Modoc County Warrants

Modoc County is the smallest county in California by population with about 8,700 residents. It sits in the far northeast corner of the state. Warrant records are kept by the Sheriff Office in Alturas. The county has one courthouse where all criminal cases are heard. Judges issue bench warrants when people miss court or violate probation. Arrest warrants get signed when charges are filed. The Sheriff Office at 102 South Court Street manages the warrant database. You must visit in person to check for warrants. Bring photo ID. Staff will search the system and tell you what they find. The Superior Court is at 205 South Court Street in Alturas. Court staff cannot look up criminal records over the phone according to county policy. You must come in person or mail a written request.

Modoc County Sheriff Office

The Sheriff Office in Modoc County handles all warrant records. When a judge signs a warrant, the court sends it to the Sheriff. Deputies enter it into their system. This lets them check for warrants during traffic stops and other contacts.

To check if you have a warrant, you must visit the Sheriff Office in person. Go to 102 South Court Street in Alturas. 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 in the system. If you have an active warrant, they will tell you the charge and bail amount. Be ready for possible arrest if the warrant is serious.

The Sheriff Department runs the county jail in Alturas. If you are arrested on a warrant, you will be booked there. You can post bail if the warrant allows it. Bail amounts are set by the court. For small rural counties like Modoc, the jail has limited capacity. You may be released on your own recognizance for minor warrants.

Modoc County Superior Court

All warrants in Modoc County come from the Superior Court. The courthouse is in Alturas. Judges hear all criminal cases for the 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.

The court has a policy about criminal records. Court staff cannot look up any criminal records over the telephone. This includes warrant information. You must come to the courthouse in person or send a written request by mail. If you fail to appear in court or pay a fine as promised, the court will order and issue a warrant for your arrest.

If you have a bench warrant, you can go to the court to clear it. Arrive early in the morning. Check in at the 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.

Court fees in Modoc County include certified copy costs of $40.00 plus $0.50 per page. Regular copies cost $0.50 per page. If a records search takes more than 10 minutes, there is a $15.00 research fee.

Types of Warrants

Modoc County issues different types of warrants. Understanding the type helps you know 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 right away. Most bench warrants in Modoc 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.

Arrest warrants are issued for new criminal 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 based on the warrant. Arrest warrants in Modoc County cover felonies and misdemeanors. Bail is set based on the charge.

• 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 fines

All warrants in Modoc 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 Modoc 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 clerk window. Tell them you want to surrender on a warrant. Bring your ID and any court papers. 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. The judge may recall the warrant and set a new court date.

You can also turn yourself in at the Sheriff Office in Modoc County. Go to the office on South Court Street in Alturas. 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.

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. The lawyer can also appear with you and argue for recall of the warrant. For felonies in Modoc County, having legal representation is wise.

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

Legal Help in Modoc County

Legal resources are limited in small rural counties like Modoc. However, help is available through regional organizations and private lawyers.

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

The Modoc 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 know the local court system and judges.

For a private lawyer, ask for referrals in the community. Modoc is a small county so legal resources are limited. Some lawyers from nearby counties also serve Modoc. Fees vary by case complexity. Ask about payment plans if cost is a concern.

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

Modoc County is in far northeast California. It borders several other counties and the state of Oregon. Each county has its own court system and warrant procedures.

• Siskiyou County - West of Modoc County
• Shasta County - Southwest of Modoc County
• Lassen County - South of Modoc County

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