How long do warrants last in Arizona?

Asked by: Lexie Nicolas  |  Last update: June 3, 2025
Score: 4.1/5 (19 votes)

An arrest warrant stays in effect indefinitely until the individual is arrested. The warrant can only be resolved, quashed, or cancelled, by the issuing court.

Do warrants eventually go away?

In California, the SOL for misdemeanors is generally one year from the time of the offense. Thus, it's essential to understand that arrest and bench warrants generally do not expire. Once issued, law enforcement can execute a warrant when you are pulled over at a traffic stop or another encounter.

How do I clear a warrant in Arizona?

What are the Steps to Remove a Bench Warrant in Arizona?
  1. Verify the Warrant. The first step is to confirm whether a bench warrant has been issued. ...
  2. Contact an Attorney. ...
  3. File a Motion to Quash. ...
  4. Appear in Court. ...
  5. Resolve Underlying Issues.

How do I check if I have a warrant in Arizona?

You can complete your own research on the website: Public Access to Court Information to find out if there is a warrant for arrest issued by an Arizona court. If you prefer to call by phone, you may use the Find My Court locator at AZCourtHelp.org to find the Superior, Municipal or Justice Clerk of the Court's Office.

How do warrants work in Arizona?

Arrest warrants are issued to police when a judge is presented with a sworn statement to establish a reasonable belief that a person has committed a crime. Judges from any court may issue a warrant – Superior, Municipal or Justice Court.

How Long Does A Warrant Last?

33 related questions found

Do warrants expire in AZ?

The arrest can take place immediately, or the warrant may remain outstanding until you're pulled over for a minor traffic offense or some other unrelated action brings you in contact with law enforcement. Arrest warrants do not expire.

What can you not do with a warrant?

A warrant is a court order allowing the police to arrest a person. If you have outstanding warrants, you can be arrested at any time. Warrants can prevent you from getting a driver's license, or from getting certain government benefits such as food stamps or health care.

Are search warrants public record in Arizona?

Inquirers may find out if someone has a warrant online using the Arizona Judicial Branch Public Court Information Database. This database allows individuals to perform a free warrant search with the person's first name, last name, and date of birth.

What does "I warrant" mean?

: to declare or maintain with certainty : be sure that. I'll warrant he'll be here by noon. b. : to assure (a person) of the truth of what is said.

How to see if you have a warrant in Tucson, AZ?

Request a warrant check

Call their main office at 520-724-3310 and say, "I'm requesting a warrant check." Staff will let you know if you have one or more warrants, and in which jurisdictions. You may then call that court directly or return here for additional information.

How do I pay a warrant in Arizona?

You can pay online with credit or debit cards at www.azcourtpay.com and at the court's payment website. You can pay with cash at CVS, 7-11, Family Dollar and other retailers with PayNearMe. You can pay by mail with cashier's checks or money orders. Make payable to the court and include the case number.

How do I take care of a warrant in Arizona?

File a Motion to Clear the Warrant

Gathering details about the warrant and the underlying issue. Working with an attorney to draft the motion. Submitting the motion to the court that issued your warrant. Serving the motion to relevant parties like the prosecutor or law enforcement.

What happens when warrants expire?

The stock warrant remains valid until its expiration date. After that date, the warrant expires, and the holder can no longer use it. With an American-style warrant, the holder can exercise their right to buy or sell at any point before the expiration date.

Does a warrant show up on a background check?

Standard criminal background checks typically will not show outstanding warrants such as an open warrant or a bench warrant. An open warrant for someone's arrest is a warrant that has been issued by a magistrate or judge but has not been executed. This means that the target has not yet been taken into custody.

Should I be worried about a warrant?

You Can't Ignore the Warrant

Judges issue arrest warrants precisely because you have failed to appear in court to address pending charges. The open warrant authorizes police to apprehend and detain you anywhere and time until you are brought to court.

Do police serve warrants on weekends?

There is no particular timetable for service of a warrant. It can be on a weekend if there are available officers.

What is an example of a warrant?

The claim: This pill is safe. The evidence: It has been approved by the FDA. The warrant: The FDA is trustworthy and would never approve an unsafe medication.

How to quash a warrant in Arizona?

Responding to a Warrant issued by Arizona

Your attorney will be able to confirm the facts of the warrant and may be able to file a motion to quash or resolve the warrant. If you do not have an attorney, you can contact the court that issued the warrant for additional information.

How do I check my criminal record in Arizona?

To review the record, the subject may begin the process by going to https://psp.azdps.gov/account/login or by contacting the Central State Repository Section at (602) 223-2000, selecting Option #2 (Records and Reports), and then Option #3 (Statewide Criminal Records).

Where do warrants show up?

In California, warrant information is primarily shared through the NCIC. When a warrant is issued in California, law enforcement agencies often enter it into the NCIC, making it accessible to officers across the country.

Do warrants ever go away?

While a California bench warrant never expires, both bench warrants and arrest warrants must be executed within a reasonable length time. If your constitutional right to a speedy trial is violated because the police did not act promptly on the warrant, your attorney may be able to have the case dismissed.

Can the airport see if you have warrants?

Connection with Law Enforcement – While TSA itself isn't looking for warrants, if they encounter a situation requiring local law enforcement (like a dispute, suspicious behavior, or detected prohibited items), the police called to the scene may run your information and discover the warrant.