Monterey County Warrant Search

Monterey County sits on the central California coast with about 439,000 residents. Warrant records are maintained by the Sheriff Office Records Division in Salinas. All criminal, traffic, and juvenile warrants issued in Monterey County are kept at this division. The office is at 1414 Natividad Road in Salinas. They are open specific hours during the week. Monday, Wednesday, and Friday they open from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM. Tuesday and Thursday they open from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM. You can visit to check if you have a warrant. Bring a current photo ID. Staff will search the system using your name and date of birth. If you have an active warrant, they will tell you the details including the charge and bail amount. The Superior Court also handles warrant clearance procedures at courthouses in Salinas and Marina.

Monterey County Sheriff Office

The Sheriff Office in Monterey County manages all warrant records. The Records Division is the central location for warrant inquiries. When a judge issues a warrant, court staff send the information to the Sheriff. Deputies enter it into their system. This allows law enforcement to check for active warrants during traffic stops and other contacts.

You can visit the Records Division to check for warrants on yourself. Go to 1414 Natividad Road in Salinas. The office has specific hours. Monday, Wednesday, and Friday they are open from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM. Tuesday and Thursday they open from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Bring a current photo ID. Tell the staff 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.

The Sheriff Office runs the county jail where people with warrants are booked. The jail is at the same location as the Records Division. If you turn yourself in on a warrant, you will be booked there. You can post bail if the warrant allows it. Criminal history checks cost $92.00 in Monterey County. This fee applies if you need a copy of your criminal record.

Note: All criminal, traffic, and juvenile warrants issued in Monterey County are maintained in the Records Division.

Monterey County Superior Court

All warrants in Monterey County are issued by the Superior Court. The main courthouse is in Salinas. There is also a courthouse in Marina. Judges issue bench warrants when people fail to appear for court dates or violate probation. They sign arrest warrants when prosecutors file new charges.

If you have a bench warrant, you can go to the courthouse to clear it. Arrive early in the morning before court starts. Check in at the criminal clerk window. Tell them you have a warrant and want to surrender. Bring your ID and any court documents. 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 case search tools and general information. You can look up cases by name or case number. This helps you find out what charges are connected to your warrant. The site also shows upcoming court dates. Use this information before you go to clear a warrant so you know what to expect.

Types of Warrants

Monterey County issues different types of warrants. Understanding the type helps you know what steps to take next.

Bench warrants are issued when you miss court or violate probation. The judge signs the warrant during a court session. It goes into effect immediately. Bench warrants in Monterey County usually 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 criminal charges. A prosecutor files a complaint with the court. The judge reviews the evidence. If there is probable cause, the judge signs an arrest warrant. Deputies can then arrest you based on the warrant. Arrest warrants in Monterey County can be for felonies or misdemeanors. Bail amounts vary based on the charge and your criminal 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
• Juvenile warrants for minors

All warrants in Monterey County stay active until they are cleared through the court. They do not expire. Even if a warrant is years old, you must still deal with it.

Clearing Your Warrant

You have several options for dealing with a warrant in Monterey County. The right choice depends on the warrant type and your situation. Do not ignore a warrant as it will not go away on its own.

For bench warrants, go to the courthouse early in the morning. Check in at the criminal clerk window before court starts at 9:00 AM. Tell them you have a warrant and want to surrender. 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 and respectful. The judge may recall the warrant and set a new court date. You may need to post bail or agree to certain conditions.

You can also turn yourself in at the Sheriff Office Records Division in Monterey County. Go to 1414 Natividad Road in Salinas. Visit during the hours they are open. 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 depending on the court calendar.

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 and release on your own recognizance. For felonies in Monterey County, having legal representation is highly recommended. Many local lawyers handle warrant clearances and know the court system well.

Traffic warrants can sometimes be cleared by paying the fine. Call the court traffic division and ask if your warrant is eligible for payment clearance. You may be able to pay by phone, online, or by mail. Once the court receives payment, they recall the warrant. This only works for minor traffic infractions with no mandatory court appearance requirement.

Legal Help in Monterey County

Legal resources are available in Monterey County for people dealing with warrants. Free legal aid serves low income residents. Private lawyers handle cases for a fee. The court also has self-help services.

Legal Services for Seniors and Monterey County Legal Aid provide free legal help to eligible residents. You must meet income guidelines to qualify. Call to see if you are eligible. They can advise on warrants and court procedures if you qualify for their services.

The Monterey 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 and your financial situation. Public defenders are experienced criminal lawyers who handle many cases in Monterey County courts.

For a private lawyer, contact the Monterey County Bar Association. They have a lawyer referral service. The service matches you with attorneys based on your legal issue. Most lawyers offer a consultation to discuss your warrant and options. Fees vary by lawyer and case complexity. Ask about payment plans if you cannot afford the full fee upfront. Having a lawyer can make the warrant clearance process much smoother.

The Superior Court has self-help centers at both courthouse locations. Staff can answer questions about court procedures and help you fill out forms. They cannot give legal advice or tell you what to do about your warrant. But they can explain the process and point you to resources.

Cities in Monterey County

Monterey County has several cities including the county seat of Salinas. Most cities contract with the Sheriff Department for law enforcement services. Some have their own police departments.

• Salinas - County seat, has own police department
• Monterey - Has own police department
• Seaside - Sheriff contract city
• Marina - Sheriff contract city
• Pacific Grove - Has own police department

If you live in a city with its own police department, contact them for local warrant information. If your city contracts with the Sheriff, contact the Sheriff Records Division. All warrants in Monterey County are managed through the same system regardless of which agency serves your city.

Nearby Counties

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

• Santa Cruz County - North of Monterey County
• San Benito County - Northeast of Monterey County
• Fresno County - East of Monterey County
• Kings County - Southeast of Monterey County
• San Luis Obispo County - South of Monterey County

If you have warrants in multiple counties, you must clear each one separately. Contact the court or Sheriff Office in each county. Procedures vary by location. Some counties have online warrant search tools. Others require you to call or visit in person to check for warrants.