Florida Outstanding Warrant: Search and Handle

The main types of warrants in Florida are:

• Arrest Warrants: Issued when there is probable cause to believe a person has committed a crime, allowing law enforcement to arrest and detain the individual.
• Bench Warrants: Usually issued for failure to appear in court, violation of probation, or failure to pay fines. Can lead to arrest.
• Search Warrants: Authorize law enforcement to search a person, place, or vehicle for evidence of a crime and seize any evidence found.

How to Search for Outstanding Warrants in Florida

There are several ways to search for active warrants in Florida:

1. FDLE Warrant Search System

The Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) maintains a free, public Wanted Persons database that contains Florida warrant information reported by law enforcement agencies statewide. You can search for warrants by visiting the FDLE’s Wanted Persons Search page.

To search:

1. Enter the person’s name and any other identifying information.
2. Check the results with your local law enforcement agency to verify the warrant is still active.

The database is updated every 24 hours and may contain inaccurate information if the wanted person uses false identification. The actual physical characteristics of the individual may also differ from the database entry.

2. County Sheriff and Clerk of Court Websites

You can also check for warrants directly through the sheriff’s office or clerk of court in the county where the alleged offense occurred. Most have online databases that can be searched by name.

For example:

• Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office Warrant Search
• Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office Warrant Inquiry System
• Marion County Sheriff’s Office Active Warrant Search

3. Hire an Attorney

For the most dependable and current results, consider hiring a criminal defense attorney to conduct the warrant search. They have access to legal databases and can advise you on the best course of action if a warrant is found. For example, you can consult with a criminal defense attorney to assist with the process.

What to Do if You Have an Outstanding Warrant

Discovering that you have an outstanding warrant in Florida can feel like the ground shifting beneath your feet. But before panic sets in, consider this: the steps you take next will define not just how the story unfolds but how it ends. In moments like these, action isn’t just necessary; it’s everything.

Here are six steps to overcome the situation:

Step One: Confirm the Warrant

• Verify if the warrant exists by searching the Florida Department of Law Enforcement’s (FDLE) Wanted Persons database.
• If you find nothing, check the county sheriff’s office website or the county clerk’s office.
• Some warrants, like bench or arrest warrants, may not appear in public databases immediately.
• A criminal defense attorney can assist in a more thorough search.

Step Two: Find a Criminal Defense Attorney

• If a warrant is confirmed, hire a seasoned Florida criminal defense lawyer.
• They can guide you through the legal process, possibly negotiating with authorities to have the warrant recalled.
• If you need to surrender, they assure it happens on your terms and represent you in court.

Step Three: Consider Voluntary Surrender

• Voluntary surrender is a strategic move, showing the court you’re taking responsibility.
• It allows you to prepare for the process and negotiate the terms of surrender.
• Your attorney can facilitate a smooth and safe surrender.

Step Four: Know Your Rights

• Remember your right to remain silent when dealing with law enforcement.
• Avoid making statements without your attorney present.
• If unsure, state, “I want an attorney” to protect yourself.

Step Five: Prepare for Potential Outcomes

• Be ready for the legal process, including arrest, detention, bail, and court appearances.
• Your attorney will help you comprehend the potential outcomes (plea negotiations, trial).

Step Six: Address the Underlying Issue

• The warrant is a symptom of a deeper problem, like missed court dates or unpaid fines.
• Please work with your lawyer to resolve the root cause.
• By addressing the issue, you can close this chapter and move forward.

Taking these steps helps you take control of the situation and resolve the warrant, reclaiming your life in the process. Good luck!

In Florida, how long does a warrant remain active?

Arrest Warrants Never Expire

Unlike many crimes which have statutes of limitations, arrest warrants in Florida have no expiration date. They can last for years or even decades until served or recalled by a judge. Ignoring a warrant will not make it go away on its own.

Warrants Remain Active Until Resolved

An arrest warrant, once issued, will remain active until one of the following occurs:

• The person is arrested and the warrant is served
• The underlying criminal case is resolved (e.g., through a plea deal)
• The issuing judge withdraws or recalls the warrant
• The person dies

So simply waiting for a warrant to expire is not an option in Florida. The warrant must be proactively addressed and resolved.

Delays Can Extend Statutes of Limitations

While the warrant itself doesn’t expire, unreasonable delays by law enforcement in executing the warrant can sometimes extend the statute of limitations on the underlying crime. However, this is very case-specific.

For example, if a person moves out of state after a warrant is issued, that may be considered a reasonable delay that “tolls” or pauses the statute of limitations clock. But the prosecution would need to show they made diligent efforts to locate the person.

Consequences of Ignoring an Outstanding Warrant

Having an active arrest warrant can lead to:

• Unexpected arrest at any time (even during minor encounters like traffic stops)
• Additional criminal charges for failing to appear or address the warrant
• Complications with employment, housing, and financial matters due to background checks