Connecticut Warrant Search

Interested individuals may conduct a warrant search in Connecticut to search out information regarding warrants issued within a county or to confirm whether an individual has an outstanding warrant. These details can assist in determining if a law enforcement agency wants a person for violating a court order or committing a crime.

The Connecticut government maintains a centralized warrant search database that members of the public may access to inquire about warrant information within the state. Also, record seekers can conduct warrant inquiries at Local police departments or superior courts. Alternatively, third-party websites can be used to conduct warrant searches.

What is a Warrant in Connecticut?

The Connecticut Judicial Branch defines a warrant as a written order issued by a judge that authorizes a law enforcement officer to conduct an action associated with the administration of justice. Some common types of warrants issued in Connecticut are search, arrest, and bench warrants.

Are Warrants Public Records in Connecticut

Yes. According to the Connecticut Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) warrants are considered public records, enabling members of the public to conduct warrant inquiries. However, certain warrant records like juvenile warrants, unexecuted search warrants, affidavits, warrant applications, and transcripts of oral testimony are deemed confidential in Connecticut until the warrant is executed.

How Do I Look Up Warrants in Connecticut?

Individuals can conduct a warrant in Connecticut via various notable third-party platforms. These websites offer a convenient option for people searching for outstanding warrants without visiting law enforcement agencies for such services.

To conduct a warrant lookup on third-party platforms, users must visit their preferred website and navigate to the segment dedicated to warrant searches. The requester must enter a first and last name to initiate the search. Third-party websites offer a more robust search portal, enabling users to search for warrants issued across different jurisdictions in the US simultaneously.

Most third-party sites provide basic warrant information at no cost. While there is no universal price for conducting warrant searches on third-party sites, a full warrant report costs between $2.95 and $4.95 for a 7-day unlimited search access and between $19.95 and $24.95 for monthly subscriptions.

It is recommended that the details obtained from third-party websites be verified with information from government resources to ensure completeness and originality.

What is a Search Warrant in Connecticut?

Per** **CT Gen Stat §54-33a, a search warrant is a written order signed by a judge or judge trial referee commanding an officer to search a place, thing, or person and take into custody all property seized. A search warrant is only issued based on a complaint on oath or probable cause to believe that:

• A property was stolen or embezzled

• A property is possessed, controlled, designed, or intended for use, is currently being used, or has been used to commit any criminal offense.

• A property constitutes evidence of an offense or that a particular person participated in the commission of an offense.

• Are Search Warrants Public Records in Connecticut?

  Yes. Search warrants are generally categorized as public records in Connecticut per the Connecticut Freedom of Information Act (FOIA). However, juvenile search warrants are closed to the public. Per Connecticut Code Sec. 54-33c(b), copies of affidavits supporting a search warrant application become public after execution, except if the search is part of an ongoing investigation or the personal safety of a confidential informant would be jeopardized.

• How Long Does it Take to Get a Search Warrant in Connecticut?

  In Connecticut, the time taken to get a search warrant from a judge or magistrate varies depending on various factors. These factors include the investigation's complexity, the situation's urgency, or the magistrate's or judge's availability to sign. Typically, a search warrant can be obtained within a few hours or days if there is probable cause to believe it is necessary.

• How Long Does a Search Warrant Last

  Per CT Gen Stat §54-33c, search warrants have a maximum execution duration of 10 days. After execution such warrants must be returned immediately to the issuing judge or judge trial referee.

What is a Bench Warrant in Connecticut?

The Connecticut Judicial Branch defines a bench warrant as a court paper issued by a judge “from the bench” for the arrest of a defendant. Per CT Gen Stat §54-2a, bench warrants are issued based on application by a prosecutor and the judge determines that the supporting affidavit shows that there is probable cause to believe that the defendant has committed a crime. Also, bench warrants can be issued for witnesses or defendants who violate a court order regarding court appearances.

What is an Arrest Warrant in Connecticut?

An arrest warrant is an order issued by a judge that authorizes a law enforcement officer to arrest an individual for a crime specified in the warrant. The different types of arrest warrants available in Connecticut are:

• Failure to Appear Warrant (FTA): This type of arrest warrant is issued for the arrest of a person who refuses to come to court for a scheduled hearing for a criminal matter, a motor vehicle matter, or an infraction.
• Violation of Probation Warrant (VOP): This type of arrest warrant is issued for the arrest of a person who has not followed the conditions or requirements of probation.

How to Check if You Have a Warrant in Connecticut

Individuals who want to check if they have warrants can contact the Connecticut Office of Policy and Management in person, by phone, or by email at:

Protection Order Registry (POR) / Paperless Rearrest Warrant Network (PRAWN)

*Judicial Branch - Superior Court Operations, Criminal Matters *

*Phone: (877) 312-7807 *

*Email: Toby.Padegenis@jud.ct.gov *

Individuals can also contact the Department of Correction’s Parole Fugitive Investigations Unit in person, by phone at (203) 937-2400, or by fax at (203) 397-2414. Warrant searches can also be conducted in person at superior courts and city police departments. In-person requests should be made during business hours. A name or birthdate and a valid ID might be required to conduct the search.

Can You Check Warrants Online in Connecticut?

Yes. Some law enforcement agencies in Connecticut publish warrant information on their websites. For example, individuals can view warrant records through the Most Wanted list provided by the Enfield Police Department.

How to Find Out If You Have a Warrant for Free

Here is how an individual can confirm whether they have a warrant for free in Connecticut for free:

• View the Most Wanted lists or arrest logs maintained by local police departments.
• Visit local police departments or the nearest court during business hours
• Contact the Office of Policy and Management (OPM) by phone or email.
• Contact the Department of Correction’s Parole Fugitive Investigations Unit in person, by phone, or by fax.

How to Find Out If Someone Has A Warrant Online For Free in Connecticut

The best way to find out if someone has a warrant for free is to use the Arrest Warrant Portal maintained by the Connecticut Judicial Branch. Click the Statistics/Reports link on the left navigation plane on the court's official website. Click the Arrest Warrants link and the Arrest Warrants for Violation of Probation or Failure to Appear and Orders to Incarcerate link on the next page. Conduct a search by name, town, court location, or any combination of the three.

How Long Do Warrants Stay Active in Connecticut

In Connecticut, most warrants do not have an expiration date and can remain valid indefinitely. However, search warrants expire within 10 days from the issuance date.

How Do I Find Out If I Have a Federal Warrant?

Authorized persons can find out if they have a federal warrant in Connecticut by visiting the Warrant Information System (WIN) provided by the United States Marshals Service (USMS). However, the USMS maintains a Fugitive List that is open to members of the public.