Franklin County has around 100,000 outstanding arrest warrants at any given time. You may even be asking yourself, “are any warrants out for my arrest?”
How to Find Out if You Have a Warrant in Franklin County?
An arrest warrant may have been issued against you because you are suspected of a crime, violated a court order, or disobeyed your probation conditions. Fortunately, finding out if you have an outstanding arrest warrant in Franklin County is relatively straightforward.
Search the Franklin County Municipal Court Database
The easiest way to find out if you have a warrant in Franklin County is to search the county’s municipal court website records. Simply enter your name, case number, or ticket number into the search engine.
You can filter search results by name, year of the case, and the status of the warrant. If you find that you have a warrant, the court website will detail the charges of the warrant and when it was issued.
Search the Columbus City Attorney’s Website
The Franklin County Municipal Court’s database stores the most up-to-date warrant records, but another resource is the website of the Columbus City Attorney. The website lists outstanding Franklin County warrants for common crimes such as OVI, theft, and hit-and-run.
Contact the Franklin County Sheriff’s Department
Another option for finding out if you have a warrant is to contact the Records Department of the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office. The Records Department is responsible for maintaining arrest warrants and can tell you if you have a warrant. Their contact information is as follows:
370 South Front Street, 2nd Floor
Columbus, OH 43215
Phone: (614)-525-3365
Why Are Arrest Warrants Issued?
Most people think that a warrant only gets issued if you committed a serious crime, but the reality is more complicated. An arrest warrant may have been issued against you because you are suspected of a crime, you have violated a court order, or you have disobeyed the conditions of your probation.
A court could have many different reasons for seeking your arrest, some of which you may not even be aware of. An arrest warrant could be issued due to:
Suspicion of Criminal Activity
Everyone knows that the police can arrest you if you are charged with a felony or misdemeanor. But a court can also issue an arrest warrant for minor offenses, such as traffic infractions that you have not paid.
Warrants must be supported by probable cause, which means evidence that shows a reasonable likelihood that you committed the offense. This evidence could be the testimony of the police or a sworn affidavit from any person with knowledge of your actions.
Court Order Violations
One of the most common reasons people find themselves subjected to an arrest warrant is for a failure to pay court-ordered child support, fines, or other court costs. If someone has taken out a restraining order against you and they report you for violating it, a court could put out an order for your arrest.
Probation Violations
When you are sentenced to probation, your freedom is usually conditioned on several requirements, such as performing community service, quitting drugs/attending substance abuse classes, and avoiding the company of criminals. If there is evidence that you have violated one of these terms, a court may order the police to arrest you.
What to Do If You Have a Warrant Against You in Franklin County
If you’ve found out there’s a warrant in your name—whether from a DUI/OVI charge, missed court date, or probation violation—it’s critical to act quickly. Ignoring it won’t make it go away, and law enforcement can arrest you at any time.
Arrest warrants issued in Franklin County can show up on background checks, impact job opportunities, housing, and even lead to surprise arrests during routine traffic stops. And if you’ve moved out of Ohio, the warrant may still follow you across state lines.
How to Clear Old DUI Warrants in Columbus, Ohio
Your best move is to contact a criminal defense attorney immediately. With legal counsel, you may be able to:
- Avoid a public arrest by turning yourself in through your lawyer
- Negotiate a reduced or eliminated bond
- Have the warrant recalled or withdrawn entirely
- Resolve the underlying issue, whether it’s unpaid fines, missed court appearances, or unresolved charges
- Dealing with an Old OVI Warrant in Franklin County
Many old warrants in Franklin County stem from Operating a Vehicle Impaired (OVI) charges. These warrants often arise from missed hearings, court rescheduling, or outdated address records, not necessarily willful evasion.
Luftman, Heck & Associates has helped numerous clients clear old OVI warrants in Columbus and Franklin County. By working with an experienced attorney, you may be able to:
- Address the OVI charge through a favorable plea or case dismissal
- Reinstate your driving privileges
- Prevent jail time or further penalties
Outstanding OVI and DUI warrants also appear in national databases, making it harder to pass background checks or travel freely. The longer the warrant is unresolved, the greater the risk—and the harder it may be to negotiate favorable terms.
Contact our Warrant Defense Attorneys for Help
Having a warrant doesn’t mean you are guilty – it just means that you need to go to court and face the charges. You still benefit from all the rights afforded to the accused and will have the chance to defend yourself.
You cannot outrun an outstanding warrant, and criminal matters are often won or lost in the initial stages of the justice process. So, the sooner you respond to a warrant, the sooner a lawyer can begin acting in your defense.
If you or a loved one has an outstanding warrant in Franklin County, call Luftman, Heck & Associates today at (614) 304-3403, or reach out online to schedule a free consultation.
Call Now (614) 500-3836