Iowa Warrant Search

Iowa courts issue warrants for different purposes, such as to arrest a person who has violated city ordinances or state laws, failed to appear in court or has something unlawful in their possession. Every information pertaining to the issuance and execution of warrants is documented, making it easy to retrieve any information in a warrant later. A warrant search allows interested individuals to search and view public information regarding individuals with active warrants in Iowa. Warrant searches are important for law enforcement officers to track the status of all state-issued warrants to aid in the investigation of fugitives.

What is a Warrant?

The Iowa Judicial Branch defines a warrant as an order or writ signed by a judge authorizing a law enforcement officer to conduct a search, make an arrest, or perform some other designated act. The most popular kinds of warrant in Iowa are:

• Arrest warrant: This is a document that a judge or magistrate issues authorizing a peace officer to take someone accused of a crime into custody.
• Search warrant (Iowa Code 808.1): This is an order in writing signed by a magistrate and directed to a law enforcement officer authorizing them to search a person, premises, or thing.
• Bench warrant: This is a written order that authorizes a police officer to arrest a person and bring them to court.
• Distress warrant (Iowa Admin. Code r. 871-23.67): This warrant authorizes a sheriff or civil officer to seize and sell any real or personal property within its jurisdiction belonging to an employer who has failed to pay a sum determined by the Department of Workforce Development.
• Administrative inspection warrant (Iowa code 124.502): This is an official document that authorizes a police officer to inspect an area, premises, building, or conveyance. The warrant can also permit seizures of property appropriate to the inspections.

Are Warrants Public Record in Iowa?

Yes, warrants are public records in Iowa. The Iowa Open Records Law permits law enforcement agencies to release warrant information to members of the public. Note that the Iowa Judicial Branch restricts access to some warrants. Confidential warrants are only available to a selected few, such as peace officers, clerks of court, judges, registered case parties, and case attorneys. Examples of confidential warrants in Iowa are:

• Bench warrants
• Juvenile bench warrants
• All warrants are confidential until they are served
• Applications and orders for arrest and search warrants and all information filed with the court for the purpose of securing such warrants.

How Do I Look Up Warrants in Iowa?

None of the third-party sites in Iowa have a unified, state-wide method of looking up search warrants. Each site has its own unique method and fee. Most sites require individuals to provide a first and last name to initiate a search. The middle initials, age, and city can be provided to narrow the search. The search result will return a list of individuals with the search name and basic information for each for free. However, a full warrant report costs between $2.95 and $4.95 for a 7-day unlimited search access. A monthly subscription fee costs between $19.95 and $24.95. Warrant information retrieved from third-party sites should only be used for informational and public safety purposes.

What is a Search Warrant in Iowa?

Per Iowa Code 808.3, anyone can apply for the issuance of a search warrant by submitting a written application to a magistrate. The application must be supported by an oath or affirmation, including facts, information, and circumstances to establish sufficient grounds for granting the application and probable cause for believing that the grounds exist. The application must specifically describe the person, place, or thing to be searched and the property to be seized. The magistrate will issue a search warrant directed to a peace officer only after finding probable cause for grounds to issue them (Iowa Code 808.4). The search warrant will contain the magistrate’s signature and name of office. Only peace officers are authorized to execute search warrants in Iowa. A search warrant is usually issued for property (Iowa Code 808.2):

• That has been obtained in violation of law.

• Whose possession of which is unlawful.

• For any other property relevant and material as evidence in a criminal prosecution.

• Possessed or used with the intent to be used to commit a public offense or concealed to prevent an offense from being discovered.

• Are Search Warrants Public Records in Iowa

  Yes, search warrants are public records in Iowa per State Open Records Law. Specifically, executed search warrants are public unless otherwise ordered by the court. However, all information, including applications and affidavits filed with the court to obtain a search warrant is deemed confidential until the warrant is executed and returned to the court.

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

  Completing a paper search warrant in Iowa takes between 30 minutes and 2 hours. In contrast, an electronic search warrant takes only five to ten minutes to complete.

• How Long Does a Search Warrant Last

  Per Iowa Code 808.8, a search warrant lasts ten (10) days from its issuance date. Any search warrant that is not executed within that period becomes void. The law permits peace officers to execute search warrants in the daytime or in the nighttime. All executed search warrants must be returned to the issuing magistrate.

What is a Bench Warrant in Iowa?

Per Iowa Code 805.5, bench warrants are issued when a defendant willfully fails to make a required court appearance. Failure to appear in court is seen as a simple misdemeanor, so a warrant is usually issued for the person’s arrest. After the arrest, the police officer must return the warrant and citation to the court, and the offenses shall simultaneously be heard and disposed of.

What is an Arrest Warrant in Iowa?

Per Iowa Code 804.1, a magistrate can only issue an arrest warrant when a complaint has been filed, and there is probable cause to believe that a person has committed an offense. The magistrate can direct the arrest warrant to any peace officer in Iowa. The arrest warrant must contain the defendant’s name, issuing date, city or county where it is issued, magistrate’s signature, and office name (Iowa Code 804.2). If the defendant’s name is unknown, the magistrate may designate “name unknown” and must state by name or general description the offense that was committed.

How to Check if You Have a Warrant in Iowa

Individuals may go to any law enforcement agency in person to find out if they have any outstanding warrants. The requester must have a photo ID with them. Some law enforcement agencies have designated phone numbers that a person can call to confirm if a warrant has been issued in their name. Generally, a first or last name is required to conduct a warrant search.

Can You Check Warrants Online in Iowa?

Yes. Many Iowa law enforcement agencies have online portals or lists where individuals can check warrants. For example, the Scott County Sheriff's Office provides various options for checking warrants online. The Office has a list of Recent Warrants and a Search Portal where individuals can conduct a search by name, warrant number, charge, status, or warrant date.

How To Find Out If You Have a Warrant for Free

Individuals can find out if they have a warrant for free on most law enforcement agency’s websites. Warrant information can be viewed at no cost at:

• Iowa Courts: Executed warrants are public information and are available on Iowa Courts’ Electronic Docket Record Search Portal. Individuals can also see if the portal has issued a warrant for an existing court case.
• County Sheriff's Office: Most sheriff's office websites offer free access to warrant information. Individuals need to locate the warrant page, which can be at the top bar or the left navigation pane. For example, click the Public Awareness menu on the Pottawattamie County Sheriff's Office website and select Warrant List to find warrant information at no cost.
• City Police Departments: Individuals may visit the police department website in the city where they live to find out if they have a warrant. Most City Police Departments have active warrant lists where individuals can view warrant information at no cost. A typical example is the downloadable active warrant list provided by the Council Bluffs Police Department (CBPD).

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

Inquirers may find out if someone has a warrant online at no cost by visiting the website of the local law enforcement agency in the city or county where the person resides. Most local enforcement agencies have a warrant list or search portal where requesters can easily view warrant information for free. The search would be easier if the name of the person is known.

How Long Does a Warrant Stay Active in Iowa?

The length of time a warrant stays active in Iowa varies depending on the type of warrant. For example, arrest and bench warrants do not expire, while administrative inspection and search warrants expire after 10 days.

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

The United States Marshals Service (USMS) is responsible for federal warrants. However, only authorized individuals can access warrant information of individuals for whom federal warrants have been issued. The USMS provides access to federal warrants through the Warrant Information System (WIN).