Guadalupe County Warrant Search
What Is a Search Warrant In Guadalupe County?
A search warrant in Guadalupe County is a legal document issued by a judge or magistrate that authorizes law enforcement officers to search a specifically designated location and seize particular items or evidence described in the warrant. Search warrants are fundamental legal instruments that balance the government's need to investigate crimes against citizens' constitutional rights to privacy and protection from unreasonable searches.
In Texas, search warrants are governed by the Texas Code of Criminal Procedure § 18.01, which defines a search warrant as "a written order, issued by a magistrate and directed to a peace officer, commanding him to search for any property or thing and to seize the same and bring it before such magistrate."
Search warrants in Guadalupe County must be based on probable cause, which means there must be sufficient facts and circumstances that would lead a reasonable person to believe that:
- Evidence of a crime will be found in the location to be searched
- The items to be seized are connected to criminal activity
- The items are located at the place to be searched
Search warrants differ from other types of warrants in several important ways:
- An arrest warrant authorizes law enforcement to take a specific person into custody
- A bench warrant is issued by a judge when someone fails to appear for a court date or violates court orders
- A capias warrant is issued for failure to appear in court after being summoned
All search warrants in Guadalupe County must meet the requirements of the Fourth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution, which protects against unreasonable searches and seizures.
Are Warrants Public Records In Guadalupe County?
The public record status of warrants in Guadalupe County follows a nuanced framework governed by Texas law. Under the Texas Public Information Act § 552.001, government records are presumed to be open to public inspection unless specifically exempted by law. However, the accessibility of warrant information depends on several factors including the warrant type, status, and stage of the investigation.
Active warrants in Guadalupe County are generally not considered public records while they remain unexecuted. This restriction serves several law enforcement purposes:
- Prevents individuals from being tipped off about pending arrests
- Protects officer safety during warrant execution
- Preserves the integrity of ongoing investigations
Once a warrant has been executed, the status typically changes. Executed search warrants, including the supporting affidavits, generally become public records after the warrant has been served and returned to the court, unless:
- The court has ordered the warrant sealed pursuant to Texas Code of Criminal Procedure § 18.011
- The records relate to an ongoing investigation where disclosure would interfere with law enforcement proceedings
- The records contain information protected by privacy laws
Arrest warrant information may become accessible through court records once the warrant has been executed and the individual has been processed through the judicial system. The Guadalupe County District Clerk maintains records of court proceedings that may contain information about executed warrants.
How to Find Out if I Have a Warrant In Guadalupe County?
Individuals seeking to determine if they have an active warrant in Guadalupe County have several official channels available. The most direct method is contacting the Guadalupe County Sheriff's Office, which maintains warrant information for the county.
Guadalupe County Sheriff's Office
2617 N Guadalupe St
Seguin, TX 78155
(830) 379-1224
Guadalupe County Sheriff's Office
Methods for checking warrant status include:
- In-person inquiry: Visit the Sheriff's Office during regular business hours (Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM) and provide proper identification
- Telephone inquiry: Call the Sheriff's Office warrant division directly
- Online search: The Guadalupe County Judicial Records Search provides limited information about court cases that may indicate warrant status
For municipal warrants within Guadalupe County, contact the specific city police department:
Seguin Police Department
350 N Guadalupe St
Seguin, TX 78155
(830) 379-2123
Seguin Police Department
Schertz Police Department
1400 Schertz Parkway
Schertz, TX 78154
(210) 619-1200
Schertz Police Department
When inquiring about possible warrants, individuals should be prepared to provide:
- Full legal name
- Date of birth
- Driver's license number or other government-issued identification
- Social Security Number (optional but helpful for accurate identification)
How To Check for Warrants in Guadalupe County for Free in 2026
Residents of Guadalupe County have several no-cost options to verify warrant status. The most reliable method is utilizing the county's official resources, which provide current and accurate information.
The Guadalupe County Judicial Records Search portal offers free public access to court records:
- Visit the Guadalupe County Judicial Records Search
- Select "Case Records" from the main menu
- Enter your name in the search fields (last name, first name)
- Review any cases listed for warrant information
For direct verification, contact the Guadalupe County Sheriff's Office warrant division:
- Call (830) 379-1224 during business hours
- Provide your full legal name and date of birth
- Request information about any active warrants
The Guadalupe County Justice of the Peace courts can also provide information about warrants issued by their courts:
Guadalupe County Justice of the Peace, Precinct 1
211 W Court St, Suite 105
Seguin, TX 78155
(830) 303-4188
Justice of the Peace, Precinct 1
Guadalupe County Justice of the Peace, Precinct 2
1101 Elbel Rd
Schertz, TX 78154
(830) 303-6622
Justice of the Peace, Precinct 2
Guadalupe County Justice of the Peace, Precinct 3
1101 Elbel Rd
Schertz, TX 78154
(830) 303-6622
Justice of the Peace, Precinct 3
Guadalupe County Justice of the Peace, Precinct 4
160 N Austin St
Seguin, TX 78155
(830) 379-8732
Justice of the Peace, Precinct 4
When using these free resources, be aware that:
- Some warrant information may not be immediately available online
- In-person or telephone verification provides the most current information
- Court records may show case status but not explicitly state if a warrant is active
What Types of Warrants In Guadalupe County
Guadalupe County courts issue several distinct types of warrants, each serving a specific legal purpose within the criminal justice system. Understanding these differences is important for individuals navigating the legal system.
Arrest warrants are issued when there is probable cause to believe an individual has committed a crime. These warrants:
- Authorize law enforcement to take a person into custody
- Are typically issued after a criminal complaint or indictment
- Remain active until executed or recalled by the court
Search warrants, as defined in Texas Code of Criminal Procedure § 18.02, authorize the search of specific locations and seizure of particular items. These warrants:
- Must describe with particularity the place to be searched and items to be seized
- Require sworn affidavits establishing probable cause
- Must be executed within three days of issuance unless otherwise specified
Bench warrants are issued directly by a judge when an individual fails to comply with court orders. Common reasons include:
- Failure to appear for scheduled court hearings
- Violation of probation or parole conditions
- Contempt of court
- Failure to pay court-ordered fines or fees
Capias warrants are similar to bench warrants but specifically relate to failure to appear after being summoned to court. These are commonly issued in misdemeanor cases.
Municipal warrants are issued by city courts within Guadalupe County for violations of municipal ordinances and certain misdemeanors, including:
- Traffic violations
- Public intoxication
- Minor in possession
- City code violations
Child support warrants may be issued when an individual fails to comply with court-ordered child support payments.
What Warrants in Guadalupe County Contain
Warrants issued in Guadalupe County contain specific information as required by Texas Code of Criminal Procedure § 18.04 and established legal standards. This information ensures proper identification and legal execution.
A standard search warrant in Guadalupe County includes:
- The name of the issuing court and judge
- Date and time of issuance
- Specific description of the property or premises to be searched
- Detailed list of items to be seized
- Statement of probable cause
- Name of the affiant (officer requesting the warrant)
- Time limit for execution (typically three days from issuance)
- Instructions for return of the warrant after execution
Arrest warrants contain:
- Full legal name of the person to be arrested (if known)
- Physical description including height, weight, race, gender, and identifying marks
- Last known address
- Criminal charges and statutory citations
- Case or cause number
- Bond amount (if applicable)
- Judge's signature and court seal
Bench warrants and capias warrants typically include:
- Reason for issuance (e.g., failure to appear, contempt of court)
- Original case information
- Court appearance requirements
- Bond information
All warrants must comply with constitutional requirements established by the Fourth Amendment and interpreted through case law. The information contained in warrants must be sufficiently specific to:
- Prevent general or exploratory searches
- Limit officer discretion during execution
- Provide clear notice of legal authority
- Establish the scope and boundaries of the authorized action
Who Issues Warrants In Guadalupe County
In Guadalupe County, the authority to issue warrants is vested in specific judicial officers as established by Texas law. This authority is carefully distributed to ensure proper oversight of law enforcement activities.
The following judicial officers have the power to issue warrants in Guadalupe County:
District Court Judges preside over the 25th, 274th, and 2nd 25th Judicial District Courts in Guadalupe County and have broad authority to issue all types of warrants, including:
- Felony arrest warrants
- Search warrants
- Wiretap warrants
- Special investigation warrants
Guadalupe County District Courts
211 W Court St
Seguin, TX 78155
(830) 303-4188
Guadalupe County District Courts
County Court at Law Judges have jurisdiction over misdemeanor cases and can issue:
- Misdemeanor arrest warrants
- Search warrants
- Bench warrants
- Capias warrants
Guadalupe County Courts at Law
211 W Court St
Seguin, TX 78155
(830) 303-4188
Guadalupe County Courts at Law
Justices of the Peace in Guadalupe County's four precincts can issue:
- Arrest warrants for Class C misdemeanors
- Search warrants in limited circumstances
- Magistrate's warrants
- Emergency protective orders
Municipal Court Judges in cities within Guadalupe County (including Seguin, Schertz, and Cibolo) have authority to issue:
- Warrants for violations of municipal ordinances
- Class C misdemeanor warrants
- Search warrants in limited circumstances
Under Texas Code of Criminal Procedure § 18.01(c), only a judge of a municipal court of record or a county court, statutory county court, district court, the Court of Criminal Appeals, or the Supreme Court may issue warrants for certain specialized searches, including:
- Blood draws in DWI cases
- Financial records
- Medical records
- Digital evidence
How To Find for Outstanding Warrants In Guadalupe County
Locating information about outstanding warrants in Guadalupe County requires accessing specific resources maintained by law enforcement and judicial agencies. Members of the public may utilize several official channels to determine if warrants exist.
The Guadalupe County Sheriff's Office maintains the primary warrant database for the county:
Guadalupe County Sheriff's Office - Warrants Division
2617 N Guadalupe St
Seguin, TX 78155
(830) 379-1224
Guadalupe County Sheriff's Office
To search for outstanding warrants:
- Contact the Sheriff's Office Warrants Division directly by phone
- Visit the Sheriff's Office in person during business hours (Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM)
- Provide the full name and date of birth of the person being searched
The Guadalupe County District Clerk's Office maintains court records that may indicate outstanding warrants:
Guadalupe County District Clerk
211 W Court St, Suite 336
Seguin, TX 78155
(830) 303-4188
Guadalupe County District Clerk
For municipal warrants within city jurisdictions in Guadalupe County:
Seguin Municipal Court
205 N River St
Seguin, TX 78155
(830) 401-2318
Seguin Municipal Court
Schertz Municipal Court
1400 Schertz Parkway
Schertz, TX 78154
(210) 619-1191
Schertz Municipal Court
When searching for outstanding warrants, be prepared to provide:
- Full legal name (including any aliases or previous names)
- Date of birth
- Driver's license number (if available)
- Social Security Number (optional but helpful for accurate identification)
For third-party searches (looking up information about another person), be aware that:
- Limited information may be available due to privacy restrictions
- Some agencies may require demonstration of legitimate interest
- Complete warrant details may only be available to the subject of the warrant or their legal representative
How To Check Federal Warrants In Guadalupe County
Federal warrants operate under a separate jurisdiction from county and state warrants in Guadalupe County. These warrants are issued for violations of federal law and are processed through the federal court system rather than county courts.
To check for federal warrants, individuals must contact federal law enforcement agencies or the federal court system:
United States District Court, Western District of Texas - San Antonio Division
655 E. Cesar E. Chavez Blvd., Room G65
San Antonio, TX 78206
(210) 472-6550
U.S. District Court, Western District of Texas
United States Marshals Service - San Antonio Office
655 E. Cesar E. Chavez Blvd., Room G35
San Antonio, TX 78206
(210) 472-6540
U.S. Marshals Service
The process for checking federal warrants differs from county warrants:
- Contact the U.S. District Court Clerk's Office for the Western District of Texas
- Provide complete identifying information including full legal name and date of birth
- Request a search of the federal warrant database
- For more detailed information, consult with a federal criminal defense attorney
Federal warrants may be issued for various offenses, including:
- Interstate crimes
- Immigration violations
- Federal drug offenses
- White-collar crimes
- Terrorism-related charges
- Violations of federal firearms laws
Important considerations regarding federal warrants:
- Federal agencies typically do not provide online search capabilities for active warrants
- The Public Access to Court Electronic Records (PACER) system may show case information but not necessarily active warrant status
- Federal warrants remain in effect across all 50 states
- Federal warrants take precedence over state and local warrants in many circumstances
How Long Do Warrants Last In Guadalupe County?
Warrants issued in Guadalupe County remain legally valid until they are executed, recalled by the court, or otherwise resolved through proper legal channels. Unlike some legal documents, warrants do not have built-in expiration dates under Texas law.
According to Texas Code of Criminal Procedure § 15.26, "The force of a warrant of arrest, except in capital cases, may be suspended by the magistrate issuing it, upon the giving by the accused of a bond." This provision allows for the temporary suspension of a warrant but does not establish automatic expiration.
Different types of warrants follow these timeframes:
- Arrest warrants remain active indefinitely until the person is apprehended or the warrant is recalled
- Search warrants must be executed within three days of issuance (exclusive of the day of issuance and day of execution) as specified in Texas Code of Criminal Procedure § 18.06
- Bench warrants and capias warrants remain active until the court recalls them or the individual appears before the court
- Municipal warrants for minor offenses remain active until resolved, regardless of time passed
The statute of limitations for the underlying offense does not affect the validity of an issued warrant. Even if the statute of limitations expires for prosecuting the offense, an active warrant remains enforceable until properly addressed through the court.
Practical considerations regarding warrant duration:
- Older warrants may receive lower priority for enforcement
- Warrants may be periodically reviewed by issuing courts
- Administrative processes may lead to warrant recall in certain circumstances
- Interstate enforcement may be limited for minor offenses with older warrants
How Long Does It Take To Get a Search Warrant In Guadalupe County?
The timeframe for obtaining a search warrant in Guadalupe County varies based on several factors, including case urgency, judicial availability, and the complexity of the investigation. Under normal circumstances, the process follows established procedures designed to balance law enforcement needs with constitutional protections.
The standard search warrant process in Guadalupe County typically includes:
- Preparation of the warrant application and supporting affidavit by law enforcement (1-2 hours)
- Review by prosecutorial staff if required (1-4 hours)
- Submission to a magistrate or judge for review (varies by availability)
- Judicial review and determination of probable cause (typically 30 minutes to several hours)
- Issuance of the warrant if probable cause is established
For routine matters during regular business hours, this process may be completed within 4-8 hours. However, in urgent situations, expedited procedures exist:
- On-call judges are available 24/7 for emergency warrant requests
- Electronic submission systems allow for remote review in some circumstances
- Telephonic warrants may be authorized in certain exigent circumstances as permitted under Texas Code of Criminal Procedure § 18.01(b)
Factors that may extend the warrant acquisition timeline include:
- Complex investigations requiring extensive documentation
- Technical or specialized evidence requiring expert consultation
- High-profile cases with additional review requirements
- Judicial calendar constraints
- Need for additional evidence to establish probable cause
Law enforcement agencies in Guadalupe County coordinate with the District Attorney's Office and judicial officers to ensure warrant applications meet legal standards while addressing time-sensitive investigative needs.