Missouri Arrest & Search Warrants
The Fourth Amendment guarantees Americans’ right against unreasonable search and seizure. Therefore, police officers are often not allowed to search your property or arrest you unless they have a warrant. It’s often because law enforcement officers can conduct an arrest in certain cases. Any evidence obtained through an unlawful arrest or search may not be admissible in court.
If there is an active arrest warrant for you in Missouri, it may be in your best interest to lawyer up. Criminal defense lawyers at Missouri DWI & Criminal Law Center are here for you. We can help you understand the charges against you and work with you to get them dropped or reduced.
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What Are Missouri Arrest Warrants?
Arrest warrants are court-issued documents to authorize the apprehension and detention of someone suspected of committing a crime. However, there must be probable cause and sufficient evidence linking the individual named in the arrest warrant to the crime.
to obtain a criminal arrest warrant, Missouri law enforcement officials must present a judge with an affidavit establishing probable cause that the suspect committed the specified crime to a judge. The judge will only authorize and sign the warrant if they think probable cause was established.
The police officer can arrest the individual at any place or time once they receive the warrant. However, they are required to inform the individual about the warrant and the reason for the arrest. During the arrest, the officer must recite your Miranda rights.
You should always invoke your right to remain silent and consult an attorney, regardless of any facts.
Are Warrants Public Record in Missouri?
Warrants are public records in Missouri. However, the available information may vary with circumstances.
Arrest Warrants
In Missouri, these warrants are public records, but the particulars of active warrants are private. Keeping the records private is crucial for protecting an ongoing investigation. It is also for witness protection and public safety.
Arrest warrants become public once the arrest and investigation are complete. You can access this information through the local law enforcement agency or online databases.
Search Warrants
Missouri search warrants are public records once the officers complete the search. Released details include location, date, property owner, and seized items. This information can be found in the courthouse that issued the search warrant.
It’s best to know that privacy consideration is common when issuing a warrant. Doing this protects individuals and ongoing investigations. Police officers may restrict some details to protect private or sensitive information.
Types of Arrest Warrants
Missouri has two types of arrest warrants – Bench warrants and Felony warrants. Although the two are for apprehension purposes, they’re issued under different circumstances.
Bench Warrant
Bench warrants are arrest warrants issued by a judge for individuals who have failed to return on their court date.
Fugitive warrant
Fugitive warrants are issued to arrest a suspect who fled to another state.
Capias Warrant
Capias warrants are used to arrest and bring a person who has a guilty judgment but fails to comply with court orders.
How Do I Check if I Have an Arrest Warrant in Missouri?
because warrants are public records in Missouri, you can look up and find any arrest warrants for you in several ways.
Contact the Local Authorities
If you suspect a warrant is out for you, contact your local Sheriff’s department. Give them your name and address, and they will check for you. The staff might ask you to provide identification to verify it’s you. They’ll even give you tips on how to conduct an online .
Check Online Databases
Some Missouri counties have online databases containing active warrants. You can conduct a Missouri warrant search on the county sheriff’s website or court system. The databases have a warrants list you can browse through to find yours.
Use Missouri’s Case.net Portal
Besides providing court case records, Missouri also has an online. On this portal, you can check for information about warrants. Case.net is a great information source, especially if you’re always on the move.