Tarrant County Warrant Search

What Is a Search Warrant In Tarrant County?

A search warrant in Tarrant County is a legal document issued by a judge that authorizes law enforcement officers to search a specific location for evidence related to a crime. These warrants must be based on probable cause and describe in detail the place to be searched and items to be seized. In Tarrant County, search warrants are typically executed by the Tarrant County Sheriff's Office or local police departments within the county's jurisdiction.

Search warrants must be obtained through the Tarrant County District Attorney's Office (401 W. Belknap Street, Fort Worth, TX 76196) and approved by a judge from one of the county's criminal courts.

Are Warrants Public Records In Tarrant County?

Yes, most warrants in Tarrant County are considered public records under the Texas Public Information Act. However, access may be restricted for certain types of warrants, particularly those related to ongoing investigations or those involving juveniles.

The public can access warrant information through the Tarrant County Clerk's Office (100 W. Weatherford Street, Fort Worth, TX 76196) or through online resources provided by the county. Some information may be redacted to protect sensitive details or personal information.

How Do I Find Out if I Have a Warrant In Tarrant County?

There are several ways to determine if you have an active warrant in Tarrant County:

1. Contact the Tarrant County Sheriff's Office Warrant Division directly at (200 Taylor Street, Fort Worth, TX 76196).
2. Use the online warrant search tool on the Tarrant County website.
3. Contact the court that may have issued the warrant.
4. Call the Tarrant County District Clerk's Office (100 N. Calhoun Street, Fort Worth, TX 76196).
5. Consult with an attorney who can check warrant status on your behalf.

It's important to address any outstanding warrants promptly, as they can lead to arrest at any time, including during routine traffic stops.

How To Check for Warrants in Tarrant County for Free in 2025

In 2025, Tarrant County offers several free methods to check for active warrants:

1. Visit the Tarrant County Criminal Docket Search portal online.
2. Use the Tarrant County Sheriff's Office website warrant search feature.
3. Visit the Tarrant County Justice Center in person (401 W. Belknap Street, Fort Worth, TX 76196).
4. Contact the Tarrant County Constable's Office for your precinct.
5. Call the Tarrant County District Clerk's Office during business hours.

These services are provided free of charge to the public, though some may require basic personal information to conduct the search.

What Types of Warrants In Tarrant County

Tarrant County issues several types of warrants:

1. Arrest Warrants: Issued when there is probable cause that a person has committed a crime.
2. Bench Warrants: Issued when someone fails to appear for a scheduled court date.
3. Search Warrants: Authorize law enforcement to search specific locations for evidence.
4. Capias Warrants: Issued for failure to comply with court orders.
5. Alias Warrants: Reissued warrants after the original expired without being served.
6. Traffic Warrants: Issued for unpaid traffic citations or failure to appear for traffic court.
7. Child Support Warrants: Issued for failure to pay court-ordered child support.

Each type of warrant serves a specific purpose within the Tarrant County justice system.

What Warrants in Tarrant County Contain

Warrants in Tarrant County typically contain the following information:

1. The name and description of the person to be arrested (for arrest warrants).
2. The specific location to be searched (for search warrants).
3. The alleged offense or reason for the warrant.
4. The date of issuance and expiration (if applicable).
5. The name of the issuing judge.
6. The court that issued the warrant.
7. The bond amount (for arrest warrants).
8. Specific items to be seized (for search warrants).
9. Instructions for law enforcement regarding execution of the warrant.

This information ensures that warrants are executed properly and legally.

Who Issues Warrants In Tarrant County

In Tarrant County, warrants are issued by:

1. District Court Judges (401 W. Belknap Street, Fort Worth, TX 76196) - for felony cases.
2. County Court Judges (100 W. Weatherford Street, Fort Worth, TX 76196) - for misdemeanor cases.
3. Justices of the Peace - for certain misdemeanors and traffic offenses.
4. Municipal Court Judges - for city ordinance violations and certain misdemeanors.

The process typically begins with a request from law enforcement or the District Attorney's Office. The judge reviews the evidence and determines if there is sufficient probable cause to issue the warrant.

How To Find for Outstanding Warrants In Tarrant County

To find outstanding warrants in Tarrant County:

1. Use the Tarrant County Criminal Records Search online.
2. Contact the Tarrant County Sheriff's Office Warrant Division (200 Taylor Street, Fort Worth, TX 76196).
3. Check with the Tarrant County District Clerk's Office in person or by phone.
4. Use the Justice of the Peace court websites for minor offenses.
5. Contact the municipal court in the city where the offense may have occurred.
6. Consult with a local attorney who can access the county's warrant database.

It's advisable to resolve any outstanding warrants promptly to avoid unexpected arrest.

How To Check Federal Warrants In Tarrant County

Federal warrants are handled differently than county warrants. To check for federal warrants in Tarrant County:

1. Contact the U.S. Marshals Service for the Northern District of Texas (501 W. 10th Street, Fort Worth, TX 76102).
2. Consult with a federal defense attorney who can make inquiries on your behalf.
3. Check the federal court records through PACER (Public Access to Court Electronic Records).
4. Contact the Federal Bureau of Investigation's Dallas Field Office, which covers Tarrant County (One Justice Way, Dallas, TX 75220).

Federal warrants are typically not searchable through county databases, as they are issued by federal courts.

How Long Do Warrants Last In Tarrant County?

In Tarrant County, most warrants remain active until they are executed (the person is arrested) or recalled by the court. There is generally no expiration date for felony warrants or most misdemeanor warrants. However, some specific types of warrants may have limitations:

1. Search warrants typically must be executed within a specific timeframe, often 3-10 days from issuance.
2. Some municipal court warrants for minor offenses may be subject to administrative review after several years.

It's a common misconception that warrants "expire" after a certain period. In reality, most warrants in Tarrant County remain in the system indefinitely until resolved.

How Long Does It Take To Get a Search Warrant In Tarrant County?

The time required to obtain a search warrant in Tarrant County varies depending on circumstances:

1. In emergency situations, search warrants can be obtained within hours through on-call judges.
2. For routine investigations, the process typically takes 1-3 days.
3. Complex cases requiring extensive probable cause documentation may take longer.

Law enforcement must prepare an affidavit establishing probable cause, which is then reviewed by the District Attorney's Office (401 W. Belknap Street, Fort Worth, TX 76196) before being presented to a judge. Electronic warrant systems have expedited this process in recent years.

Search Warrant Records in Tarrant County

For access to search warrant records and other criminal court information in Tarrant County, the following resources are available:

• Criminal Docket Search - Search criminal court records by person or court in Tarrant County.

• Online Searches for County Courts - Access case records and calendars for County Courts at Law, Probate Courts, and Justice of the Peace Courts.

• Public Information Act Resources - Information on requesting public records under the Texas Public Information Act.

These resources provide valuable information for individuals researching warrant status or criminal proceedings in Tarrant County.