How to Check for an Active Warrant in Dallas County

If you’re concerned that you might have an active warrant in Dallas County, you’re not alone. Many people find themselves in this uncertain position, and knowing how to check is the first step toward resolving the situation. Unfortunately, there’s no reliable online database for checking active Dallas County warrants, but there is a straightforward process you can follow.

The Phone Call Method: Your Best Option

The most reliable way to find out if you have an active warrant is to call the Dallas County Sheriff’s Office directly at 214-761-9026. While this might seem intimidating, it’s important to understand that calling to inquire about a warrant will not get you into trouble. The Sheriff’s office does not ask for your personal information when you call to check on someone else’s warrant status, and they’re accustomed to these types of inquiries.

Step-by-Step Process

1. Call the Sheriff’s Warrant Line
   Dial 214-761-9026 and when prompted, press 4.
2. Be Patient and Persistent
   The warrant line is often busy, and it may take several attempts before someone answers. Don’t be discouraged if you need to call back multiple times.
3. Stay Calm and Courteous
   When someone answers, remember that being respectful goes a long way. These officials handle difficult situations all day, and your courtesy will be appreciated.
4. Provide the Necessary Information
   Be ready to give the full legal name and date of birth of the person you’re checking on.
5. Write Down Critical Information
   If a warrant exists, you’ll receive a warrant number following this format: F25-XXXXX (for felonies) or M25-XXXXX (for misdemeanors). The number begins with the year the warrant was issued, followed by five digits. This number is also your case number, so write it down carefully.
6. Ask About Bond Amount
   Inquire whether a bond amount has been preset on the warrant. Keep in mind that this amount isn’t binding and the jail magistrate will ultimately set the bond when you turn yourself in, and it may differ from the preset amount. However, knowing the preset amount gives you a helpful starting point.
7. Get the Charged Offense
   Make sure to ask what offense you’re being charged with and write this information down. This will be valuable information for your attorney.

Understanding “Pocket Warrants”

It’s important to know that even if the Sheriff’s office doesn’t have a record of a warrant, one might still exist. Sometimes law enforcement agencies obtain a warrant but intentionally delay filing it with the Sheriff’s office and these are called “pocket warrants.” Officers might do this when they want to make a surprise arrest. Unfortunately, if a warrant hasn’t been filed with the Sheriff yet, there’s no way for you to discover its existence through a phone inquiry.

What About the Dallas County Online Warrant Search?

Dallas County does maintain a Wanted Search webpage, but in my experience as a criminal defense attorney, this database is not consistently up-to-date and should not be relied upon for current warrant information. The phone call method remains your most reliable option.

What to Do If You Have a Warrant

If you discover that you do have an active warrant, don’t panic. The next step is to contact an experienced criminal defense attorney. A lawyer can:

• Explain the “walk-through” process for turning yourself in
• Be on standby if the jail sets an excessive bond
• Help you understand your range of punishment and potential consequences
• Guide you through the legal process ahead

In Dallas County, you typically don’t need an attorney present to complete the walk-through process itself, but having legal counsel before you turn yourself in is invaluable for understanding your rights and options.

Take Action Today

Living with the uncertainty of a possible warrant is stressful. Taking the initiative to find out your status and address the situation head-on demonstrates responsibility, which can work in your favor. If you have questions about the warrant process or need legal representation, our criminal defense firm is here to help.

Contact our office today to discuss your situation confidentially. I have extensive experience helping clients navigate the Dallas County criminal justice system, and I am ready to provide the guidance and representation you need.

This information is provided for educational purposes and does not constitute legal advice. Every case is unique, and you should consult with a qualified criminal defense attorney about your specific situation.