Think you might have a warrant in Volusia County? Or wondering if someone you know does? Don't wait until a traffic stop turns into an arrest. Here's how to check for outstanding warrants in DeLand and what to do if you find one.
Warrants in Volusia County
In Volusia County, a warrant is a legal document signed by a judge that authorizes law enforcement officers to arrest an individual. The Volusia County Sheriff's Office and the Clerk of the Circuit Court maintain these official records. There are two primary types of warrants: arrest warrants, which are issued after law enforcement presents evidence of a crime, and bench warrants, which a judge issues directly from the bench, typically when someone fails to appear for a scheduled court hearing or violates a court order.
Once a warrant is active in Florida, it is entered into statewide and national databases, such as the Florida Crime Information Center (FCIC). This means the warrant will immediately surface during any routine contact with law enforcement, such as a traffic stop in Daytona Beach, DeLand, or even outside of Volusia County. Active warrants do not expire on their own, and resolving them proactively is always the safest course of action.
What to Do If You Have an Active Warrant
If you discover you have an active warrant in Volusia County, you can take control of the situation. By contacting a bail bond referral service immediately, you can often arrange for a bail bond agent in advance. This allows you to complete a "walk-through" booking at the local jail, ensuring your release is processed as quickly and smoothly as possible.
How to Check for Warrants in Volusia County
1. Volusia County Clerk of Court
The Clerk of Court maintains all case records including active warrants. Search their online portal by name to see if there are any open cases or bench warrants. Bench warrants are issued when someone misses a scheduled court date.
2. Volusia County Sheriff's Office
Some sheriff's offices publish active warrant lists online. You can also call the non-emergency line and ask if there's a warrant for a specific person. They'll need the full legal name and date of birth.
3. FDLE Statewide Database
The Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) at offender.fdle.state.fl.us shows criminal records statewide. While it doesn't always show active warrants in real-time, it shows prior arrests and open cases that might indicate a warrant.
4. Hire a Lawyer to Check
This is the smartest option if you think YOU might have a warrant. A criminal defense attorney can check confidentially and, if a warrant exists, arrange for you to turn yourself in under controlled conditions — during business hours when bail can be posted immediately so you spend minimal time in jail.
Types of Warrants in Volusia County
Bench Warrant
Issued when you miss a court date. These usually have a preset bail amount — often $500 to $5,000. You can usually post bail right away without seeing a judge.
Arrest Warrant
Issued when law enforcement has probable cause that you committed a crime. These result from police investigations. Bail may or may not be preset — for serious felonies, you'll need to wait for a judge at first appearance.
Capias Warrant
Similar to a bench warrant but issued by the court for various reasons — failure to pay fines, probation violations, or contempt of court. Bail varies.
What to Do If You Have a Warrant
- Don't panic — Having a warrant doesn't mean SWAT is coming to your door tomorrow.
- Get a lawyer — They can research the warrant details and advise on next steps.
- Consider turning yourself in — Judges look more favorably on voluntary surrender. Your lawyer can arrange it during business hours.
- Arrange bail in advance — Call QuickBail at (941) 477-6888 before turning yourself in. We can have a bondsman ready to post bail immediately so you spend hours in jail instead of days.
Don't Ignore It
The worst thing you can do is pretend the warrant doesn't exist. You'll get arrested eventually — at a traffic stop, during a background check, at the airport, or even when a cop runs your plates in a parking lot. Handle it on your terms, not theirs.
Related: Volusia County Jail | Arrest Records | First Appearance