Pima County Warrant Search
What Is a Search Warrant In Pima County?
A search warrant in Pima County is a legal document issued by a judicial officer that authorizes law enforcement personnel to search a specifically designated location and seize particular items or evidence described within the warrant. Pursuant to Arizona Revised Statutes § 13-3911, a search warrant is "an order in writing, in the name of the state of Arizona, signed by a magistrate, directed to a peace officer, commanding the officer to search for personal property and bring it before the magistrate."
Search warrants in Pima County must be based on probable cause, which requires specific facts indicating that evidence of a crime will likely be found at the location to be searched. The Fourth Amendment of the United States Constitution and Article 2, Section 8 of the Arizona Constitution provide the fundamental legal protections against unreasonable searches and seizures, requiring warrants to be supported by probable cause and to particularly describe the place to be searched and items to be seized.
Search warrants differ from other types of warrants issued in Pima County:
- Arrest warrants authorize law enforcement to take a specific person into custody
- Bench warrants are court orders issued when an individual fails to appear for a scheduled court hearing
- Civil warrants relate to non-criminal matters such as civil judgments or property disputes
The Pima County Superior Court maintains records of search warrants after they have been executed and returned by law enforcement agencies.
Are Warrants Public Records In Pima County?
The public accessibility of warrants in Pima County follows a nuanced framework governed by Arizona public records law. Under the Arizona Public Records Law § 39-121, public records are presumptively open to inspection by any person. However, warrant accessibility depends on several factors including warrant type, status, and applicable exemptions.
Active warrants (those not yet executed) generally remain confidential to preserve the integrity of ongoing investigations. This confidentiality is supported by Arizona Revised Statutes § 13-2315, which protects information that might compromise law enforcement operations. Once executed, search warrants typically transition to public record status after being returned to the issuing court with an inventory of seized items.
The following warrant categories have distinct public access protocols:
- Executed search warrants: Generally accessible as public records after return to court
- Sealed warrants: Remain confidential based on court order for specified periods
- Arrest warrants: Typically accessible through public court records once served
- Bench warrants: Generally public as they relate to court proceedings
Certain information within warrants may be redacted prior to public disclosure, including:
- Confidential informant identities
- Juvenile information
- Ongoing investigation details
- Personal identifying information
The Pima County Clerk of Superior Court maintains warrant records in accordance with these provisions, balancing public access rights with privacy and law enforcement considerations.
How to Find Out if I Have a Warrant In Pima County?
Individuals seeking to determine if they have an active warrant in Pima County may utilize several official channels. The Pima County warrant verification system provides multiple access points for warrant information.
The primary methods for checking warrant status include:
- Online verification through the Pima County Justice Court Public Access portal, which allows searches by name and date of birth
- Direct inquiry with the Pima County Sheriff's Department warrant division
- Contacting the appropriate court directly based on jurisdiction (Justice Court, Municipal Court, or Superior Court)
- Utilizing the Arizona Judicial Branch's Public Access Case Lookup system for statewide warrant information
When checking for warrant information, individuals should be prepared to provide:
- Full legal name (including any aliases or former names)
- Date of birth
- Case number (if known)
- Social Security Number (for in-person inquiries only)
Pima County Sheriff's Department
1750 E. Benson Highway
Tucson, AZ 85714
520-351-4600
Pima County Sheriff's Department
Pima County Justice Court
240 N. Stone Avenue
Tucson, AZ 85701
520-724-3171
Pima County Justice Court
How To Check for Warrants in Pima County for Free in 2026
Members of the public may verify warrant status in Pima County through several no-cost methods currently available. The following procedures provide access to warrant information without requiring payment:
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Access the Arizona Judicial Branch's Public Access Case Lookup system:
- Navigate to the official portal
- Select "Pima County" from the jurisdiction dropdown
- Enter required personal information (name and date of birth)
- Review case information for warrant notations
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Contact the Pima County Sheriff's Department Warrant Section directly:
- Call the warrant division at 520-351-4600 during business hours (Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM)
- Provide full legal name and date of birth
- Request verification of any active warrants
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Visit the Pima County Consolidated Justice Court in person:
- Proceed to the public records counter
- Present government-issued identification
- Request a warrant search under your name
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Check the Pima County Sheriff's Department inmate roster for recent warrant arrests:
- Navigate to the inmate information portal
- Search by name to determine if an individual has been arrested on a warrant
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Contact the Pima County Attorney's Office for information on pending criminal cases that may involve warrants:
- Call 520-724-5600 during business hours
- Provide case information if available
These methods comply with Arizona Revised Statutes § 39-121.01(D)(1), which governs public records access procedures.
What Types of Warrants In Pima County
Pima County courts and law enforcement agencies issue several distinct categories of warrants, each serving specific legal purposes under Arizona law. The warrant classification system includes:
Criminal Warrants:
- Arrest Warrants: Issued pursuant to Arizona Rules of Criminal Procedure Rule 3.1 when probable cause exists that an individual has committed a crime
- Bench Warrants: Court-ordered warrants issued when defendants fail to appear for scheduled court proceedings
- Search Warrants: Judicial authorization for law enforcement to search specified locations for evidence, as governed by Arizona Revised Statutes § 13-3911
- Probation Violation Warrants: Issued when individuals violate terms of probation
Civil Warrants:
- Civil Arrest Warrants: Issued in non-criminal matters such as contempt of court
- Writ of Restitution: Authorizes removal of tenants following eviction proceedings
- Order of Protection Violation Warrants: Issued when protective orders are violated
Specialized Warrants:
- Material Witness Warrants: Compel appearance of essential witnesses in criminal proceedings
- Out-of-County Warrants: Issued by other jurisdictions but executable in Pima County
- Governor's Warrants: Issued for extradition of fugitives to other states
Each warrant type follows distinct procedural requirements and carries specific legal implications. The Pima County Superior Court and Pima County Justice Courts maintain records of these various warrant categories according to their respective jurisdictions.
What Warrants in Pima County Contain
Warrants issued in Pima County contain specific legally required elements pursuant to Arizona Revised Statutes § 13-3915 and applicable court rules. The content requirements ensure constitutional compliance and proper execution by law enforcement.
Standard warrant components include:
- Court identification and case number
- Judicial officer's name and signature
- Date and time of issuance
- Legal authority under which the warrant is issued
- Identity of the person to be arrested or premises to be searched
- Specific description of items subject to seizure
- Factual basis establishing probable cause
- Time limitations for execution (typically 10 days for search warrants)
- Instructions for return of service documentation
Search warrants specifically require:
- Precise description of the location to be searched
- Detailed inventory of items subject to seizure
- Daytime/nighttime execution authorization
- Special entry provisions if applicable
Arrest warrants must contain:
- Full legal name of the subject (and aliases if known)
- Physical description including height, weight, and identifying features
- Last known address
- Criminal charges and statutory citations
- Bail amount if applicable
The Pima County Sheriff's Department maintains standardized warrant forms that comply with these requirements. All warrants must satisfy Fourth Amendment particularity requirements to be legally valid and enforceable within Pima County jurisdiction.
Who Issues Warrants In Pima County
Judicial officers with specific statutory authority issue warrants in Pima County according to jurisdictional parameters established by Arizona law. The warrant issuance authority is hierarchically structured based on court level and case type.
The following judicial officers possess warrant issuance authority:
- Superior Court Judges: Authorized to issue all warrant types within Pima County, including felony arrest warrants, search warrants, and specialized warrants
- Superior Court Commissioners: Appointed judicial officers with delegated authority to issue warrants in specific case categories
- Justice of the Peace: Elected officials presiding over Justice Courts with authority to issue misdemeanor warrants and search warrants within their precincts
- Municipal Court Judges: Empowered to issue warrants related to violations of city ordinances and certain misdemeanors within city limits
The warrant issuance process typically involves:
- Review of sworn affidavits or testimony from law enforcement
- Determination of probable cause based on presented evidence
- Specification of warrant parameters and limitations
- Official signature and court seal application
Pima County Superior Court
110 W. Congress Street
Tucson, AZ 85701
520-724-3200
Pima County Superior Court
Pima County Consolidated Justice Court
240 N. Stone Avenue
Tucson, AZ 85701
520-724-3171
Pima County Justice Court
Tucson City Court
103 E. Alameda Street
Tucson, AZ 85701
520-791-4216
Tucson City Court
How To Find for Outstanding Warrants In Pima County
Individuals seeking information about outstanding warrants in Pima County may utilize several official channels to obtain accurate and current warrant status. The verification process varies depending on the warrant type and issuing court.
To locate outstanding warrant information:
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Check the Pima County warrant resolution portal, which provides information on resolving active warrants and verification procedures
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Search the Arizona Judicial Branch's Public Access Case Lookup system:
- Select "Pima County" from the jurisdiction menu
- Enter the subject's name and date of birth
- Review case information for warrant notations
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Contact the Pima County Sheriff's Department Records Division:
- Call 520-351-4600 during business hours
- Provide the subject's full name and date of birth
- Request verification of active warrants
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Visit the appropriate court in person:
- Pima County Justice Court for misdemeanor and preliminary felony matters
- Pima County Superior Court for felony cases
- Municipal courts for city ordinance violations
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Check the Pima County Sheriff's Department inmate roster to determine if an individual has been arrested on an outstanding warrant
When conducting warrant searches, be prepared to provide:
- Full legal name (including any aliases)
- Date of birth
- Case number (if known)
- Government-issued identification for in-person inquiries
How To Check Federal Warrants In Pima County
Federal warrants operate under a separate jurisdictional system from Pima County warrants and require specific procedures for verification. These warrants are issued by United States District Court judges or magistrates for federal offenses.
To check for federal warrants in Pima County:
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Contact the United States District Court for the District of Arizona, Tucson Division:
- Access the PACER system (Public Access to Court Electronic Records)
- Create an account and search federal court records (fees may apply)
- Review case information for warrant notations
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Inquire with the United States Marshals Service, Tucson Office:
- Call 520-879-6900 during business hours
- Provide full legal name and date of birth
- Request verification of active federal warrants
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Contact the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Phoenix Division, Tucson Resident Agency:
- Call 520-623-4306 for information
- Inquire about wanted persons status
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Consult with a federal criminal defense attorney who can access federal court records
United States District Court, District of Arizona - Tucson Division
Evo A. DeConcini U.S. Courthouse
405 W. Congress Street, Suite 1500
Tucson, AZ 85701
520-205-4200
U.S. District Court, District of Arizona
United States Marshals Service - Tucson Office
405 W. Congress Street, Suite 1800
Tucson, AZ 85701
520-879-6900
U.S. Marshals Service
Federal warrant information is not typically accessible through Pima County local systems, as these warrants are maintained in the National Crime Information Center (NCIC) database accessible only to law enforcement agencies.
How Long Do Warrants Last In Pima County?
Warrants issued in Pima County remain active according to statutory timeframes that vary by warrant type. Under Arizona law, most warrants remain in effect until they are executed, recalled by the issuing court, or the underlying case is resolved.
The duration parameters for different warrant categories include:
- Arrest Warrants: Pursuant to Arizona Rules of Criminal Procedure Rule 3.1, these warrants remain active indefinitely until executed or quashed by court order
- Search Warrants: Under Arizona Revised Statutes § 13-3918, search warrants must be executed within 10 days of issuance or become void
- Bench Warrants: Remain active until the subject appears in court or the warrant is recalled
- Civil Warrants: Typically remain active according to the terms specified in the warrant or until the underlying civil matter is resolved
Factors affecting warrant duration include:
- Statute of limitations for the underlying offense
- Court jurisdiction (Justice Court, Superior Court, Municipal Court)
- Case status (active, inactive, dismissed)
- Interstate compact agreements for out-of-state enforcement
The Pima County Sheriff's Department maintains active warrants in their database and coordinates with national systems such as the National Crime Information Center (NCIC) for tracking and enforcement purposes.
How Long Does It Take To Get a Search Warrant In Pima County?
The timeframe for obtaining a search warrant in Pima County varies based on several procedural factors and case circumstances. Under current procedures, the process typically follows established timelines governed by Arizona Rules of Criminal Procedure.
Standard search warrant processing includes:
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Preparation Phase (4-24 hours):
- Law enforcement officers compile evidence establishing probable cause
- Draft affidavit and warrant application documents
- Review by supervisory personnel and/or prosecutorial staff
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Judicial Review (1-8 hours):
- Presentation to authorized judicial officer
- Examination of probable cause statement
- Questions and clarification if needed
- Approval or denial determination
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Issuance and Execution (1-10 days):
- Warrant signed and officially issued
- Tactical planning for execution
- Execution within statutory 10-day window per Arizona Revised Statutes § 13-3918
Expedited procedures exist for emergency circumstances:
- Telephonic warrants: Available when immediate action is necessary, reducing processing time to 1-3 hours
- Electronic submission: Digital warrant applications can be processed remotely by judges
- After-hours judicial availability: On-call judges can review urgent warrant requests outside normal court hours
The Pima County Attorney's Office and Pima County Sheriff's Department coordinate warrant applications according to these timeframes, prioritizing based on public safety considerations and investigative urgency.
Search Warrant Records in Pima County
Warrant resolution in Pima County
Pima County Sheriff's Department
Pima County Sheriff Department Inmate Information