here. If you need to file a document with the court to help with a warrant, this website will guide you. The District Clerk’s office is also where you would go to pay court fines and fees that might be tied to a warrant. They have lists of phone numbers for each court if you need to speak to a specific court clerk for your case.

Harris County Constable Offices (by Precinct)

Constables deal with civil law and some criminal things. This includes serving many types of warrants. Especially Class C misdemeanors from JP Courts, traffic warrants, and capias warrants for things like child support. Each precinct has its own Constable. You need to know the right precinct for your case or warrant.

• Constable Precinct 2: Warrant Division phone is (713) 274-6165 or (713) 477-4070. Their office that serves warrants is at 10851 Scarsdale Blvd, Suite #600, Houston, TX 77089. They serve warrants for traffic issues, child support capias, and hot checks.

• Constable Precinct 7: Warrant Division phone is (713) 643-6118. The main office address often listed is 5290 Griggs Rd, Houston, TX 77021. (It's always good to verify addresses via phone or their official website for the most current location). They state their clerks can help check for open warrants and guide on clearing them. They serve all Class C Warrants from JP Courts and also civil orders.

• Constable Precinct 8: Warrant Division phone is (281) 488-4040. This division is run from their Clear Lake office at 16602 Diana Ln, Houston, TX 77062. They work to clear warrants from the two JP Courts in their precinct. Most are from bad checks or unpaid traffic fines. They send a note first. Then they act to find and hold the person if no response. It is good to know which precinct you live in. Or where the court case was held. This will tell you which Constable’s office may have your warrant. You can find your precinct on the Harris County website.

Justice of the Peace Courts

JP Courts are where Class C misdemeanor cases are heard. If you have a warrant for a traffic ticket or a similar issue, it may be from a JP Court.

• Website: www.jp.hctx.net. This site helps you find your JP Court. It also lets you search for case facts and court dates. It might show if a warrant is out for that case. Each JP court has its own clerk and phone number. You can find these on the website. If you think you have a warrant from a JP court, check their site first. Then call that specific court. Paying the fine or seeing the judge may be how to fix it.

Understanding Your Warrant and Next Steps

If you find out there is a warrant for you in Harris County, try to stay calm. But you must act. Knowing more about it can help you choose the best way to deal with it.

What Information is Public?

In Texas, warrant facts are mostly public. Once a warrant is served or used, the warrant itself and the affidavit (the sworn note that gives the cause for the warrant) are public. Anyone can ask the clerk of the court for a copy. Texas Code of Criminal Procedure Art. 15.26 (see https://statutes.capitol.texas.gov/Docs/CR/htm/CR.15.htm#15.26) says this. However, sometimes the affidavit can be sealed by a judge for a short time. This means it is kept from the public. This seal can last up to 31 days after the warrant is used. A judge can add 30 more days. After that, it must be made public. So, while you can find out if a warrant is out, getting all the facts behind it may take time if parts are sealed.

Common Reasons for Warrants in Harris County

Warrants are not just for big crimes. Many things can lead to one.

• Unpaid traffic tickets: This is a top cause. If you get a ticket and do not pay it or go to court, a warrant can be made.

• Missed court appearances: If a judge tells you to come to court and you do not, a bench warrant is often the result. This is true for all types of cases. From small ones to big ones.

• Failure to pay fines or fees: After a court case, you may owe money. If you do not pay as agreed, a warrant (like a capias) can come out.

• Hot checks: If you write a check that does not clear, and you do not fix it, shops can file a case. This can lead to a warrant, often dealt with by Constables.

• Child support issues: Not paying child support as ordered by a court can lead to a capias warrant for your arrest.

• More serious offenses: Of course, warrants are a main part of felony and grave misdemeanor cases too. If the police think you did a crime, they will ask a judge for a warrant to hold you.

What To Do If You Have a Warrant

Finding out you have a warrant can be a shock. But how you act next is key. Here are some steps:

1. Act Immediately: Do not hope it will go away on its own. It will not. The longer you wait, the more woes it can bring. You could be held at any time. Like at a traffic stop. Or at work. Or at home.

2. Contact the Relevant Authority: If you got a door hanger or a letter, it may have a name and number of an officer or court. Call them. They can tell you what the warrant is for. And what you need to do. If you found it through an online search, note which court or agency gave it out (e.g., Sheriff, District Court, JP Court). Then reach out to them.

3. Options for Resolution: How you fix a warrant depends on what kind it is. And what it is for.

   • Post Bail: For many arrest warrants, you can post bail. This is a sum of money that lets you stay out of jail while your case goes on. You can pay cash bail yourself. Or you can use a bail bondsman. They charge a fee (often 10-15% of the bail sum) to post the bond for you.

   • Surrender: You can choose to turn yourself in to the police or the court that gave out the warrant. When you do this, you can ask the judge to release you on a "personal bond." This means you do not have to pay money. But you promise to show up for all court dates.

   • Pay fines/resolve issue: If the warrant is for a small thing, like an old traffic ticket or an unpaid fine, you may be able to fix it by paying what you owe. Or by setting up a pay plan with the court. Always get a receipt. And check that the warrant is pulled back after you pay.

   • Seek Legal Advice: It is almost always a good plan to talk to a lawyer. This is very true if the warrant is for a felony or a grave misdemeanor. Or if you are not sure what to do. A lawyer can look into the warrant. They can tell you your rights. And they can help you deal with the court. They may be able to get the bail sum made less. Or help you fight the charge.

Warrant Expiration (or Lack Thereof)

It is a wrong thought that warrants just "go away" after some time.

• Arrest Warrants: In Texas, most arrest warrants do not expire. They stay active until the person is held. Or until the court recalls or pulls back the warrant. This means a warrant from many years ago can still be live. And it can still cause you to be held.

• Search Warrants: As said before, search warrants do have short lives. They must be used in a few days. The time is set by law. See Texas Code of Criminal Procedure Art. 18.07 (https://statutes.capitol.texas.gov/Docs/CR/htm/CR.18.htm#18.07). If not used in that time, a new one must be sought.

Relevant Texas Laws Regarding Warrants

The rules for warrants in Texas come from state law. These laws say who can give them out. How they must be used. And what rights people have. The Texas Code of Criminal Procedure is the main set of laws for this.

Authority to Issue Warrants

Texas Code of Criminal Procedure Art. 15.03 (https://statutes.capitol.texas.gov/Docs/CR/htm/CR.15.htm#15.03) talks about who can give out an arrest warrant or a summons.

• Who can issue: A magistrate can give out a warrant. A magistrate is a type of judge.

• Basis for issuance: A magistrate can do so if:

  • They are by law allowed to tell someone to be held by word of mouth.

  • Someone makes an oath (a sworn truth) before the magistrate that another person has done some act that is against the laws of Texas.

  • In any case named in the Code where they are told they can give out arrest warrants. A summons can be used in any case where a warrant may be used. A summons tells the person to show up at court at a set time and place. If they do not show up, then a warrant will be made.

Execution of Arrest Warrants

Texas Code of Criminal Procedure Art. 15.26 (https://statutes.capitol.texas.gov/Docs/CR/htm/CR.15.htm#15.26) tells how an arrest warrant must be carried out.

• Authority must be made known: When a person is held, they must be told what power is used to hold them.

• Officer not needing warrant in possession: The lawman does not need to have the warrant paper with them at the time of the hold. But, if the person asks, the officer must show the warrant to them as soon as they can. If the officer does not have the warrant with them, they must tell the person what crime they are charged with. And that a warrant has been made. This means an officer can hold you based on knowing a warrant is live, even if the paper is not in their hand. They can check this through their car computer or by calling their office.

Search Warrants

The rules for search warrants are found in Texas Code of Criminal Procedure Chapter 18 (https://statutes.capitol.texas.gov/Docs/CR/htm/CR.18.htm).

• Requirements for issuance: A search warrant must be based on probable cause. This means good facts that show a crime has been done. And that proof of the crime is in the place to be searched. The warrant must say just what place is to be searched. And what things are to be looked for.

• Warrants for fire, health, code inspections: Art. 18.05 of the code (https://statutes.capitol.texas.gov/Docs/CR/htm/CR.18.htm#18.05) talks about search warrants for these kinds of checks. These are used by city or county staff to see if homes or shops meet safety rules. These also need a judge's OK.

Public Information Aspect of Warrants

As said before, Texas Code of Criminal Procedure Art. 15.26 (https://statutes.capitol.texas.gov/Docs/CR/htm/CR.15.htm#15.26) makes the arrest warrant and its affidavit public data. This starts right when the warrant is used. The clerk of the magistrate must make a copy of the warrant and affidavit for the public to see in the clerk’s office. People can ask for copies. They may have to pay for the cost of making the copies. This rule helps make sure the court process is open and clear for all to see. It lets folks know why a warrant was made. This helps keep trust in the law system.