Access Union County Warrant Records

Union County warrant records are managed by the Union County Sheriff's Office and the Clerk of Courts in Lake Butler. This is one of the smallest counties in Florida with about 16,000 residents. It falls within the 8th Judicial Circuit. The sheriff enforces warrants and makes arrests across the county. The clerk keeps the court records that document bench warrants and capias orders. Most warrant records here are public under Florida's Sunshine Law.

Union County Sheriff's Office Warrants

The Union County Sheriff's Office is the primary law enforcement agency in the county. Their office is at 55 W. Main Street in Lake Butler. The phone number is (386) 496-2501. The sheriff handles all warrant service and arrest operations across Union County.

Union County is a small, rural county. The sheriff's office has a limited number of deputies, but they still enforce warrants with the same authority as any other Florida sheriff. Under Florida Statute 901.04, warrants issued in Union County are directed to all sheriffs statewide. Someone wanted in Union County can be picked up by any law enforcement officer in Florida.

The sheriff's office shares the 8th Judicial Circuit with Alachua, Baker, Bradford, Gilchrist, Levy, and other nearby counties. Because Union County is small, deputies sometimes coordinate with neighboring agencies on warrant operations. The FDLE also provides support for fugitive cases that cross county lines. Even in a small county like Union, warrant enforcement follows the same state laws that apply to larger jurisdictions.

Union County Clerk of Courts

The Union County Clerk of Courts keeps all court case files. The office is at 55 W. Main Street in Lake Butler. Call (386) 496-3711 for records questions. The clerk records all warrant activity in the case dockets, including bench warrants and capias orders issued by the court.

Court records in Union County cover criminal, civil, and family law cases. If a judge issues a bench warrant because someone failed to appear, that entry goes into the case docket maintained by the clerk. You can request access to these records in person at the Lake Butler courthouse. The clerk handles copies and certified documents for a per-page fee.

Under Florida Statute 119.07, court records in Union County are public unless sealed by a judge or exempt under state law. Smaller counties may have more limited online access to records, so visiting in person or calling may be the most effective approach for Union County.

Note: Union County shares the 8th Judicial Circuit with Alachua County, where the University of Florida is located, so some court resources serve both counties.

Searching Warrants in Union County

To check for active warrants in Union County, use the FDLE Public Access System. The Wanted Persons search covers all 67 Florida counties, including Union. It is free and does not need an account. Just type in the name and see what comes up.

Calling the sheriff's office at (386) 496-2501 is often a practical choice in a county this size. The staff may be able to tell you if a warrant exists without much delay. You can also call the clerk of courts at (386) 496-3711 to ask about bench warrants or capias orders in specific court cases.

Online court record access in Union County may be limited compared to larger counties. If you cannot find what you need online, an in-person visit to the courthouse in Lake Butler is always an option. The clerk is required to provide public records access under Florida law.

Warrant Types in Union County

Union County processes the standard types of Florida warrants. Arrest warrants are issued by a judge after finding probable cause under Florida Statute 901.02. Bench warrants come from a judge when a person fails to show up for court. Capias orders serve a similar function. Violation of probation warrants are issued when someone breaks the terms set by the court.

Search warrants have a deadline. Under Florida Statute 933.07, they must be carried out within 14 days. If that time passes, the search warrant expires. Arrest warrants in Union County have no expiration date. They stay active until the person is arrested or a judge recalls the warrant. A warrant from years ago can still lead to an arrest if the person has any contact with law enforcement.

Public Access to Union County Warrants

Warrant records in Union County are public under the Sunshine Law. Florida Statute 119.07 allows anyone to inspect and copy public records held by state and local agencies. You do not need to be the person named on the warrant. No reason is needed for your request. Both the sheriff and the clerk must follow this law.

Certain records are exempt. Active criminal investigation files can be withheld. Search warrant affidavits stay sealed until the warrant is executed. Some warrants may not be in any database if the issuing agency has not entered them yet. If you think a warrant exists but cannot find it in the FDLE system or through the clerk, a criminal defense attorney can check with the agency on your behalf.

Under Florida Statute 901.07, officers can force entry to serve an arrest warrant if they give notice and are refused entry. This applies in Union County just like everywhere else in Florida.

What to Do About a Union County Warrant

If you find out you have a warrant in Union County, talk to a lawyer first. Do not go to the sheriff's office or jail without legal advice. Under Florida law, turning yourself in on a warrant means you will be taken into custody before you can post bond. An attorney can advise you on how to handle it. A bail bondsman can help with the bond process once you are booked in.

Under Florida Statute 901.16, the arresting officer must tell you about the warrant and the reason for your arrest. The officer does not have to have the physical warrant at the time. If you ask to see it, the officer has to show it to you as soon as possible. Warrants in Union County do not expire on their own. They stay in the system until resolved by the court.

Note: Even in a small county like Union, outstanding warrants can show up during routine traffic stops or employment background checks.

Nearby Counties

These counties border Union County. To find out which county handles a warrant, check where the offense happened. Warrants are filed in the county where the case was opened.