Santa Ana Warrant Database

Santa Ana warrant records can be searched through the Orange County Sheriff Central Warrant Repository. Santa Ana is the county seat of Orange County with a population near 310,000 people. The city has its own police department but all warrants are issued by the county court and logged into a central system. Orange County has one of the best online warrant search tools in California. You can search by name for free at the county website. The Central Warrant Repository at 320 N Flower Street in Santa Ana houses about 125,000 outstanding warrants for the entire county. This central office manages all warrant files and coordinates with local police to serve warrants across Orange County.

Free Online Warrant Search

Orange County offers a free online warrant search tool. The Sheriff website says to select the E-services tab and use the Arrest Warrants search option. You can also call the Central Warrant Repository at 714-834-6472 to check by phone. The public counter number is 714-834-6454 if you want to visit in person. The office is at 320 N Flower Street in Santa Ana.

The Central Warrant Repository currently houses approximately 125,000 outstanding warrants. This includes warrants from all cities in Orange County. Whether the warrant came from Santa Ana, Anaheim, Irvine, or any other Orange County city, it gets logged into this central system. The system is called the Automated Warrant Service System, or AWSS. It tracks all active warrants and makes them searchable online.

To search online, go to the county website and find the warrant search tool. Type in a first and last name. The system shows all matches. You can see the warrant type, the case number, and basic details. If you find a warrant on your name, write down the case number and the court location. You will need that information when you turn yourself in or contact the court.

Note: The online search is free and does not require you to create an account or log in.

Santa Ana Police Records

Santa Ana Police Department is at 20 Civic Center Plaza. Their records office handles requests for police reports and arrest records. Call them at 714-245-8600 with questions. Hours are Monday through Friday from 9 am to 4 pm. The police use systems called CopLogic and NextRequest for some public records. You can submit requests online through these portals. There may be fees for copies depending on what you need.

If you were arrested by Santa Ana Police, your case goes to the Orange County District Attorney. The DA files charges in Superior Court. If you fail to appear, the judge issues a bench warrant. That warrant goes into the Central Warrant Repository. Any police officer in Orange County can arrest you on it. Santa Ana PD works with the Sheriff to serve warrants. They can arrest you if they come across you during their normal duties.

For warrant checks, use the online search tool or call the Central Warrant Repository. The police department does not maintain warrant files. They can tell you if you were arrested but they cannot tell you if you have an active warrant. That information comes from the Sheriff warrant office.

Appearing on a Warrant in Orange County

If you have a bench warrant in Orange County, you need to appear at the courthouse that issued it. Many Santa Ana cases are heard at the Central Justice Center at 700 Civic Center Drive West in Santa Ana. Some cases may be at other courthouses in the county. Check your paperwork or search the online case system to find out which courthouse handles your case. If you are not sure, call the clerk and ask.

Get to the courthouse early in the morning. Most courts have a clear warrant calendar that starts at 8:30 am or 9 am. Check in at the criminal clerk window. Tell them you are there to surrender on a warrant. Bring a valid photo ID and any court documents you have. The clerk will put you on the calendar and tell you which courtroom to go to. You wait until your name is called. This can take an hour or more depending on how busy the court is.

When the judge calls you, explain why you missed court. Be honest and respectful. If you forgot the date or did not get notice, say so. The judge may recall the warrant and set a new court date. Or the judge may raise your bail or add conditions. It depends on the case and your record. If this is your first time missing court, judges are usually more lenient. If you have missed multiple times, expect stricter consequences.

California Penal Code section 978.5 allows judges to issue bench warrants when you fail to appear. The warrant stays active until you appear or the judge recalls it. There is no expiration. A warrant from years ago is still valid. You cannot wait it out. You have to go to court and clear it.

For traffic warrants, you may be able to pay the fine and clear the warrant without a court appearance. Call the traffic division and ask if your warrant qualifies. California Vehicle Code section 40508 makes it a misdemeanor to fail to appear on a traffic citation. The court can suspend your driver license until you clear the warrant. Once you pay or appear, the court notifies DMV and your license hold is released. This can take several days.

Sheriff Records and Fees

The Orange County Sheriff charges fees for some records services. A local criminal history check costs $24. A clearance letter costs $11. These are lower than many other counties in California. You request these documents at the Central Warrant Repository or through the main Sheriff records office. It takes a few days to process. You cannot get them the same day.

If you need a clearance letter for a job or licensing agency, submit your request in writing. Include your full name, date of birth, and the fee. You can pay by check or money order. Some offices take credit cards but call ahead to confirm. The clearance letter shows whether you have active warrants or a clear record. Employers and licensing boards often require this document as part of a background check.

For warrant information, the check is free if you do it online or by calling the Central Warrant Repository. You only pay if you need a written letter or a formal criminal history report.

Other Cities in Orange County

Orange County has many large cities. All of them use the same Sheriff and court system for warrants. Here are some nearby cities to know about.

Anaheim is north of Santa Ana with about 350,000 people. Anaheim Police are at 425 S Harbor Boulevard. They are open seven days a week from 6 am to 6:30 pm. Warrant checks go through the Orange County Sheriff online system. Call 714-765-1990 for general questions.

Irvine is south of Santa Ana with around 280,000 people. Irvine Police can be reached at 949-724-7000. Clearance letters from Irvine PD cost $16. Warrants are issued by the county court and logged into the central system. Search the online warrant tool to check for Irvine warrants.

Huntington Beach is on the coast west of Santa Ana with about 200,000 people. Huntington Beach Police are at 2000 Main Street. Call them 24 hours a day at 714-536-5641. Records office hours are 8 am to 6 pm Monday through Thursday. Warrants go through the county system.

Cities like Fullerton, Garden Grove, and Costa Mesa are also in Orange County. They all use the Central Warrant Repository. If you have a warrant anywhere in Orange County, you can find it through the online search tool or by calling the central office in Santa Ana.