Indiana Warrants: Types, Searches, and What to Expect

In Indiana, warrants are documents that allow law enforcement officers to legally do things like arrest people or search property. A warrant allows law enforcement to protect themselves by limiting their behavior to that which is allowed by the state's rules of criminal procedure.

Understanding how warrants operate in Indiana, such as what kinds of warrants are issued, what ones are outstanding, and how to search for warrants, can help you stay better informed and less likely to run into legal trouble.

What Is a Warrant in Indiana?

In Indiana, warrants are legal orders that grant law enforcement the authority to take specific actions in compliance with state laws related to criminal procedure. A warrant gives law enforcement the power to do certain things, such as:

• Arresting someone who is accused of a crime.
• Searching and seizing property related to an investigation.
• Ensuring that someone appears in court after failing to comply with a previous order.

In Indiana, judges or magistrates from the state’s Circuit Courts, Superior Courts, and City or Town Courts issue warrants.

Types of Warrants in Indiana

Indiana courts issue different types of warrants. Each type of warrant has a specific purpose:

1. Arrest Warrants

An arrest warrant is a legal document that authorizes the police to detain an individual suspected of committing a crime. This document contains details about the suspect, including their name and address, as well as information regarding the crime. To issue an arrest warrant, there needs to be probable cause that the person has actually committed a crime.

2. Bench Warrants

A bench warrant is a court order that authorizes law enforcement officers to arrest you for failing to comply with a legal obligation, such as appearing in court or failing to pay court fines.

3. Search Warrants

A search warrant is a legal document issued by a court authorizing law enforcement to search a person's home or business for evidence of criminal activity. For a search warrant to be issued, there must be probable cause that the individual has evidence related to a crime. In addition, a search warrant must clearly state the specific evidence to be searched for and the specific locations where it can be found.

4. No Knock Warrants

A no-knock warrant permits officers to enter a property without first announcing their presence. These are generally reserved for high-risk situations where prior notice could affect the evidence or endanger officer safety.

How to Search for Warrants in Indiana

Indiana does not have a single statewide public database of warrants. As a result, residents may need to look up records through various courts and law enforcement agencies:

1. Indiana Odyssey Case Management System – This statewide court portal allows online access to case details. Active warrants may appear in ongoing criminal cases.
2. County Sheriff’s Offices – Sheriff offices maintain local warrant records. Larger counties, such as Marion (Indianapolis), Lake, and Allen, may offer online warrant search tools or public inquiry services.
3. Clerk of Court Offices – Circuit and Superior Court clerks can provide warrant information tied to case records. You can visit your local clerk's office to obtain records.
4. Local Police Departments – City police departments, such as the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department, handle warrants for misdemeanors and violations of local ordinances.
5. Indiana State Police Criminal History Services – The Indiana State Police maintains criminal records. Individuals can request their criminal history, which may include information on outstanding warrants.
6. Third-Party Search Tools – Although you can obtain warrant information from background check websites, these results should be verified with official sources.

Warrant Records in Major Indiana Counties

Procedures for obtaining a warrant vary by county. Examples include:

• Indianapolis (Marion County) – The Marion County Sheriff’s Office offers an online tool for searching warrants. In addition, the county clerk offers case details via the Odyssey portal.
• Fort Wayne (Allen County) – The Allen County Sheriff’s Office is responsible for maintaining warrant information. Interested persons can visit the sheriff's office to view records.
• Gary and Hammond (Lake County) – Lake County Sheriff’s Office provides access to warrant records. However, interested persons may be required to visit the office in person.

In other counties, such as St. Joseph (South Bend) and Hamilton (Noblesville), warrant verification is available through the sheriff’s offices and county clerks.

What Happens After a Warrant Is Issued in Indiana?

The process depends on the warrant type:

• Arrest Warrants – Once an arrest warrant is issued, law enforcement will have the authority to arrest and detain the individual named on the warrant. After booking, the defendant is brought before a judge for arraignment, and bail may be set.
• Bench Warrants – If someone fails to appear in court or comply with orders, it usually results in an immediate arrest. After the arrest, the person will be taken to see a judge, who will determine the consequences they will face.
• Search Warrants – Officers are required to conduct searches promptly, typically within 10 days. After the search is completed, the warrant must be returned to the court that issued it, along with a detailed inventory of any items seized.
• Civil Warrants – These usually require individuals to appear in court. Failing to comply with a civil warrant can result in default judgments, wage garnishments, or liens.

Resolving a warrant in Indiana usually involves:

• Appearing in court voluntarily.
• Hiring an attorney to arrange surrender or bond negotiations.
• Paying overdue fines or resolving outstanding obligations.

Failure to address a warrant can lead to arrest during traffic stops, background checks, or travel screenings.

How Long Does a Warrant Stay Active in Indiana?

In Indiana, most warrants do not expire:

• Arrest and bench warrants are valid until the subject is arrested and brought before the court or the court recalls the warrant.
• Search warrants can only be enforced within 10 days of issuance. However, the court can issue a new search warrant if the old one was not executed.
• Civil warrants remain valid until the case is resolved or dismissed.

A warrant may be:

• Quashed if issued improperly.
• Recalled if the person complies with court requirements.
• Cleared once executed or resolved in court.

In Indiana, warrants serve an extremely important function. It is a way that law enforcement is keep accountable to the state's rules for criminal procedure. Failure to address any outstanding warrants in Indiana can result in serious consequences.

If you have reason to think that there may be an outstanding warrant, do not hesitate to contact either an attorney or the court which originally issued the warrant. This will protect you from unexpected arrests or consequences.

In Indiana, a person can check to see if there are any outstanding warrants by checking the Odyssey court portal, sheriff's offices and clerks of courts. Please keep in mind that warrants in Indiana do not expire and must be resolved by matter of court.