District of Columbia Warrant Search

A warrant search allows law enforcement officers, employers, lawyers, and the general public to request warrant information via established methods in the District of Columbia. This information helps:

• Law enforcement officers get evidence for an ongoing investigation
• Lawyers defend their clients against any charges stated in their warrants
• Employers verify information provided by job applicants to reduce hiring liabilities
• The general public determines if someone is wanted for a criminal offense or violation of a court order.

The District of Columbia Courts and Department of Corrections provide a statewide warrant search repository for members of the public. Individuals can also query the DC Superior Court, District Court of the District of Columbia, and Metropolitan Police Department for warrant information.

What is a Warrant?

According to the District of Columbia Courts, a warrant is a court order authorizing a law enforcement officer to conduct a search or make an arrest. An affidavit must be filed in support of a warrant application. An affidavit of this nature must establish probable cause by outlining the facts upon which the request is based. The most popular kinds of warrant in the District of Columbia are search, arrest, bench, and administrative inspection (D.C. Code § 48–905.05) warrants.

Are Warrants Public Record in the District of Columbia?

Yes. The District of Columbia Freedom of Information Act allows the public to inspect and copy warrant records except as otherwise expressly excluded by law. Therefore, anyone can request warrant records from any law enforcement agency during normal business hours. Specifically, executed warrants and the affidavits submitted supporting a search warrant are public documents in DC. DC laws exclude public disclosure of some warrants. For example, juvenile warrants, warrant applications, and unexecuted search warrants are confidential.

How Do I Look Up Warrants in the District of Columbia?

Individuals can look up warrants on several third-party aggregate databases. These sites provide information on warrants issued across different states in the U.S. This ensures users are not limited to accessing warrants only issued and executed in the District of Columbia.

The search parameters for conducting warrant searches on third-party sites are first and last names. Most third-party sites provide return basic warrant results at no cost. However, a full warrant report costs about $2.95 to $4.95 for a 7-day unlimited access and about $19.95 to $24.95 for a monthly subscription.

Note that warrant details provided by third-party websites are to be used for informational purposes only. No legal actions should be taken because of third-party warrant information. This is because the information provided on these sites is not reliable.

What is a Search Warrant in the District of Columbia?

According to District of Columbia Courts, a search warrant is a written order issued by a judicial officer directing a law enforcement officer to search a property in pursuit of a particular evidence. A search warrant typically directs a search of places, vehicles, physical objects, and persons (D.C. Code § 23–521). It contains:

• The issuing court’s name
• The date of issuance
• The issuing judicial officer’s name and signature
• A warrant addressed to a specific officer will include the officer’s name or classification
• A detailed description of the designated premises, vehicles, objects, or persons to be searched
• A description of the property to be seized
• A direction that the warrant be executed during the day unless otherwise stated by the judge
• A command that the warrant and the inventory of property seized be returned to the court on the next court day after its execution.

A law enforcement officer may take photographs and measurements while executing a search warrant. Upon execution, a copy of the search warrant and a copy of the return must be filed with the court whose judge approved its issuance on the next court day after its execution.

• Are Search Warrants Public Records in the District of Columbia

  Yes. Search records are public information in the District of Columbia. However, juvenile and unexecuted search warrants are confidential. Search warrants only become public after they are executed and returned to the court. Also, the affidavits submitted supporting a search warrant are a public document in DC.

• How Long Does it Take to Get a Search Warrant in the District of Columbia?

  The process of getting a search warrant in DC is time-consuming and is outlined in the Metropolitan Police Academy Search Warrant Manual. Generally, applicants should be able to get a search warrant within a few hours or a few days after completing the appropriate forms and how quickly the US Attorney’s Office (USAO) and the court approve it.

• How Long Does a Search Warrant Last

  Per D.C. Code § 23–523, a search warrant remains valid for ten days after the date of issuance. The warrant must be returned to the court after its execution or expiration. Law enforcement officers in the District of Columbia execute search warrants on any day of the week between 6:00 a.m. and 9:00 p.m.

What is a Bench Warrant in the District of Columbia?

According to District of Columbia Courts, a bench warrant is a judicial order commanding a law enforcement officer to arrest a person and bring them to court. This type of warrant is usually issued when a defendant fails to appear in court on a scheduled date. Once the warrant is issued, the defendant is subject to arrest.

What is an Arrest Warrant in the District of Columbia?

According to D.C. Code §23–561, a judge issues a warrant for the arrest of a person based on a sworn complaint stating facts constituting an offense and establishing probable cause to believe that the person committed the offense. An arrest warrant contains a judge’s signature, the court’s name, issuance date, charges, and the name of the person to be arrested (if known). It must command that the person be arrested and brought before the issuing court. Review the Metropolitan Police Academy Arrest Warrant Manual for more information about arrest warrants.

How to Check if You Have a Warrant in the District of Columbia

Individuals can check their warrant status in person at the DC Metropolitan Police Department (MPD). Requests should be made during business hours (Monday to Friday, 8:15 a.m. to 4:45 p.m.). Requesters can also contact the MPD by phone at (202) 727-9099, fax at (202) 727-4106, or email at mpd@dc.gov to request warrant information.

Alternatively, individuals can request their own criminal history records to check if they have any warrants. The request can be made in person, by mail, or by drop-off at the MPD’s Arrest and Criminal History Section. This service costs $7, and a valid driver's license, non-driver ID or original birth certificate, and Social Security Card will be required to process the request.

Can You Check Warrants Online in the District of Columbia?

Yes. Most law enforcement agencies in the District of Columbia have online databases where individuals can check warrants. For example, the D.C. Department of Corrections publishes a Most Wanted list on its website where individuals can retrieve warrant information. The search results reveal the subject of the warrant’s mugshot, the date charged, race, gender, date of birth, weight, height, and hair and eye color.

How To Find Out If You Have a Warrant for Free

Below are some ways to find warrants without charges in the District of Columbia:

• Call, email, or send a fax to the MPD
• Review the Most Wanted list on the DC Department of Corrections’ website
• Review the Active Warrant List on the District of Columbia Courts’ website
• Visit the nearest local police station, Metropolitan Police Department (MPD), DC Superior Court, or District Court of the District of Columbia during business hours.

How to Find Out if Someone Has a Warrant Online For Free in the District of Columbia

The District of Columbia Courts has an online database where individuals can find warrant information without charges. To locate this tool, go to the Courts' official website and click the “Services” menu at the top bar. Select “Active Warrant List” under the “Online Resources” dropdown. Scroll through the list to find the subject of the warrant or conduct a search by last name, first name, middle name, case, or year.

How Long Does a Warrant Stay Active in the District of Columbia?

According to District of Columbia law, bench and arrest warrants do not expire and are outstanding until either executed or quashed by the Judge. A warrant is executed when a law enforcement officer has arrested the subject of the warrant or brought them before the court. The warrant is quashed when a judge issues an order. However, search warrants expire within ten days after the date of issuance.

How Do I Find Out If I Have a Federal Warrant?

There are several federal law enforcement agencies in the United States that publish warrant information on their websites for members of the public. For example, the DEA's Most Wanted, FBI's Most Wanted, and US Marshals Service Most Wanted lists are good places to start. The USMS also provides warrant information to authorized individuals through its Warrant Information System (WIN).