Missouri Warrant Search

A Missouri warrant search lets people verify the existence of a warrant on them or any other person in the state. In Missouri, there are several databases where interested persons can search for warrants. These databases are typically managed by county sheriffs, local police departments, and superior courts.

A warrant search can provide information on whether a person is wanted in a jurisdiction for flouting a court order or committing a crime. Anyone may lookup warrants in Missouri, including the person named in a warrant. Other parties include law enforcement officers and private companies during background checks. Besides these reasons, it is also possible to do a warrant search for personal curiosity.

What is a Warrant?

A warrant is a legal document issued by a judge or magistrate authorizing law enforcement officials to take a specific action that otherwise would be unconstitutional. Law enforcement need warrants to perform seizure, arrest, search, monitoring, extradition, etc (RSMo 554.180).

The types of warrants issued in Missouri include search warrants, bench warrants, probation violation warrants, and arrest warrants. The issuance and execution of warrants in Missouri must comply with relevant Missouri law (Section 15, Article I, Missouri Bill of Rights).

Generally, law enforcement officials must apply to a court to issue a warrant authorizing the arrest of a person, the search of a location, or the search/seizure of a property. The application must include an affidavit with evidence that establishes probable cause to issue the warrant. Next, the assigned law enforcement official must execute the warrant in line with the terms of execution. Furthermore, after executing a warrant, the official must return it to the issuing judicial official with a report containing information about the evidence seized and the actions taken.

Are Warrants Public Record in Missouri?

Yes. Per Missouri state laws, warrants are generally classified as public records in Missouri, except where certain legal limitations and restrictions are applicable (RSMo 600.010). As such, interested persons can obtain or search warrants on public record databases. Despite this provision, classified warrants, as well as warrants containing information that may compromise criminal justice procedure or individual safety, are temporarily sealed from public access. Such warrants only become public after they have been executed.

How Do I Look Up Warrants in Missouri?

Persons looking to search warrants issued in Missouri can do so using searchable databases provided by independent service providers. However, official sources provided by government agencies are recommended and should be used whenever possible.

To look up warrant information online, a searcher must provide details, such as the name and date of birth of the warrant subject. Basic warrant information featured on these websites is typically available for free. However, requesters may have to pay for access to complete reports. They may pay a one-time fee or select a subscription plan that best suits their needs. Access fees vary with different providers and usually range from $1 to $25.

Many third-party lookup websites cover warrants issued in other states of the U.S. and are not restricted to a specific town or county in Missouri. However, because these sites are not affiliated with the government, there is no guarantee of the completeness and accuracy of the records obtained. Thus, users should verify the accuracy of information retrieved from third parties, especially if they wish to use it for official purposes.

What is a Search Warrant in Missouri?

A search warrant is a written court order authorizing law enforcement officials to search a person, thing, or place (RSMo 542.266). A search warrant also authorizes the seizure, copying, and photographing of property found on the subject of the search.

Search warrants are only issued by a judge or magistrate of a court with jurisdiction over the locale in which the person, place, or thing is located at the time the application for the warrant was made.

Furthermore, the rules of criminal procedures must be followed (RSMo 542.276). First, before a search warrant is issued, a peace officer or other appropriate law enforcement officer must make an application for it. The application must contain identifying information about the place, person, or object to be searched, an affidavit, and probable cause to convince the judge to issue the warrant (RSMo 542.271).

Are Search Warrants Public Records in Missouri?

It depends. Search warrants only become public after the search has been executed. This is important to prevent the alteration or removal of evidence by individuals who may be implicated by evidence found during a search and also to protect the privacy rights of parties involved in the search.

How Long Does It Take to Get a Search Warrant in Missouri?

It depends. The time it takes to secure a search warrant in Missouri may take a few hours to several days, depending on the robustness of the probable cause for issuing the warrant. When expediency is necessary, however, law enforcement officials may escalate the process, reducing the time to less than an hour. The main determining factor in the waiting time is the availability of probable cause sufficient to convince the judge that issuing the warrant is expedient.

How Long Does a Search Warrant Last?

In Missouri, a search warrant must be executed as soon as possible and within ten days from the date of its issuance. Upon completion of the search authorized by a warrant, a peace officer must return a search warrant to the issuing judge along with a report detailing the execution of the warrant, such as the items seized, the name of the possessor/owner, the date and time the warrant was executed, and the name of the issuing officer.

What is a Bench Warrant in Missouri?

A bench warrant is a type of warrant ordering the arrest of an individual who failed to appear in a court hearing or trial as scheduled. A judge may issue a bench warrant when a person fails to:

• Comply with court orders
• Abide by the terms of parole or probation
• Pay child or spousal support
• Pay fees or fines as commanded by a court.

What is an Arrest Warrant in Missouri?

An arrest warrant in Missouri is a written legal document that orders law enforcement officers to apprehend and detain an individual suspected of involvement in criminal activities. To obtain an arrest warrant, a law enforcement officer must apply along with an affidavit that provides factual evidence to establish grounds for probable cause.

How to Check if You Have a Warrant in Missouri

To check for warrants in Missouri, a requester may visit the Clerk's Office at the courthouse where they have an active case during business hours to make inquiries. Some law enforcement agencies may allow interested parties to inquire about a warrant in their name.

Note that various agencies have specific procedures for accessing warrants. Some of the aforementioned offices allow mail-in options. Requesters should visit the website of any agency they wish to inquire from to make inquiries before their visit.

Certain warrants or warrant information may be withheld from requesters if their disclosure could compromise an ongoing investigation. Generally, search warrants are not made public until after they have been executed. Some custodial agencies maintain public lobbies where people can visit during official hours to search for warrants.

Can You Check Warrants Online in Missouri?

Yes. Government-operated websites exist where interested parties can look up warrants online. However, Missouri does not provide a central repository for statewide warrant searches. Available warrant lookup websites are typically operated by the offices of court clerks, county sheriffs, and law enforcement agencies and are mainly available at the county and city levels, such as the City of Springfield and Boone County.

How To Find Out If You Have a Warrant for Free

There are several free options people can use to search for warrants. This includes both online and in-person search methods. Note that most free online options provide limited information. Free in-person options include:

• Law enforcement agency offices
• Offices of court clerks.

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

Interested residents of Missouri can find warrant information for free when they visit the official websites of local courthouses or police departments. Some of these custodians provide searchable databases useful for finding warrants and other related public records. Unexecuted search warrants are not public and are only accessible by law enforcement officials.

How Long Does a Warrant Stay Active in Missouri?

It depends. Most warrants in Missouri do not have a validity period until they have been executed unless they are recalled or quashed by the issuing judge. Arrest warrants and bench warrants stay active until the person named in the warrant has been apprehended. Probation violation warrants remain active for as long as necessary, depending on the terms stipulated by the issuing judge or magistrate. Meanwhile, search warrants in Missouri have a validity period of 10 days.

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

The U.S. Marshals Service is the federal organization charged with the responsibility of serving federal arrest warrants and can be reached at (202) 307-9100 for inquiries about active federal warrants. Furthermore, the Office of the U.S. Federal Clerk of Court may be able to provide requesters with valuable information about the existence of an active or outstanding warrant on any person’s name.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) maintains a record repository of wanted persons and may facilitate a warrant search for inquirers who visit their field office or contact them via the means provided on their website. Other options include the offices of the clerks of local courts with jurisdiction over the area where the subject of a warrant lives and local law enforcement agencies. Lastly, a person may hire an attorney who specializes in federal law to guide them in finding and resolving any federal warrants in their name.