Mendocino County Active Warrants

Mendocino County sits on the northern California coast with about 91,000 residents. Warrant records are managed by the Sheriff Office in Ukiah. The county has one main courthouse where criminal cases are heard. Judges issue bench warrants when people fail to appear for court dates or violate probation. Arrest warrants get signed when new charges are filed. The Sheriff Office keeps the warrant database for the Superior Court. You can visit their office to check if you have a warrant in Mendocino County. Bring photo ID and be ready to provide your full name and date of birth. Staff will search the system and tell you what they find. If you have an active warrant, they will explain your options. The main Sheriff Office is at 951 Low Gap Road in Ukiah. Court is nearby on North State Street.

Mendocino County Sheriff Office

The Sheriff Office in Mendocino County manages all warrant records. When a judge signs a warrant, court staff send the info to the Sheriff. Deputies enter it into their system. This lets them check for warrants during stops and calls. The warrant database is not public online in Mendocino County. You must visit or call to check.

To check for warrants on yourself, go to the Sheriff Office on Low Gap Road in Ukiah. Bring a current photo ID. Tell the staff at the front desk you want to check for warrants. They will look up your name and date of birth. If you have an active warrant, they will tell you the charge and bail amount. Be aware you may be arrested on the spot if the warrant is serious.

The Sheriff runs the county jail where people with warrants are booked. The jail is at the same location as the main office. If you turn yourself in on a warrant, you will be booked there. You can post bail if it is set. Bail amounts vary by charge. For minor warrants, you may be released on your own recognizance.

Mendocino County Superior Court

All warrants in Mendocino County are issued by the Superior Court. The main courthouse is in Ukiah. Judges hear criminal cases for the entire county. When someone fails to appear for court, the judge can issue a bench warrant. When prosecutors file charges, the judge reviews the case and may sign an arrest warrant.

If you have a bench warrant, you can go to the court to clear it. Arrive early in the morning before 8:30 AM. Check in at the criminal clerk window. Tell them you have a warrant and want to surrender. Bring your ID. The clerk will check the system and may put you on the calendar for that day. When you see the judge, they will decide whether to recall the warrant.

The court website has basic information about procedures and fees. You can find contact numbers for different divisions. For specific case information, you need to call or visit in person. Court staff can answer questions about warrant clearance procedures.

Types of Warrants

Mendocino County issues different types of warrants. Each has its own rules and consequences. Understanding the type helps you figure out what to do next.

Bench warrants come from the judge when you miss court or violate probation. The court sends the warrant to the Sheriff Office. Most bench warrants in Mendocino County have bail. You can post the bail amount to get out of jail after arrest. Some bench warrants say no bail for serious violations. Those require you to stay in custody until the judge hears your case.

Arrest warrants are issued for new charges. A prosecutor files a complaint. The judge reviews it and decides if there is probable cause. If yes, the judge signs the arrest warrant. Deputies can then arrest you wherever they find you. Arrest warrants in Mendocino County cover felonies and misdemeanors. Bail amounts vary by charge and your history.

• Bench warrants for failure to appear
• Bench warrants for probation violations
• Arrest warrants for felony charges
• Arrest warrants for misdemeanor charges
• Traffic warrants for unpaid citations

All warrants in Mendocino County stay active until cleared. They do not expire. Even old warrants must be dealt with through the court.

Clearing a Warrant

You have options for dealing with a warrant in Mendocino County. The process depends on the warrant type and your situation. Do not ignore a warrant as it will not go away.

For bench warrants, go to the courthouse early in the morning. Check in at the criminal clerk window before 8:30 AM. Tell them you want to surrender on a warrant. Bring your ID and any court papers you have. The clerk will check the system and may schedule you for a hearing that day. When the judge calls your case, explain why you missed court. Be honest and respectful. The judge may recall the warrant and set a new court date.

You can also turn yourself in at the Sheriff Office in Mendocino County. Go to the office on Low Gap Road in Ukiah. Tell the front desk you have a warrant. They will check the system and arrest you if the warrant is active. You will be booked into jail. If bail is set, you can post it and get released. If not, you wait for your court date. This can take several days.

Hiring a lawyer can help with serious warrants. A criminal defense attorney can contact the court on your behalf. They may be able to arrange a surrender time and appear with you. The lawyer can also argue for recall of the warrant. For felonies in Mendocino County, having legal representation is wise. Ask about fees and experience when you call.

Traffic warrants can sometimes be cleared by paying the fine. Call the court traffic division and ask if your warrant is eligible. You may be able to pay by phone or mail. Once the court receives payment, they recall the warrant. This only works for minor traffic infractions.

Legal Help in Mendocino County

Legal resources are available in Mendocino County for people dealing with warrants. Free legal aid serves low income residents. Private lawyers handle cases for a fee.

Legal Services of Northern California has an office that serves Mendocino County. They help low income people with some legal issues. You must meet income guidelines. Call to see if you qualify. They can advise on warrants and court procedures if you are eligible.

The Mendocino County Public Defender represents people who cannot afford a lawyer. If you are arrested on a warrant and cannot make bail, the public defender may be appointed to your case. The court assigns them based on availability. Public defenders are experienced with the local court system.

For a private lawyer, contact the Mendocino County Bar Association or ask for referrals. Most lawyers offer a consultation to discuss your case. Fees vary by lawyer and case complexity. Ask about payment plans if cost is a concern. Having a lawyer can make warrant clearance easier.

The Superior Court has limited self-help resources. Staff can answer basic questions about procedures. They cannot give legal advice. But they can explain what forms you need and where to file them.

Nearby Counties

Mendocino County is on the northern California coast. It borders several other counties. Each has its own court system and warrant procedures.

• Humboldt County - North of Mendocino County
• Trinity County - Northeast of Mendocino County
• Tehama County - East of Mendocino County
• Glenn County - Southeast of Mendocino County
• Lake County - South of Mendocino County
• Sonoma County - South of Mendocino County

If you have warrants in multiple counties, clear each one separately. Contact the court or Sheriff Office in each county. Procedures vary by location.