Hayward Warrant Search System
Hayward warrant records are managed by the Hayward Police Department and Alameda County Superior Court. This East Bay city has about 160,000 residents and runs its own police force. Warrant checks are done in person at the police station on West Winton Avenue. The department charges fees for clearance letters and report copies. Court cases go through Alameda County Superior Court, which has an Odyssey Portal for online case searches. All warrants from Hayward cases are kept on file with both the police and the court.
Hayward Quick Facts
Hayward Police Department Records
The Hayward Police Department is at 300 West Winton Avenue. You can call the main number at 510-293-7023. Warrant checks must be done in person with valid photo ID. The department charges $25 for clearance letters and 50 cents per page for the first 10 pages of copies, then 10 cents per page after that. Hayward PD does not share warrant info over the phone for privacy and security reasons.
Hayward Police works with Alameda County jail and the Superior Court to serve 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 in a statewide database that any California law enforcement officer can access during traffic stops or other encounters.
| Agency | Hayward Police Department |
|---|---|
| Address | 300 West Winton Avenue, Hayward, CA 94544 |
| Phone | 510-293-7023 |
| Clearance Letter Fee | $25 |
| Copy Fees | 50 cents/page (first 10), 10 cents after |
If you go to the police station to check on a warrant, bring current 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 Alameda County jail. Be aware that turning yourself in can show the judge you are taking responsibility, which may help your case.
Alameda County Superior Court
Hayward cases are heard in the Alameda County Superior Court. The Hayward Hall of Justice is at 24405 Amador Street. The county uses the Odyssey Portal for online case searches. You can look up criminal and traffic cases by name or case number. The system shows case info for cases with activity since 2005. Older cases may not be in the online system.
The Odyssey Portal is available to the public at no charge. You can see court dates, charges, bail amounts, and whether a bench warrant was issued. Some case details may be restricted for privacy, but most criminal cases are public. If you cannot find your case online, call the Criminal Records Division at (510) 891-6005 for help.
To clear a bench warrant through the court, you can post bail if the warrant has a bail amount set. You can also appear for a warrant surrender. Go to the Hayward Hall of Justice or another Alameda 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. 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.
Alameda County has specific procedures for warrant surrenders. The court website has forms and instructions. Many forms can be filled out online and brought to court. If you have questions about your case, contact the clerk's office for guidance.
Types of Warrants in Hayward
Warrants in Hayward 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. All warrant types give police the authority to arrest you and hold you in custody.
- 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 sets the rules for warrants. Penal Code sections 813 to 829 cover arrest warrants. Penal Code 978.5 governs bench warrants. These statutes apply throughout California.
Traffic warrants are common in Hayward and the Bay Area. 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, 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.
California Court Self-Help Resources
California courts provide self-help guides on how to look up court cases and check for warrants. The California Courts website has a guide at California Courts Self-Help that explains the process.
This page from the California Courts Self-Help site explains that case information is not available on the self-help website itself. Instead, you must go to the website of the county court where your case is filed. Most courts have an online services section where you can search for cases by name or case number. Some records are limited for privacy. Alameda County offers access to criminal case info online through the Odyssey Portal.
How to Clear a Warrant in Hayward
If you learn you have a warrant in Hayward, you should address it quickly. Warrants do not 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 quash the warrant. The best approach depends on the type of warrant and the charges.
Turning yourself in at Hayward Police is one option. Bring 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 Alameda County jail.
Surrendering at the courthouse is often easier. Go to the Hayward Hall of Justice 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.
Legal Resources and Assistance
People facing warrants may need legal help. The Alameda County Public Defender represents people who cannot afford a lawyer in criminal cases. Private attorneys also handle warrant matters. Legal aid organizations in the Bay Area offer free or low-cost help for qualifying individuals.
The California Courts Self-Help website has guides on handling bench warrants. The Alameda County court website also has forms and instructions. 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.
Nearby Cities with 100,000+ Population
Hayward is in Alameda County near other large East Bay cities. Each city has its own police department. If you have a warrant from a different city, contact that city's law enforcement agency.