Massachusetts Warrant Search

A warrant search involves searching public databases to determine the existence of a valid warrant to search an entity or conduct an arrest. In some instances, if a warrant is found, the person named in the warrant may be able to resolve it without being arrested by either appearing in court or paying a fine. In Massachusetts, a warrant search is typically facilitated by the sheriff’s office or the local police department.

Massachusetts public records law classifies warrants as public records. This means that the Massachusetts general public may conduct a warrant search on any individual for warrants issued within the state. A warrant search may be conducted by individuals, courts, or law enforcement officials for various purposes such as to gather evidence for an ongoing criminal court case or as part of an investigation into a specific crime. Warrant searches may also be part of a background search for employment or simply to satisfy personal curiosity.

What is a Warrant?

A warrant is a court order that authorizes law enforcement officers to search a property or person, seize evidence, confiscate contraband or stolen items, or make an arrest. Warrants are typically issued by a magistrate or judge based on probable cause. A probable cause is a legal standard that necessitates the admission of crime evidence before the issuance of a warrant.

There are two main types of warrants in Massachusetts: default warrants and straight warrants. These warrants vary based on the purpose they serve and the legal situations where they are applicable. Warrants are an important component of the justice system and are subject to severe procedures and regulations. The issuance and execution of warrants in Massachusetts are governed by rules outlined in the Massachusetts Trial Court Rules.

Are Warrants Public Record in Massachusetts?

Yes. Chapter 276 §23A of the Massachusetts General Law specifies that warrants are public information. Interested individuals may access outstanding or active warrants at the appropriate custodial agency or office upon request. However, disclosure of specific warrants may be barred by a particular law or court order. Additionally, sensitive or private information, such as the social security number of a warrant’s subject, is typically withheld from the general public during warrant searches or redacted when available on public databases.

How Do I Look Up Warrants in Massachusetts?

Some Massachusett counties and cities do not offer convenient means of finding warrants. In instances like these, third-party websites are good resorts. Many third-party sites compile data from multiple jurisdictions in the U.S. and are not limited to warrants issued in Massachusetts. As such, they are a good starting point, especially if the searcher suspects the person of interest has warrants in multiple jurisdictions.

Warrant searches on these sites typically require the first and last name of the person of interest as a search criterion. However, note that information obtainable from third-party sites may be outdated or inaccurate as they are not official sources. Furthermore, while it is possible to find warrants for free, many sites charge nominal one-time search fees or monthly subscriptions for lookups.

What is a Search Warrant in Massachusetts?

A search warrant in Massachusetts is a court order authorizing law enforcement officials to search a specific person, object, or location during an investigation for evidence of a crime. To receive a search warrant, law enforcement must present sufficient evidence to convince the court that there is probable cause to issue the warrant. Even at that, a search warrant must specify the item(s) to be searched or seized.

Are Search Warrants Public Records in Massachusetts?

Generally, search warrants are considered public records in Massachusetts. This implies that they are readily available to members of the public interested in performing a search, except those that contain confidential or classified information. Also, portions of search warrants that contain sensitive information are redacted from publicly available copies.

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

There is no specified time limit within which a warrant can be issued in the state of Massachusetts. The process can take anywhere from a few hours to several days, depending on the nature of the case, the time required for the judge to review the warrant application and the strength of evidence establishing probable cause to issue the warrant.

How Long Does a Search Warrant Last

There is no specific search warrant lifespan in Massachusetts. However, most search warrants are valid between five to ten days. Others are valid until they have been executed or recalled by the issuing judge or magistrate.

What is a Bench Warrant in Massachusetts?

A bench warrant is a written legal document issued by a judge or magistrate, approbating the arrest of a person to make them appear before the court. Bench warrants are generally issued for contempt of court. Common examples are when a person fails to appear in court, fails to pay court fees or fines, or neglects child support payments.

An outstanding bench warrant, in some cases, may lead to its subject facing jail time and in less severe cases, unforeseen financial costs. Additionally, persons with outstanding warrants are usually unable to renew their Massachusetts driver's license until the matter is resolved.

What is an Arrest Warrant in Massachusetts?

An arrest warrant in Massachusetts is a written legal document issued by a judge or magistrate, sanctioning the arrest of a person who has committed or is suspected of committing a crime. Before issuing an arrest warrant on a person, a judge must have been presented with sufficient evidence to establish probable cause that the person involved committed the crime.

How to Check if You Have a Warrant in Massachusetts

An interested person can visit the local court, the office of the local sheriff, or the nearest law enforcement agency and inquire about the existence of a warrant for their arrest. However, if there is an active arrest warrant on that person, they may be arrested on sight. Persons who have reason to feel that there is a warrant out for their arrest often make their legal representative lookup the warrant.

Alternatively, a person whose local courthouse has a website that facilitates online searches may conduct their search online. Also, some police departments, like the Attleboro Police Department, publish a warrants list on their websites. A warrant list typically features details such as photographs, committed crimes, case IDs, and locations of wanted persons. Lastly, bondsmen may have access to local warrants and can assist an inquirer who contacts them.

Can You Check Warrants Online in Massachusetts?

Yes. Individuals can check warrants online. Note that Massachusetts does not maintain a statewide online warrant search platform. Regardless, various counties and cities facilitate online warrant searches on their website. To find warrants, an inquirer may search using the first and last name of the person of interest.

How To Find Out If You Have a Warrant for Free

In Massachusetts, interested persons can conduct free warrant via any of the various means listed below:

• The CORI background report system maintained by the Executive Office of Public Safety and Security can be used to look up warrants, arrest records, and other criminal information.
• Contact the local court, police department, or sheriff's office in person or via phone call, and inquire about any active warrants with the subject’s name.
• Visit the clerk’s office in the county where the warrant was issued or where the crime happened.

How to Find Out if Someone Has a Warrant Online For Free in Massachusetts

Interested persons can look up warrants online for free via warrant databases provided by the offices of various local court clerks, sheriffs, and law enforcement agencies. Some private third-party websites also offer free warrant searches on their websites. Note that certain warrants are classified as confidential and may not available during such lookups.

How Long Does a Warrant Stay Active in Massachusetts?

In Massachusetts, warrants stay active until executed, canceled by a judge, or resolved by the person involved. In specific cases, however, a judge determines how long a warrant is effective – which must not exceed five business days. According to Rule 6 (c) (4) of the Massachusetts Rules of Criminal Procedure, arrest warrants stay effective unless canceled in one of the following ways:

• The judge that issued a warrant calls it off before the arrest
• The office of the district attorney files a motion requesting the cancellation of the warrant
• The person involved has been arrested and the warrant is returned to the issuing court.

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

The United States Marshal Service maintains a database of federal warrants via its Warrant Information System (WIN), which can be used to keep track of warrants and other related documents. However, information available on WIN is not readily accessible to the general public. To obtain any record (including warrants) held on the WIN database, a person must apply using a Privacy Act Request addressed to the Office of General Counsel of the U.S. Marshal Service.

A person typically has to visit the sheriff's office or the police department to inquire about the existence of a warrant against them. Alternatively, a person may only know they have a federal warrant when the court notifies them. Finally, certain third-party service providers may be able to provide federal warrant search services.