Los Angeles Warrant Search

Los Angeles warrant records are maintained by the Los Angeles Police Department and the Los Angeles County Superior Court in the nation's second largest city with nearly 4 million residents. As the largest city in California and the county seat of Los Angeles County, LA processes tens of thousands of warrants annually for criminal charges, traffic violations, and missed court appearances across its vast geographic area. The LAPD Records and Identification Division at 100 West 1st Street Room P1-731 handles warrant information and can be reached at 213-486-8300, with email contact available at WC-RI@lapd.online during business hours Monday through Thursday from 8:00am to 5:00pm. All warrants issued by the Superior Court remain active in the county system until they are resolved through arrest, bail posting, or judicial recall, and anyone with an outstanding warrant should expect to be arrested during routine law enforcement contact such as traffic stops or other police encounters.

How to Check for Warrants

The Los Angeles Police Department Records and Identification Division is at 100 West 1st Street Room P1-731 in downtown LA. You can visit in person to check if you have a warrant. Bring a valid photo ID like a driver license or state ID card. The records staff can search the system for active warrants in your name. Call 213-486-8300 or email WC-RI@lapd.online with questions. Hours are Monday through Thursday, 8:00am to 5:00pm.

LAPD does not have an online public warrant search. You must contact the Records Division or the Superior Court directly. Phone requests for warrant info may be limited. For the most accurate information, visit the office in person with your ID. If you have an active warrant, be aware that you may be arrested on the spot depending on the charge and bail amount.

Los Angeles County Superior Court issues all warrants for LA city cases. When you miss a court date, the judge can issue a bench warrant. When new charges are filed and you are not in custody, the judge may issue an arrest warrant. Both types stay active until you deal with them. LA has multiple courthouses including downtown Criminal Courts Building, Van Nuys, Airport, Hollywood, Beverly Hills, and more. Contact the courthouse that issued your warrant.

LAPD Records Division

The Records and Identification Division maintains all LAPD police reports, arrest records, and warrant data. The division is at 100 West 1st Street in downtown Los Angeles. You can request copies of police reports if you were involved in an incident or arrested by LAPD. The fee for an arrest summary is $16. You can submit requests in person, by mail, or through their email system.

If you were arrested by LAPD, your booking information goes into the LA County jail system. The Los Angeles County Sheriff runs the detention facilities. You can search for current inmates online through the county website. Older arrest records must be requested through the Records Division or the LA County Sheriff. The LAPD records staff can tell you what is available and how to get copies.

LAPD officers check the warrant database during every traffic stop and contact with the public. If you have an active warrant and are stopped by police, you will be arrested unless the warrant is for a very minor issue. Do not ignore a warrant. It will not go away on its own. Warrants stay active for years and can lead to arrest at any time.

Note: LAPD has 21 divisions across the city, so make sure you contact the right location for your case.

LA Superior Court Warrants

Los Angeles County Superior Court is the largest trial court in the nation. The court has multiple locations throughout LA city including the Criminal Courts Building at 210 West Temple Street downtown. When you fail to appear in court, the judge can issue a bench warrant for your arrest. California law allows this under Penal Code Section 978.5 when defendants do not show up as ordered. You can read the statute at leginfo.legislature.ca.gov.

Bench warrants in Los Angeles often come from traffic violations and misdemeanor cases. If you got a ticket and did not show up for court, the judge issues a warrant. California Vehicle Code Section 40508 makes it a misdemeanor to willfully fail to appear on a traffic charge. You can read that law at leginfo.legislature.ca.gov. The warrant stays active until you go to court and deal with the case.

Arrest warrants are issued when the District Attorney files charges and a judge finds probable cause. LAPD detectives investigate crimes and present evidence to the DA. If the DA decides to file charges, they ask the court for an arrest warrant. The judge reviews a sworn statement and signs the warrant if there is enough evidence. Arrest warrants can be for any crime from theft to violent felonies.

The LA Superior Court website has case info online for many cases. You can search by name or case number. The system may not show all warrant details. For the most accurate info, contact the courthouse that issued the warrant. The criminal clerk's office can look up your case and tell you what steps to take.

Warrant Types in LA

Los Angeles has several types of warrants. The most common are bench warrants for missed court dates and arrest warrants for new charges. Both stay on your record until you clear them.

Bench warrants are issued when you do not show up for court. Traffic cases lead to many bench warrants in LA. Misdemeanor criminal cases also result in bench warrants if you skip a hearing or fail to complete probation. Bench warrants may have bail set, or they may say no bail.

Arrest warrants come from new criminal investigations. If the police believe you committed a crime but did not catch you at the time, they can ask for a warrant. These warrants are based on evidence from detective work. Arrest warrants in LA can be for any crime. Bail is usually higher on arrest warrants than on bench warrants.

Probation violation warrants are also common. If you are on probation and break the rules, your probation officer can ask the court for a warrant. These warrants may have no bail, meaning you stay in custody until you see a judge.

Clear a Warrant in Los Angeles

If you have a warrant in Los Angeles, you need to deal with it. Warrants do not go away. You have a few options depending on the type of warrant and how much bail is set.

Turn yourself in at the courthouse. Go early in the morning and check in at the criminal clerk's office. Bring your photo ID and tell them you have a warrant. If the warrant is minor, you may get a court date without being arrested. If it is serious, you will be booked into jail. Turning yourself in can show the judge you are being responsible.

Post bail if your warrant has a bail amount. You can pay cash at the courthouse or use a bail bond company. Most bail bond agents charge 10 percent of the total bail as their fee. Once bail is posted, the warrant is lifted and you must appear in court on the date given.

Hire a lawyer if you have a serious warrant. A lawyer can contact the court for you and may be able to file a motion to recall the warrant or reduce bail. Lawyers who practice in LA County know the local judges and can give you advice on the best way to handle your case.

Some courthouses have walk-in warrant clearance calendars. You can go early in the morning and ask if you can be seen by a judge that day. This option works better for traffic and minor misdemeanor warrants than for serious felonies.

Legal Resources in Los Angeles

If you cannot afford a lawyer, you may qualify for a public defender. The Los Angeles County Public Defender's Office represents people who are charged with crimes and cannot pay for a private attorney. You apply for a public defender when you first go to court. The judge decides if you qualify.

Legal aid organizations in Los Angeles may be able to help. Legal Aid Foundation of Los Angeles is one option. You can find local legal aid by searching online or calling 211. They usually focus on civil cases but can refer you to resources for criminal issues.

The California Courts Self-Help website has guides at selfhelp.courts.ca.gov. The site explains court procedures and what to expect if you have a warrant.

Note: LA has many resources but demand is very high.

Nearby Cities in LA County

Los Angeles borders many other cities in LA County that each have their own police but use the county court system for warrants.

Glendale Police are at 131 North Isabel Street. Call (818) 548-3135 for records.

Pasadena Police have a warrants line at (626) 744-4556 and records at (626) 744-4565.

Burbank Police are at 200 N 3rd St. Call (818) 238-3000.

Long Beach Police Warrant Detail is at (562) 570-5717.