Miami-Dade County Warrant Search

A warrant search, also called a warrant look-up, involves searching for information on active and outstanding warrants by looking through Law Enforcement and Criminal Court records and databases, and other official sources. A Miami-Dade County warrant search specifically requires the searcher to consult local county sources that include the Miami-Dade Clerk of Courts and the Sheriff’s Office. A typical warrant search in Miami-Dade County helps the searcher discover information on the defendant, such as the defendant’s full name, case information, charges, arrests, as well as current and past issued warrants.

Why Conduct a Warrant Search in Miami-Dade County?

Conducting a warrant search in Miami-Dade County is both important for a person with a pending criminal matter and for law enforcement officers. A warrant search can help a defendant in any matter or a person facing criminal or traffic-related charges to understand if they have any active warrants issued for their arrest and take active steps to resolve them, including turning themselves into custody or appearing before the court to aid in the timely resolution of legal issues. Staying abreast of such issues can help an individual prevent unexpected arrests and take active steps to clear and resolve the warrant. This demonstrates responsibility and helps the defendant's attorney in negotiating bail conditions and reduced penalties. For law enforcement officials, conducting a warrant search helps them understand the scope and limitations of the warrant. For example, whether the warrant includes a search and seizure order.

How to Perform a Miami-Dade County Warrant Search Online

Interested persons can perform a Miami-Dade County warrant search online through the Miami-Dade County Clerk of Courts website and the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) Wanted Persons searchable database. Warrants are issued by a judge or magistrate of a court with jurisdiction in Miami-Dade County. When a warrant is issued, the information is filed as part of the court record involving the defendant in the relevant matter.

To find Miami-Dade County warrants online:

• Visit the Clerk of Courts website
• From the drop-down menu, select “search criminal cases to load the Criminal Justice online case search page
• Navigate criminal records by performing a search by case number, state case number, citation number, defendant name, jail number, or even perform a background check.

Likewise, the FDLE provides a public access database for information on wanted persons. This online database contains information on all warrants issued and reported by all state and local law enforcement agencies in Florida (like the Miami-Dade County Sheriff’s Office).

How to Check for Outstanding Warrants in Miami-Dade County by Phone or In Person

Outstanding warrants issued in Miami-Dade county may also be found by making enquiries and obtaining criminal records from the Miami-Dade County Sheriff’s Office and the Clerk of Court. Residents of Miami-Dade County can request or inspect arrest forms and criminal records in person at the Miami-Dade County Sheriff’s Office. However, visitors must schedule appointments as walk-ins are not allowed. The records request counter at the Sheriff’s Office is open Monday through Friday, from 9 a.m. to 4:30 pm.

Requestors may find warrant information by inspecting arrest records or requesting background checks. Requests must include specific information on the defendant, such as the name, case number, and other case-related information. The requester may also be required to provide ID and other identification information. Additionally, residents can request certified copies of criminal case records by mail or in person at the Miami-Dade court clerk's office.

Miami-Dade County Sheriff’s Office Warrant Search Process

The warrant search process by the Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office involves either conducting background checks or inspecting arrest records. The Sheriff’s Office allows members of the public to request background checks on any person.

Requests for public information on outstanding warrants can be made through the Miami-Dade County Sheriff’s Office by calling or sending an email to the Sheriff’s Office or submitting an online record request to the Police Public Records Centre.

Accessing Public Records Related to Warrants in Miami-Dade County

Public records that are related to warrant searches in Miami-Dade County are arrest forms and criminal case court records. Arrest forms are official documents prepared by law enforcement officers after arresting an individual on suspicion of a crime. In Miami-Dade County records are filed and maintained by the County Sheriff’s Office. In some instances, arrest records may include information on a defendant’s outstanding warrants. Individuals may access such records by contacting, visiting, or submitting a public records request online (arrest, offense, or incident request) or a request for a background check to the Miami-Dade County Sheriff’s Office.

While court records are public records, certain confidential and sensitive information may be redacted from publicly accessible platforms. Court records in this county are available online at the Miami-Dade Clerk of Court website. Alternatively, interested persons may complete the Public Records Request Formand mail it to the address below:

Types of Warrants Issued in Miami-Dade County

The types of warrants issued in Miami-Dade County are arrest warrants, bench warrants, and search warrants.

• Arrest Warrant: An arrest warrant is a legal document issued by a judge or court authorizing the sheriff of the county of issuance to arrest the named defendant(s) and bring them before the court (FL Stat § 901.02, 901.03). The court may issue a warrant for the arrest of a defendant where a complaint charging a misdemeanor has been filed, the summons issued to the defendant was returned unserved, and the judge is satisfied that there is probable cause to issue a warrant for an offense committed within the judge’s jurisdiction.
• Bench Warrant or Capias: A tribunal may issue a bench warrant, capias, or writ of bodily attachment for any person under legal obligation to appear in court who has failed after proper notice to appear at a hearing ordered by the tribunal. The tribunal may also record a copy of the bench warrant, capias, or writ of bodily attachment in any county and state records system for criminal warrants (FL Stat § 88.3051).
• Search Warrant: A search warrant is a legal document issued upon probable cause supported by affidavit(s) that name and describe the property to be searched or seized. A search warrant may be issued for a plethora of reasons, for example, when property is stolen or embezzled, when property is used to commit a crime (FL Stat § 933.01, 933.02, 933.07).

How Long Warrants Remain Active in Miami-Dade County

According to Chapter 933 of the Florida Statutes, search warrants issued in Florida remain active for 14 days, and warrants issued in blank must be returned after 10 days. Additionally, warrants issued to the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services may be returned within 6 months.

Arrest warrants and bench warrants typically do not expire. They remain active indefinitely until served. Meaning they remain active until the named defendants are arrested and taken into custody or a judge recalls the warrant.

What To Do if You Find an Outstanding Warrant in Miami-Dade County

If a person finds out or has reason to suspect that they have an outstanding warrant in Miami-Dade County, it is advised to contact a criminal defence attorney. An attorney can help verify the warrant, the type of warrant, and potentially help them avoid surprise arrests. Depending on the severity of the offense charged, an attorney can help secure a bond to reduce jail time pending the commencement of the trial.