Colorado Warrant Search
In Colorado, as in ever US state, a warrant is a court order signed by a judge for a person's arrest for an alleged crime, or a request to appear in court for a failed court appearance. It’s important to understand these different types of warrants, how to conduct a warrant search, and the steps to take if someone discovers there is an active warrant issued in their name. This guide will explain what warrants are, the differences between arrest and bench warrants, how to run a warrant search, and what to do if you have one.
What is a Colorado Warrant?
A CO warrant is an official court order which is always issued by a judge or magistrate that either grants law enforcement the authority to perform a specific action, like arresting someone or searching a location. Or, it can be a bench warrant that is related to someone's missed court appearance, failed court order, or unpaid court fines. Where CO arrest warrants are typically issued when there is probable cause that a crime has been committed or that evidence related to a crime can be found at a particular location.
The Difference Between Arrest and Bench Warrants
In Colorado, there are two main types of warrants that are the most common, arrest warrants and bench warrants. Here's a breakdown of each and their implications:
1). Colorado Arrest Warrants: A arrest warrant is almost always issued when law enforcement has probable cause to believe that a person has committed a crime. If there is no concrete evidence, an officer of the law can submit an affidavit. Then a judge will issue an arrest warrant, which directs officers to arrest the individual named, and bring them before the issuing judge. Arrest warrants are typically issued when a person is suspected of committing a crime but has not yet been apprehended. For example, if a person is accused of robbery and there is evidence to suggest they committed the crime, a judge may issue an arrest warrant.
2). Colorado Bench Warrants: A bench warrant, on the other hand, is typically issued when someone fails to appear in court as ordered or fails to comply with a court order. This can happen if a person misses a court date, or jury duty, for a criminal case, a civil case, or a traffic violation. In these cases, the judge issues a bench warrant that is usually a request and does not lead to an arrest. It’s called a "bench" warrant because it is issued from the "bench" of the judge, meaning directly from the courtroom. If these court orders are continually ignored, then that person will most likely be arrested.
How to Run a Colorado Warrant Search
If you want to check whether you or someone else has an active warrant in Colorado, there are a few ways to conduct a warrant search. Here are the various ways to run a CO warrant search:
1). State Law Enforcement Agencies: The Colorado Bureau of Investigation (CBI) offers a CO Warrant Search tool online that allows you to search for active warrants. The CBI database includes information on individuals who have outstanding warrants issued by courts across the state. You can visit the official CBI website and use their search portal to look for active warrants by name.
2. County Law Enforcement Agencies: Each county in Colorado also maintains its own warrant database. This means you may need to check with local county law enforcement agencies to find out if there is an active warrant in that specific jurisdiction. You can typically visit the website of the local sheriff’s office or police department to look up warrant information. For example, you can run a Colorado Springs warrant search by visiting the official city website. Or you can contact the county sheriff department such as in Jefferson County CO.
3. Colorado Judicial Branch: The CO Judicial Branch also provides access to court records, which may include information about outstanding bench warrants. You can search for case information online through the CO Judicial Branch website, or specific county courthouses. Keep in mind that some warrant information may only be accessible by contacting the clerk of the courts directly.
4. Third-Party Services: If you don’t want to contact law enforcement agencies directly, there are private services that can perform a warrant search for a fee. However, always ensure you are using a reputable service, as some third-party websites may not provide accurate or updated information. These resources allow for users to search statewide with just a first and last name.
What to Do if You Have an Warrant in Colorado
If you discover that there is an active warrant for your arrest, it’s important not to ignore it. Avoiding the situation will only make things worse and could lead to additional legal trouble. Here are some important steps to take:
1). Verify the Warrant: The first step is to verify the authenticity of the warrant by checking with law enforcement or the respective county courthouse.
2). Consult with an Attorney: The first thing you should do after verifying the warrant is to seek legal counsel. An experienced criminal defense attorney can advise you on the best course of action and help you navigate the legal process. They can also help you understand the charges against you and represent you in court.
3). Surrender Yourself Voluntarily: If there is a warrant for your arrest, it is generally better to surrender yourself voluntarily rather than waiting for law enforcement to come and arrest you. Turning yourself in may work in your favor during the legal process, especially if your attorney is involved. In some cases, a lawyer can negotiate a surrender time with the authorities.
4). Attend Your Court Hearing: If you have missed a court date, you need to appear in court to handle your criminal allegation. This is where having an attorney will be instrumental. They can help to mitigate your circumstances and help to get you a reduced sentence if you are found guilty.
Do I Have a Colorado Warrant?
While there are multiple options to looking up an active warrant, some are more convenient than others. The simples and quickest way to check for CO warrants is to use a third party resource, such as a public records website. These resources allow users to anonymously search for warrants by county or state. There is usually a small fee for using these resources but you can find out immediately if you have one, and won't be arrested on the spot for checking. This will give you the opportunity to hire an attorney if you need one.
Are Colorado Warrants Considered Public Records?
Yes, they are considered public records which means that anyone can find out if you have one with a simple online search. These will also show up on a background check, which can limit employment and housing opportunities. An easy way to lookup CO warrants is to use a public records website.
How to Run a Free Colorado Warrant Search
If you want to run a warrant search for free, you can either contact the respective county sheriff department, or the county courthouse clerk. These resources will allow you to verify an one for free. However, if you want to stay anonymous, try using a third party resource. These resources offer inexpensive search option and you will get instant results.
