Wake County Warrant Search

What Is a Search Warrant In Wake County?

A search warrant in Wake County is a legal document issued by a judicial official that authorizes law enforcement officers to search a specific location for evidence related to a crime. These warrants are based on probable cause and must describe with particularity the place to be searched and the items to be seized. In Wake County, search warrants are executed according to North Carolina state law and must comply with the Fourth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution, which protects citizens against unreasonable searches and seizures.

Are Warrants Public Records In Wake County?

Yes, warrants in Wake County are generally considered public records once they have been executed. However, access may be restricted if the warrant is part of an ongoing investigation or if a judge has sealed the warrant for specific reasons. The public can access executed warrant information through the Wake County Clerk of Superior Court's office.

Wake County Clerk of Superior Court: 316 Fayetteville St, Raleigh, NC 27601

How Do I Find Out if I Have a Warrant In Wake County?

There are several methods to determine if you have a warrant in Wake County:

1. Contact the Wake County Sheriff's Office directly
2. Use the North Carolina Court System's online case search
3. Call the Wake County Clerk of Court
4. Consult with an attorney who can check on your behalf
5. Visit the Wake County Courthouse in person

Wake County Sheriff's Office: 330 S. Salisbury Street, Raleigh, NC 27601

How To Check for Warrants in Wake County for Free in 2025

In 2025, Wake County residents can check for warrants free of charge through these methods:

1. Use the North Carolina Court System's online portal
2. Visit the Wake County Courthouse in person
3. Contact the Wake County Sheriff's Office Records Division
4. Check through the Wake County Public Records portal
5. Use public access terminals at the courthouse

Wake County Courthouse: 316 Fayetteville Street, Raleigh, NC 27601

What Types of Warrants In Wake County

Wake County issues several types of warrants:

1. Arrest Warrants - For criminal offenses
2. Bench Warrants - Issued when someone fails to appear in court
3. Search Warrants - Authorizing searches of specific locations
4. Capias - Similar to arrest warrants but often for failure to comply with court orders
5. Child Support Warrants - For failure to pay court-ordered child support
6. Probation Violation Warrants - For those who violate terms of probation

What Warrants in Wake County Contain

Warrants in Wake County typically contain:

1. The name and description of the person to be arrested (for arrest warrants)
2. The specific address or location to be searched (for search warrants)
3. The alleged offense or reason for the warrant
4. The date of issuance
5. The signature of the issuing judicial official
6. Any specific conditions or limitations
7. The case number and court information
8. A detailed description of items to be seized (for search warrants)

Who Issues Warrants In Wake County

In Wake County, warrants are issued by:

1. District Court Judges
2. Superior Court Judges
3. Magistrates

These judicial officials review evidence presented by law enforcement or prosecutors to determine if probable cause exists before issuing a warrant.

Wake County Magistrate's Office: 3301 Hammond Road, Raleigh, NC 27603

How To Find for Outstanding Warrants In Wake County

To find outstanding warrants in Wake County:

1. Check the North Carolina Court System's online database
2. Contact the Wake County Sheriff's Office Records Division
3. Visit the Wake County Clerk of Court's office
4. Use the Wake County Public Records Information portal
5. Consult with a local attorney who can access this information

Wake County Records Division: 330 S. Salisbury Street, Raleigh, NC 27601

How To Check Federal Warrants In Wake County

Federal warrants are different from state or county warrants. To check for federal warrants in Wake County:

1. Contact the U.S. Marshals Service for the Eastern District of North Carolina
2. Consult with a federal defense attorney
3. Check with the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina
4. Contact the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Raleigh office

U.S. District Court, Eastern District of NC: 310 New Bern Avenue, Raleigh, NC 27601

FBI Raleigh Office: 4600 Marriott Drive, Suite 600, Raleigh, NC 27612

How Long Do Warrants Last In Wake County?

In Wake County, most warrants do not expire. They remain active until:

1. The warrant is executed (the person is arrested or the location is searched)
2. The warrant is recalled by the court
3. The case is dismissed
4. The statute of limitations expires for the underlying offense (rare for warrants)

Some specialized warrants may have expiration dates, but standard arrest warrants remain in the system indefinitely.

How Long Does It Take To Get a Search Warrant In Wake County?

The time to obtain a search warrant in Wake County varies:

1. In emergency situations, warrants can be issued within hours
2. Electronic warrants can be processed more quickly, sometimes in 1-2 hours
3. Standard warrants typically take 24-48 hours
4. Complex cases may require additional time for review

Factors affecting timing include the complexity of the case, availability of judicial officials, and the urgency of the situation.

Search Warrant Records in Wake County

For more information about search warrants and other legal records in Wake County, please visit these resources:

• North Carolina Court System - Search for court cases and access public documents related to criminal cases.

• Wake County Bureau of Forensic Services Arrest Records - Access arrest records in Wake County and learn how to obtain certified copies.

• Criminal Offender Searches | NC DAC - Search database for information on state prison offenders, probationers, and parolees.

• Public Records Information - Wake County Government - Learn about public records available in Wake County and how to request them.