What is an outstanding warrant in California?
Asked by: Dusty Wilkinson | Last update: October 21, 2025Score: 4.8/5 (36 votes)
A California judge or magistrate may issue a warrant when a person fails to appear in court or heed a court order. A warrant may also be released when probable cause exists that someone committed a criminal offense. A California warrant search retrieves information about active or outstanding warrants within the state.
What does "warrants outstanding" mean?
An outstanding warrant means that the judge has issued an arrest warrant out for you. This could happen simply because you did not show up in court for a traffic ticket court date. If you have an outstanding warrant, the police can take you into jail at any point in time…
How do outstanding warrants work?
A warrant may be outstanding if the person named in the warrant is intentionally evading law enforcement, unaware that there is a warrant out for their arrest, the agency responsible for executing the warrant has a backlog of warrants to serve, or a combination of these factors.
How long do you stay in jail for a warrant in California?
How long can you stay in jail for a bench warrant? The duration you can stay in jail for a bench warrant depends on the specific circumstances, but typically, you may remain in custody until your hearing or until bail is posted, which can vary from hours to several days.
How to clear a warrant in California?
You can typically clear or “quash” a bench warrant by appearing in court or possibly having a lawyer appear on your behalf. You can usually “quash” a bench warrant by appearing in court or a lawyer appearing for you. To successfully quash a bench warrant means the court will remove it from California's judicial system.
What’s a Ramey Warrant in California?
What happens if you have a warrant in California?
If your failure to obey a court order is related to a felony, you must personally appear in court, with or without a lawyer, to clear the warrant. If you do not clear a bench warrant, it means police can then arrest you and bring you to court, where the judge can place you in custody or release you with a warning.
What does it mean when warrants are outstanding?
Additionally, “outstanding” can also mean that the warrant is still active. As such, it can be used to arrest that person at any time or place in which they are then found. An example of this would be how if someone is pulled over for a traffic violation, the police will check if there are any outstanding warrants.
How do I pay an outstanding warrant?
- No, You Cannot Simply Pay Off a Warrant. ...
- Hiring a Lawyer Provides the Best Chance to Clear a Warrant. ...
- Consult with an Experienced Criminal Defense Attorney. ...
- Consider Voluntarily Surrendering on the Warrant. ...
- Attend Your Court Hearing.
Do outstanding warrants show on background checks?
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.
What to avoid if you have a warrant?
- You Can't Travel Freely. An active warrant severely limits your ability to travel freely, especially outside your immediate local area or state. ...
- You Can't Legally Drive. ...
- You Can't Enter Federal Property. ...
- You Can't Ignore the Warrant. ...
- You Can't Rely on Past Checks.
What does "outstanding" mean in law?
Definition and Citations:
1. Remaining undischarged; unpaid; uncollected; as an outstanding debt. 2. Existing as an adverse claim or pretension; not united with, or merged in, the title or claim of the party; as au outstanding title.
Can you get a job if you have warrants?
Since most public warrants are publicly accessible as part of court records they may be found by employers during a background check. Bottom line, you can get hired if you have a warrant. In most cases, yes, especially if it does not lead to a conviction.
Do California warrants expire?
In California, arrest warrants don't expire. This means that they can appear on a person's background check. Something to keep in mind is that, according to California law, the offenses that led to the arrest warrant are subject to the criminal statute of limitations.
Does California DMV check for warrants?
Here's how it works in California: DMV Access to Information: Database Connections:The California DMV has access to various law enforcement databases,including those that contain warrant information. When you apply for a state ID,they typically run a background check that includes checking for outstanding warrants.
How do search warrants work in California?
A search warrant is an order in writing, in the name of the people, signed by a magistrate, directed to a peace officer, commanding him or her to search for a person or persons, a thing or things, or personal property, and, in the case of a thing or things or personal property, bring the same before the magistrate.
How do I resolve a warrant in debt?
If a debtor wishes to dispute the claim made in a warrant in debt, they must respond to the court within a specified period of time, typically 21 days. They can present evidence or arguments contesting the debt, such as proof of payment or disputing the amount owed.
How long does it take for a warrant to be issued in California?
In California, search warrants are issued by judges. How long it takes to obtain the warrant depends on how quickly an officer can convince the judge that a warrant is necessary. In special cases where time is of the essence, this may take as little as minutes, but it generally takes at least a few hours.
Can you fly with a warrant?
While it's technically possible to board a flight with an open arrest warrant without TSA interference, risks abound. From local police presence at airports to CBP checks during international travel, the potential for arrest is real. It's crucial to consult with a legal expert to understand your options and risks.
What are warrants outstanding?
An outstanding warrant is a legal document that authorizes law enforcement to arrest someone. It is a type of warrant that has not been executed yet, meaning the person named in the warrant has not been arrested yet.
What is the difference between an active and outstanding warrant?
Law enforcement will then take active measures to locate the suspect. Once located, the individual is placed under arrest and taken to jail. Sometimes, active warrants are referred to as “outstanding” warrants. Open warrants have a low priority, and law enforcement does not actively begin to search for an individual.
How long does it take police to get a warrant?
Getting a search warrant can take a few hours, days, or weeks. It depends on the complexity of the case, the availability of the judge or magistrate, the available technology, and how credible the information is.
Can you pay off a warrant in California?
For payment relief options, see the Payment Options and Financial Hardship Information page. If you have failed to appear on a traffic/minor offense case and a warrant has been issued, you may be able to pay the total bail or an appearance in court may be necessary. Warrants cannot be settled over the phone or online.
How long do you stay in jail for a warrant for missing court?
If you were a defendant in an ongoing criminal case and were arrested on a bench warrant for failing to appear, you could potentially be held in custody until the completion of your trial. Depending on the complexity of the case and the court's docket, this period can span several months or longer.
How do I check if I have a warrant in California?
To find out if you have an active warrant in California, you can either: Search your name on the appropriate County Sheriff's website or Superior Court website. For example, in Orange County, you can search the Orange County Sheriff's Department website. Run a search on the private CaliforniaArrests.org website.