Arkansas Warrant Search

The Arkansas Warrants List

The public has access to the Arkansas warrants lists that can be accessed through various law enforcement and public record websites. Warrants are used as a means to either arrest someone for an alleged crime, or command them to appear in court before a judge. Each of these types serves a specific function in the states legal system, and hold people accountable for their actions or lack there of. This article will explore the differences between these two types of warrants, explain how to run an Arkansas warrant check, and provide guidance on what to do if one has been issued in your name.

Arrest Warrants vs. Bench Warrants: Key Differences

There are two very distinct and different types of warrants that are commonly issued in Arkansas, both are issued by the courts but they have very different implications. Here is an outline of each type:

Arkansas Arrest Warrants:  An arrest warrant is always issued by a judge when there is either strong evidence, probable cause, or a sworn affidavit that a crime has been committed. This is then handed off to law enforcement officers to arrest and detain an individual suspected of that crime. They can be issued for both misdemeanors and felonies, ranging from minor offenses to serious crimes.

Arkansas Bench Warrants:  In contrast, a bench warrant is issued directly by a judge, usually in response to a person’s failure to appear in court for a scheduled hearing, a trial, and sometimes jury duty. Bench warrants are not linked to a criminal offense, instead, they are often related to existing cases where the individual has failed to comply with a court order. They can also be issued for failures of  paying court fines, attending court-ordered classes, or showing up for a scheduled court appearance. While these don't usually result in someone being arrested, if they are ignored long enough they can end up that way.

How to Run an Arkansas Warrant Search

If you are concerned that you or someone you know may have an active warrant in Arkansas, there are several ways to look up this information. You can contact the relevant law enforcement agency, either the city police or county sheriff department. You can also contact the AR Department of Public Safety or the AR State Warrant-Division. as they are privy to this information. A good example is if you want to lookup Sebastian County Arkansas Warrants, you can visit the Sebastian County Sheriff Department website. They have a search feature that is publicly accessible.

What to Do If You Have a Warrant Issued in Your Name

Discovering that there is a warrant out for your arrest can be overwhelming and stressful. It is very important that you don't ignore one or things can get a whole lot worse for you. Here are simple steps you can take if you find out that a warrant has been issued for your arrest.

1). Do Not Ignore It: Ignoring a warrant will not make it go away; in fact, it can make the situation worse. The longer a warrant is outstanding, the more likely it is that law enforcement will actively seek to arrest you. There are no statutes of limitations on these.

2). Hire an Attorney: One of the first things you should do is consult with an attorney. A legal professional can help you understand the nature of the warrant, advise you on your rights, and represent you in court if necessary.

3). Turn Yourself In: While it may sound intimidating, willingly turning yourself in can often lead to more favorable outcomes, such as lower bail or more merciful treatment by the court. Your attorney can arrange for you to surrender yourself in a controlled and less stressful manner.

4). Prepare for Court: If you have a bench warrant, be prepared to explain to the judge why you missed your court date or failed to comply with a court order. If you have an arrest warrant, your attorney can help you build a defense and navigate the legal process.

5). Follow Through with Court Orders: Once you have addressed the warrant, it is vital to comply with any court orders to avoid further legal complications. This may include attending court dates, paying fines, or completing community service.

How Do I Check If I Have an Arkansas Warrant?

You can check with either the county sheriff department, or the city police department however, you may be arrested on the spot. You can also check anonymously using a public records website. This way if you have an active Arkansas warrant for your arrests, you can get in front of it and hire an attorney. 

How Do I Run a Free Arkansas Warrant Search?

Many of the county sheriff departments have a free warrant search tool that is publicly accessible. You can also try contacting the Clerk of the Courts in the county where one was issued to check for you. These are the free options but there are other inexpensive options where you can search confidentially. Public record websites often allow people to search without anyone else knowing you are searching. This way if you have a warrant in your name you can find out before being arrested at an inconvenient time.