Cook County Warrant Search

Individuals can perform a Cook County warrant search to clear or confirm suspicions that a judge issued an order for their arrest or check if they have any unresolved legal obligations.

The warrant search process typically utilizes resources provided by Cook County judicial districts and law enforcement authorities to find outstanding warrants, which can help determine how to resolve legal issues and avoid jail time. Apart from the subject of a warrant, police officers, bondspersons, attorneys, and Cook County residents can also perform warrant searches when conducting background investigations.

Usually, the type of warrant a person wants to find determines the search process and whether the request will be granted. Some warrants are confidential records, while others cannot be viewed until certain conditions are met. However, if the warrant leads to an arrest, sufficient information about the incident will be available to the public in the Cook County arrest records.

Are Warrants Public Records?

Yes. The Illinois Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) establishes Cook County warrants as public information. The law presumes that members of the public can access records created by public bodies, including law enforcement, unless the requested documents are explicitly protected from public disclosure. Since warrants are part of Cook County court records, they are also available to the public, but under other Illinois laws (Illinois's FOIA does not apply to the courts).

Warrant information that may be excluded from public access includes:

• Warrants tied to ongoing police investigations, the disclosure of which can potentially derail police work
• The identity of confidential informants
• Warrants released by grand juries
• Sealed warrants

Types of Warrants in Cook County

In Cook County, the typical warrants a court may issue include arrest, bench, and search warrants.

A search warrant authorizes law enforcement to search and seize properties tied to criminal activity. In contrast, bench and arrest warrants order the arrest of individuals accused of breaking the law or found in contempt of court.

Do I Have a Warrant in Cook County?

Interested members of the public may find out a person's warrant status (whether they have an active warrant) or determine the reason for a warrant's issuance via any of the following means:

• Contact a law enforcement agency like the Sheriff's Office or a municipal police department.
• Visit the issuing courthouse.
• Contact the Clerk of the Circuit Court of Cook County.

Active Warrant Search in Cook

Active warrants are outstanding orders issued to search properties or arrest individuals. These legal writs differ from executed warrants appearing in court documents or as part of an arrested individual's criminal background history.

In most cases, one can use court and law enforcement resources to confirm that an arrest warrant has been issued for them or someone else.

However, obtaining unexecuted search warrants may be trickier, as they are typically not released for public viewing until after execution.

Arrest Warrant Search

Cook County's judiciary allows members of the public to contact court offices or visit courthouses to inquire about active arrest warrants. One can use the following contact details for their inquiries, depending on their location:

District 1 - First Municipal
50 West Randolph
Suite 1006
Chicago, IL 60602
Phone: (312) 325-9517
Email: criminalmisdemeanorservices@cookcountycourt.com

District 2
Skokie 5600 Old Orchard Road
Skokie, IL 60077
Phone: (847) 470-7250
Email: Skokiedist2crimservices@cookcountycourt.com

District 3
2121 Euclid Avenue
Rolling Meadows, IL 60008
Phone: (847) 818-2436
Email: rollmeaddist3crimsvc@cookcountycourt.com

District 4
1500 Maybrook Drive
Maywood, IL 60153
Phone: (708) 865-6040
Email: Maywooddist4crimservices@cookcountycourt.com

District 5
10220 South 76th Avenue
Bridgeview, IL 60455
Phone: (708) 974-6501
Email: Bridgeviewdist5crimservices@cookcountycourt.com

District 6
16501 South Kedzie
Markham, IL 60428
Phone: (708) 232-4551
Email: Markhamdist6crimservices@cookcountycourt.com

Besides calling or sending emails, individuals can use public access terminals at courthouses to check if they have outstanding arrest warrants. The process involves logging into the case management portal and entering the defendant's name or case number. Such computers reveal the following information:

• Case status (active or disposed)
• Case hearing dates
• Warrant status (issued, outstanding, or quashed)
• Other related case details like alleged offense, bail information, and case events

Besides the courts, an individual can approach law enforcement agencies, especially the Sheriff's Office, to ask about active arrest warrants. The Court Services Department of the Sheriff's Office executes warrants across the county. As such, individuals can contact it for such details.

Bench Warrant Lookup

Bench warrants are legal documents authorizing law enforcement to arrest individuals who do not honor legal responsibilities like appearing in court, paying fines, or fulfilling other pretrial release obligations. Judges usually issue these orders without the need to review complaints. However, bench warrants have the same components as arrest warrants issued after judicial officers review complaints.

At the same time, individuals can use the same methods explained above to check for active bench warrants.

Free Warrant Search

Obtaining warrant information is free if the record seeker uses digital access terminals in courthouses, contacts the clerk's office, or approaches court offices across the county.

Can You Check Warrants Online?

Yes. Anyone can use websites operated by independent third-party sites to find and view outstanding and executed warrants issued in Cook County. However, these sites often allow users to expand the scope of their search beyond the county, as information is pooled from various law enforcement agencies and courts.

It is worth noting that third-party public records websites are not representatives of courts and police authorities. As such, they cannot independently guarantee the accuracy of the data they provide. Intending users are also advised that using such services may not be free.

Do Warrants Expire?

Yes, search warrants generally expire after 96 hours from when they are issued per 725 ILCS 5/108–6. If peace officers do not execute the warrant within that period, it will be considered void, marked "not executed," and returned to the issuing court.

However, arrest warrants are permanent and remain valid indefinitely. These warrants are only considered resolved when any of the following happens:

• Police officers apprehend suspects and present them before the courts
• Judges squash the warrants
• Suspects meet the requirements for pretrial release indicated in the warrant
• Suspects surrender to law enforcement
• Suspects successfully file motions to quash warrants

How to Clear a Warrant Without Going to Jail

Individuals whose non-violent misdemeanor warrants were issued over long periods may qualify for the county's Safety and Justice Challenge (SJC) initiative, which helps squash certain old arrest warrants for non-violent misdemeanors. Inquirers may check if their cases qualify by sending an email to warrants@cookcountycourt.com. The email must contain the defendant's name, date of birth, and approximate year the case was filed. Inquirers can also provide their 11-digit case number.

Other options for clearing arrest warrants include surrendering to law enforcement and posting bond, fulfilling the pretrial release obligations listed on the warrant, or hiring an attorney to submit motions asking the court to quash the warrant.