San Bernardino County Warrant Search

A San Bernardino County warrant search helps parties determine whether a court has issued an active or outstanding warrant in the county. This process means checking official records from the Superior Court of California, County of San Bernardino, and local police agencies. These records reflect warrants issued after a judge finds probable cause under California Penal Code section 813.

The warrants typically issued in San Bernardino include arrest warrants, bench warrants, and failure-to-appear warrants. Bench warrants are commonly issued under Penal Code section 978.5 when a person misses a required court date. Arrest warrants may authorize immediate custody under Penal Code section 817. A typical warrant search reveals the name on record, case number, warrant type, issuing court, offense level, bail amount, and warrant status. However, access may be limited to records sealed by court order or to legally restricted files.

Why Conduct a Warrant Search in San Bernardino County?

Parties often search for warrants to determine whether a court has issued an arrest or bench warrant after missing a court date or leaving a citation unresolved. Employers, landlords, and attorneys may check warrant status during background checks or when getting ready for a case. Family members might also want to know this information before court dates or custody hearings.

Warrant searches help make sure information is accurate. Court records can change if a warrant is recalled, canceled, or resolved. Checking the latest records helps individuals avoid using old or incorrect information. Police and other law enforcement need up-to-date warrant status to plan arrests and ensure individuals comply with court orders. Bail agents use these searches to confirm if someone is eligible for bond and to check bond conditions. Also, journalists and researchers check warrant data when reporting on criminal cases.

How to Perform a San Bernardino County Warrant Search Online

The San Bernardino Superior Court portal is an online tool for accessing county warrant information. This service provides public access to criminal case details and court-issued legal orders. When names and identifying numbers are entered accurately, and the required steps are followed, the portal allows the review of county court records without an in-person request at the courthouse. To conduct a search, interested parties should follow these steps:

• Visit the Bernardino County Court Access Portal
• Scroll down and click “Accept”
• Click “Search” and select “Case Information” from the drop-down menu
• Enter the details in the required fields
• Searches can be done by case number, citation number, or by the person’s full name

However, users should note that the portal has some restrictions. Most cases shown are from 1998 or later. For older cases, notify the specific court district in which the case was filed. Also, juvenile and protected records are kept private and cannot be viewed.

How to Check for Outstanding Warrants in San Bernardino County by Phone or In Person

Offline methods such as calls or in-person visits to the appropriate offices are particularly useful when online databases are unavailable, delayed, or incomplete. Individuals can verify outstanding warrants by contacting the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department or the Superior Court Criminal Division in person or by phone. These offices are the primary sources for warrant information. Direct inquiries may also capture recent court actions not yet reflected in electronic systems.

To perform an offline search, parties should follow these instructions:

• Contact the Sheriff’s Department: Individuals may call the Records Division at (909) 888-5916, or use the non-emergency lines for Valley at (909) 387-8313 and Desert at (760) 956-5001. Callers should be ready to give the full legal name and any other details needed for the search.
• Visit a Court Clerk:  Alternatively, parties can visit the San Bernardino Justice Center at 247 West Third Street or a relevant local court during standard business hours (8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m). The Center can also be reached by phone (+1 909-708-8678).

Wait times for phone inquiries vary according to call volume. In-person visits may require several hours, depending on court activity. An active warrant during an in-person inquiry may result in immediate arrest. Consequently, some individuals choose to conduct searches through attorneys or bail agents, who serve as intermediaries.

San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Office Warrant Search Process

The San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Office handles warrant requests through the Records Division and answers requests in person, by mail, or by phone. The office checks if a warrant is active or outstanding. The department releases information about adult warrants but does not share details connected to ongoing investigations, cases awaiting trial, or protected victims. All inquiries require a full legal name and valid photo identification. There may be fees for official copies of records.

When a warrant exists, the Sheriff’s Office may release the following information:

• Warrant status, active or recalled
• Warrant type, arrest or bench
• Issuing court
• Case number
• General offense category
• Bail amount or no bail designation

The county encourages voluntary walk-ins for individuals who wish to address a warrant. Parties can go to designated courthouses during business hours to deal with an active warrant. This often leads the court to recall the warrant and release the individual without custody when the individual is eligible. For example, a person with a bench warrant for a missed court date, may appear voluntarily, address the warrant, and receive a new court date without being taken into custody when no new charges exist.

Accessing Public Records Related to Warrants in San Bernardino County

Warrant records are usually linked to court files, arrests, and limited law enforcement reports. These records show if a warrant was issued, recalled, or resolved in the county. Usually, court records are the main way to check if a warrant is active. The Public Records Act allows the public access to government records. The San Bernardino County Superior Court maintains case files both online and in physical form, documenting warrant issuances, court dates, bail amounts, and case outcomes. Additional public records related to warrants include:

• Arrest Logs: Booking summaries maintained by law enforcement list the arrestee's name, age, date of arrest, and charges.
• Warrant Registers: These are records that list warrants approved by the court and related court actions in the county.

Record seekers may submit requests through the county’s Public Records Portal or visit the Justice Center at 247 West Third Street. Cases filed before 1998 often exist only in physical court archives and require a Court Clerk’s assistance. Some information, though, is not available by law. These include:

• Juvenile records under Welfare and Institutions Code section 827
• Victim identifying information in domestic violence cases
• Sealed warrants

Types of Warrants Issued in San Bernardino County

San Bernardino County courts use various types of legal orders to ensure parties comply with the law and court rules. Each kind of warrant has its own purpose and leads to different legal outcomes.

• Arrest warrants authorize law enforcement to take a named individual into custody when a magistrate finds probable cause that a crime has occurred. The warrant specifies the charge listed in the complaint (Penal Code section 813).
• Bench warrants are issued directly from a judge when a person does not show up in court or violates a court order. These warrants arise from procedural noncompliance rather than a new criminal accusation (Penal Code section 978.5).
• Search warrants authorize officers to search a designated location, vehicle, or person for evidence related to a crime. The order specifies the areas and items subject to search and seizure (Penal Code section 1523).

It is important to know the differences between these warrants when reviewing a case. For example, if there is a bench warrant, a person might be able to appear in court voluntarily to clear it. However, an arrest warrant for a felony requires the person to be taken into custody, and bail may be required.

How Long Warrants Remain Active in San Bernardino County

It depends. Once a court finds a legal basis for arrest, the warrant remains active until the arrest, death, or judicial recall. This rule applies to felony offenses, misdemeanor offenses, and bench warrants. If warrants expired, offenders could avoid accountability by hiding or leaving the country. California law prevents this by keeping arrest-related warrants active with no time limit.

Search warrants follow a different rule. A search warrant authorizes entry into private property to seize evidence. Under California Penal Code section 1534, officers must execute and return the warrant within ten days. An unused warrant becomes void after that period. Tracking device warrants also have limits. These orders allow GPS to be placed on a vehicle, and execution must begin within ten days. Use lasts up to thirty days, and extensions require a new court order.

All relevant databases are updated constantly. However, the Sheriff’s Department notes that some warrant updates may take up to ten business days to appear in public records.

What to Do if You Find an Outstanding Warrant in San Bernardino County

An individual who discovers an outstanding warrant in San Bernardino County should first confirm its accuracy by reviewing court records or the Sheriff’s records. Examine the warrant type, issuing court, and case status to fully understand the context. Some warrants arise from missed court dates rather than new charges. Warrants carry serious consequences; therefore, prompt professional assistance from an attorney or a licensed bail agent helps clarify options and coordinate proper steps.