Denver County Warrant Search

The Fourth Amendment of the United States Constitution prohibits law enforcement authorities from conducting unreasonable searches and seizures. Before a peace officer performs any of these actions, they must provide probable cause and attest to these facts under oath (unless for exemptions, like where the officer witnesses the crime).

If 'probable cause' is confirmed, the court would issue a writ or legal order termed a 'warrant' authorizing local law enforcement to execute a specific order on a named person or property. Any peace officer who acts otherwise may be liable for damages under the law.

A Denver County warrant search provides interested parties with details of active warrants issued within a jurisdiction. Thus upholding public safety and encouraging the execution of justice.

Generally, warrants provide adequate information regarding an accused suspect's criminal offense and facilitate their arrest. Anyone wishing to look up the implications of an arrested suspect's warrant should obtain a copy of their Denver County arrest record from the arresting agency.

Are Warrants Public Records?

Yes, warrants are public records in Denver County under the provisions of the Colorado Open Records Act "also called CORA" except for confidential documents exempt from public disclosure per judicial order. Members of the general public may conduct a warrant search by following the stated guidelines of the designated office in charge of issuing or executing the warrants within the region.

However, the Colorado Code of Criminal Procedures establishes solid grounds for the nonpublic disclosure of certain warrant information. This includes cases where public access may impede the progress of an ongoing criminal investigation or jeopardize a person's security. Additionally, bench warrants and juvenile and sex offender warrant information are not subject to public consumption. Arrest warrants also remain confidential until executed and returned to avoid the suspect taking flight before apprehension.

Types of Warrants in Denver County

Local courts in Denver County issue different warrants depending on the presented facts or existing pieces of evidence for committed offenses. The following are commonly executed warrants within the jurisdiction:

Search Warrant: A search warrant is a written directive signed by a judge of a court of record authorizing law enforcement to search and seize a person, private property, or premises described in the search warrant. Search warrants are generally issued for stolen, embezzled, or contraband property determined to be a criminal weapon, key evidence in a criminal prosecution, or for tracking the location of a fugitive.

Arrest Warrant: Arrest warrants are issued for the apprehension of a subject named or described in the writ, usually for violating the penal code or as the primary suspect in a criminal investigation. A valid arrest warrant should include the full name and physical descriptors of the named subject, alleged crime, date of issuance, and the issuing officer's name, title of office, and signature. However, the court may issue a summon instead of a warrant for class 3 misdemeanors and petty crimes punishable by a penalty of six months imprisonment or less.

Bench Warrant: A judge may issue a bench warrant for the arrest and jailing of someone held in contempt of the court, who failed to attend a court hearing, or who adheres to agreed court terms.

No-knock Search Warrant: The court may grant a no-knock search warrant (CRS § 16-3-303) if existing circumstances suggest a credible threat to a person's life, including the executing officers. This order is usually executed by entry without any identification.

Governor's Warrant: This warrant type is also called a "Warrant for Extradition". The Governor's warrant is a directive authorizing law enforcement to apprehend a named fugitive determined by the governor's office.

Fugitive Warrant: A fugitive from justice warrant is usually issued for the seizure of a suspect fleeing from a region to evade sentencing after a conviction. Unlike other warrant types, the fugitive warrant can be executed in any jurisdiction regardless of the county of issuance.

Do I Have a Warrant in Denver County?

To determine if one has an active warrant in Denver County, they may explore any of the following options:

• The Denver County Sheriff's Office
• The local police department
• The Denver County Court
• Online repositories maintained by the local court and sheriff's office
• Third-party service platforms

Active Warrant Search in Denver

Commonly issued warrants in Denver include search, arrest, bench, and fugitive warrants. Anyone who wants to determine whether they have an active or outstanding warrant in Denver County should determine the warrant type issued. Knowing the warrant type streamlines the search process and informs one where to submit a request. Researchers should then approach the criminal justice agency that issued the warrant or is responsible for executing the order.

The Denver County Court's Bonding & Warrants Division issues, recalls, and maintains the validity of over 45,000 civil, criminal, traffic, and municipal warrants. One can visit the division in person during official business hours or use the online Public Portal - Case Management System for convenience. Online users should visit the site and select "post bond/address warrants. Enter the case party's name, date of birth, or case number to retrieve the necessary information. The system makes provisions for posting bonds to clear and address active warrants online. Nevertheless, not all warrants are eligible to post bond online.

The sheriff's office and local police department also maintain records of active warrants. Researchers may explore the resources provided by the agencies to perform this search.

Arrest Warrant Search

Denver County law enforcement agencies observe strict guidelines for revealing arrest warrant information to the general public. Generally, interested parties looking to conduct an arrest warrant search must visit the agency tasked with executing the warrant.

For example, the Denver County police department offers a Record Query-Letter of Police Clearance (Background Checks) for members of the public to make preferred inquiries. The Record Query is similar to an arrest record and includes a check for active warrants. For an additional fee, a notarized copy is provided.

However, individuals must submit this form in person to perform an arrest warrant search. Additionally, warrant information issued for counties or cities outside of Denver, juvenile warrants, and summonses to appear are not included.

Inquirers may also query the Denver County Sheriff's Department for publicly disclosable arrest warrant information or request a copy of an arrest record. An offender's arrest record may provide context on executed or outstanding warrants issued for the arrest. Where warrant records cannot be obtained without directly contacting a law enforcement agency, people are advised to enlist an attorney to inquire on their behalf.

Bench Warrant Lookup

Bench warrant lookups can be done at the issuing court location. Denver County also provides an online portal for interested inquirers to perform a warrant search from the comfort of their homes. However, this applies only to warrants where bonds are already assigned. Online inquiries can be done using the offender's name, date of birth, and case number.

Free Warrant Search

Denver County residents and inquirers looking to conduct a free warrant search should visit or explore the online resources provided by the county court, sheriff's department, police departments, or relevant law enforcement agencies where the warrant is issued.

Can You Check Warrants Online?

Yes. Third-party platforms provide warrants online to interested persons. Typically, users can perform free checks at no cost. However, obtaining or printing a comprehensive warrant may attract a nominal fee, depending on the platform. Common payment structures include a one-time fee or subscription package. It is important to have the subject's name, date of birth, and county/city of issuance.

Do Warrants Expire?

No. Warrants issued for the search and seizure of a person or property do not have an expiry date until executed and returned. A warrant becomes null when the subject turns themselves in, is arrested, or the warrant is recalled.

How to Clear a Warrant Without Going to Jail

People who willingly surrender may avoid arrest or jail time. Also, depending on the crime, the court may release defendants on bail/bond or for free. However, warrant subjects are advised to employ the services a legal representative for counsel most relevant to their case.