7 Critical Steps For A St. Johns County Warrant Search: The Ultimate 2024 Guide

Navigating the complex landscape of public records, especially when dealing with active warrants, requires accurate and up-to-date information. As of December 17, 2025, the primary and most reliable source for conducting a St. Johns County warrant search in Florida remains the St. Johns County Sheriff's Office (SJSO). Finding this information is crucial, not only for personal peace of mind but also for background checks and legal compliance. Ignoring a potential warrant—whether it’s a misdemeanor or a felony charge—can lead to serious legal complications, including arrest at the most inconvenient time.

This comprehensive guide cuts through the confusion, providing you with the exact, official steps to perform a warrant lookup in the St. Augustine area and St. Johns County, FL. We detail the official online tools, the specific departments to contact, and the critical legal actions you must take if an outstanding warrant is discovered.

The Official St. Johns County Warrant Search: Where to Look First

For the most current and authoritative information on active arrest warrants, individuals must consult the St. Johns County Sheriff's Office (SJSO). Unlike some other county government agencies, the SJSO maintains a dedicated public-facing system for this specific type of record. It is important to note that the St. Johns County Clerk of the Circuit Court and Comptroller generally does not publish active warrant lists on their public website, making the Sheriff’s resources the essential first step.

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Step 1: Utilize the SJSO's Official Online Warrant Search Tool

The fastest and most discreet way to check for a warrant is through the official online portal provided by the Sheriff's Office. This tool is designed to allow citizens to search for "Wants/Warrants" reported to the agency.

• The System: The SJSO often utilizes a system known as "WANT View," which is typically powered by a government software solution like SmartCOP.
• How to Search: You will typically need to enter basic identifying information, such as the last name, first name, and potentially a middle name. The system will then search its database for any active warrants matching that criteria.
• Disclaimer: Always read the disclaimer on the official website. The SJSO will state that the information provided is for informational purposes only and may not reflect all outstanding warrants, as some may be sealed or have not yet been entered into the public system.

Step 2: Check the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) Database

In addition to the local SJSO search, it is highly recommended to check the statewide database maintained by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE). The FDLE's Wanted Persons - Public Access System (PAS) is a centralized resource that contains Florida warrant information reported by law enforcement agencies across the state, including St. Johns County. This serves as an excellent secondary verification source.

Step 3: Contact the SJSO Records Division Directly

If you cannot find the information online, or if you need to verify the details of an existing warrant, a direct call to the Sheriff's Office is the next course of action. This is the most direct way to speak with a records custodian about public records.

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• SJSO Records Division Phone: (904) 810-6610
• SJSO Non-Emergency Line: (904) 824-8304
• Email Contact: You can also submit a formal records request via email to the Records office at sjsorecords@sjso.org.

Understanding the Types of Warrants in St. Johns County

When you perform a warrant search, you are primarily looking for an active arrest warrant. However, warrants in the Florida legal system can fall into a few different categories, each with distinct origins and implications:

• Arrest Warrants: These are issued by a judge when law enforcement presents sufficient evidence (probable cause) that a person has committed a crime, which can be a misdemeanor or a felony.
• Bench Warrants: These are issued directly by a judge when an individual fails to appear for a scheduled court date (FTA), fails to pay a fine, or violates a court order. These are common in cases involving criminal traffic offenses or minor court appearances.
• Search Warrants: These are not part of the public warrant search. They grant law enforcement permission to search a specific location or seize evidence related to a crime.

An active warrant means that law enforcement is legally authorized to arrest the person named at any time or place. This can happen during a routine traffic stop, a background check for a job, or even at home.

4 Critical Steps to Take if You Find an Active Warrant

Discovering an outstanding warrant in St. Johns County can be alarming, but it is not a situation to ignore. Legal experts strongly advise against delaying action. The following steps are critical to managing the situation responsibly and minimizing potential legal fallout.

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1. Do Not Ignore the Warrant

The single worst action you can take is to ignore the existence of an active warrant. Warrants do not expire; they remain active until the person is arrested or the warrant is recalled by the court. Ignoring it only increases the likelihood of an unexpected and embarrassing arrest.

2. Immediately Contact a Criminal Defense Attorney

Before contacting the Sheriff's Office or turning yourself in, your first call should be to a qualified criminal defense attorney who is experienced in handling cases in the Seventh Judicial Circuit Court of Florida (which includes St. Johns County). An attorney can perform a pre-arrest representation check, review the underlying charges, and advise you on the best course of action.

3. Discuss a Voluntary Surrender

Your attorney can often arrange a voluntary surrender to the St. Johns County Jail. This allows the process to be handled with more control and dignity than an unexpected street arrest. In some cases, the attorney may be able to argue for a lower bond or even a release on personal recognizance during the initial appearance, depending on the severity of the charges.

4. Consider Bail and Bonding Options

If the warrant has a set bond amount, you may need to utilize a bail bondsman to secure your release from the St. Johns County Jail after processing. Your attorney will guide you on whether this is the best option or if a motion to recall the warrant is possible before surrender.

Additional Resources for St. Johns County Public Records

While the SJSO handles active warrants, other county resources are available for related criminal and court records:

• St. Johns County Clerk of the Circuit Court and Comptroller: This office manages the official Court Records for criminal cases, including felony, misdemeanor, and criminal traffic cases. You can search these records online or use public viewing terminals at the courthouse.
• Daily Booking List: The SJSO website also provides a Daily Booking List which is updated for a 24-hour period, showing individuals who have recently been processed into the St. Johns County Jail.
• St. Johns County Administration: For general public records requests outside of court or law enforcement matters, you can contact the County Administration building.

Performing a thorough St. Johns County warrant search is an act of legal responsibility. By utilizing the official SJSO online tools, checking the FDLE database, and immediately engaging a criminal defense lawyer if a warrant is found, you can proactively manage your legal standing in the state of Florida.