Spokane County Warrant Search

What Is a Search Warrant In Spokane County?

A search warrant in Spokane County is a legally binding court order that authorizes law enforcement officers to search a specifically designated location and seize particular items or evidence described within the warrant. Pursuant to the Washington Criminal Procedure Code § 10.79.015, search warrants may only be issued upon probable cause, supported by oath or affirmation, particularly describing the place to be searched and the persons or items to be seized.

Search warrants differ significantly from other types of warrants issued in Spokane County:

• Search Warrant: Authorizes the search of a specific location and seizure of specific evidence
• Arrest Warrant: Authorizes law enforcement to take a specific person into custody
• Bench Warrant: Issued by a judge when an individual fails to appear for a scheduled court date

The legal foundation for search warrants in Spokane County is established by both the Fourth Amendment to the United States Constitution and Article I, Section 7 of the Washington State Constitution, which provide protections against unreasonable searches and seizures. The Washington Supreme Court has consistently interpreted the state constitution to provide broader privacy protections than its federal counterpart.

Under Washington law, search warrants in Spokane County must be executed within 10 days of issuance and must be served during daylight hours unless the judge specifically authorizes nighttime execution based on particular circumstances.

Are Warrants Public Records In Spokane County?

The public record status of warrants in Spokane County follows a nuanced framework governed by the Washington Public Records Act (PRA), RCW 42.56. The accessibility of warrant information depends on several factors including the warrant type, its status, and whether disclosure would compromise an ongoing investigation.

Active arrest warrants and bench warrants are generally considered public records in Spokane County, though access mechanisms vary. These records become available through the county's public access systems once they have been formally filed with the court. However, certain limitations apply:

• Sealed warrants related to ongoing investigations are exempt from disclosure under RCW 42.56.240
• Warrants involving juvenile offenders have restricted access pursuant to RCW 13.50
• Search warrants may remain confidential until executed to prevent interference with law enforcement activities

The Spokane County Clerk's Office maintains the official court records, including publicly available warrant information. Members of the public seeking warrant information may access these records through the county's online portal or by submitting a records request to the appropriate agency.

It is important to note that while basic warrant information may be publicly accessible, supporting documentation such as affidavits containing sensitive investigative details may be subject to redaction or exemption from disclosure under various provisions of Washington law.

How to Find Out if I Have a Warrant In Spokane County?

Individuals seeking to determine if they have an active warrant in Spokane County may utilize several official channels to obtain this information. The most direct methods include:

1. Contact the Spokane County Sheriff's Office warrant division directly:

Spokane County Sheriff's Office
1100 W. Mallon Avenue
Spokane, WA 99260
(509) 477-2240
Spokane County Sheriff's Office

2. Check the Washington State Department of Corrections warrant search database, which allows searches by name, DOC number, or county.

3. Utilize the Spokane County Court Viewer to search court records by name.

4. Contact the Spokane County Clerk's Office for official court records:

Spokane County Clerk's Office
1116 W. Broadway Avenue
Spokane, WA 99260
(509) 477-2211
Spokane County Clerk

5. Consult with a licensed attorney who can conduct a confidential search on your behalf.

When conducting a warrant search, individuals should be prepared to provide their full legal name, date of birth, and potentially other identifying information to ensure accurate results. It is advisable to address any discovered warrants promptly, as outstanding warrants may result in arrest during routine interactions with law enforcement.

How To Check for Warrants in Spokane County for Free in 2026

Members of the public may currently check for active warrants in Spokane County without incurring fees through several official channels. The following steps outline the process for conducting a free warrant search:

1. Access the Spokane County Court Viewer online portal:

   • Navigate to the search function
   • Enter the individual's full legal name
   • Review any listed case information for warrant notations

2. Utilize the Washington State Department of Corrections warrant search tool:

   • Enter search criteria (name, DOC number, or county)
   • Review results for active warrants
   • Note that this system primarily covers DOC-related warrants

3. Visit the Spokane County Courthouse in person:

Spokane County Courthouse
1116 W. Broadway Avenue
Spokane, WA 99260
Public Counter Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:00 PM
(509) 477-2211

4. Register for the Washington Courts Odyssey Portal to access additional court records:

   • Complete the registration process
   • Search for cases by name
   • Review case details for warrant information

5. Contact the Spokane County Sheriff's Office warrant division directly during business hours:

   • Provide your full legal name and date of birth
   • Request information on any active warrants

When conducting warrant searches, individuals should be aware that certain warrants, particularly those that are sealed or related to ongoing investigations, may not appear in public databases. For comprehensive results, utilizing multiple search methods is recommended.

What Types of Warrants In Spokane County

Spokane County courts issue several distinct types of warrants, each serving a specific legal purpose within the criminal justice system. The primary warrant categories include:

1. Arrest Warrants: Issued when probable cause exists that an individual has committed a crime. These warrants authorize law enforcement to take the named person into custody. Pursuant to RCW 10.31.010, arrest warrants must be supported by sworn testimony establishing probable cause.

2. Bench Warrants: Issued directly by a judge when an individual fails to appear for a scheduled court date or violates court orders. The warrant or summons process in Spokane County typically results in bench warrants for non-appearance.

3. Search Warrants: Authorize law enforcement to search specified premises and seize particular items described in the warrant. These must comply with the requirements of RCW 10.79.015.

4. Material Witness Warrants: Issued to secure testimony from witnesses who are essential to a case but may not appear voluntarily.

5. Civil Warrants: Issued in non-criminal matters, such as civil contempt proceedings or to enforce court judgments.

6. No-Knock Warrants: Special warrants that allow law enforcement to enter premises without prior announcement. These are issued only in exceptional circumstances where officer safety or evidence preservation is at significant risk.

7. John/Jane Doe Warrants: Issued when a suspect's identity is unknown but can be identified by DNA profile or other unique identifiers.

Each warrant type follows specific procedural requirements under Washington law, and the issuance standards vary according to the warrant's purpose and the underlying legal matter.

What Warrants in Spokane County Contain

Warrants issued in Spokane County contain specific legally required elements pursuant to Washington Criminal Rules for Superior Court (CrR) 2.2. The standard content of a Spokane County warrant includes:

• Court name and jurisdiction issuing the warrant
• Date of issuance
• Name of the defendant or detailed description if identity is unknown
• Specific crime(s) charged or alleged
• Command to law enforcement to arrest the named individual (for arrest warrants)
• Specific location(s) authorized to be searched (for search warrants)
• Detailed description of items to be seized (for search warrants)
• Signature of the issuing judicial officer
• Bail amount or notation if the defendant is to be held without bail
• Return instructions for the executing officer
• Time limitations for execution

Search warrants additionally contain:

• Factual basis establishing probable cause
• Particular description of places, persons, or items subject to search
• Limitations on time of execution (daytime hours unless specifically authorized)
• Special instructions regarding execution procedures

Bench warrants typically include:

• Reference to the original case number
• Nature of the court appearance that was missed
• Any specific instructions for law enforcement

All warrants must comply with constitutional requirements for particularity and probable cause as interpreted by Washington courts. The specificity requirements help ensure that warrants are not overly broad and protect against unreasonable searches and seizures.

Who Issues Warrants In Spokane County

In Spokane County, the authority to issue warrants is vested exclusively in judicial officers as prescribed by Washington state law. The following judicial authorities may issue warrants within their respective jurisdictions:

1. Superior Court Judges: Have the broadest warrant-issuing authority in Spokane County. They may issue all types of warrants including complex search warrants, arrest warrants for felonies and misdemeanors, and specialized warrants such as wiretap authorizations.

2. District Court Judges: May issue warrants for misdemeanors and gross misdemeanors within their jurisdictional limits. District court judges commonly issue bench warrants for failure to appear in their courts.

3. Court Commissioners: Appointed judicial officers who exercise authority delegated by judges. In Spokane County, court commissioners may issue certain types of warrants as authorized by the presiding judge.

4. Municipal Court Judges: Limited to issuing warrants for violations of municipal ordinances within the specific city limits they serve, such as the City of Spokane.

5. Pro Tem Judges: Temporary judges appointed to serve in the absence of regular judges who possess the same warrant-issuing authority as the judges they temporarily replace.

The warrant issuance process typically begins with a law enforcement officer or prosecutor presenting an affidavit establishing probable cause to the appropriate judicial officer. The judicial officer must independently evaluate whether the facts presented meet the legal threshold for probable cause before issuing the requested warrant.

All warrant-issuing authorities in Spokane County must adhere to the requirements of the Fourth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, Article I, Section 7 of the Washington State Constitution, and applicable statutory provisions governing warrant procedures.

How To Find for Outstanding Warrants In Spokane County

Individuals seeking information about outstanding warrants in Spokane County may utilize several official resources to conduct a comprehensive search. The following methods provide access to warrant information:

1. Online Court Records: The Spokane County Court Viewer allows public access to court records, including warrant information. Users can search by name to identify active cases that may include warrant information.

2. Washington Department of Corrections Database: The DOC warrant search tool provides information on warrants related to DOC supervision violations and certain other offenses.

3. In-Person Records Request: Visit the Spokane County Clerk's Office to request a search of court records:

Spokane County Clerk's Office
1116 W. Broadway Avenue, Room 300
Spokane, WA 99260
(509) 477-2211
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 12:00 PM and 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM

4. Contact Law Enforcement: The Spokane County Sheriff's Office warrant division can provide information on active warrants:

Spokane County Sheriff's Office
1100 W. Mallon Avenue
Spokane, WA 99260
(509) 477-2240
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM

5. Register for the Odyssey Portal: The Washington Courts Odyssey Portal provides registered users with access to court case information, including warrant status.

When conducting a warrant search, individuals should provide complete and accurate identifying information, including full legal name and date of birth, to ensure reliable results. Multiple search methods may be necessary for comprehensive results, as certain warrants may appear in some systems but not others.

How To Check Federal Warrants In Spokane County

Federal warrants operate under a separate system from state and county warrants in Spokane County. These warrants are issued by federal judges or magistrates for violations of federal law. To check for federal warrants, individuals must access federal resources rather than county systems. The process includes:

1. Contact the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Washington:

U.S. District Court, Eastern District of Washington
Thomas S. Foley United States Courthouse
920 W. Riverside Avenue, Suite 840
Spokane, WA 99201
(509) 458-3400
Eastern District of Washington

2. Federal PACER System: The Public Access to Court Electronic Records (PACER) system provides access to federal court records, including warrant information in some cases. Registration is required, and fees may apply:

   • Register at pacer.uscourts.gov
   • Search for cases by name
   • Review docket entries for warrant information

3. Contact the U.S. Marshals Service:

U.S. Marshals Service - Eastern District of Washington
920 W. Riverside Avenue, Suite 790
Spokane, WA 99201
(509) 353-2847
U.S. Marshals Service

4. Consult with a Federal Criminal Defense Attorney: An attorney with federal practice experience can conduct a confidential search for federal warrants.

5. FBI Field Office:

FBI Spokane Resident Agency
1110 W. Riverside Avenue
Spokane, WA 99201
(509) 458-8100
FBI Seattle Division

It is important to note that federal agencies may not disclose information about sealed or confidential warrants, particularly those related to ongoing investigations. Additionally, federal warrant information is not typically included in county or state databases, necessitating separate inquiries through federal channels.

How Long Do Warrants Last In Spokane County?

Warrants issued in Spokane County remain valid and enforceable according to specific timeframes established by Washington state law. The duration of a warrant's validity depends on its type and the underlying offense:

1. Arrest Warrants: Pursuant to RCW 10.31.060, arrest warrants for criminal offenses generally remain active until:

   • The warrant is executed (the person is arrested)
   • The warrant is formally recalled by the issuing court
   • The statute of limitations for the underlying offense expires

2. Search Warrants: Under Washington law, search warrants must be executed within 10 days of issuance. After this period, the warrant expires and a new warrant must be obtained if the search is still necessary.

3. Bench Warrants: These typically remain active indefinitely until the person appears before the court or the warrant is quashed (canceled) by judicial order.

4. Felony Warrants: For serious offenses, warrants may remain active for decades or even indefinitely, as many felonies have extended or no statutes of limitation in Washington state.

5. Misdemeanor Warrants: Generally remain active until executed or recalled, though the underlying charges may be subject to statutes of limitation (typically 1-2 years for most misdemeanors).

The Washington Courts have established that warrants do not automatically expire due to age alone. However, in some cases, particularly for minor offenses, a court may review and recall older warrants through periodic warrant review processes. Additionally, a defendant may petition the court to quash a warrant, particularly if significant time has passed or circumstances have changed substantially.

It is important to note that even very old warrants remain enforceable and can result in arrest during any interaction with law enforcement until formally addressed through proper legal channels.

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

The timeframe for obtaining a search warrant in Spokane County varies based on several factors, including case urgency, judicial availability, and the complexity of the investigation. Under current procedures, the process typically follows these timelines:

1. Standard Search Warrants: Under normal circumstances, obtaining a search warrant requires:

   • Preparation of affidavit and warrant application: 1-3 hours
   • Review by prosecutor (if required): 1-4 hours
   • Judicial review and approval: 1-24 hours
   • Total standard timeframe: Approximately 3-30 hours

2. Emergency/Exigent Circumstances: When evidence destruction is imminent or public safety is at risk:

   • Expedited preparation and review: 30 minutes - 2 hours
   • Immediate judicial consideration: 15 minutes - 1 hour
   • Total emergency timeframe: Approximately 45 minutes - 3 hours

3. Electronic Warrants: Spokane County utilizes electronic warrant systems that allow for:

   • Remote submission to judges
   • Digital signatures
   • Expedited processing in urgent situations
   • Typical processing time: 1-6 hours

4. After-Hours Warrants: Outside normal court hours:

   • On-call judicial officers review urgent requests
   • Typically requires demonstration of necessity for immediate action
   • Processing time: 1-4 hours depending on circumstances

The warrant application process begins with law enforcement establishing probable cause through investigation. Officers must prepare a detailed affidavit describing the place to be searched, items to be seized, and factual basis establishing probable cause. This document is submitted to a judge or magistrate who reviews the application and may ask clarifying questions before making a determination.

In certain limited circumstances involving imminent danger or risk of evidence destruction, officers may conduct searches without warrants under the "exigent circumstances" doctrine, but must later justify the warrantless search to the court.

Search Warrant Records in Spokane County

Warrant Search Database

Spokane County Sheriff's Office

Warrant and Summons Information

Spokane County Court Records

Washington Courts Odyssey Portal