Randall County Warrant Search
What Is a Search Warrant In Randall County?
A search warrant in Randall County is a legal document issued by a judicial officer that authorizes law enforcement personnel to search a specified location and seize designated items or evidence. Search warrants are governed by the Texas Code of Criminal Procedure § 18.01, which establishes the legal framework for their issuance and execution within the state of Texas, including Randall County.
Search warrants must be based on probable cause, supported by an affidavit that sets forth substantial facts establishing probable cause. The Fourth Amendment of the United States Constitution and Article I, Section 9 of the Texas Constitution provide the constitutional foundation for search warrant requirements, protecting citizens against unreasonable searches and seizures.
Search warrants differ from other types of warrants in several important ways:
- Search Warrant: Authorizes the search of a specific location and seizure of specific items
- Arrest Warrant: Authorizes the apprehension of a specific individual
- Bench Warrant: Issued by a judge when an individual fails to appear for a scheduled court appearance
In Randall County, search warrants are typically executed by deputies from the Randall County Sheriff's Office or other authorized law enforcement agencies. The warrant must particularly describe the place to be searched and the persons or things to be seized, as required by Texas Code of Criminal Procedure § 18.04.
Are Warrants Public Records In Randall County?
The public accessibility of warrants in Randall County follows a nuanced framework established by Texas law. Under the Texas Public Information Act, Government Code Chapter 552, government records are generally presumed to be open to public inspection. However, warrants are subject to specific provisions that affect their public availability.
The public status of warrants in Randall County depends on several factors:
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Active vs. Executed Warrants: Active warrants (those not yet served) may be withheld from public disclosure under § 552.108 of the Texas Government Code, which exempts information that would interfere with law enforcement if released. Once executed, warrant information typically becomes more accessible.
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Warrant Type: Arrest warrants that have been executed and returned to the court become judicial records. Search warrant affidavits may remain sealed by court order if disclosure would compromise an ongoing investigation.
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Juvenile Records: Warrants involving juveniles are subject to additional confidentiality protections under the Texas Family Code.
The Randall County Clerk's Office maintains court records, including executed warrants that have been returned to the court. While basic information about active warrants (such as the existence of a warrant for a named individual) may be publicly available through the county's online resources, the complete warrant documents may require formal requests or in-person visits to the appropriate county office.
Randall County Clerk's Office
501 16th Street, Suite 200
Canyon, TX 79015
(806) 468-5510
Randall County Clerk
How to Find Out if I Have a Warrant In Randall County?
Individuals seeking to determine if they have an active warrant in Randall County have several official channels available to them. The most direct and reliable methods include:
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Contact the Randall County Sheriff's Office: The Sheriff's Office maintains records of active warrants and can provide verification of warrant status. Individuals may contact the warrants division directly.
Randall County Sheriff's Office
9100 S. Georgia Street
Amarillo, TX 79118
(806) 468-5800
Randall County Sheriff's Office -
Online Warrant Search: The Randall County Sheriff's Office provides an online warrant search tool that allows individuals to search for active warrants by name. This resource is updated regularly but may not reflect the most recent changes in warrant status.
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Contact the Randall County Clerk's Office: For information about court-related warrants, such as those issued for failure to appear or comply with court orders.
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Consult with an Attorney: Legal counsel can conduct a thorough search and provide guidance on addressing any outstanding warrants.
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Contact Municipal Courts: For warrants related to city ordinance violations or municipal offenses within Randall County jurisdictions.
When making inquiries about warrant status, individuals should be prepared to provide identifying information, including full legal name, date of birth, and possibly a driver's license number or other identification. Pursuant to Texas law, warrant information is maintained in accordance with the Texas Code of Criminal Procedure § 15.26, which governs the execution and return of arrest warrants.
How To Check for Warrants in Randall County for Free in 2026
Residents and interested parties can currently access warrant information in Randall County without cost through several official channels. The following methods provide free access to warrant information:
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Online Warrant Database: The Randall County Sheriff's Office maintains a searchable warrant database that is accessible to the public at no charge. Users can search by name to determine if active warrants exist.
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In-Person Inquiry: Individuals may visit the Randall County Sheriff's Office during regular business hours to inquire about warrant status.
Randall County Sheriff's Office
9100 S. Georgia Street
Amarillo, TX 79118
(806) 468-5800
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Randall County Sheriff's Office -
Telephone Verification: The Warrants Division of the Sheriff's Office accepts telephone inquiries regarding warrant status. Callers should be prepared to provide identifying information.
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Municipal Court Resources: For warrants issued by municipal courts within Randall County, the City of Amarillo Municipal Court offers a free online warrant search tool.
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Public Access Terminals: The Randall County Courthouse provides public access terminals where visitors can search court records, including information about certain types of warrants.
Randall County Justice Center
2309 Russell Long Blvd.
Canyon, TX 79015
(806) 468-5000
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
When conducting warrant searches, users should note that information is provided in accordance with the Texas Public Information Act and may be subject to certain limitations as prescribed by law. The accuracy of online information should be verified through official channels before taking action.
What Types of Warrants In Randall County
Randall County courts and law enforcement agencies issue several distinct types of warrants, each serving a specific legal purpose. The primary warrant types include:
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Arrest Warrants: Issued when probable cause exists that an individual has committed a criminal offense. These warrants authorize law enforcement to take the named person into custody. Arrest warrants in Randall County are issued pursuant to Texas Code of Criminal Procedure § 15.03.
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Search Warrants: Authorize law enforcement to search specified premises and seize designated evidence or contraband. Search warrants require probable cause and judicial approval.
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Bench Warrants: Issued directly by a judge when an individual fails to appear for a scheduled court hearing or violates court orders. These are commonly issued in Randall County courts for failure to appear for jury duty, hearings, or trial dates.
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Capias Warrants: Similar to arrest warrants but specifically issued after criminal charges have been filed. These are common for individuals who fail to appear after being released on bond.
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Capias Pro Fine Warrants: Issued when an individual fails to pay court-ordered fines or costs as directed by the court.
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Blue Warrants: Issued for parole violations by the Texas Department of Criminal Justice for individuals who have violated the terms of their parole.
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Municipal Warrants: Issued by municipal courts within Randall County for violations of city ordinances, traffic offenses, and other minor infractions.
The Randall County Sheriff's Office is primarily responsible for executing arrest warrants within the county's jurisdiction, while search warrants may be executed by various law enforcement agencies depending on the nature of the investigation and the issuing authority.
What Warrants in Randall County Contain
Warrants issued in Randall County contain specific information as required by Texas law to ensure their validity and proper execution. The content of warrants is governed by the Texas Code of Criminal Procedure § 15.02 for arrest warrants and § 18.04 for search warrants. Standard information included in Randall County warrants includes:
For Arrest Warrants:
- The name of the person to be arrested, or if unknown, a description sufficient to identify the individual
- The specific offense charged
- Date of issuance
- The county where the warrant is issued
- The signature of the magistrate issuing the warrant
- The amount of bail, if applicable
- Command to any peace officer of the State of Texas to arrest the named individual
For Search Warrants:
- Specific description of the place to be searched
- Detailed description of items to be seized
- Allegations establishing probable cause
- Command to peace officers to conduct the search within specified parameters
- Time limits for execution (typically three days from issuance)
- Judicial signature and date of issuance
All warrants in Randall County must be based on probable cause, supported by sworn affidavits, and issued by authorized judicial officers. The Texas Department of Public Safety Crime Records Division maintains standards for warrant information that is entered into state and national databases.
Warrant information is maintained in compliance with state record-keeping requirements and may be accessed through appropriate channels as described in other sections of this document.
Who Issues Warrants In Randall County
In Randall County, the authority to issue warrants is vested in specific judicial officers as prescribed by Texas law. The following officials have the legal authority to issue warrants:
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District Court Judges: The 47th, 181st, and 251st District Courts serving Randall County have judges authorized to issue all types of warrants for felony offenses and certain misdemeanors.
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County Court at Law Judges: Randall County Courts at Law No. 1 and No. 2 judges may issue warrants for misdemeanor offenses and certain preliminary matters in felony cases.
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Justices of the Peace: Randall County has four Justice of the Peace precincts, with each Justice authorized to issue arrest warrants, search warrants, and emergency protective orders within their jurisdiction.
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Municipal Court Judges: Judges in the municipal courts of Canyon and Amarillo (portions of which are in Randall County) may issue warrants for violations of municipal ordinances and certain state laws.
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Magistrates: Designated magistrates may issue warrants under specific circumstances as provided by the Texas Code of Criminal Procedure.
The issuance of warrants follows strict procedural requirements established in the Texas Code of Criminal Procedure Chapter 15 for arrest warrants and Chapter 18 for search warrants. All warrant requests must be supported by sworn affidavits establishing probable cause, and the judicial officer must make an independent determination that probable cause exists before issuing the warrant.
The Randall County District Clerk's Office maintains records of warrants issued by district courts, while the County Clerk maintains records for county courts and justices of the peace.
How To Find for Outstanding Warrants In Randall County
Individuals seeking information about outstanding warrants in Randall County can utilize several official resources to conduct their search. The following methods provide reliable access to warrant information:
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Randall County Sheriff's Office Warrant Search: The Sheriff's Office maintains an online database of active warrants that is accessible to the public. This resource allows searches by name and provides basic information about outstanding warrants.
Randall County Sheriff's Office
9100 S. Georgia Street
Amarillo, TX 79118
(806) 468-5800
Warrant Search Portal -
Direct Contact with Law Enforcement: Individuals may contact the Warrants Division of the Randall County Sheriff's Office directly to inquire about warrant status. This method provides the most current information.
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Court Records Search: The Randall County Clerk's Office and District Clerk's Office maintain records that may include information about outstanding warrants issued by their respective courts.
Randall County Clerk's Office
501 16th Street, Suite 200
Canyon, TX 79015
(806) 468-5510
County Clerk -
Municipal Court Inquiries: For warrants issued by municipal courts within Randall County, contact the relevant municipal court directly.
City of Amarillo Municipal Court
201 SE 4th Avenue
Amarillo, TX 79101
(806) 378-3072
Amarillo Municipal Court Warrants -
Attorney Assistance: Legal counsel can conduct comprehensive searches across multiple jurisdictions and provide guidance on addressing any outstanding warrants.
When searching for warrant information, individuals should be prepared to provide full legal name, date of birth, and possibly additional identifying information. All warrant information is maintained and provided in accordance with the Texas Public Information Act and applicable provisions of the Texas Code of Criminal Procedure.
How To Check Federal Warrants In Randall County
Federal warrants operate under a separate legal system from county and state warrants, with distinct procedures for issuance, execution, and public access. Individuals seeking information about federal warrants that may affect them in Randall County should understand the following:
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Federal Warrant System: Federal warrants are issued by United States Magistrate Judges or District Court Judges for violations of federal law. These warrants are not typically accessible through county-level resources.
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U.S. Marshals Service: The primary federal agency responsible for executing federal arrest warrants is the U.S. Marshals Service. Their Northern District of Texas office has jurisdiction over Randall County.
U.S. Marshals Service - Northern District of Texas
United States Courthouse
205 SE 5th Ave, Room 190
Amarillo, TX 79101
(806) 472-7500
U.S. Marshals Service -
Federal Court Records: Information about certain federal warrants may be available through the Public Access to Court Electronic Records (PACER) system, which provides access to federal court documents.
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Federal Bureau of Investigation: The FBI maintains records of federal warrants for serious offenses and fugitives. Limited information may be available through their public resources.
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Legal Counsel: An attorney can conduct searches of federal records and provide guidance on addressing federal warrants. This is often the most reliable method for comprehensive federal warrant information.
Unlike county warrants, federal authorities do not typically maintain public-facing databases of active federal warrants. Information about federal warrants is generally more restricted due to law enforcement and national security considerations.
Individuals with reason to believe they may be subject to a federal warrant should consult with an attorney experienced in federal criminal matters. Direct inquiries to federal agencies about specific warrant status should be approached with caution and preferably with legal representation.
How Long Do Warrants Last In Randall County?
Warrants issued in Randall County remain valid and enforceable according to specific timeframes established by Texas law. The duration of warrant validity varies by warrant type and is governed by statutory provisions:
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Arrest Warrants: Under Texas law, arrest warrants generally remain active until they are executed (the person is arrested) or recalled by the issuing court. There is no statutory expiration date for most arrest warrants in Texas, as established by Texas Code of Criminal Procedure § 15.26.
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Search Warrants: Search warrants in Randall County have specific execution timeframes. According to Texas Code of Criminal Procedure § 18.07, a search warrant must be executed within three days from the time of issuance. The warrant becomes void after this period unless executed.
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Bench Warrants: Similar to arrest warrants, bench warrants typically remain active until the person appears before the court or the warrant is withdrawn by judicial order.
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Municipal Warrants: Warrants for minor offenses and municipal violations follow the same general principles as other arrest warrants and remain active until executed or recalled.
It is important to note that while warrants may remain legally valid indefinitely, practical considerations may affect their enforcement. Factors such as the severity of the underlying offense, resource allocation by law enforcement agencies, and interstate cooperation may influence the priority given to executing older warrants.
The statute of limitations for the underlying offense does not typically affect the validity of an issued warrant. Once a warrant has been properly issued, it generally remains enforceable regardless of whether the statute of limitations for charging the offense has expired.
How Long Does It Take To Get a Search Warrant In Randall County?
The timeframe for obtaining a search warrant in Randall County varies based on several factors, including the urgency of the situation, the complexity of the case, and the availability of judicial officers. The process typically follows these general timelines:
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Standard Search Warrants: Under normal circumstances, the process of preparing an affidavit, locating an available judge, having the warrant reviewed and signed, and receiving the executed warrant typically takes between several hours to one business day.
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Emergency Situations: In exigent circumstances where evidence may be destroyed or public safety is at immediate risk, expedited procedures allow for warrants to be obtained in as little as 1-2 hours. Texas law permits telephonic warrants in certain emergency situations.
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Electronic Warrants: Randall County utilizes electronic warrant systems that allow for faster processing. Law enforcement officers can prepare digital affidavits and submit them electronically to judges, potentially reducing the time to obtain a warrant.
The search warrant process in Randall County follows these sequential steps:
- Preparation of a detailed affidavit establishing probable cause
- Review and approval by prosecutorial authorities (typically for complex cases)
- Submission to an authorized judicial officer
- Review by the judicial officer for legal sufficiency
- Issuance of the warrant if probable cause is established
- Return of the warrant to the officer for execution
All search warrants in Randall County must comply with the Fourth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution, Article I, Section 9 of the Texas Constitution, and the requirements set forth in the Texas Code of Criminal Procedure Chapter 18. These legal frameworks establish the standards for warrant issuance and execution.
Search Warrant Records in Randall County
Randall County Sheriff's Office
Randall County Warrant Database