Shelby County Warrant Search

A Shelby County warrant search involves searching law enforcement or judicial sources for information on active or outstanding warrants issued in Shelby County. This search can be conducted for oneself or another party and is typically done through a court clerk, the sheriff’s office/police department, or a local or statewide official database. A warrant search is primarily intended to determine whether an individual is a wanted person.

The type of information typically returned from a warrant search includes, but is not limited to, the subject’s information (e.g., name, DOB, physical description), the warrant’s type, reason (probable cause), and the warrant details (e.g., date of issuance, warrant number, issuing judge’s name, and court).

Why Conduct a Warrant Search in Shelby County?

The common reasons for warrant searches in Shelby County are:

• To confirm if a warrant has been issued against a person, especially during criminal investigations or after certain incidents such as failure to appear in court, violation of probation or parole conditions, and failure to pay fines or child support (personal awareness).
• To assess a potential employee’s suitability (employment-related background checks).
• To assess a potential tenant’s reliability and ensure they’re not wanted (tenant screening)
• To ensure eligibility for licensing, employment, or visa applications (compliance checks)
• To avoid unexpected arrests during traffic stops or travel.

How to Perform a Shelby County Warrant Search Online

To search Shelby County warrants online, interested individuals should use the Shelby County Sheriff's Office Warrant Information System. The database is updated hourly and contains a list of individuals on active or outstanding warrants across the county. The system allows warrant searches by first and last name, street number, and street name.

Additionally, individuals can use the Shelby County Criminal Justice System Portalto check for warrants originating from the Shelby County Criminal Court online. The portal enables users to search and access case information records that may indicate outstanding warrants. An individual must register to use the portal. Search criteria include the defendant's name and case number.

Similarly, the Shelby County Circuit Court’s ‘Court Connect’ portal and the Shelby County General Sessions Court’s ‘Case Inquiry’ portal may be searched online to check for warrant-related information in case activity records. Searches on either portal require the case party's name or the case identification number.

As an alternative to official sources, individuals may use third-party sites that offer warrant lookup services to perform Shelby County warrant searches online. However, because these sites are not affiliated with any government agency, they may contain outdated information, and as such, should be used with caution.

How to Check for Outstanding Warrants in Shelby County by Phone or In Person

To check for outstanding warrants in Shelby County by phone or in person, contact these agencies/persons:

• The Shelby County Sheriff’s Office (Fugitive Bureau): Contact the SCSO Fugitive Bureau at 222-5627. Alternatively, visit the sheriff’s office in person to submit a request. In-person requests are handled Monday through Friday during business hours. The process typically begins with the caller or visitor providing the subject's name and any other necessary information, after which a search is conducted on the official database.

• General Sessions Court Clerk’s Office: Contact the Shelby County General Sessions Court via its clerk’s office by phone or in person to check for active or outstanding warrants.
• The Shelby County Criminal Court Clerk: Call the clerk’s office at (901) 222-3200 or visit in person (Monday through Friday, 8:00 am - 4:30 pm) to inquire about warrant information.

• Municipal Court: Call or visit a municipal court in the county to conduct warrant checks. For example, the Collierville Municipal Court at (901) 457-2580 or 101 Walnut Street, Collierville, TN 38017.

Shelby County Sheriff’s Office Warrant Search Process

The Shelby County Sheriff’s Office allows individuals to conduct warrant searches through its online or offline channels. Online searches are available via the Shelby County Sheriff's Office Warrant Information System. The process is simple: visit the search site, enter a subject’s first and last name, street number, and street name, complete the captcha, and then search. Individuals can also conduct online searches by sending the subject’s full name and address via email to the SCSO Fugitive Bureau.

On the other hand, offline warrant searches involve phone calls to the SCSO Fugitive Bureau at 222-5627 or visiting the sheriff’s office in person. Whether calling or visiting, the sheriff’s office handles offline inquiries almost the same way. The process involves the inquirer submitting a verbal or written request to confirm whether they or a third party has an outstanding warrant. They provide search details, such as full name and address, and if required, their means of identification. The SCSO searches its database using the provided information and informs the inquirer whether there’s an active warrant or not.

If a warrant is available, the details typically released to the inquirer include the name on the warrant, the type of warrant, the reason for its issuance, and the issue date.

Accessing Public Records Related to Warrants in Shelby County

Individuals may access the following public records related to warrants in Shelby County:

• Court Records: These records are maintained by the court where a case was filed or heard. For example, in Shelby County, individuals can use the Shelby County Criminal Justice System Portal to search Shelby County Criminal Court records or the ‘Court Connect’ and ‘Case Inquiry’ portals to search the circuit court and the general sessions court records, respectively. Alternatively, the clerks of these courts may be contacted in person or by phone to submit a record request.
• Arrest log/records: To obtain an arrest log or record, submit a public records request to the SCSO online through the “request form” or in person. Copy and search fees may apply.
• Jail/Inmate records: To search and look up information about an inmate in Shelby County, use the Shelby County Inmate Lookup. Information available may include booking details, photos, offenses/charges, and sentences.

Types of Warrants Issued in Shelby County

The common types of warrants issued in Shelby County are:

• Arrest warrant: An arrest warrant is a legal document that authorizes law enforcement to arrest and detain a specific individual for alleged criminal activity. Shelby County arrest warrants are issued under Tenn. Code Ann. § 40-6-205 and governed by Rule 4(e) of the Tennessee Rules of Criminal Procedure. An arrest warrant contains the name or description of the person to be arrested, the alleged offense, the date of issuance, and the arrest order/command.
• Bench warrant: A bench warrant is a court order by a judge directing law enforcement to arrest an individual for failing to comply with a court order or missing a court appearance. The warrant typically includes the name of the person, the reason for its issuance, the case number and court information, the date of issuance, and the signature of the judge or magistrate.
• Search and seizure warrant: A search warrant is a court order that authorizes law enforcement to search property and seize evidence of criminal activity. It is issued when a judicial officer (judge or magistrate) determines that there is probable cause, based on an affidavit from law enforcement, that a crime has been or is being committed and that evidence of the crime can be found at a specific place. In Shelby County, search warrants are governed by Rule 41 of the Tennessee Rules of Criminal Procedure.

How Long Warrants Remain Active in Shelby County

In Shelby County, the duration of a warrant’s validity varies, depending on its type. The following is the validity period for different warrant types in the county:

• Arrest warrant: A felony arrest warrant remains active indefinitely until executed or canceled by the issuing magistrate or clerk at the district attorney general's request (Rule 4(e)—Tennessee Rules of Criminal Procedure). However, a misdemeanor arrest warrant expires if not executed, returned, or quashed within five years from the date of its issuance (Tennessee Code Ann. 40-6-206).
• Bench warrant: Remains active indefinitely until the named individual is apprehended and brought to court or appears in court voluntarily, or the issuing judge or magistrate cancels or recalls them, or the case is dismissed.
• Search & seizure warrant: Valid for five days from the date of its issuance (Rule 41—Tennessee Rules of Criminal Procedure).

Regardless of a warrant’s type, law enforcement procedures can affect how long it stays active within its statutory time limit. Similarly, court actions can influence a warrant’s duration. For example, a warrant can be canceled, recalled, or quashed via a judicial order. In Shelby County, the warrant database maintained by the Shelby County Sheriff's Office is updated hourly for active or outstanding warrants.

What To Do if You Find an Outstanding Warrant in Shelby County

Individuals who find an outstanding warrant on their search should first ensure it is accurate. The reason is that a resolved warrant or one related to a legal matter that is no longer pending may show up during searches. The individual should also understand the type and reason for the warrant, such as due to failure to appear in court or an alleged criminal offense. The type of warrant typically determines how it's resolved. After that, take the necessary steps to resolve the warrant, such as surrendering to law enforcement, appearing in court, paying court-ordered fines/fees, or consulting a lawyer who will advise on the best course of action to address the warrant.