Clearfield County Public Records /Clearfield County Warrant Search

Clearfield County Warrant Search

What Is a Search Warrant In Clearfield County?

A search warrant in Clearfield County is a legal document issued by a judicial authority that authorizes law enforcement officers to search a specifically designated location and seize particular items or evidence described within the warrant. Search warrants are fundamental legal instruments that balance the government's interest in investigating crimes against citizens' constitutional rights against unreasonable searches and seizures.

Under Pennsylvania law, specifically 18 Pa.C.S. § 5743, search warrants must be based on probable cause, supported by oath or affirmation, and must particularly describe the place to be searched and the items to be seized. This requirement stems directly from both the Fourth Amendment to the United States Constitution and Article I, Section 8 of the Pennsylvania Constitution.

Search warrants differ significantly from other types of warrants issued in Clearfield County:

Arrest Warrants: Authorize law enforcement to take a specific person into custody
Bench Warrants: Issued by a judge when someone fails to appear for a scheduled court date
Material Witness Warrants: Allow detention of a witness deemed crucial to a case
Civil Warrants: Used in non-criminal matters such as property disputes

The Pennsylvania Rules of Criminal Procedure, specifically Pa.R.Crim.P. 200-211, govern the issuance, execution, and return of search warrants in Clearfield County and throughout the Commonwealth.

Are Warrants Public Records In Clearfield County?

The public accessibility of warrants in Clearfield County follows a nuanced framework established by Pennsylvania law. Under the Pennsylvania Right-to-Know Law (RTKL), 65 P.S. §§ 67.101-67.3104, government records are presumed to be public unless specifically exempted by law, privileged, or protected by court order.

For warrants in Clearfield County, public accessibility depends on several factors:

Active vs. Executed Warrants: Active warrants (those not yet served) are generally not public records due to law enforcement exemptions under 65 P.S. § 67.708(b)(16), which protects records that would jeopardize public safety or hinder an investigation.
Sealed vs. Unsealed Warrants: Warrants may be sealed by judicial order, making them inaccessible to the public for a specified period.
Criminal vs. Civil Warrants: Criminal warrants typically become public after execution, while civil warrants may follow different disclosure rules.

The Pennsylvania Criminal History Record Information Act (CHRIA), 18 Pa.C.S. §§ 9101-9183, further regulates the dissemination of criminal history information, including warrant information.

Once a warrant has been executed and returned to the court, the associated documents generally become part of the court record and may be accessible through the Clearfield County Prothonotary's Office or Clerk of Courts, unless specifically sealed by court order.

How to Find Out if I Have a Warrant In Clearfield County?

Individuals seeking to determine if they have an active warrant in Clearfield County may utilize several official channels. The Clearfield County Court system maintains records of warrants issued within its jurisdiction, and these records can be accessed through established procedures.

The primary methods for checking warrant status in Clearfield County include:

Contact the Clearfield County Sheriff's Office:

Clearfield County Sheriff's Office
230 East Market Street, Suite 110
Clearfield, PA 16830
(814) 765-2641, ext. 5120
Clearfield County Sheriff's Office
Check with the Clearfield County Clerk of Courts:

Clearfield County Clerk of Courts
230 East Market Street, Suite 210
Clearfield, PA 16830
(814) 765-2641, ext. 5010
Clearfield County Clerk of Courts
Pennsylvania Unified Judicial System Web Portal: The Pennsylvania Unified Judicial System provides an online docket search that may reveal warrant information for cases that have been filed with the court.
Consult with an Attorney: Legal counsel can conduct a confidential search on behalf of an individual to determine warrant status.

When making inquiries, individuals should be prepared to provide personal identifying information, including full legal name, date of birth, and possibly a Social Security number to ensure accurate results.

How To Check for Warrants in Clearfield County for Free in 2026

Residents and interested parties may check for warrants in Clearfield County without incurring fees through several official channels. The following methods provide free access to warrant information:

Pennsylvania Unified Judicial System Web Portal: The public web portal allows users to search court dockets at no cost. Navigate to the UJS Portal and select "Clearfield County" from the jurisdiction dropdown menu. Enter the name of the person in question and review any associated cases.
In-Person Request at the Courthouse:

Clearfield County Courthouse
230 East Market Street
Clearfield, PA 16830
(814) 765-2641
Clearfield County Courts

Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM (excluding holidays)
Clearfield County Sheriff's Office Warrant List: The Sheriff's Office maintains a list of individuals with active warrants. This information may be available on their website or by contacting their office directly.
Pennsylvania State Police Public Information Portal: For certain types of warrants, particularly those related to state-level offenses, the Pennsylvania State Police may provide searchable information.

When conducting a warrant search, users should provide:

Full legal name (including any known aliases)
Date of birth
Last known address (if available)

Pursuant to 234 Pa. Code Rule 513, which governs requirements for issuance of arrest warrants, certain warrant information becomes part of the public record once filed with the appropriate court.

What Types of Warrants In Clearfield County

Clearfield County courts issue several distinct types of warrants, each serving a specific legal purpose within the criminal justice system. Understanding these warrant categories is essential for individuals navigating the legal system:

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 in Clearfield County are typically issued pursuant to Pennsylvania Rules of Criminal Procedure Rule 513.
Bench Warrants: Judicial orders issued when an individual fails to appear for a scheduled court proceeding or violates a court order. These warrants direct law enforcement to bring the person before the court.
Search Warrants: Authorize law enforcement to search specified premises for evidence related to criminal activity. These warrants must describe with particularity the place to be searched and items to be seized.
Material Witness Warrants: Allow for the detention of individuals believed to have crucial information about a criminal case who may not appear voluntarily to testify.
Probation/Parole Violation Warrants: Issued when an individual under court supervision violates the terms of their probation or parole.
Child Support Warrants: Issued when an individual fails to comply with court-ordered child support obligations.
Capias Warrants: Special warrants issued in civil matters directing law enforcement to take a person into custody, often for contempt of court.

Each warrant type follows specific procedural requirements under Pennsylvania law and the local rules of the Clearfield County Court of Common Pleas.

What Warrants in Clearfield County Contain

Warrants issued in Clearfield County contain specific information mandated by Pennsylvania law to ensure legal validity and proper execution. According to Pennsylvania Rules of Criminal Procedure Rule 513(B), every warrant must include the following essential elements:

Case Caption: Identifies the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and Clearfield County as the jurisdiction
Subject Information: Full legal name of the person to be arrested or premises to be searched
Identifying Information: For arrest warrants, includes date of birth, physical description, last known address, and other identifying characteristics when available
Criminal Charges: For arrest warrants, specifies the criminal statute violations, including citation to the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes
Probable Cause Statement: Brief summary of the facts establishing probable cause for the warrant
Issuing Authority: Name and signature of the judicial officer who issued the warrant
Date of Issuance: When the warrant was authorized and signed
Execution Instructions: Specific directions for law enforcement regarding service of the warrant
Bail Information: For arrest warrants, may include predetermined bail conditions
Return Requirements: Instructions for documenting the execution of the warrant

For search warrants specifically, Pennsylvania Rules of Criminal Procedure Rule 205 requires a particular description of the property to be seized and the exact premises to be searched, including street address and physical description of the property.

All warrants must be supported by an affidavit of probable cause, which details the factual basis for the warrant request. This affidavit becomes part of the official warrant record.

Who Issues Warrants In Clearfield County

In Clearfield County, the authority to issue warrants is vested in specific judicial officers as prescribed by Pennsylvania law. The following officials possess the legal authority to issue warrants within their respective jurisdictions:

Magisterial District Judges: These locally elected judicial officers handle preliminary matters in criminal cases and have the authority to issue arrest warrants and search warrants. Clearfield County is divided into several magisterial districts, each served by a district judge who can issue warrants for crimes alleged within their district.
Court of Common Pleas Judges: The judges of the Clearfield County Court of Common Pleas have broader jurisdiction and may issue warrants for any alleged crime within the county. These judges typically handle more complex cases and may issue specialized warrants.
Senior Judges: Retired judges who have been certified for continued service may issue warrants when assigned to active duty in Clearfield County.
On-Call Emergency Judges: During non-business hours, a rotating schedule ensures that a judicial officer is always available to review and issue emergency warrants, particularly in time-sensitive investigations.

The authority to issue warrants derives from Article V of the Pennsylvania Constitution and is further defined in the Pennsylvania Rules of Criminal Procedure, specifically Rules 200-211 for search warrants and Rules 513-520 for arrest warrants.

All warrant requests must be supported by sworn affidavits establishing probable cause, and the issuing authority must independently evaluate whether the facts presented justify the issuance of the requested warrant.

How To Find for Outstanding Warrants In Clearfield County

Individuals seeking information about outstanding warrants in Clearfield County may utilize several official channels to conduct their search. The following methods provide access to warrant information:

Clearfield County Sheriff's Office Warrant Search:

Clearfield County Sheriff's Office
230 East Market Street, Suite 110
Clearfield, PA 16830
(814) 765-2641, ext. 5120
Clearfield County Sheriff's Office

The Sheriff's Office maintains records of active warrants and may provide this information upon request. Some warrant information may also be posted on their official website.
Pennsylvania Unified Judicial System Web Portal:

The UJS Portal allows users to search court dockets that may contain information about warrants that have been issued as part of ongoing cases. Select "Clearfield County" from the jurisdiction options.
Clearfield County Clerk of Courts:

Clearfield County Clerk of Courts
230 East Market Street, Suite 210
Clearfield, PA 16830
(814) 765-2641, ext. 5010
Clearfield County Clerk of Courts

The Clerk maintains court records that may include warrant information for cases that have been filed with the court.
Magisterial District Courts:

Clearfield County has several magisterial district courts that issue warrants for their respective districts. Contact information for these courts can be found on the Clearfield County website.

When conducting a warrant search, requesters should provide:

Full legal name of the subject
Date of birth
Any known aliases
Last known address (if available)

Pursuant to the Pennsylvania Right-to-Know Law, certain warrant information may be accessible as public records, though active investigation exemptions may apply to some warrant information.

How To Check Federal Warrants In Clearfield County

Federal warrants operate under a separate legal system from county or state warrants and require different search methods. Individuals seeking information about federal warrants that may be active in Clearfield County should be aware of the following resources:

United States District Court for the Western District of Pennsylvania:

U.S. District Court - Johnstown Division
319 Washington Street
Johnstown, PA 15901
(814) 533-4504
U.S. District Court - Western District of Pennsylvania

Clearfield County falls within the jurisdiction of the Western District of Pennsylvania. The federal court maintains records of federal warrants issued within its jurisdiction.
Public Access to Court Electronic Records (PACER):

The PACER system provides electronic access to federal court records. Users must register for an account and pay nominal fees for document access. PACER can be used to search for federal criminal cases that may involve warrants.
United States Marshals Service:

U.S. Marshals Service - Western District of Pennsylvania
Joseph F. Weis, Jr. U.S. Courthouse
700 Grant Street, Suite 2360
Pittsburgh, PA 15219
(412) 644-3350
U.S. Marshals Service

The U.S. Marshals Service is responsible for executing federal warrants and may provide limited information about active federal warrants.
Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI):

FBI Pittsburgh Field Office
3311 East Carson Street
Pittsburgh, PA 15203
(412) 432-4000
FBI Pittsburgh

The FBI may have information about federal warrants related to investigations they are conducting.

Federal warrants are issued pursuant to the Federal Rules of Criminal Procedure, specifically Rules 4 and 41, which govern arrest warrants and search warrants respectively. Unlike some state and local warrants, information about active federal warrants is often not publicly accessible until after the warrant has been executed.

How Long Do Warrants Last In Clearfield County?

Warrants issued in Clearfield County remain legally valid for varying periods depending on their type and the governing legal framework. The duration of warrant validity is established by Pennsylvania law and court rules:

Arrest Warrants: Under Pennsylvania law, specifically 234 Pa. Code Rule 519, arrest warrants generally remain active until they are executed (the person is arrested) or until they are withdrawn by court order. There is no statutory expiration date for most arrest warrants in Pennsylvania, meaning they can remain active indefinitely.

Bench Warrants: Similar to arrest warrants, bench warrants issued for failure to appear in court or violation of court orders do not expire automatically. They remain in effect until the court recalls or vacates them, or until the wanted person is brought before the court.

Search Warrants: According to Pennsylvania Rules of Criminal Procedure Rule 205(4), search warrants must be executed within a specific timeframe. Search warrants in Pennsylvania must be executed within 48 hours of issuance. If not executed within this period, the warrant expires and must be returned to the issuing authority. A new warrant must be obtained if the search is still necessary.

Statute of Limitations Considerations: While warrants themselves may not expire, the underlying criminal charges may be subject to statutes of limitations as defined in 42 Pa.C.S. § 5552. However, in many cases, the issuance of a warrant "tolls" (pauses) the statute of limitations, preventing the charges from expiring while the warrant remains active.

It is important to note that even very old warrants remain enforceable, and individuals with outstanding warrants may face arrest even years after the warrant was initially issued.

How Long Does It Take To Get a Search Warrant In Clearfield County?

The timeframe for obtaining a search warrant in Clearfield County varies based on several factors, including the urgency of the investigation, the complexity of the case, and the availability of judicial officers. The process follows established procedures under Pennsylvania law:

Standard Search Warrant Process:

Preparation Phase: Law enforcement officers must prepare an affidavit of probable cause detailing the facts and circumstances justifying the search. This typically takes several hours to complete thoroughly.
Review by Prosecutor: In many cases, especially for complex investigations, the District Attorney's Office reviews the affidavit before submission to ensure legal sufficiency. This review may take several hours to a day.
Judicial Review: Once submitted to a magisterial district judge or Court of Common Pleas judge, the review process typically takes 1-3 hours, depending on the judge's availability and the complexity of the case.
Issuance: If approved, the warrant is signed and issued immediately.

Expedited Procedures:

For urgent situations, Pennsylvania law provides for expedited procedures:

Emergency Circumstances: When there is immediate danger to life or risk of evidence destruction, warrants can be obtained within 1-2 hours through the on-call emergency judge system.
Electronic Submission: Under Pennsylvania Rules of Criminal Procedure Rule 203(A), warrant applications may be submitted electronically, which can significantly reduce processing time.
Telephonic Warrants: In certain emergency situations, officers may obtain verbal authorization for a search warrant via telephone, following the procedures outlined in Rule 203(B), with formal documentation to follow.

The entire process, from initial drafting to issuance, typically takes between 4-24 hours for standard cases, though this timeframe can be compressed to 1-3 hours in urgent situations. Once issued, search warrants must be executed within 48 hours or they become invalid.