Nebraska Warrant Search

A warrant search grants requesters access to warrant details of offenders in Nebraska. People conduct warrant searches for various purposes. For example, individuals might want to conduct a warrant search to verify if they are not wanted for a crime. Employers can retrieve warrant information to vet job applications and minimize hiring liabilities. Crime victims might conduct a warrant search to know the status of an offender in a criminal case. Generally, warrant searches help to promote safety in Nebraska.

The Nebraska Government does not provide a central database for warrant inquiries. However, individuals can conduct warrant searches at City Police Departments and County Sheriff’s Offices. Alternatively, third-party databases are available to anyone who wants to retrieve warrant information nationwide.

What is a Warrant?

The Nebraska Supreme Court defines warrants as written orders directing the arrest of a party or a search of a specific location for items that will be used in court as evidence. Judges of District and County Courts issue warrants in Nebraska (Neb. Rev. Stat. §29-403). In some cases, Clerk Magistrates might be able to issue warrants. The most common warrants issued in the state are bench, arrest, search, and inspection (Neb. Rev. Stat. §29-830) warrants.

Are Warrants Public Records in Nebraska?

Yes. The Nebraska Public Records Law empowers and authorizes citizens of the state and all other interested persons to examine and copy warrant records maintained by any law enforcement agency. This permits online, phone, email, and in-person warrant requests during normal business hours. However, Nebraska law excludes juvenile and unexecuted search warrants from public disclosure. Also, the complaint, affidavit, or testimony upon which a warrant is based are deemed confidential.

How Do I Look Up Warrants in Nebraska?

Inquirers can search warrants on third-party sites available in Nebraska. The most appealing aspect of third-party databases is their ability to return results from various states across the county. This sets them apart from government websites, which only display warrant information from a single specified state.

The search criteria for finding warrant records on third-party sites are last and first names. The search will reveal basic warrant information for free on everyone bearing that name. However, a full warrant report on any individuals will attract a fee that can be paid by a 7-day free access or monthly subscription.

Note that warrant information available on third-party websites is for informational purposes only. Therefore, such information must be verified with government sources and should not be acted upon based only on the website listing.

What is a Search Warrant in Nebraska?

Per Neb. Rev. Stat. § 29-813*, *a search warrant is issued by a judge directing a law enforcement officer to search for and seize any property:

• Stolen, embezzled, or obtained under false pretenses violating state laws.
• Designed, intended for use, which is, or has been used as the means of committing a crime
• Designed, intended for use, which is, or has been possessed, controlled, designed, or used in violating state laws.
• Which constitutes evidence that a crime has been committed or that a specific person has committed a crime.

A search warrant is usually issued based on a written affidavit or oral or telephone statements. A copy of the warrant and a receipt for the property taken by the executing officers must be given to the person from whom or from whose premises the property was taken. The documents can be left at the place from which the property was taken if the property owner is absent. Upon executing the search warrant, the return must be filed with the issuing judge, accompanied by a written inventory of any property taken. Per Neb. Rev. Stat. §29-816, the issuing judge will attach a copy of the return and inventory to the search warrant and file them with the county clerk of the district court where the property was seized.

• Are Search Warrants Public Records in Nebraska

  Yes. Search warrants are public records in Nebraska. However, unexecuted search warrants and the complaint, affidavit, or testimony upon which the warrant is based are not public records until the warrant is executed (Neb. Rev. Stat. §29-817).

• How Long Does it Take to Get a Search Warrant in Nebraska?

  A judge can issue a search warrant in hours if a law enforcement officer has a strong probable cause and can quickly collect and present the necessary information before the court.

• How Long Does a Search Warrant Last

  Per Neb. Rev. Stat. § 29-815, a search warrant must be executed and returned within ten (10) days after its issuance date. Search warrants not executed before this deadline are deemed void.

What is a Bench Warrant in Nebraska?

This type of warrant is issued when a person fails to appear in court or pay a court-ordered fee. A bench warrant is executed when the defendant is arrested. A typical bench warrant in Nebraska contains the following information:

• The name of the county
• Names of the case parties
• Case number
• Date of the contempt order
• Issuance date
• Judge’s signature
• Address and description of the subject of the warrant

What is an Arrest Warrant in Nebraska?

An arrest warrant is a writ or order issued by a judge to a law enforcement officer, requiring them to arrest a person and bring that person before the court to answer to a specific charge. An arrest warrant is only issued after a complaint has been filed with the magistrate. There must be reasonable grounds to believe that the defendant in such a complaint is guilty of the crime alleged (Neb. Rev. Stat. §29-404).

How to Check if You Have a Warrant in Nebraska

Local and state law enforcement agencies provide several options for checking for a warrant in Nebraska, including in-person, email, and phone requests. Each agency has its own unique warrant search methods. For example, the City of Gretna Police Department provides warrant information by phone at (402) 593-4167 or (402) 593-4372. Conversely, individuals can check if they have warrants at the Douglas County Sheriff's Office Fugitive Warrants Division by phone at (402) 599-2634 or (402) 599-2633 and by email at daniel.conway@douglascounty-ne.gov. Phone requests should be between 8:00 am and 4:30 pm, Monday through Friday.

Alternatively, individuals can request their criminal history records from the Nebraska State Patrol. One’s criminal history record typically reflects all adult arrests in Nebraska, including warrant records. Requests can be made online, by mail, or in person. This service costs $15.50, payable by credit card, cashier's check, personal check, or money order (depending on the request method). Mail requesters must submit a Criminal History Record Request Form to the Criminal Identification Division (CID) office.

Can You Check Warrants Online in Nebraska?

Yes, individuals can check warrants online in Nebraska. Most law enforcement agencies have online portals or warrant lists designed for such purposes. For example, the City of Lincoln Police Department and Lancaster County Sheriff's Office have a Warrant Search tool where requesters can view a list of subjects of warrants using an alphabet index or search by name.

How To Find Out If You Have a Warrant for Free

There are several free options for finding warrant information in Nebraska. Specifically, below are some ways of retrieving warrants at no cost:

• Contact city police departments and county sheriff’s offices in person, by phone, or by email
• Contact the issuing court during business hours
• Review online search portals maintained by local law enforcement agencies

How to Find Out if Someone Has a Warrant Online For Free in Nebraska

Record seekers can find warrants online for free on most law enforcement agencies’ databases. Some agencies publish warrant information on their social media pages. For example, the Omaha Police Department (OPD) has a Criminal Warrant Search tool that can be browsed by alphabet or searched by last name. In contrast, the Sarpy County Sheriff’s Office publishes its Most Wanted lists on its social media page.

The major limitation of online warrant searches is that they are for informational purposes only. This means that the warrant information may not be valid. Therefore, requesters should confirm all warrants for validity before taking any actions.

How Long Does a Warrant Stay Active in Nebraska?

All warrants issued by a Nebraska judge remain active until they are executed by a law enforcement officer or recalled by the court. This excludes search warrants that are only valid for 10 days.

How Do I Find Out If I Have a Federal Warrant?

There are several federal warrant search options available to authorized and nonauthorized individuals. However, the most common option is online since most federal law enforcement agencies provide access to warrant information on their databases. For example, the U.S. Marshals Service (USMS) provides authorized users access to federal warrants through its Warrant Information System (WIN). Unauthorized users can get similar service through the Fugitive List on the USMS website. Alternatively, members of the public can find out if they have a federal warrant by checking the Most Wanted List provided by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).