El Monte Warrant Search
El Monte warrant records are kept by the El Monte Police Department Records Bureau and the Los Angeles County Superior Court. This San Gabriel Valley city has over 110,000 people and its own police force that serves arrest and bench warrants. Anyone can ask about warrant status at the Records Bureau in person with ID. The court also lists active bench warrants from traffic and criminal cases. Both offices keep files on warrants from misdemeanor and felony charges in the city.
El Monte Quick Facts
El Monte Police Records Bureau
The El Monte Police Department Records Bureau handles all warrant inquiries for the city. The office is at 11333 Valley Boulevard in El Monte. Staff can help you check if you have an active warrant. You need a photo ID to ask about your own warrant status. The Records Bureau does not share warrant info on other people by phone.
El Monte police work with the court to serve bench warrants and arrest warrants. If a judge orders a warrant for not showing up to court, the police get it in their system. They also issue arrest warrants when probable cause is shown for a crime. Warrant info is part of criminal history records at the Records Bureau, and these files stay on record even after a warrant is cleared. The bureau is open from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM each day Monday through Friday.
| Agency | El Monte Police Department |
|---|---|
| Records Bureau Address | 11333 Valley Blvd, El Monte, CA 91731 |
| Phone | (626) 580-2115 |
| Hours | Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM |
You can visit the Records Bureau in person to get a warrant check. Bring your ID. The staff will search the system and tell you if there is an active warrant. If you do have one, they can tell you the case number and what court issued it. You may be able to turn yourself in or get a court date. Note: For non-citable warrants, you may be arrested when you go to check.
Los Angeles County Superior Court
Warrant cases in El Monte are heard at the Los Angeles County Superior Court. The county has multiple court locations, but most El Monte cases go to the El Monte Courthouse on Civic Center Drive or the Alhambra Courthouse. Bench warrants are issued when someone misses a required court date or does not pay fines. Traffic warrants and criminal warrants are both handled by the Superior Court system.
The court has an electronic search warrant portal and a public case access system. You can look up your case by name to see if there is a warrant or outstanding balance. The online system shows case details for most criminal and traffic matters. If your case does not appear online, call the Criminal Division clerk for help. The El Monte Courthouse has a warrant calendar where people can turn themselves in and set a new court date.
Resolving a bench warrant usually involves appearing before a judge. Many people do this through a warrant surrender process. You show up at court early in the morning and check in with the clerk. The judge will set a new court date or tell you to post bail. You may also face extra penalties or fees if the warrant has been open for a long time. For serious charges, a lawyer can appear on your behalf if the court allows it.
Warrant Types in El Monte
There are two main kinds of warrants in El Monte. Arrest warrants come after a crime is reported and a judge finds probable cause. Bench warrants happen when someone fails to appear in court or violates a court order. Both types give police the power to take you into custody.
Arrest warrants in California are issued under California Penal Code sections 813 through 829. These statutes say how a judge or magistrate reviews evidence and decides if a warrant should issue. The warrant has the person's name, the crime charged, and instructions for law enforcement. Bench warrants are covered under Penal Code 978.5, which explains the conditions for issuing them when someone does not show up to court.
- Arrest warrants for felonies and misdemeanors after criminal investigations
- Bench warrants for failure to appear or failure to pay fines
- Traffic warrants after missing court dates on traffic tickets
- Probation violation warrants when conditions are not met
- Contempt warrants for disobeying court orders
Traffic warrants are common in El Monte. If you get a ticket and do not pay it or go to court, the judge can issue a warrant. California Vehicle Code section 40508 makes it a misdemeanor to willfully ignore a traffic citation. These warrants often have bail set, and you can pay the bail to clear the warrant and get a new court date. Some warrants are no-bail, which means you must appear before a judge and cannot pay to get out.
Note: Warrants do not expire on their own. They stay active until resolved through the court.
California Warrant Legal Framework
California law sets strict rules for how courts issue warrants. The state legislature has passed many statutes that govern warrant procedures. You can read the full text of warrant laws at the California Legislative Information website, which hosts all Penal Code sections on bench warrants and arrest procedures.
This screenshot shows the text of Penal Code 978.5, which lists when a court may issue a bench warrant. It applies if you were ordered to show up in court and did not. It also covers situations where you were released on bail or your own recognizance and failed to appear. Judges use this law to decide if a bench warrant is appropriate in criminal and traffic cases.
How to Clear a Warrant in El Monte
If you have an active warrant in El Monte, you have a few ways to clear it. The most common is to turn yourself in at the courthouse or police station. You can also hire a lawyer to file a motion to recall or quash the warrant. Some warrants can be cleared by posting bail, while others require a court appearance.
Going to the police department is one option. Bring valid ID and tell the desk officer you want to clear a warrant. The officer will confirm the warrant and decide what happens next. For minor warrants, you may be cited out and given a court date. For serious warrants, you may be arrested and taken to jail until bail is posted or you see a judge. The Records Bureau at El Monte Police can tell you more if you call first. The number is listed above.
Surrendering at court is another method. Go to the courthouse early on a weekday morning. Check in at the Criminal Division clerk's office. Tell them you are there to clear a warrant. They will put you on the calendar for that day or give you instructions. Most courts let people turn themselves in without being arrested first if they come in on their own. Bring ID and any documents you have about the case. You may need to post bail or the judge may let you out on your own recognizance.
Resources and Legal Help in El Monte
People with warrant questions may need legal help. The Los Angeles County Public Defender represents people who cannot afford a lawyer in criminal cases. You can also contact a private attorney who handles warrant issues. Legal aid groups in the area may offer free or low-cost help for qualifying individuals. Many offer clinics at the courthouse or phone advice lines.
The California Department of Justice keeps records of criminal history, but they do not provide warrant searches to the public. If you need a copy of your own criminal record for employment or other reasons, you can submit fingerprints and a fee to the DOJ. More info is at the DOJ Record Review page. These records show arrests, charges, and court dispositions, but they do not always list active warrants. For that, you need to check with local police or the court.
California courts offer self-help centers with information on handling warrants. The California Courts Self-Help Guide explains how to look up your case and what steps to take if you have a warrant. Each county has different systems, so check the Los Angeles County court website for local forms and instructions. Many forms are available online and can be filled out before you go to court.
Nearby Cities with 100,000+ Population
El Monte is in Los Angeles County near other major cities. Each city has its own police or sheriff station that handles warrants. If you live in a nearby city, check that city's agency for warrant information. Los Angeles County Sheriff covers some cities through contract, while others have their own police departments.
- Alhambra - West of El Monte, served by Alhambra Police Department
- Pasadena - Northwest, served by Pasadena Police Department
- West Covina - East, served by West Covina Police Department
- Pomona - Southeast, served by Pomona Police Department
- Glendale - Northwest, served by Glendale Police Department
Los Angeles County has many cities with populations over 100,000. Each has different warrant procedures. The county Sheriff handles warrants for some unincorporated areas and contract cities. Other cities with their own police force process their own warrants. You should check with the specific agency that has jurisdiction over where the warrant was issued.