Fullerton Warrant Check

Fullerton warrant records are maintained by the Fullerton Police Department and Orange County Superior Court. This North Orange County city has about 140,000 residents and runs its own police force. Warrant checks are done in person with ID at the police station. Orange County has a central warrant repository and an online warrant search tool that covers most warrants issued in the county. Court cases go through the Orange County Superior Court system, which has multiple locations throughout the county.

Fullerton Police Department Records

The Fullerton Police Department is at 237 West Commonwealth Avenue. The department handles warrant checks in person with valid photo ID. The fee for a police report request is $20. Fullerton Police does not share warrant info over the phone. If you want to know if you have a warrant, you need to visit the station with current ID.

Fullerton Police works with the Orange County Sheriff and the Central Warrant Repository to process warrants. If a judge issues a bench warrant, it gets entered into the countywide system. Arrest warrants are issued by magistrates when police show probable cause that a crime was committed. All warrants are in a statewide database that any California law enforcement officer can access.

If you go to the police station to check on a warrant, bring photo ID and be ready to explain why you are checking. For minor misdemeanor warrants, you may be cited and released with a court date. For serious warrants, you may be arrested and taken to Orange County jail. Be aware that turning yourself in can show the judge you are taking responsibility, which may help your case.

Orange County Central Warrant Repository

Fullerton cases are heard in the Orange County Superior Court. Orange County has a Central Warrant Repository at 320 North Flower Street in Santa Ana. This office keeps about 125,000 outstanding warrants on file. The county has an online warrant search system that is available to the public. You can search for warrants at the Orange County Sheriff website.

The Central Warrant Repository can be reached at (714) 834-6472. The public counter is at (714) 834-6454. The office uses an Automated Warrant Service System (AWSS) that stores all warrant data. You can check for active warrants online by selecting the E-services tab on the Sheriff's website. The search is free and available to anyone.

To clear a bench warrant through the court, you can post bail if the warrant has a bail amount set. You can also appear at the courthouse for a warrant surrender. The North Justice Center in Fullerton is at 1275 North Berkeley Avenue. Check in at the Criminal Division clerk's office and say 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.

Orange County charges $24 for a local criminal history check and $11 for a clearance letter if you need those documents. The Sheriff's Office can provide these services if you need official records of your criminal history or proof that you have no outstanding warrants.

Types of Warrants in Fullerton

Warrants in Fullerton fall into several types. Arrest warrants are issued when police present evidence 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 happen when people ignore traffic tickets or miss traffic court. All warrant types give police the authority to arrest you.

• Arrest warrants for felonies and misdemeanors based on criminal complaints
• Bench warrants for failure to appear or failure to comply with court orders
• Traffic warrants from unpaid or unresolved traffic citations
• Probation violation warrants when terms of probation are not met
• Contempt of court warrants for willfully disobeying a judge's order

California law governs warrant procedures. Penal Code sections 813 through 829 cover arrest warrants and describe what must be shown before a warrant is signed. Penal Code 978.5 deals with bench warrants and sets the conditions for when a court can issue one. These laws apply statewide.

Traffic warrants are common in Fullerton and Orange County. 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.

Note: Warrants stay active until you resolve them through the court. They do not expire on their own.

California Bench Warrant Statute

California Penal Code 978.5 governs when courts can issue bench warrants. This statute applies statewide and sets the conditions for issuing a bench warrant when someone fails to appear in court. You can read the full text at the California Legislature website.

This screenshot shows Penal Code 978.5, which explains when a bench warrant may be issued. The law says a warrant can be issued if you were ordered to appear in court and did not show up. It also applies if you were released on bail or your own recognizance and failed to appear. Judges in Fullerton and throughout California use this statute to decide when a bench warrant is proper in criminal and traffic cases.

How to Clear a Warrant in Fullerton

If you discover you have a warrant in Fullerton, you should take steps to clear it. Warrants do not expire or go away. 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.

Turning yourself in at Fullerton Police is one option. Bring valid photo ID and go during business hours. Tell the desk officer you have a warrant and want to clear it. The officer will verify the warrant and decide what happens next. For minor warrants, you may be cited and released with a court date. For more serious warrants, you may be arrested and taken to Orange County jail. The advantage of turning yourself in is that it shows you are taking responsibility, which may help when you go before the judge.

Surrendering at the courthouse is often easier. Go to the North Justice Center in Fullerton or another Orange County courthouse early in the morning. Check in at the Criminal Division clerk's office and say you are there to clear a bench warrant. The court will put you 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. Some courts allow you to call ahead to schedule a warrant surrender.

Legal Resources and Assistance

People facing warrant issues may need legal help. The Orange 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 Orange County offer free or low-cost help for qualifying individuals. Many have walk-in hours or phone advice lines.

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 Orange 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.

The Orange 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

Fullerton is in Orange County near other large 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.

• Anaheim - South of Fullerton, served by Anaheim Police Department
• Santa Ana - Southeast, served by Santa Ana Police Department
• Huntington Beach - Southwest, served by Huntington Beach Police Department
• Irvine - South, served by Irvine Police Department

Orange County has several cities with populations over 100,000. Each city has its own warrant system and procedures. The county Sheriff also maintains the Central Warrant Repository. Check with the specific law enforcement agency that issued the warrant for instructions on how to resolve it. Most agencies have a Records Division that can answer basic questions about warrant status.