Georgia Warrant Search

When it comes to legal proceedings in Georgia, warrants play a critical role in law enforcement. A warrant is a legal document issued by a court that authorizes police to take certain actions, such as making an arrest, searching property, or detaining someone. In Georgia, warrants are serious matters, and understanding the differences between various types can help individuals navigate the legal landscape more effectively. This article will cover the two main types of warrants in Georgia—bench warrants and arrest warrants—as well as how to look up active warrants and what to do if a warrant has been issued in your name.

Types of Warrants in Georgia

There are two main types of GA warrants that are issued by the courts that are publicly accessible. These are the bench and arrest warrants, both issued by a judge or magistrate but are significantly different in their allegations and court order requirements. Here is a breakdown of each type:

GA Bench Warrants: A GA bench warrant is issued directly by a judge or magistrate for non-criminal actions. These often issued because a person has failed to appear in court, has violated court orders, or is delinquent with court payments. Common reasons for a bench warrant include missing a court date, failure to pay fines, or neglecting to meet other legal obligations such as restitution or community service. Unlike an arrest warrant, which typically stems from suspected criminal activity, a bench warrant is tied to non-compliance with court orders and procedures. This bench court order is to require someone to comply with the respective order, which usually means showing up in front of a judge.

GA Arrest Warrants: A GA arrest warrant is issued when there is strong evidence, i.e. probable cause, to believe that someone has committed a crime. Law enforcement officers, District Attorneys, or the Courts themselves request an arrest warrant after determining there is evidence that strongly suggest the person of interest has committed a criminal act. The 4th Amendment of the Constitution protects people otherwise, as searches and seizures must be reasonable and have evidence to support the claim. Then once a judge issues the court order for someone's arrests, it is sent out to the respective law enforcment agency, usually the county Sheriff Department, to arrest the individual listed.

How to Lookup GA Warrants

If you suspect there may be a warrant in your name or for someone else, it’s a must to verify act quickly before the situation becomes more complicated.  The first step is to verify the warrant by running a GA warrant check. There are multiple ways to accomplish this online.

1). Local Sheriff’s Office or Police Department: Many sheriff's offices and police departments maintain online databases where you can search for active arrest warrants. These databases typically require basic information, such as the individual's name or date of birth, to perform a search. Alternatively, you can call or visit the local law enforcement office in person for assistance.

2). Georgia Felon Search: This is a service offered by the Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI). It allows individuals to perform a criminal history check for felony convictions and outstanding warrants. There is usually a small fee for using this service, but it provides reliable and official information.

3). Court Clerk’s Office: The clerk of the court in the county where the warrant was issued will often have records of these available upon request. You can contact the clerk’s office for details or visit in person to check. This is a good option to lookup GA bench warrants

4). Private Online Services: Several websites offer GA warrant lookup services for a fee. While these services may be convenient, it's crucial to ensure they are reputable before providing personal information.

What to Do If You Have a Georgia Warrant Issued For Your Arrest

Discovering that a warrant has been issued in your name can be a stressful experience, but taking the right steps can help you manage the situation effectively. Here’s what you should do:

1). Do Not Ignore It: Ignoring these important court orders can led to severe consequences, including immediate arrest. Once an arrest warrant is active, law enforcement officers can arrest you at any time. Additionally, ignoring one can be detrimental, and result in more significant legal penalties, including added fines, jail time, or other sanctions.

2). Consult with an Attorney:  One of the first steps you should take is to contact a criminal defense attorney. An experienced lawyer can review the situation, explain your legal options, and possibly negotiate on your behalf to reduce the severity of the consequences. In some cases, your attorney may be able to arrange a court date or handle the warrant without you being taken into custody.

3). Turn Yourself In: It is often in your best interest to voluntarily turn yourself in rather than waiting to be arrested. Turning yourself in shows the court that you are taking the situation seriously, which may reflect positively on your case and help reduce any sentencing. When surrendering, it is also important to coordinate with an attorney to ensure the process goes smoothly, and you have legal representation from the start.

4). Prepare for Court: If the warrant is a bench warrant, be prepared to explain why you missed your court date or failed to comply with the court order. If it’s for your arrest, related to a criminal case, you and your attorney will need to build a defense strategy for the charges you’re facing

How To Run a Free Georgia Warrant Check

You an run a free warrant check in Georgia through the various law enforcment websites, or some third party public record sites. You  will need to know the full name of the person of interest, and their age or date of birth. This is because many people have the same first and last name, so to verify their identity you will need additional information such as a birthdate.