Fontana Warrant Inquiry
Fontana warrant records are kept by the Fontana Police Department and the San Bernardino County Superior Court. This Inland Empire city has over 210,000 residents, making it one of the largest cities in San Bernardino County. The police department handles warrant checks in person at the station. Court cases and bench warrants go through San Bernardino County Superior Court, which has an online portal for case searches. Traffic reports use LexisNexis as a third-party vendor for some records.
Fontana Quick Facts
Fontana Police Department Records
The Fontana Police Department is at 17005 Upland Avenue. You can call the main number at (909) 350-7740 for general info. The department handles warrant inquiries in person with valid photo ID. Fontana Police uses LexisNexis for some traffic report requests, but warrant checks are done at the station. Staff cannot share warrant info over the phone for privacy and security reasons.
Fontana Police works with San Bernardino County jail and the Superior Court to process warrants. If a judge issues a bench warrant, the police receive a copy and enter it into the system. They also obtain arrest warrants from magistrates when they have probable cause that a crime was committed. All warrants are entered into a statewide database that any California law enforcement officer can access during traffic stops or other encounters.
| Agency | Fontana Police Department |
|---|---|
| Address | 17005 Upland Avenue, Fontana, CA 92335 |
| Phone | (909) 350-7740 |
| Third-Party System | LexisNexis (traffic reports) |
If you want to check on a warrant in Fontana, bring current photo ID to the police station and ask to speak with a records clerk. They will search the system for active warrants in your name. Be aware that if you have a felony warrant or a no-bail warrant, you may be arrested when you show up. For minor misdemeanor warrants, you may be cited and released with a court date. It is wise to call ahead if you have questions about what to expect.
San Bernardino County Superior Court
Fontana cases are heard in the San Bernardino County Superior Court. The county has an online case access portal at San Bernardino County Court Portal. You can search for criminal and traffic cases by name or case number. The system shows case details, court dates, and whether a bench warrant was issued. Some case info may be restricted for privacy, but most criminal cases are public.
San Bernardino County handles warrant info through the Sheriff's Records Division, which is at 655 East Third Street in San Bernardino. The Sheriff's Office serves warrants throughout the county and works with local police departments like Fontana PD. If you have a warrant issued by a San Bernardino County court, you can post bail if the warrant has a bail amount set. The court website has info on bail schedules and payment options.
To clear a bench warrant, you can appear at the courthouse for a warrant surrender. The Fontana Courthouse is at 17780 Arrow Boulevard. Check in at the Criminal Division clerk's office and tell them you are there to clear a bench warrant. You will be put on the calendar to see a judge. The judge may release you on your own recognizance or require bail. Bring ID and any documents related to your case. Going to court on your own shows responsibility and may help your case.
Note: San Bernardino County charges a fee of $38 for clearance letters and in-custody letters if you need documentation.
Warrant Types in Fontana
Warrants in Fontana come in several types. Arrest warrants are issued when police present a criminal complaint to a judge and the judge finds probable cause. Bench warrants are issued when someone does not show up for court or violates a court order. Traffic warrants are a common form of bench warrant that happens when people ignore traffic tickets. All warrant types give police the power to arrest you and hold you in custody.
- Arrest warrants for felonies and misdemeanors after criminal investigations
- Bench warrants for failure to appear or failure to comply with court orders
- Traffic warrants when citations are ignored or court dates are missed
- Probation violation warrants for not meeting terms of probation
- Contempt of court warrants for willfully disobeying a judge's order
California Penal Code sets the rules for warrants. Penal Code sections 813 through 829 cover arrest warrants and describe what a judge must find before signing one. Penal Code 978.5 governs bench warrants and sets the conditions for when a court can issue one. These laws apply throughout California, so the rules in Fontana are the same as in other cities.
Traffic warrants are especially common in Fontana and the Inland Empire. If you get a traffic ticket and do not pay or appear in court, the judge can issue a bench warrant. Vehicle Code 40508 makes it a misdemeanor to willfully fail to appear on a traffic citation. Most traffic warrants have bail set, so you can pay the bail to clear the warrant and get a new court date. The bail amount is usually the original fine plus added penalties and fees.
California DOJ Frequently Asked Questions
The California Department of Justice provides information on criminal records and warrants through their FAQ page. While the DOJ does not offer public warrant searches, they do explain how criminal history records are maintained and who can access them. You can read the full FAQ at the DOJ FAQ page.
This screenshot shows the DOJ FAQ page that explains criminal history record policies in California. One key point is that criminal history records are not subject to disclosure under the California Public Records Act. Access is restricted to law enforcement agencies, certain employers, and the person who is the subject of the record. If you want a copy of your own criminal record, you must submit fingerprints and pay a fee. Warrants are part of criminal history records, but active warrant info is best obtained from local police or the court.
How to Clear a Warrant in Fontana
If you discover you have a warrant in Fontana, you should take action to clear it. Warrants do not expire or go away on their own. You can turn yourself in at the police station, appear at the courthouse, post bail if allowed, or hire a lawyer to file a motion to recall the warrant. The best approach depends on the type of warrant and the charges involved.
Turning yourself in at Fontana Police is one option. Bring valid photo ID and go during business hours. Tell the officer at the front desk that you have a warrant and want to clear it. The officer will verify the warrant and decide what happens next. For minor misdemeanor warrants, you may be cited and released with a court date. For more serious warrants, you may be arrested and taken to San Bernardino County jail. The advantage of turning yourself in is that it shows the court you are taking responsibility, which may help when you go before the judge.
Surrendering at the courthouse is often easier and less likely to result in immediate arrest. Go to the Fontana Courthouse or the main San Bernardino Courthouse early in the morning. Check in at the Criminal Division clerk's office and tell them you are there to clear a bench warrant. The court will put you on the calendar for a warrant surrender hearing. The judge may release you on your own recognizance or set bail. Bring ID and any documents related to your case. Some courts allow you to call ahead to schedule a warrant surrender, so check with the clerk's office first.
Legal Help and Resources
People facing warrant issues may need legal advice. The San Bernardino County Public Defender represents people who cannot afford a lawyer in criminal cases. Private attorneys also handle warrant matters and can sometimes appear in court on your behalf. Legal aid organizations in the area offer free or low-cost help for qualifying individuals. Many have walk-in hours or phone advice lines to answer questions about warrants and court procedures.
The California Courts Self-Help website has guides on handling bench warrants and checking case status. Visit California Courts Self-Help for statewide information. The San Bernardino County court website also has forms and instructions for resolving warrants. Many forms can be filled out online and brought to court. If you need a certified copy of your criminal record, you can request it from the California Department of Justice by submitting fingerprints and a fee of $25.
The San Bernardino County Bar Association has a lawyer referral service that can connect you with an attorney who handles criminal and warrant cases. If you are arrested on a warrant and cannot afford a lawyer, you have the right to request a public defender at your first court appearance. The judge will review your financial situation and may appoint counsel if you qualify.
Nearby Cities with 100,000+ Population
Fontana is in San Bernardino County near other large Inland Empire cities. Each city has its own police department or contracts with the county Sheriff. If you have a warrant from a different city, contact that city's law enforcement agency. All California warrants are in a statewide database, but you must resolve the warrant with the court that issued it.
- San Bernardino - East of Fontana, served by San Bernardino Police Department
- Rancho Cucamonga - Northeast, served by San Bernardino County Sheriff
- Ontario - East, served by Ontario Police Department
- Riverside - South, served by Riverside Police Department
The Inland Empire has many cities with populations over 100,000. Each city has its own warrant procedures. The county Sheriff also serves unincorporated areas and some contract cities. Check with the specific law enforcement agency that issued the warrant for instructions on how to clear it. Most agencies have a Records Division that can answer basic questions about warrant status.