Warrant Records in Jefferson County

Jefferson County Sheriff's Office

The Jefferson County Sheriff's Office is located at 200 Jefferson County Parkway in Golden. This is one of the largest sheriff's offices in Colorado, serving cities like Lakewood, Arvada, Wheat Ridge, Golden, and Edgewater. You can reach them at 303-271-0211 for general inquiries.

The sheriff's warrant unit handles all active warrants issued by the Jefferson County Combined Court. This includes bench warrants for missed court dates, arrest warrants for new charges, and failure to appear warrants. Deputies use a computerized system that is updated daily, so warrant information is generally current. If you call to ask about a warrant, be aware that deputies may not give out information over the phone if you are the subject of the warrant.

If you need to check on a warrant, consider hiring a lawyer to do the research for you. Attorneys have access to databases and can often get information without risking your immediate arrest. They can also help you figure out how to clear the warrant safely.

Fresh Start Warrant Clearance Program

Jefferson County offers the Fresh Start warrant clearance program, a special initiative to help people resolve old warrants. This program is run in partnership with Gilpin County. It gives people a chance to turn themselves in without being arrested on the spot.

Fresh Start events are held periodically throughout the year. During these events, you can meet with prosecutors, public defenders, and court staff to resolve outstanding warrants. The goal is to get you back on track without the trauma of being arrested. Check the Jefferson County website or call the court to find out when the next Fresh Start event is scheduled.

Types of Warrants Issued

Jefferson County issues several types of warrants. Bench warrants are the most common. They are issued when someone fails to show up for a court date. If you get a traffic ticket and do not go to court, a bench warrant will be issued. Same thing if you miss a hearing for a misdemeanor or felony case.

Arrest warrants are issued when law enforcement has probable cause to believe you committed a crime. A prosecutor files a complaint or affidavit with the court, and a judge reviews it. If the judge agrees there is enough evidence, the warrant is signed and entered into the system.

Search warrants allow law enforcement to search your home, car, or other property. These must be executed within 14 days of being issued. Unlike arrest or bench warrants, search warrants expire if not used quickly.

Where to Search for Warrants

There is no single statewide database for Colorado warrants, but Jefferson County does maintain some online tools. The sheriff's website has information about warrant searches, though direct online lookups may not be available to the public. You can also contact the Jefferson County Combined Court at 100 Jefferson County Parkway in Golden. The court phone is 303-271-6145.

Another option is to check with individual city courts within Jefferson County. Cities like Lakewood, Arvada, Golden, and Westminster have their own municipal courts that handle traffic and misdemeanor cases. For example, Lakewood Municipal Court has an online portal where you can search for your case and see if there is an active warrant.

How Warrants Are Served

Once a warrant is issued, deputies start looking for the person. In some cases, they may go to your home or place of work. For serious felony warrants, deputies may actively search for you. For minor warrants, they may wait until you are stopped for something else, like a traffic violation.

You may also be arrested if you try to renew your driver's license or apply for certain permits. The state DMV checks for warrants, and if one is found, they will notify law enforcement. This is why it is so important to take care of warrants as soon as you find out about them.

What Happens After Arrest

If you are arrested on a warrant, you will be taken to the Jefferson County Jail. From there, you will be booked and processed. Depending on the warrant, you may be held until you can see a judge, or you may be able to post bail. Bail amounts vary based on the original charge and how long the warrant has been active.

Once you see a judge, the court will set a new court date or handle the matter right away. If the warrant was for failure to appear, the judge may simply reschedule your hearing. If it was for a new charge, you will go through the usual court process. Having a lawyer at this stage is critical.

Clearing a Warrant Without Arrest

The best way to clear a warrant is to work with an attorney. A lawyer can file a motion to quash the warrant or set up a time for you to turn yourself in. This is much safer than showing up at the courthouse or sheriff's office on your own, where you could be arrested immediately.

Some warrants can be cleared by paying fines or fees. If your warrant is for unpaid court costs, the court may recall the warrant once you make payment. Ask the court clerk about payment plans if you cannot afford to pay the full amount at once.

Municipal Courts in Jefferson County

Jefferson County has multiple municipal courts that handle local violations. Each city has its own court system, so warrants can be issued by any of these courts. Major municipal courts include Arvada, Edgewater, Golden, Lakewood, Littleton, Westminster, and Wheat Ridge.

Westminster is unique because it spans both Jefferson and Adams counties. Make sure you know which county your Westminster case is in. Check your ticket or court documents to see which courthouse you need to contact.

Online Resources and Databases

While Jefferson County does not have a fully public online warrant search tool, you can use the Colorado Judicial Branch docket search to look up your case. This statewide system lets you search by name and see any open cases. It will not always show if a warrant was issued, but it will show if you have a case pending in court.

You can also use the Colorado Bureau of Investigation background check system to run a criminal history check on yourself. This costs $5 and will show any convictions and arrest records. However, it does not show active warrants, so it is not a substitute for checking with the sheriff or court directly.

Legal Help and Resources

If you cannot afford a lawyer, you may qualify for a public defender. The Colorado State Public Defender's Office provides free legal help to people who meet income requirements. You can apply for a public defender when you appear in court, or you can contact their office in advance to see if you qualify.

There are also legal aid organizations that offer free or low-cost help with criminal cases. Check with the Colorado Legal Services or the Metro Volunteer Lawyers program for assistance.

Final Steps to Take

If you think you might have a warrant in Jefferson County, do not wait. Contact the court or hire a lawyer to check for you. The longer a warrant is active, the more problems it can cause. You could lose your job, your driver's license, or even your freedom if you are arrested at the wrong time.

Remember, warrants do not expire. They stay in the system until you are arrested or the court recalls them. Even if the original charge was minor, having an active warrant puts you at risk every day. Use the resources available in Jefferson County, including the Fresh Start program, to resolve your warrant safely and quickly.