Think you might have a warrant in Washington 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 Chipley and what to do if you find one.
Warrants in Washington County
In Washington County, Florida, a warrant is a legal document issued by a judge that authorizes law enforcement officers to take an individual into custody. The Washington County Sheriff's Office and the Clerk of the Court are responsible for maintaining these official records. There are two primary types of warrants: arrest warrants, which are issued based on probable cause that a crime was committed, and bench warrants, which are typically issued when someone fails to appear for a scheduled court date or violates a direct court order.
Once a judge signs an active warrant in Florida, the information is entered into statewide and federal law enforcement databases. This means that the warrant will immediately surface during any routine contact with law enforcement, such as a traffic stop, regardless of where you are in the state or country. Resolving the warrant voluntarily is always the safest and most manageable way to handle the situation.
What to Do If You Have an Active Warrant
If you discover you have an active warrant in Washington County, acting quickly can prevent an unexpected public arrest. Contacting a bail bond agent allows you to arrange your bail in advance. This preparation enables a "walk-through" booking at the local jail, where you turn yourself in and are processed and released almost immediately, minimizing your time in custody.
How to Check for Warrants in Washington County
1. Washington 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. Washington 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 Washington 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: Washington County Jail | Arrest Records | First Appearance