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Georgia Warrant Search

A Georgia warrant search allows the public to find information on any active and outstanding warrant. A warrant search may also include warrants served in the past, especially ones that were not expunged or sealed from the public. The Georgia Open Records Act includes arrest warrants as public information. Hence the public can request them using government or authorized third-party channels.  When searching for a warrant in Georgia, the following information may be included: 

  • Arrestee’s information like name, date of birth, and gender
  • Alleged offense
  • The victim of the alleged offense
  • Time and place of arrest
  • The judge or legal authority who issued the warrant
  • Bond or bail conditions
  • Expiration date, if applicable

 

How Long Does a Warrant Stay Active in Georgia?

Warrants usually stay active in Georgia until the period specified by the statute of limitations remains, which can take years. Once a warrant's validity expires, it is no longer valid. However, some warrants, like arrest warrants, do not expire and remain active unless expunged or sealed. Bench warrants also stay active since they do not have an expiration. 

 

What Are the Most Common Warrants in Georgia?

Like with other states, the most common warrants in Georgia are search warrants, arrest warrants, and bench warrants. 

Search warrant

A search warrant in Georgia gives law enforcement authority to search a place or person depending on what is indicated in the warrant. A judge can only issue a search warrant when there is a persuasive affidavit upon evidence and there is probable cause that an offender committed the alleged offense. In Georgia, a search warrant is applicable for the following cases:

  • Involving stolen property
  • Concealing or kidnapping
  • Having custody of illegal substances or unlawful objects
  • Possessing something like a weapon or anything similar to commit an offense

Under state law, authorities have 10 days from the date of issuance to execute search warrants in Georgia, or else they will be considered void. Law enforcement authorities can use reasonable force to enter any property or building if an attempt of a peaceful oral notice does not work out. After performing a search, the authorities should leave a copy of the search warrant to the party involved or at the premises if the owner is absent during the search. 

Arrest warrant

The most common type that comes up with a Georgia warrant search is an arrest warrant. With this type of warrant, law enforcement authorities can detain any person or people named in the arrest warrant who violated the penal law of the state. Arrest warrants contain information about the suspect, the alleged offense, the time frame and expiration of the arrest, if applicable, the date of issue, and the bail and bond conditions. 

In special cases, a law enforcement officer can make an arrest even without a warrant if they witness the offender commit the crime in person. 

Bench warrant

A bench warrant in Georgia is issued to someone who fails to comply with court orders even after they receive a notice. Most of the time, a judge can issue a bench warrant when someone fails to attend a scheduled meeting in court. This includes failure to adhere to a subpoena if they are a witness who will testify in court. This also applies if a person fails to pay their court fees and fines, like a parking ticket fine. A judge can also issue a bench warrant to someone who delays paying their court-ordered child support or alimony. 

 

In some cases, a judge may issue a no-knock warrant, which permits law enforcement to enter someone’s property without notice if they have probable cause to believe that an alleged suspect might run away, endanger officers and civilians or destroy evidence. 
 

How To Perform Warrant Search in Georgia?

The public can perform a quick Georgia warrant search using third-party sites like InfoPay, although the available information may vary and may not be updated. 

On the other hand, a quick visit to the sheriff’s offices will provide the same information using the FOIA open records request. Some counties also have dedicated websites online to help the public find warrant information.

Counties in Georgia

List of Content

  1. How Long Does a Warrant Stay Active in Georgia?
    1. What Are the Most Common Warrants in Georgia?
      1. Search warrant
      2. Arrest warrant
      3. Bench warrant
    2. How To Perform Warrant Search in Georgia?