Utah Warrant Search

Are Warrants Public Record in Utah

Warrants are considered public records in Utah pursuant to the Government Records Access and Management Act (GRAMA), Utah Code § 63G-2-101 et seq. This transparency is mandated by the state's commitment to open government and the public's right to access governmental information. The availability of warrant records to the public helps maintain an informed citizenry and supports the principles of accountability and transparency in law enforcement operations.

In Utah, the public accessibility of warrant records is supported by the state's public records laws, which classify most court records, including warrants issued by the courts, as public documents. These records are accessible because they are part of the judicial process, which, unless sealed for specific legal reasons under Utah Code § 77-23-210, remains open to public scrutiny. The Utah State Courts maintain these records as part of their commitment to judicial transparency.

It should be noted that certain warrants may be temporarily sealed by court order if disclosure would jeopardize an ongoing investigation, compromise public safety, or infringe upon protected privacy interests. In such cases, these records become public after the sealing order expires or is lifted by the court.

What Is Contained in Warrant Records in Utah

Warrant records in Utah typically contain several pieces of information essential for law enforcement and public knowledge as prescribed by Utah Code § 77-7-5. The Utah Statewide Warrants file maintains these records with the following standard information:

Name and identifying information: The full legal name of the person the warrant is issued against, along with date of birth, physical description, and other identifying characteristics.
Date of issue: The specific date on which the warrant was issued by the court.
Nature of the offense: A description of the alleged criminal activity or reason for the warrant, including relevant statute citations.
Issuing authority: The name of the judge or the court that issued the warrant.
Bail amount: If applicable, the set bail amount for release pending a court hearing.
Case number: The unique identifier assigned to the case associated with the warrant.
Law enforcement agency: As required by Utah Code § 77-7-5, the name of the law enforcement agency responsible for executing the warrant.
Expiration date: If applicable, the date when the warrant will no longer be valid.

How to Check For Warrants in Utah For Free

Individuals can check for warrants in Utah for free through several official channels established by state agencies. The Utah Bureau of Criminal Identification (BCI) provides public access to warrant information through their online portal. Additionally, the following methods are available:

Utah Statewide Warrants Search: The official state warrant search portal allows individuals to search for active warrants free of charge.
County Sheriff's Offices: Many county sheriff's departments maintain public terminals for warrant searches.
District Courts: The public may visit district court locations during business hours to request warrant information from court clerks.

Utah Bureau of Criminal Identification
3888 West 5400 South
Taylorsville, UT 84129
(801) 965-4445
Utah Bureau of Criminal Identification

How to Know If You Have a Warrant in Utah in 2025

To determine if you have a warrant in Utah in 2025, individuals may utilize several resources established by state and local authorities:

Online Verification System: The Utah Statewide Warrants file provides real-time information on active warrants throughout the state.
County Sheriff's Offices: Direct contact with the sheriff's office in the county where a warrant might have been issued can provide accurate information.
Utah Courts System: The Utah State Courts website offers case lookup features that may indicate if a warrant has been issued in connection with a case.
Utah Department of Corrections: For warrants related to probation or parole violations, the Offender Search system may provide relevant information.

Utah State Courts Administration
450 South State Street
P.O. Box 140241
Salt Lake City, UT 84114-0241
(801) 578-3800
Utah State Courts

How to Check For Outstanding Warrants in Utah

To check for outstanding warrants in Utah, individuals should consider the following methods established by state agencies:

Utah Statewide Warrants Search: The official Utah Warrants Search portal provides comprehensive information on outstanding warrants across all jurisdictions in Utah.
County-Specific Searches: Many counties maintain their own warrant databases, such as the Utah County Sheriff's Office Warrants system.
In-Person Inquiries: Individuals may visit their local sheriff's office or courthouse during business hours to inquire about outstanding warrants.
Written Requests: Some jurisdictions accept written requests for warrant information, though response times may vary.

Pursuant to Utah Code § 77-7-8.1, individuals should be aware that attempting to evade an outstanding warrant may result in additional charges. The law enforcement transparency requirements outlined in Utah's Law Enforcement Transparency Reporting guidelines ensure that warrant information is accessible to the public.

How to Find Federal Warrant Information

Federal warrants are distinct from state warrants and require different search methods. To locate information about federal warrants in Utah, individuals should utilize the following resources:

U.S. District Court for the District of Utah: The federal court maintains records of federal warrants issued within its jurisdiction.
U.S. Marshals Service: As the primary agency responsible for executing federal warrants, the U.S. Marshals Service may provide limited information about active federal warrants.
Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI): For certain federal offenses, the FBI may maintain warrant information.

It should be noted that federal warrant information is generally more restricted than state warrant information. Pursuant to federal regulations, certain details about active federal warrants may be withheld to preserve the integrity of ongoing investigations.

U.S. District Court for the District of Utah
351 South West Temple
Salt Lake City, UT 84101
(801) 524-6100
U.S. District Court - District of Utah

U.S. Marshals Service - District of Utah
351 South West Temple, Room 4.200
Salt Lake City, UT 84101
(801) 524-5693

Legal Framework for Warrants in Utah

The issuance and execution of warrants in Utah are governed by specific statutes that ensure due process and protect constitutional rights. Key provisions include:

Utah Code § 77-23-210: Establishes the requirements for search warrants, including the necessity for probable cause and judicial approval.
Utah Code § 77-7-5: Specifies the content requirements for arrest warrants, including the name of the law enforcement agency responsible for execution.
Utah Code § 77-7-8.1: Addresses forcible entry to conduct searches and the conditions requiring warrants, including regulations for no-knock warrants effective May 1, 2024.

These statutes are designed to balance the needs of law enforcement with the constitutional protections against unreasonable searches and seizures. The Utah Code of Criminal Procedure provides detailed guidance on warrant procedures that must be followed by all law enforcement agencies in the state.