How Do I Know if I Have a Warrant Out for My Arrest?

Criminal Law

The uncertainty of not knowing whether you have a warrant out for your arrest can be detrimental to your everyday life. Often, if someone has an active warrant, it is a result of a missed court appearance, so there is some certainty in knowing if you are wanted by law enforcement. However, that is not always the case. Arrest warrants can be issued solely due to police investigations.

So, how do you know if you have an active warrant? Fortunately, every county in Minnesota has a direct phone number to call that will allow you to check if there is a warrant out for your arrest. Hennepin County’s contact number is 612-348-2000. This will direct you to the clerk of courts, who will assist you in ascertaining your status. The only information necessary is your full name and date of birth. Remember, the clerk of courts is an extension of the Court, so always be courteous and respectful.

Calling will not impact your case, however, if you do have an active warrant, it is expected that you will turn yourself in. If a warrant is left open, any contact with law enforcement will likely result in your arrest. If this were to occur on a Friday, you would have to sit in jail for the entire weekend before having an opportunity to be heard by a judge. Therefore, taking the initiative and controlling when you enter the jail is a strategic advantage. We strongly recommend calling a knowledgeable attorney prior to turning yourself in, so you and the team can discuss what is the best next steps for you.

While turning yourself in is likely the best course of action in resolving the warrant, having an experienced attorney on your side is of paramount importance moving forward. If you’re concerned about an ongoing investigation or know that you have an active warrant, contact a lawyer today. They will be able to inquire about the status, ensure that if you do turn yourself in that your rights are protected and that your case is resolved expeditiously.