Connecticut Warrant Search

A Connecticut warrant search involves locating information on warrants issued within the Constitution State. Such records may be held by local city police departments, such as the Bridgeport Police Department, the Stamford Police Department, and the New Haven Police Department. Others may fall under the custodianship of the Connecticut Superior Courts and the Department of Corrections' Parole Fugitive Investigations Unit.

Parole Fugitive Investigations Unit,
620 Grand Avenue,
New Haven, CT 06511,
Phone: (203) 937-2400,
Fax: (203) 937-2414

Note: In the second quarter of 2023, Connecticut had 38,594 active arrest warrants in circulation. These warrants were issued following applications by prosecutors and local and state law enforcement agencies.

Are Warrants Public Records in Connecticut?

Yes. According to the Connecticut Freedom of Information Act, all warrant records maintained by or kept on file by any law enforcement agency are public records. Therefore, anyone may inspect or copy such records during the agency's regular office or business hours. Generally, juvenile and unexecuted search warrants are not open to the public in Connecticut. Per Connecticut Code Sec. 54-33c(b), a judge will not disclose copies of affidavits supporting a warrant application if:  

• The safety of a confidential informant would be at risk.
• The search is part of an ongoing investigation.
• If it would require disclosure of information or material deemed confidential by Chapter 959a.

Types of Warrants in Connecticut

The Connecticut judiciary issues different types of warrants in the state, including arrest, search, bench, and governor warrants. Generally, the Connecticut Judicial Branch defines an arrest warrant as an order authorizing the apprehension of an individual for an offense specified in the warrant. In contrast, search Warrants are written orders authorizing the search and/or confiscation of the designated items or location in the warrant.  

Under Connecticut Code Sec. 54-2a, a judge issues a bench warrant of arrest when an individual fails to appear in court and a capias for witnesses and defendants who violate a court order relating to any court appearance. Lastly, the governor signs a Governor's warrant (Connecticut Code Sec. 54-163) so that someone who has committed a crime in another state may be arrested and returned to that state.

What is a Search Warrant in Connecticut?

Connecticut search warrants are writs that authorize the search of an individual, their personal property, or premises. All search warrant applications must be filed alongside supporting affidavits with the clerk of the court (Connecticut code Sec. 54-33c). Subsequently, a Superior court judge or a judge trial referee issues the warrant based on the complaint (on oath) presented by any state's attorney, their assistant, or by any two credible persons. 

Per Connecticut Code Sec. 54-33a, a judge will issue a search warrant to a police officer if they have probable cause to believe that any property: 

• Is used or intended to be used for committing any criminal offense.
• Contain stolen or embezzled items.
• Constitutes evidence of an offense, or a particular person who participated in the commission of an offense, is on the premises. 

After executing a search warrant, the police officer must return the warrant and a written inventory of all property seized to the issuing judge. Unless otherwise stated by the judge, a copy of the warrant application and affidavits must be given to such owner, occupant, or person within 48 hours of the search. Every search warrant must state the date and time of its issuance, the grounds or probable cause, and a directive that the officer should search the specified place, property, or person. 

Connecticut law strictly warns against assaulting, resisting, opposing, impeding, intimidating, or interfering with any law enforcement officer authorized to execute a search warrant. Per Connecticut Code Sec. 54-33d, persons who resist legal searches will be penalized with a maximum fine of $1,000, a year of imprisonment, or both. 

How Long Does It Take to Get a Search Warrant?

Getting a search warrant in Connecticut may take several hours, days, or weeks. The time it takes depends on the petitioner, issuance, and the nature of probable cause. Typically, the process involves:

• Gathering evidence to present to the judge.
• Submitting a warrant application.
• The judge reviews the application to determine probable cause.

What is an Arrest Warrant in Connecticut?

In Connecticut, an arrest warrant authorizes an individual's apprehension and/or detention following their alleged involvement in criminal activity. Arrest warrants are generally not issued in Connecticut until an affidavit is completed. The affidavit must contain the facts of the incident, which would help determine probable cause for issuing the arrest warrant. 

Typically, the applicants and witnesses complete the affidavit, which is then submitted to the assigned detective and forwarded to the court. A prosecutor will review the warrant, and if probable cause is found, it will be forwarded to the judge. Arrest warrants are always issued to police officers for execution. Typically, an arrest warrant contains the date of issuance, the judge's signature, the accused's name (if known), and charges. 

If probable cause is established and a warrant is issued, copies of the document are provided to the petitioner and the court liaison, who forwards them to the records management staff for entry into the "in-house" RMS system and manual storage of paper copies. Once the warrant is served, a copy will be filed with the Court's Record Unit and maintained on public-access databases, making warrant searches possible.

Arrest Warrant Lookup in Connecticut

Connecticut maintains a statewide search portal that may be queried to find arrest warrants. A Connecticut arrest warrant lookup may be conducted by name, town, court location, or all parameters. Other ways of conducting arrest warrant lookups in Connecticut include: 

• Searching the Most Wanted lists or arrest logs maintained by local police departments.
• Contact the Office of Policy and Management (OPM) by phone at (877)312-7807 or by email.
• Visiting local police departments or superior courts in person. An ID is usually required for in-person searches.
• Requesting criminal history records from local police departments or the Connecticut State Police. For example, the Newtown Police Department Records Division performs local criminal record checks by name and date of birth. A Criminal History Check request form must be submitted to initiate the search. The Division charges a search fee of $10.00 for this service, and copies cost 0.50 cents per page. This amount is payable by cash, check, or credit card (additional fees apply). The criminal history check will return arrest and warrant information of the subject of the record. 
• Contacting the Department of Corrections' Parole Fugitive Investigations Unit in person, by phone at (203) 937-2400, or by fax at (203) 397-2414. All requests should be made during regular business hours. 

How to Find Out If You Have a Warrant in Connecticut

There are four primary options for finding out if you have a warrant in Connecticut:

• Online via the Connecticut Judicial Branch Portal: Inquirers may find out if they have active arrest warrants for violating probation or for a failure to appear through this portal. To search with this portal, the user will have to provide their name, town, court location, or any combination of the three. 
• In-Person at the Issuing Court: Queries may also be directed to the court where the warrant was issued. Typically, the clerk of the issuing court enters the warrant information into their database before providing the warrant to a police officer and after the officer returns the warrant. In this case, the requester will need to present their ID and any other information needed to facilitate the search. 
• Online and in-person at the local police office where the warrant was executed: Warrant-related queries may also be directed to the executing law enforcement officer or agency. 
• Connecticut State Police: Inquirers may mail a completed Criminal History Record Request Form to the Connecticut State Police Bureau of Identification and the required fees. A criminal records search by name costs $36, and a criminal conviction history record search by name or date of birth costs $75. A criminal conviction history search by fingerprint also costs $75. Completed applications should be addressed to: 

Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection

State Police Bureau of Identification
1111 Country Club Road
Middletown, CT 06457
Phone: (860) 685-8480

Free Warrant Search in Connecticut

Connecticut law enforcement agencies provide various free options for conducting warrant searches within the state. Most city police departments offer free access to warrant information online or in person during business hours. In-person requesters must provide an ID to search. To find warrant information, online requesters may also check the Most Wanted section or Arrest logs. For example, the Enfield Police Department maintains a Most Wanted list for free, while the Hartford Police Department includes warrant information in its Arrest Logs. 

How Long Can Police Hold My Phone Without a Warrant in Connecticut?

According to state laws, a warrant is needed to search your phone, but may not be needed to seize and retain it. Law enforcement agencies, such as the Connecticut Police Department, may seize your phone in the event of an arrest and must obtain a warrant to access the content within a reasonable time. According to the Fourth Amendment, this warrant is compulsory because citizens are protected from arbitrary and unlawful property seizure and searches. In certain situations, a warrant may not be needed to search your phone.

• If you give an officer consent to access the content of your phone
• If the search is related to a lawful arrest according to Connecticut General Statutes § 54-33a
• If illegal content is displayed in plan view on the phone screen, it may be seized 
• Special situations, such as upholding public peace, may require a search without a warrant. However, the search will be limited to information that addresses the immediate emergency.

There is no time limit for how long your phone can be in the custody of law enforcement agencies. However, indefinite retention of your phone is not allowed and can be challenged in court through a motion to suppress evidence.

How to Find Out If Someone Has A Warrant Online

To find out if someone has a warrant online in Connecticut, search for active warrants in their name on the Connecticut Judicial Branch portal. The search result will reveal warrant information for everyone bearing the search name in the selected town or court location. For further information, users may click a name to view details like last and first name, birth year, last known address, city, state, Zip, warrant issuance date, and docket number. Also, click the docket link to retrieve more information about the case. 

A free Connecticut warrant search may also be conducted through third-party sites. The search parameters required to facilitate these searches are the first and last names of the warrant subject. Most third-party sites will provide free access to basic warrant information. However, a comprehensive warrant report comes with a small fee. Generally, third-party vendors charge between $2.95 and $4.95 for a 7-day unlimited warrant search access. Monthly subscription costs between $19.95 and $24.95. Record seekers are advised to verify information from third-party sites with government sites to ensure authenticity and completeness.

How Long Do Warrants Last in Connecticut?

Generally, warrants (except search warrants) do not expire in Connecticut. Instead, they remain active until the person named on the warrant dies or appears in court. Per Connecticut Code Sec. 54-33c, a search warrant must be executed within 10 days. The warrant becomes void when the ten (10) days elapse. Law enforcement agencies and officers must return unexecuted search warrants to the issuing judge.