A practical guide from experienced criminal defence solicitors on how to check whether an arrest warrant exists against you, your legal options, and the steps you should take to protect your rights.
If you think there may be an arrest warrant in your name, do not ignore the situation. In England and Wales, the police generally will not confirm warrant information over the telephone or by email. The most reliable options are to attend a police station with identification or instruct a criminal defence solicitor to make enquiries on your behalf.
Many people become concerned that there may be an arrest warrant outstanding against them after missing a court hearing, failing to answer police bail, moving address, or hearing that the police are looking for them.
One of the most common questions we are asked as criminal defence solicitors is: "How do I know if I have an active arrest warrant?"
Unfortunately, there is no public website where you can simply enter your name and check. Arrest warrants are not generally available for public inspection, and police forces are careful about disclosing information that could allow individuals to avoid arrest.
If you suspect a warrant may exist, it is important to deal with the issue promptly rather than waiting for police officers to attend your home or workplace. In our experience, taking proactive steps almost always leads to a better outcome.
No. The UK does not operate a public online arrest warrant database. Members of the public cannot search police systems or court records to check whether a warrant has been issued against them.
Unlike some other countries, arrest warrant information is generally restricted to law enforcement agencies and the courts. This means that if you suspect a warrant exists, you will need to make enquiries through official channels.
The quickest and safest option is usually to instruct a criminal defence solicitor. A solicitor can often contact the relevant police force or court to establish whether a warrant exists and advise you on the best course of action.
A solicitor may be able to:
In many cases, seeking legal advice before contacting the police directly is the most sensible approach. Our police station representation team is available 24/7 to assist with urgent warrant enquiries.
Yes. You can attend your local police station and ask whether there is an active warrant in your name. You will normally need to provide proof of identity before officers can discuss your circumstances.
Acceptable identification may include:
If an active warrant exists, the police are generally required to execute it. This means you may be arrested immediately. For that reason, many people choose to seek legal advice before attending a police station.
Arrest warrants are often issued when a person fails to attend court, breaches bail conditions, or is wanted in connection with a criminal investigation.
Common reasons include:
| Reason | Possible Outcome |
|---|---|
| Failing to attend court | Bench warrant issued |
| Failing to answer police bail | Arrest warrant may follow |
| Serious criminal investigation | Warrant sought by police |
| Breach of court order | Enforcement action |
| Failure to comply with sentencing requirements | Arrest authorised |
The exact circumstances will determine what type of warrant has been issued and how it should be dealt with.
A bench warrant is a warrant issued by a court, usually after someone fails to attend a scheduled hearing. It authorises the police to arrest the individual and bring them before the court.
Bench warrants are commonly issued when:
Bench warrants are one of the most common reasons people discover there is an active warrant against them. If you have missed a hearing at the magistrates' court or Crown Court, a bench warrant may well have been issued.
Yes. A criminal defence solicitor can often make enquiries with the police or relevant court to establish whether a warrant exists and what steps should be taken next.
Benefits of using a solicitor include:
In our experience, dealing with a warrant proactively through a solicitor often leads to a smoother outcome than waiting for police action. If you are entitled to legal aid, representation at the police station is free of charge regardless of your financial circumstances.
Sometimes. If you know which court is dealing with your case, you may be able to contact that court directly or use any available case enquiry systems to obtain limited information.
This may be useful where:
However, court staff may not always provide detailed information over the telephone. You can find contact details for your court through the HM Courts & Tribunals Service.
Possibly, but not quickly enough for urgent situations. A Subject Access Request (SAR) can be submitted to obtain personal information held on police systems, but it is not designed as a real time warrant checking service.
You can submit a request through:
This option is generally unsuitable if you believe immediate enforcement action may occur.
If you learn that a warrant exists, you should seek legal advice immediately. Delaying action often increases the risk of arrest at an inconvenient time or location.
A solicitor can help:
Voluntary surrender is often viewed more favourably by the courts than being arrested unexpectedly, and it can significantly improve the prospects of being granted bail.
If you suspect there is a warrant:
Do not ignore the issue.
Warrants do not expire or go away on their own. Ignoring a warrant often makes the situation worse.
Do not move address to avoid contact.
This can be viewed unfavourably and may result in further complications.
Do not provide false information.
Providing false details to the police is a criminal offence under the Police and Criminal Evidence Act 1984 (PACE).
Do not attempt to evade police.
Evading arrest may lead to additional charges and can prejudice any future bail application.
Do not attend court or a police station without legal advice where possible.
Having a solicitor present can make a significant difference to the outcome.
Taking early professional advice is usually the best way to resolve matters efficiently. Our criminal defence team can provide urgent guidance on how to deal with an arrest warrant.
GOV.UK: Being Arrested, Your Rights
Official government guidance on your rights if you are arrested or detained by the police.
The Law Society
The independent professional body for solicitors in England and Wales. Find regulated solicitors and legal guidance.
GOV.UK: Find a Court or Tribunal
Locate contact details for courts and tribunals across England and Wales.
There is no public online service that allows you to check whether an arrest warrant exists in your name in England and Wales. If you are concerned, the safest options are to attend a police station with identification or instruct a criminal defence solicitor to investigate on your behalf.
Seeking legal advice before taking action can help you understand your position, protect your rights, and avoid unnecessary complications. In many cases, a solicitor can arrange a voluntary surrender and assist with bail applications, making the process far less stressful.
At Woolfe & Co Solicitors, we have helped numerous clients navigate the warrant process. Whether the warrant relates to a missed hearing at the magistrates' court, a Crown Court matter, or a police investigation, we can advise on the best course of action.
The most important step is the first one: get in touch and let us help you understand where you stand.
If you think there may be an arrest warrant outstanding against you, contact our criminal defence solicitors immediately. We can make urgent enquiries, advise you on your options, liaise with the police or courts, and help protect your rights every step of the way.
Available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for urgent police station representation