Huntington Beach Warrants
Huntington Beach warrant records are maintained by the Huntington Beach Police Department and Orange County Superior Court. This coastal city has over 200,000 residents and is one of the largest beach cities in California. Warrant checks are done in person at the police station on Main Street. The department is open from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM Monday through Thursday. Orange County has a central warrant repository and an online warrant search tool. All warrants issued in Huntington Beach are kept on file with both the police and the court.
Huntington Beach Quick Facts
Huntington Beach Police Department
The Huntington Beach Police Department is at 2000 Main Street. You can call the 24-hour phone at (714) 536-5641. The station is open to the public from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM Monday through Thursday. Warrant checks must be done in person with valid photo ID. The department does not share warrant info over the phone for privacy and security reasons.
Huntington Beach 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.
| Agency | Huntington Beach Police Department |
|---|---|
| Address | 2000 Main Street, Huntington Beach, CA |
| 24-Hour Phone | (714) 536-5641 |
| Hours | 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM Monday through Thursday |
If you go to the police station to check on a warrant, bring current photo ID. 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.
Orange County Central Warrant Repository
Huntington Beach 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 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 Westminster Courthouse serves the Huntington Beach area and is at 8141 13th Street in Westminster. 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.
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.
Warrant Types in Huntington Beach
Warrants in Huntington Beach 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.
- 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. Penal Code 978.5 governs bench warrants. These laws apply statewide.
Traffic warrants are common in Huntington Beach. 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.
Note: Warrants stay active until you resolve them through the court.
California DOJ Criminal Records FAQ
The California Department of Justice provides information on criminal records through their FAQ page. While the DOJ does not offer public warrant searches, they explain how criminal history records are maintained. You can read the full FAQ at the DOJ FAQ page.
This screenshot shows the DOJ FAQ page that explains criminal history record policies. 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.
How to Clear a Warrant in Huntington Beach
If you discover you have a warrant in Huntington Beach, you should take steps to clear it. Warrants do not expire. 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.
Turning yourself in at Huntington Beach Police is one option. Bring valid photo ID and go during business hours (8:00 AM to 6:00 PM Monday through Thursday). Tell the desk officer you have a warrant and want to clear it. The officer will verify the warrant and decide what happens next.
Surrendering at the courthouse is often easier. Go to the Westminster 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.
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. Legal aid organizations in Orange County offer free or low-cost help for qualifying individuals.
The California Courts Self-Help website has guides on handling bench warrants. Visit California Courts Self-Help for statewide information. The Orange County court website also has forms and instructions.
Nearby Cities with 100,000+ Population
Huntington Beach is in Orange County near other large cities. Each city has its own police department. If you have a warrant from a different city, contact that city's law enforcement agency.