Search Washington County Warrant Records

Washington County warrant records are held by the Washington County Sheriff's Office and the Clerk of Courts in Chipley. This is a small, rural county in the Florida Panhandle with about 25,000 residents. It falls within the 14th Judicial Circuit. The sheriff enforces warrants and makes arrests. Court records with bench warrants and capias orders go through the clerk's office. Most warrant information in Washington County is open to the public under Florida's Sunshine Law.

Washington County Sheriff's Office Warrants

The Washington County Sheriff's Office is the main law enforcement agency in the county. Their office is at 1253 Jackson Avenue, Building 400, in Chipley. The phone number is (850) 638-6111. You can also reach them by email at sheriff@wcso.us. The sheriff is responsible for serving all warrants and making arrests across Washington County.

Washington County is one of the smaller counties in the Panhandle. The sheriff's office has a modest staff, but they enforce warrants with the same authority as any larger agency. Under Florida Statute 901.04, warrants issued in Washington County go out to all sheriffs statewide. A person wanted here can be picked up by any law enforcement officer in Florida.

The county is part of the 14th Judicial Circuit, which includes Bay, Calhoun, Gulf, Holmes, Jackson, and Washington counties. Deputies from these counties sometimes work together on warrant operations and fugitive cases. The FDLE provides support for cases that cross county or state lines. Washington County also sits near the Alabama border, so fugitives sometimes cross into the next state. Interstate warrants and extradition requests are handled through the sheriff's office.

Note: Washington County sits near the Alabama state line, so fugitives may cross into another state, which requires extradition proceedings to bring them back.

Washington County Clerk of Courts

The Washington County Clerk of Courts keeps all court case files in the county. Their office is at 1293 Jackson Avenue in Chipley. The phone number is (850) 638-6009. The clerk records all warrant activity in the court case dockets, including bench warrants and capias orders issued by judges.

Court records in Washington County cover criminal, civil, and family law cases. When a bench warrant is issued because someone missed a hearing, the clerk adds that to the case docket. You can view these records by visiting the Chipley courthouse. The clerk's office handles requests for copies and certified documents.

Copies have a per-page fee. Certified copies cost more than standard ones. Under Florida Statute 119.07, court records in Washington County are public unless a judge has sealed them. The clerk is required to provide access to any record that is not specifically exempt under state law. Online access may be limited for a county this size, so calling or visiting in person may be the best approach.

How to Search Warrants in Washington County

The main tool for checking active warrants in Washington County is the FDLE Public Access System. Go to the Wanted Persons search and type in a name. The system is free. No account is needed. It covers all 67 Florida counties, including Washington. Active warrants that have been entered into the statewide database show up in the results.

Calling the sheriff's office at (850) 638-6111 is another good option. In a small county like Washington, the staff often knows about outstanding warrants and can point you in the right direction. You can also email sheriff@wcso.us with general questions. The clerk of courts at (850) 638-6009 can help with questions about court case records that include bench warrants or capias entries.

Online case search tools may be limited in Washington County compared to larger Florida counties. If you cannot find what you need online, an in-person visit to the courthouse in Chipley is always available. The clerk must provide public record access under state law.

Types of Warrants in Washington County

Washington County processes all 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 someone fails to appear for court. Capias orders serve a similar purpose. Violation of probation warrants happen when a person breaks the terms of probation set by the court.

Search warrants have a time limit in Florida. Under Florida Statute 933.07, a search warrant must be executed within 14 days or it expires. Arrest warrants do not expire in Washington County. They stay active until the person is arrested or a judge recalls the warrant. A warrant from years ago is still valid and can lead to an arrest at any time. Traffic stops, background checks, and any other law enforcement contact can trigger the arrest.

Public Access to Washington County Warrants

Warrant records in Washington County are public under Florida's Sunshine Law. Florida Statute 119.07 lets anyone inspect and copy public records held by state and local agencies. You do not have to be the subject of the warrant. No reason is needed for your search. Both the sheriff's office and the clerk of courts must follow this law.

Some records are exempt from public access. Active criminal intelligence files can be withheld under Florida Statute 119.071. Search warrant affidavits remain sealed until the warrant is served or the investigation ends. Pocket warrants that have not yet been entered into any database will not appear in a search. If you suspect a warrant exists in Washington County but cannot find it, consider consulting a criminal defense lawyer who can check with the agency directly.

Note: Washington County is a small jurisdiction, so in-person records requests at the courthouse in Chipley can be handled relatively quickly.

What to Do About a Washington County Warrant

If you find out you have a warrant in Washington County, talk to an attorney before you do anything else. Do not go to the jail or the sheriff's office without legal guidance. Under Florida law, turning yourself in means going into custody before you can post bond. A defense lawyer can help you understand your options. A bail bondsman can assist with the bond process once you are booked.

Under Florida Statute 901.16, the arresting officer must inform you that a warrant has been issued and tell you why you are being arrested. The physical warrant does not need to be present during the arrest. If you ask to see it, the officer must show it as soon as they can. Under Florida Statute 901.07, an officer can force open a door or window to make an arrest on a warrant if entry is refused after the officer gives proper notice.

Warrants in Washington County do not go away on their own. They stay in the system until resolved. Even an old warrant can cause problems during a routine traffic stop, a job application, or any encounter with law enforcement in Florida or another state.

Nearby Counties

These counties border Washington County in the Florida Panhandle. If you need to check which county handles a warrant, look at where the offense happened. Warrants are filed in the county where the case was opened.