Dallas Public Records /Dallas County Warrant Search

Dallas County Warrant Search

What Is a Search Warrant In Dallas County?

A search warrant in Dallas County is a legal document issued by a judge or magistrate that authorizes law enforcement officers to search a specifically designated location and seize particular items described in the warrant. Search warrants are fundamental legal instruments that balance the government's need to investigate crimes against citizens' constitutional rights against unreasonable searches and seizures.

Pursuant to the Texas Code of Criminal Procedure § 18.01, a search warrant is "a written order, issued by a magistrate and directed to a peace officer, commanding him to search for any property or person and to seize the same and bring it before such magistrate." Search warrants in Dallas County must be based on probable cause, supported by an affidavit, and must particularly describe the place to be searched and the items to be seized.

Search warrants differ from other types of warrants in several important ways:

Arrest warrants authorize the apprehension of a specific person rather than the search of a location
Bench warrants are court orders issued when an individual fails to appear for a scheduled court date
Capias warrants direct law enforcement to take a person into custody for specific violations

The Fourth Amendment to the United States Constitution and Article I, Section 9 of the Texas Constitution provide the constitutional foundation for search warrant requirements, protecting citizens from unreasonable searches and seizures by government authorities.

Are Warrants Public Records In Dallas County?

Warrants in Dallas County have a complex status regarding public accessibility. Under the Texas Public Information Act (TPIA), Government Code Chapter 552, government records are generally presumed to be open to public inspection. However, warrants are subject to specific exceptions and limitations.

The public record status of warrants in Dallas County depends on several factors:

Active vs. Executed Warrants: Active warrants (those not yet served) are typically not public records as their disclosure could impede law enforcement efforts or alert subjects to flee. Once executed, warrant information may become accessible.
Sealed Warrants: Pursuant to Texas Code of Criminal Procedure § 18.011, a magistrate may order search warrant affidavits sealed for a period of time if disclosure would jeopardize the safety of a victim, witness, or confidential informant, or compromise an ongoing investigation.
Juvenile Records: Warrants involving juveniles are subject to additional confidentiality protections under Texas Family Code § 58.007.
Expunged Records: Warrants related to cases that have been expunged are removed from public access pursuant to Texas Code of Criminal Procedure Chapter 55.

The Dallas County Clerk's Office maintains warrant records that have been returned to the court after execution, while the Dallas County Sheriff's Office maintains information about active warrants. Access to these records may require formal requests and is subject to applicable legal restrictions.

How to Find Out if I Have a Warrant In Dallas County?

Individuals seeking to determine if they have an outstanding warrant in Dallas County may utilize several official channels. The Dallas County Sheriff's Office provides warrant information services to members of the public.

To check for warrants in Dallas County, individuals may:

Contact the Dallas County Sheriff's Warrant Information Division directly:

Dallas County Sheriff's Office - Warrant Information
Frank Crowley Courts Building
133 N. Riverfront Blvd., LB-31
Dallas, TX 75207
(214) 653-3450
Dallas County Sheriff's Office

Utilize the Dallas County online warrant search system through the Dallas County Criminal Background Search, which provides limited information about criminal cases and may indicate warrant status.
Visit the Dallas County Justice of the Peace courts in person if the warrant may be related to a Class C misdemeanor or traffic violation:

Dallas County Justice of the Peace Courts
Various locations throughout Dallas County
(214) 653-7366 (Main Administrative Office)
Dallas County Justice of the Peace Courts

When checking for warrant information, individuals should be prepared to provide:

Full legal name
Date of birth
Driver's license number (if available)
Case number (if known)

For safety reasons, individuals discovering they have an active warrant should consult with an attorney before taking action, as appearing in person at law enforcement facilities may result in immediate arrest.

How To Check for Warrants in Dallas County for Free in 2026

Dallas County residents and other interested parties may check for warrant information at no cost through several official channels. The following methods provide free access to warrant information:

The Dallas County Sheriff's Office maintains a public access terminal at their main office where individuals may conduct warrant searches at no charge during regular business hours:

Dallas County Sheriff's Office
Frank Crowley Courts Building
133 N. Riverfront Blvd.
Dallas, TX 75207
(214) 653-3450
Dallas County Sheriff's Office
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM

The Dallas County Criminal Background Search provides free online access to limited criminal case information that may indicate warrant status. Users must create a free account to access the system.
For Class C misdemeanor warrants, individuals may contact the appropriate Justice of the Peace court directly:

Dallas County Justice of the Peace Courts
Various locations throughout Dallas County
(214) 653-7366 (Main Administrative Office)
Dallas County Justice of the Peace Courts

The Texas Department of Public Safety maintains information about certain types of warrants, particularly those entered into the Texas Crime Information Center (TCIC).

When using these free resources, individuals should note that the most comprehensive and current information is typically available directly from the Sheriff's Office. Online systems may experience delays in updates or may not include all warrant types.

What Types of Warrants In Dallas County

Dallas County courts and law enforcement agencies issue several distinct types of warrants, each serving different legal purposes within the criminal justice system:

Arrest Warrants are issued by judges or magistrates upon finding probable cause that a person has committed a crime. These warrants authorize law enforcement to take the named individual into custody. Arrest warrants in Dallas County are typically issued after:

Grand jury indictments
Criminal complaints filed by law enforcement
Prosecutor's information filings

Search Warrants authorize law enforcement to search specified premises for evidence of criminal activity. Pursuant to Texas Code of Criminal Procedure § 18.02, search warrants may be issued to search for and seize:

Property acquired by theft or other means
Property designed or intended for use in committing a crime
Arms or munitions kept for unlawful purposes
Prohibited weapons
Contraband
Evidence of a specific crime

Bench Warrants are issued by a judge when an individual fails to appear for a scheduled court date or violates a court order. These warrants direct law enforcement to bring the person before the court.

Capias Warrants are similar to arrest warrants but are specifically issued after formal charges have been filed. A capias pro fine is a specific type issued for failure to pay court-ordered fines.

Blue Warrants are issued for parole violations and authorize the arrest and detention of individuals who have violated the terms of their parole.

Alias Warrants are reissued warrants that replace original warrants that have expired or contain errors.

John/Jane Doe Warrants are issued when a suspect's identity is unknown but their DNA profile or other identifying characteristics are available.

Each warrant type follows specific procedural requirements under Texas law and Dallas County policies.

What Warrants in Dallas County Contain

Warrants issued in Dallas County contain specific information as required by Texas Code of Criminal Procedure § 15.02 for arrest warrants and § 18.04 for search warrants. The content of warrants is standardized to ensure legal sufficiency and proper execution.

A typical Dallas County warrant includes:

Caption and Court Information: Identifies the issuing court, case number, and jurisdiction (Dallas County, Texas)
Subject Information: For arrest warrants, includes the name of the person to be arrested and, when available, identifying information such as date of birth, physical description, last known address, and driver's license number
Location Details: For search warrants, contains a specific description of the premises, vehicle, or person to be searched
Offense Information: States the specific criminal offense(s) for which the person is charged or suspected, including the relevant Texas Penal Code section
Probable Cause Statement: References the supporting affidavit establishing probable cause for the warrant
Items to be Seized: For search warrants, provides a particular description of property or items authorized to be seized
Execution Instructions: Directs law enforcement on how and when the warrant may be executed, including any time limitations
Judicial Authorization: Contains the signature of the issuing judge or magistrate, their printed name, and the date and time of issuance
Return Information: Includes a section for the executing officer to document the date and manner of execution, items seized (for search warrants), or arrest details (for arrest warrants)

All warrants must comply with the Fourth Amendment's particularity requirement, meaning they must specifically describe the person, place, or things subject to search or seizure.

Who Issues Warrants In Dallas County

In Dallas County, the authority to issue warrants is vested in specific judicial officers as prescribed by Texas Code of Criminal Procedure § 15.01 for arrest warrants and § 18.01 for search warrants. The following judicial authorities may issue warrants in Dallas County:

District Court Judges preside over felony cases and have full authority to issue all types of warrants throughout Dallas County. The Frank Crowley Courts Building houses most of the criminal district courts:

Dallas County Criminal District Courts
Frank Crowley Courts Building
133 N. Riverfront Blvd.
Dallas, TX 75207
(214) 653-5740
Dallas County District Courts

County Criminal Court Judges handle misdemeanor cases and have authority to issue warrants related to misdemeanor offenses and, in certain circumstances, felony matters:

Dallas County Criminal Courts
Frank Crowley Courts Building
133 N. Riverfront Blvd.
Dallas, TX 75207
(214) 653-5740
Dallas County Criminal Courts

Justices of the Peace have authority to issue arrest warrants for Class C misdemeanors and certain search warrants within their precinct jurisdiction:

Dallas County Justice of the Peace Courts
Various locations throughout Dallas County
(214) 653-7366 (Main Administrative Office)
Dallas County Justice of the Peace Courts

Municipal Court Judges may issue warrants related to violations of municipal ordinances and certain state laws within their jurisdiction:

Dallas Municipal Court
2014 Main Street
Dallas, TX 75201
(214) 670-0109
Dallas Municipal Court

Magistrates specially appointed under Texas law may also issue warrants. In Dallas County, magistrates often handle initial appearances and warrant applications at the jail:

Dallas County Magistrate's Office
Lew Sterrett Justice Center
111 Commerce Street
Dallas, TX 75202
(214) 653-2680
Dallas County Sheriff's Office

All warrant-issuing authorities must find probable cause exists before issuing a warrant, typically based on sworn affidavits from law enforcement officers.

How To Find for Outstanding Warrants In Dallas County

Members of the public seeking information about outstanding warrants in Dallas County may utilize several official resources. The process varies depending on whether the search is for personal warrants or those issued for another individual.

To search for outstanding warrants in Dallas County:

Contact the Dallas County Sheriff's Warrant Division directly for the most comprehensive and current information:

Dallas County Sheriff's Office - Warrant Division
Frank Crowley Courts Building
133 N. Riverfront Blvd., LB-31
Dallas, TX 75207
(214) 653-3450
Dallas County Sheriff's Office
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM

Utilize the Dallas County online resources:
- The Dallas County Criminal Background Search provides access to criminal case information that may indicate warrant status
- The Dallas County Justice of the Peace Courts website offers information about Class C misdemeanor warrants
Check with specific courts that may have issued the warrant:
- For misdemeanor warrants: Contact the Dallas County Criminal Courts at (214) 653-5740
- For felony warrants: Contact the Dallas County District Clerk's Office at (214) 653-7149
Visit the Dallas County Records Building for historical warrant information:

Dallas County Records Building
509 Main Street
Dallas, TX 75202
(214) 653-7099
Dallas County Clerk
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM

When searching for warrant information, individuals should provide:

Full legal name (including any known aliases)
Date of birth
Driver's license number (if available)
Case number (if known)

For traffic and non-traffic Class C misdemeanor warrants in the City of Dallas, individuals may also contact:

Dallas Municipal Court
2014 Main Street
Dallas, TX 75201
(214) 670-0109
Dallas Municipal Court

How To Check Federal Warrants In Dallas County

Federal warrants operate under a separate system from Dallas County warrants and are issued by federal courts rather than state or county courts. These warrants typically involve violations of federal law, such as immigration offenses, drug trafficking across state lines, or federal financial crimes.

To check for federal warrants that may be active in Dallas County:

Contact the United States District Court for the Northern District of Texas, which has jurisdiction over Dallas County:

United States District Court - Northern District of Texas
Earle Cabell Federal Building
1100 Commerce Street
Dallas, TX 75242
(214) 753-2200
U.S. District Court - Northern District of Texas
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM

Consult with the United States Marshals Service, which is the primary federal agency responsible for executing federal warrants:

U.S. Marshals Service - Northern District of Texas
Earle Cabell Federal Building
1100 Commerce Street, Room 1452
Dallas, TX 75242
(214) 767-0836
U.S. Marshals Service

Check the Federal Bureau of Prisons Inmate Locator for information about individuals who may have been arrested on federal warrants:

Federal Bureau of Prisons
BOP Inmate Locator

Contact a Federal Public Defender's Office for guidance on federal warrant matters:

Federal Public Defender's Office - Northern District of Texas
525 Griffin Street, Suite 629
Dallas, TX 75202
(214) 767-2746
Federal Public Defender - Northern District of Texas

Important considerations regarding federal warrants:

Federal warrant information is often more restricted than state or county warrant information
The Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) may be used to request certain federal records, but active warrant information is typically exempt from disclosure
Federal agencies generally will not confirm the existence of an active warrant over the phone or to third parties
Individuals with reason to believe they may have a federal warrant should consult with an attorney experienced in federal criminal matters

How Long Do Warrants Last In Dallas County?

Warrants issued in Dallas County remain valid and enforceable until they are executed, recalled by the issuing court, or otherwise terminated through legal processes. Unlike some legal documents, warrants do not have built-in expiration dates under Texas law.

The duration of different warrant types in Dallas County is governed by the following principles:

Arrest Warrants and Bench Warrants remain active indefinitely until executed or withdrawn by court order. Pursuant to Texas Code of Criminal Procedure § 15.08, "A warrant of arrest shall remain in force until it is executed."
Search Warrants have specific execution timeframes. According to Texas Code of Criminal Procedure § 18.07, a search warrant must be executed within three days from the time of issuance, exclusive of the day of issuance and the day of execution. After this period, the search warrant becomes "stale" and cannot be legally executed.
Capias Warrants follow the same rules as arrest warrants and remain active until executed or withdrawn.
Municipal Court Warrants for Class C misdemeanors remain active until resolved, though some may be subject to administrative review after extended periods.

Factors that may affect warrant duration include:

Statute of Limitations: While the warrant itself does not expire, the underlying criminal charge may be subject to a statute of limitations that could affect prosecution once the warrant is executed.
Court Administrative Policies: Some courts in Dallas County periodically review older warrants to determine if they should remain active.
Interstate Considerations: For warrants to be executed across state lines, additional factors such as extradition policies may apply.
Warrant Recalls: Courts may recall warrants due to case dismissals, errors in issuance, or other judicial determinations.

Individuals with long-standing warrants should be aware that these warrants remain enforceable despite the passage of time, and addressing them promptly through proper legal channels is advisable.

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

The timeframe for obtaining a search warrant in Dallas County varies based on several factors, including case urgency, judicial availability, and the complexity of the investigation. The process follows specific procedural requirements established by the Texas Code of Criminal Procedure Chapter 18.

Under standard circumstances, the search warrant process in Dallas County typically includes:

Preparation Phase (1-24 hours): Law enforcement officers prepare an affidavit establishing probable cause for the search. This document must specifically describe the place to be searched and items to be seized.
Judicial Review (1-8 hours): The affidavit is presented to an authorized magistrate or judge who reviews the document to determine if probable cause exists. During regular business hours, this process may be completed relatively quickly at the Frank Crowley Courts Building or other court locations.
After-Hours Warrants (1-3 hours): For urgent situations occurring outside normal court hours, Dallas County maintains an on-call magistrate system. Law enforcement can contact the Dallas County Sheriff's Office to reach the on-call judge:

Dallas County Sheriff's Office - 24-Hour Communications
Lew Sterrett Justice Center
111 Commerce Street
Dallas, TX 75202
(214) 653-3450
Dallas County Sheriff's Office

Electronic Warrants (1-4 hours): Dallas County utilizes electronic warrant systems that allow for faster processing in certain circumstances. Under Texas Code of Criminal Procedure § 18.01(b-1), warrants may be transmitted electronically in some situations.
Execution Period: Once issued, search warrants must be executed within three days according to Texas Code of Criminal Procedure § 18.07.

Expedited processes exist for emergency situations:

Blood Draw Warrants: In DWI investigations, warrants for blood samples may be processed more quickly, often within 1-2 hours.
Exigent Circumstances: In true emergencies where evidence might be destroyed, the process may be accelerated, though proper documentation is still required.
Telephonic Warrants: Under limited circumstances, verbal testimony for warrant applications may be accepted via telephone, though this is not common practice in Dallas County.

The Dallas County District Attorney's Office often assists law enforcement in preparing warrant applications to ensure legal sufficiency:

Dallas County District Attorney's Office
Frank Crowley Courts Building
133 N. Riverfront Blvd., LB 19
Dallas, TX 75207
(214) 653-3600
Dallas County District Attorney

Search Warrant Records in Dallas County

What Is a Search Warrant In Dallas County?

Search warrants differ from other types of warrants in several important ways:

Arrest warrants authorize the apprehension of a specific person rather than the search of a location
Bench warrants are court orders issued when an individual fails to appear for a scheduled court date
Capias warrants direct law enforcement to take a person into custody for specific violations

Are Warrants Public Records In Dallas County?

The public record status of warrants in Dallas County depends on several factors:

Active vs. Executed Warrants: Active warrants (those not yet served) are typically not public records as their disclosure could impede law enforcement efforts or alert subjects to flee. Once executed, warrant information may become accessible.
Sealed Warrants: Pursuant to Texas Code of Criminal Procedure § 18.011, a magistrate may order search warrant affidavits sealed for a period of time if disclosure would jeopardize the safety of a victim, witness, or confidential informant, or compromise an ongoing investigation.
Juvenile Records: Warrants involving juveniles are subject to additional confidentiality protections under Texas Family Code § 58.007.
Expunged Records: Warrants related to cases that have been expunged are removed from public access pursuant to Texas Code of Criminal Procedure Chapter 55.

How to Find Out if I Have a Warrant In Dallas County?

To check for warrants in Dallas County, individuals may:

Contact the Dallas County Sheriff's Warrant Information Division directly:

Dallas County Sheriff's Office - Warrant Information
Frank Crowley Courts Building
133 N. Riverfront Blvd., LB-31
Dallas, TX 75207
(214) 653-3450
Dallas County Sheriff's Office

Utilize the Dallas County online warrant search system through the Dallas County Criminal Background Search, which provides limited information about criminal cases and may indicate warrant status.
Visit the Dallas County Justice of the Peace courts in person if the warrant may be related to a Class C misdemeanor or traffic violation:

Dallas County Justice of the Peace Courts
Various locations throughout Dallas County
(214) 653-7366 (Main Administrative Office)
Dallas County Justice of the Peace Courts

When checking for warrant information, individuals should be prepared to provide:

Full legal name
Date of birth
Driver's license number (if available)
Case number (if known)

How To Check for Warrants in Dallas County for Free in 2026

Dallas County residents and other interested parties may check for warrant information at no cost through several official channels. The following methods provide free access to warrant information:

The Dallas County Sheriff's Office maintains a public access terminal at their main office where individuals may conduct warrant searches at no charge during regular business hours:

Dallas County Sheriff's Office
Frank Crowley Courts Building
133 N. Riverfront Blvd.
Dallas, TX 75207
(214) 653-3450
Dallas County Sheriff's Office
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM

The Dallas County Criminal Background Search provides free online access to limited criminal case information that may indicate warrant status. Users must create a free account to access the system.
For Class C misdemeanor warrants, individuals may contact the appropriate Justice of the Peace court directly:

Dallas County Justice of the Peace Courts
Various locations throughout Dallas County
(214) 653-7366 (Main Administrative Office)
Dallas County Justice of the Peace Courts

The Texas Department of Public Safety maintains information about certain types of warrants, particularly those entered into the Texas Crime Information Center (TCIC).

What Types of Warrants In Dallas County

Dallas County courts and law enforcement agencies issue several distinct types of warrants, each serving different legal purposes within the criminal justice system:

Grand jury indictments
Criminal complaints filed by law enforcement
Prosecutor's information filings

Property acquired by theft or other means
Property designed or intended for use in committing a crime
Arms or munitions kept for unlawful purposes
Prohibited weapons
Contraband
Evidence of a specific crime

Blue Warrants are issued for parole violations and authorize the arrest and detention of individuals who have violated the terms of their parole.

Alias Warrants are reissued warrants that replace original warrants that have expired or contain errors.

John/Jane Doe Warrants are issued when a suspect's identity is unknown but their DNA profile or other identifying characteristics are available.

Each warrant type follows specific procedural requirements under Texas law and Dallas County policies.

What Warrants in Dallas County Contain

A typical Dallas County warrant includes:

Caption and Court Information: Identifies the issuing court, case number, and jurisdiction (Dallas County, Texas)
Subject Information: For arrest warrants, includes the name of the person to be arrested and, when available, identifying information such as date of birth, physical description, last known address, and driver's license number
Location Details: For search warrants, contains a specific description of the premises, vehicle, or person to be searched
Offense Information: States the specific criminal offense(s) for which the person is charged or suspected, including the relevant Texas Penal Code section
Probable Cause Statement: References the supporting affidavit establishing probable cause for the warrant
Items to be Seized: For search warrants, provides a particular description of property or items authorized to be seized
Execution Instructions: Directs law enforcement on how and when the warrant may be executed, including any time limitations
Judicial Authorization: Contains the signature of the issuing judge or magistrate, their printed name, and the date and time of issuance
Return Information: Includes a section for the executing officer to document the date and manner of execution, items seized (for search warrants), or arrest details (for arrest warrants)

All warrants must comply with the Fourth Amendment's particularity requirement, meaning they must specifically describe the person, place, or things subject to search or seizure.

Who Issues Warrants In Dallas County

In Dallas

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