Connecticut Active Warrant Search Overview
The main method to search for active warrants online in Connecticut is through the Connecticut Judicial Branch website. This platform allows individuals to search for arrest warrants related to probation violations or failures to appear in court.
You can search using a name, town, court location, or a combination of these factors, requiring only the first two letters of a last name. However, this search is limited to warrants for probation violations, failures to appear, and incarceration orders.
For warrants not listed online, alternatives include:
- Consulting a criminal defense attorney who can inquire on your behalf.
- Having a bail bondsman perform a warrant check.
- Contacting the local police department or court, though this could result in immediate arrest if a warrant is active.
Connecticut no longer uses county sheriffs, so warrants are managed by state marshals and municipal police.
Warrants in Connecticut do not expire, with the exception of search warrants, which are valid for 10 days.
If you believe you might have a warrant, it’s typically recommended that you contact an attorney or bail bondsman rather than law enforcement directly.
Some bail bond companies offer online warrant search tools, though these may not provide complete information.
For the most accurate details, law enforcement agencies use systems like NCIC, COLLECT, and PRAWN, which are not accessible to the public.
It’s often safest to have an attorney handle the warrant check to avoid possible immediate arrest. The Judicial Branch website can be a useful starting point, but it doesn’t cover all types of warrants.
How Are Active Warrants Released in Connecticut?
Arrest warrants are directives from local tribunals that command law enforcement to apprehend a person accused of a criminal act. Courts issue active warrants in the following scenarios:
- Clear Indication of a Crime: The magistrate has a clear indication that an individual has committed an act that could be deemed a crime based on state laws.
- Police Complaint: The police file a complaint indicating a crime was commissioned and provide proof to establish probable cause.
Bench Warrants vs. Arrest Warrants
- Bench Warrants: Issued when a person disobeys a standing court order or fails to appear for tribunal proceedings after being released on bail.
- Arrest Warrants for Felonies and Misdemeanors: Issued when the magistrate finds probable cause against the accused based on case information provided by the police.
The Role of Affidavits
An affidavit accompanying the warrant petition provides:
- Details on the criminal incident.
- How the police plan to charge the suspect.
- Evidence gathered, which is necessary for establishing probable cause.
Execution of Arrest Warrants in Connecticut
Only law enforcement agencies are allowed to execute arrest warrants in Connecticut. Although a specific sheriff’s department or police officer may procure the warrant, the order is directed toward all law enforcement personnel within and outside the state.
- Time and Geography: Active warrants can be served at any time after their release, day or night, and have statewide validity, especially in felony cases.