Elkhart County Warrant Search
What Is a Search Warrant In Elkhart County?
A search warrant in Elkhart County is a legal document issued by a judicial officer that authorizes law enforcement personnel to search a specifically designated location and seize particular items or evidence described within the warrant. Search warrants are governed by both the Fourth Amendment of the United States Constitution and Indiana Code § 35-33-5, which establishes the procedures and requirements for obtaining and executing search warrants within the state.
Search warrants in Elkhart County must be based on probable cause, which requires law enforcement to present sufficient facts and circumstances that would lead a reasonable person to believe that evidence of criminal activity will be found at the location to be searched. Pursuant to Indiana Code § 35-33-5-2, the application for a search warrant must:
- Be in writing or recorded
- Be sworn to or affirmed before a judge
- Particularly describe the place to be searched and items to be seized
- Establish probable cause for the search
Search warrants differ from other types of warrants issued in Elkhart County:
- Arrest warrants authorize law enforcement to take a specific person into custody
- Bench warrants are court orders issued when an individual fails to appear for a scheduled court hearing
- Civil warrants relate to non-criminal matters such as civil contempt
The Indiana Supreme Court has established that search warrants serve the critical function of ensuring that citizens' constitutional rights against unreasonable searches and seizures are protected while allowing law enforcement to gather evidence necessary for criminal investigations.
Are Warrants Public Records In Elkhart County?
The public record status of warrants in Elkhart County follows a nuanced framework established by Indiana law. Under the Indiana Access to Public Records Act (APRA), government records are presumptively open for public inspection unless specifically exempted by statute. However, the accessibility of warrant information depends on several factors including the warrant type, status, and stage of the related investigation.
Active warrants in Elkhart County are generally considered public records once they have been executed or returned to the court. However, pursuant to Indiana Code § 5-14-3-4(b)(1), investigatory records of law enforcement agencies may be exempted from disclosure at the discretion of the public agency. This exemption often applies to search warrants that are part of ongoing investigations.
The public record status varies by warrant type:
- Arrest warrants: Generally public after issuance, though information may be limited while the warrant remains unserved
- Bench warrants: Typically public as they relate to court proceedings
- Search warrants: May remain confidential until executed, particularly if disclosure would compromise an investigation
- Sealed warrants: Not accessible to the public until unsealed by court order
The Indiana Court of Appeals has affirmed that while warrant information is generally public, certain details may be redacted to protect privacy interests or ongoing investigations, as established in Evansville Courier & Press v. Vanderburgh County Health Department.
How to Find Out if I Have a Warrant In Elkhart County?
Individuals seeking to determine if a warrant has been issued for their arrest in Elkhart County may utilize several official channels. The Elkhart County Sheriff's Office maintains records of active warrants and provides multiple methods for warrant verification.
Members of the public may check for warrants through the following methods:
- Online search through the Indiana Courts Case Search (MyCase) portal
- In-person inquiry at the Elkhart County Sheriff's Office
- Written request to the Elkhart County Clerk's Office
- Telephone inquiry to the Elkhart County Warrants Division
When conducting a warrant search, individuals should be prepared to provide:
- Full legal name (including any aliases or former names)
- Date of birth
- Social security number (for in-person inquiries only)
- Photo identification (for in-person inquiries)
Elkhart County Sheriff's Office
26861 County Road 26
Elkhart, IN 46517
574-891-2100
Elkhart County Sheriff's Office
Elkhart County Clerk's Office
101 North Main Street
Goshen, IN 46526
574-535-6430
Elkhart County Clerk
Pursuant to Indiana Code § 5-14-3-9(c), agencies must respond to requests for warrant information within a reasonable time, not to exceed seven days from receipt of the request.
How To Check for Warrants in Elkhart County for Free in 2026
Members of the public may verify the existence of warrants in Elkhart County through several no-cost methods currently available. The Indiana judiciary system maintains public access terminals and online resources that allow individuals to conduct warrant searches without incurring fees.
To check for warrants in Elkhart County at no cost:
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Access the Indiana Courts Case Search (MyCase) portal
- Create a free account using an email address
- Navigate to the "Search" function
- Select "Elkhart County" from the jurisdiction dropdown
- Enter the name of the person for whom you are searching
- Review any case information, including warrant status
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Visit the public access terminals at the Elkhart County Courthouse
- Terminals are available during regular business hours
- No appointment is necessary
- Staff can provide basic assistance with searches
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Contact the Elkhart County Clerk's Office by telephone
- Provide the full name and date of birth of the individual
- Staff can verify basic warrant information
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Submit a written public records request to the Elkhart County Sheriff's Office
- Include the full name and date of birth of the individual
- Specify that you are requesting warrant information
- Note that while the initial request is free, copy fees may apply for documents
Elkhart County Courthouse
315 South Second Street
Elkhart, IN 46516
574-523-2305
Elkhart County Courts
Under Indiana's Access to Public Records Act, agencies may not charge a fee for inspecting or searching for records, though nominal fees may apply for copies of documents if requested.
What Types of Warrants In Elkhart County
Elkhart County courts issue several distinct types of warrants, each serving a specific legal purpose within the criminal justice system. These warrants are authorized under various provisions of the Indiana Code and are executed by law enforcement agencies within the county.
The primary types of warrants issued in Elkhart County include:
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Arrest Warrants: Issued when probable cause exists that an individual has committed a crime. These warrants authorize law enforcement to take the named person into custody. Arrest warrants are issued pursuant to Indiana Code § 35-33-2.
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Bench Warrants: Court orders issued when an individual fails to appear for a scheduled court hearing or violates a court order. These are authorized under Indiana Code § 35-33-8-7 for criminal matters.
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Search Warrants: Judicial orders authorizing law enforcement to search specified premises and seize designated evidence or contraband. These warrants must meet the requirements outlined in Indiana Code § 35-33-5.
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Probation Violation Warrants: Issued when an individual on probation violates the terms of their supervision. These are authorized under Indiana Code § 35-38-2-3.
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Child Support Warrants: Issued when an individual fails to comply with court-ordered child support obligations. These are authorized under Indiana Code § 31-16-12.
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Civil Warrants: Issued in non-criminal matters, such as for civil contempt or to enforce court judgments. These are governed by the Indiana Rules of Trial Procedure.
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No-Knock Warrants: Special search warrants that allow law enforcement to enter premises without first announcing their presence. These are strictly limited under Indiana law and require additional judicial scrutiny.
Each warrant type follows specific procedural requirements for issuance, execution, and return to the court as prescribed by Indiana statutes and court rules.
What Warrants in Elkhart County Contain
Warrants issued in Elkhart County contain specific information as required by Indiana law to ensure their validity and proper execution. The content requirements vary slightly depending on the type of warrant, but all must include certain fundamental elements as prescribed by Indiana Code § 35-33-5-3 for search warrants and Indiana Code § 35-33-2-2 for arrest warrants.
A standard warrant in Elkhart County includes:
- Court identification information (court name, case number)
- Date and time of issuance
- Name of the issuing judge or magistrate
- Legal authority under which the warrant is issued
- Name of the person to be arrested (for arrest warrants)
- Description of the person if name is unknown (for arrest warrants)
- Specific description of premises to be searched (for search warrants)
- Detailed list of items to be seized (for search warrants)
- Statement of probable cause
- Time limitations for execution
- Instructions for return of the warrant to the court
- Official court seal and signature of the issuing judicial officer
Search warrants additionally contain:
- Whether nighttime service is authorized
- Whether no-knock entry is permitted (in rare circumstances)
- Any special instructions for execution
- Expiration date (typically 10 days from issuance)
Arrest warrants must specify:
- The offense charged
- Whether the person may be released on bail and the amount
- Return instructions once the person is in custody
All warrants must be supported by an affidavit establishing probable cause, which becomes part of the official warrant record. The Indiana Supreme Court has established that warrants must be specific enough to guide the executing officer and limit their discretion, as affirmed in Pavey v. State, 764 N.E.2d 692 (Ind. Ct. App. 2002).
Who Issues Warrants In Elkhart County
In Elkhart County, the authority to issue warrants is vested exclusively in judicial officers as prescribed by Indiana law. This authority is carefully regulated to ensure constitutional protections are maintained while allowing for effective law enforcement.
The following judicial officers have the power to issue warrants in Elkhart County:
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Circuit Court Judges: The Elkhart Circuit Court judge has full authority to issue all types of warrants throughout the county.
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Superior Court Judges: Elkhart County's six Superior Court judges may issue warrants for matters within their jurisdiction.
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Magistrates: Court-appointed magistrates may issue warrants under the supervision of judges, pursuant to Indiana Code § 33-23-5-5.
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Court Commissioners: When appointed by the court, commissioners may issue certain warrants as authorized by Indiana Code § 33-33-20-5.
The warrant issuance process typically involves:
- Law enforcement officers or prosecutors presenting an affidavit establishing probable cause
- The judicial officer reviewing the affidavit to determine if probable cause exists
- The judicial officer signing and dating the warrant if probable cause is found
- The clerk's office processing and recording the warrant
- The warrant being transmitted to the appropriate law enforcement agency for execution
Elkhart Circuit Court
315 South Second Street
Elkhart, IN 46516
574-523-2305
Elkhart County Courts
Elkhart Superior Courts
101 North Main Street
Goshen, IN 46526
574-535-6462
Elkhart County Courts
The Indiana Constitution and statutory law require that all warrants be issued only upon probable cause, supported by oath or affirmation, and particularly describing the place to be searched or the person to be seized.
How To Find for Outstanding Warrants In Elkhart County
Members of the public seeking information about outstanding warrants in Elkhart County may utilize several official channels to conduct their search. The county maintains multiple access points for warrant verification in accordance with Indiana public records laws.
To search for outstanding warrants in Elkhart County:
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Access the Indiana Courts Online Portal:
- Visit the Indiana Courts Case Search (MyCase)
- Create an account or log in
- Select "Elkhart County" from the jurisdiction options
- Enter the name of the person for whom you are searching
- Review case information for warrant notations
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Contact the Elkhart County Sheriff's Office Warrants Division:
- Call the dedicated warrants line at 574-891-2300
- Provide the full name and date of birth of the individual
- Request information about any active warrants
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Visit the Elkhart County Clerk's Office in person:
- Bring identification
- Complete a public records request form
- Specify that you are seeking warrant information
- Staff will assist with the search process
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Submit a written request to the Records Division:
- Include the full name, date of birth, and any aliases of the individual
- Provide your contact information
- Mail or deliver the request to the Sheriff's Office
Elkhart County Sheriff's Office Records Division
26861 County Road 26
Elkhart, IN 46517
574-891-2100
Elkhart County Sheriff's Office
Pursuant to Indiana Code § 5-14-3-3, public agencies must make reasonable efforts to provide public records in a timely manner. When searching for warrant information, individuals should be aware that some details may be redacted or limited if disclosure would compromise an ongoing investigation.
How To Check Federal Warrants In Elkhart County
Federal warrants operate under a separate jurisdiction from county warrants and follow different procedures for issuance, execution, and public access. Individuals seeking information about federal warrants that may be active in Elkhart County must contact federal agencies, as these warrants are not maintained in county databases.
To check for federal warrants that may be executable in Elkhart County:
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Contact the U.S. Marshals Service:
- The U.S. Marshals Service is the primary federal agency responsible for executing federal arrest warrants
- Inquiries should be directed to the Northern District of Indiana office
- Be prepared to provide full legal name and date of birth
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Contact the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI):
- The FBI maintains information on federal warrants related to federal investigations
- The Indianapolis Field Office covers Elkhart County
- Written requests may be submitted under the Freedom of Information Act
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Check the federal court records system:
- Access PACER (Public Access to Court Electronic Records)
- Create an account (fees may apply for document retrieval)
- Search for cases in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Indiana
- Review case information for warrant notations
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Consult with a federal criminal defense attorney:
- Legal counsel can conduct searches through professional channels
- Attorneys have specialized access to certain federal court information
U.S. Marshals Service - Northern District of Indiana
204 South Main Street
South Bend, IN 46601
574-236-8291
U.S. Marshals Service
FBI Indianapolis Field Office
8825 Nelson B Klein Parkway
Indianapolis, IN 46250
317-595-4000
FBI Indianapolis
Federal warrants are issued pursuant to the Federal Rules of Criminal Procedure, specifically Rule 4 for arrest warrants and Rule 41 for search warrants. Unlike some county warrants, federal warrant information is often more restricted from public access, particularly for ongoing investigations.
How Long Do Warrants Last In Elkhart County?
Warrants issued in Elkhart County remain valid for different periods depending on their type and the specific circumstances of the case. Indiana law establishes timeframes for warrant validity and execution that balance law enforcement needs with constitutional protections.
The duration of warrants in Elkhart County is governed by the following guidelines:
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Arrest Warrants: Remain active until executed (the person is arrested) or recalled by the court. There is no statutory expiration date for arrest warrants in Indiana. Pursuant to Indiana Code § 35-33-2-3, arrest warrants remain in force until executed or withdrawn by judicial order.
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Search Warrants: Must be executed within ten (10) days of issuance as specified in Indiana Code § 35-33-5-7. After this period, the warrant expires and must be returned to the court unexecuted. A new warrant must be obtained if the search is still necessary.
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Bench Warrants: Similar to arrest warrants, bench warrants remain active until the person appears before the court or the warrant is recalled. These warrants can remain in effect for years or even decades.
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Probation Violation Warrants: Remain active until the probationer is brought before the court or the probationary period ends, at which point the court may determine if the warrant should remain in effect.
The Indiana Supreme Court has established that while warrants may remain active for extended periods, challenges may be raised if execution is unreasonably delayed, particularly if the delay prejudices the defendant's case or violates due process rights.
Law enforcement agencies in Elkhart County periodically review outstanding warrants to determine if they should remain active or be recalled due to changed circumstances, such as the death of the subject or resolution of the underlying matter.
How Long Does It Take To Get a Search Warrant In Elkhart County?
The timeframe for obtaining a search warrant in Elkhart County varies based on several factors, including case urgency, judicial availability, and the complexity of the investigation. The process follows procedures established by Indiana law while accommodating practical considerations of law enforcement operations.
Under normal circumstances, the search warrant process in Elkhart County typically follows this timeline:
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Preparation of Affidavit (2-8 hours):
- Law enforcement officers gather evidence establishing probable cause
- A detailed affidavit is prepared with specific information about the location and items to be seized
- The prosecutor's office may review the affidavit for legal sufficiency
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Judicial Review (1-24 hours):
- The affidavit is presented to an available judge or magistrate
- During business hours, this may occur within 1-3 hours
- After hours, an on-call judge may be contacted for urgent matters
- The judicial officer reviews the affidavit to determine if probable cause exists
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Issuance and Processing (1-2 hours):
- If probable cause is found, the warrant is signed and issued
- The clerk's office processes the warrant
- The warrant is transmitted to the requesting law enforcement agency
In emergency situations, Indiana Code § 35-33-5-8 provides for expedited procedures, including telephonic warrants, which may be obtained in as little as 1-2 hours. These emergency provisions require subsequent documentation and filing of written affidavits.
For complex investigations or specialized searches (such as digital evidence), the preparation time may be extended to ensure the warrant meets constitutional requirements for particularity and probable cause.
Once issued, search warrants in Elkhart County must be executed within ten days, after which they expire and must be returned to the court pursuant to Indiana Code § 35-33-5-7.