In Los Angeles County, arrest warrants are not issued lightly. Law enforcement must first present a compelling case to a magistrate’s court, laying out substantial evidence against the individual in question. This process begins with gathering proof, meticulously compiled into an affidavit. Once submitted, the sitting magistrate carefully scrutinizes the document, weighing the evidence to determine if it meets the stringent probable cause standard. Only when the evidence convincingly points to criminal activity does the court issue the warrant, marking a significant step in the pursuit of justice.
According to the California Criminal Code, probable cause is defined as sufficient grounds for a reasonable person to believe that the alleged offense was indeed committed by the individual against whom the warrant is being sought. Before issuing an active warrant in LA County, the judge may also call in witnesses and the victim for sworn testimony.
Once a warrant is issued, it is sent to the sheriff’s department for execution. Deputies have 48 hours to make an arrest, after which the warrant is stored in the crime database as an outstanding warrant. Since local law enforcement and various judicial divisions are involved in issuing warrants, information about these orders can be obtained from multiple government sources.
Who Can Conduct an LA County Warrant Search?
Not everyone has access to warrant records in LA County. Individuals who are not part of a justice agency or law enforcement division can only access information on warrants if the case ended in a conviction. Under the California State Public Records Act, only certain employers and licensing authorities are authorized to obtain this data.
However, there are exceptions. Victims and perpetrators of a crime can get information on the case they were involved in through the LAPD or the California Department of Justice. Legal representatives of these parties can also request such information, provided they have a release from either the victim or the accused.
Finding Information on LA County Arrest Warrants
Local Sheriff’s Office
The local sheriff’s department is a reliable source for information on warrants issued in the area. The law enforcement agency holds records of all arrests that have occurred in the area, along with data on other legal instruments, such as search warrants.
- Address: 4700 Ramona Blvd, Monterey Park, CA 91754
- Phone: 323-267-4848
Note: Records related to warrants are not shared over the phone. A formal request must be submitted to obtain such information.
The sheriff’s department provides information only on warrants issued in LA County. For a statewide search, you can contact:
California Department of Justice
Record Review Unit
P.O. Box 903417, Sacramento, CA 94203-4170
Judicial Sources
The local LA County court with criminal jurisdiction issues all warrants in the area. You can also obtain information about these orders from the judicial office, provided you have the necessary case details, such as the case number, date, and location of the offense.
Address: 4848 Civic Center Way, Los Angeles, CA 90022
Alternatively, you may contact:
LA County District Attorney’s Office
Phone: 213-974-3512
Email: [email protected]
For online searches, visit the official website of the LA County Superior Court at lacourt.org. The search costs about $5 and provides information about the defendant’s name and charges filed in the case.
Bench Warrants Issued in LA County
A bench warrant is distinct from an arrest order issued in a felony case. Unlike the latter, where police must approach the court, a bench warrant is issued by the tribunal on its own accord, often when a person fails to appear in court or comply with a court ruling.
Bench warrants are commonly issued for traffic violations where fines remain unpaid. To resolve such issues, contact the courthouse division that handles traffic infractions and civil matters.