Delaware Warrant Search

Are Warrants Public Record in Delaware

Warrants are public records in Delaware pursuant to the Delaware Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), 29 Del. C. § 10001-10007. This legislation establishes the public's right to access government records, including judicial documents such as warrants, with certain statutory exceptions for privacy, security, and ongoing investigations. The Delaware judiciary maintains these records as part of its commitment to transparency and accountability in the judicial process.

The Delaware Criminal Justice Information System (DELJIS) serves as the central repository for criminal justice information in the state, including warrant records. Members of the public may access certain warrant information through designated public terminals and official online resources. This system operates under the authority of 11 Del. C. § 8605, which establishes DELJIS as the official state agency for managing criminal justice information.

Public access to warrant records supports several important governmental and societal functions:

Promotes transparency in law enforcement operations
Enables individuals to verify their own legal status
Assists attorneys in providing effective legal representation
Supports journalistic reporting on matters of public interest
Facilitates academic and policy research on criminal justice issues

It should be noted that while warrants are generally public records, access may be restricted for sealed warrants related to ongoing investigations, juvenile matters, or other sensitive cases as provided by Delaware law.

What Is Contained in Warrant Records in Delaware

Warrant records in Delaware contain specific information as prescribed by Delaware Rules of Criminal Procedure. Standard warrant documentation includes the following elements:

Subject identification: Full legal name, date of birth, physical description, and known aliases
Case information: Docket number, issuing court, and date of issuance
Alleged offense: Statutory citation and description of the alleged criminal violation
Judicial authorization: Name and signature of the issuing judge or magistrate
Bail information: Predetermined bail amount or notation of "no bail" status if applicable
Service status: Whether the warrant has been served or remains outstanding
Geographic jurisdiction: Territorial limitations of the warrant's enforceability

The level of detail in warrant records may vary depending on the type of warrant issued. Arrest warrants typically contain more comprehensive information about the alleged offense than bench warrants, which are commonly issued for failure to appear in court or comply with court orders.

Pursuant to 11 Del. C. § 2306, all warrants must be supported by probable cause as determined by a judicial officer. The supporting affidavits establishing probable cause may be included in the warrant record but might be sealed in certain circumstances to protect sensitive information or ongoing investigations.

How to Check For Warrants in Delaware For Free

Delaware residents and other interested parties may verify warrant status through several no-cost methods established by state agencies. The Delaware Criminal Justice Information System provides an Online Wanted Person Review service that allows individuals to check if they have active warrants or capiases issued for their arrest in Delaware.

To access free warrant information, members of the public may utilize the following resources:

Visit the DELJIS public access terminals located at:

Delaware State Police Headquarters
1441 N. DuPont Highway
Dover, DE 19901
(302) 739-5901
Delaware State Police
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM

Contact the Records Department at local police departments:

New Castle County Police Department
3601 N. DuPont Highway
New Castle, DE 19720
(302) 395-8100
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM

Dover Police Department
400 S. Queen Street
Dover, DE 19904
(302) 736-7111
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM

Inquire at the Court of Common Pleas in the county where the warrant may have been issued:

Court of Common Pleas - New Castle County
500 N. King Street
Wilmington, DE 19801
(302) 255-0900
Delaware Courts
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM

Individuals seeking to check warrant status should be prepared to provide proper identification. Per Delaware Administrative Code Title 1, Section 1301, government agencies may require verification of identity before releasing certain records to ensure privacy protections are maintained.

How to Know If You Have a Warrant in Delaware in 2025

As of 2025, Delaware has enhanced its digital infrastructure to provide multiple secure channels for warrant verification. Individuals seeking to determine if they have an active warrant may utilize the following official methods:

The Delaware Criminal Justice Information System's Online Wanted Person Review provides a secure portal where individuals can verify their warrant status. This service requires basic personal information and operates in compliance with state privacy regulations under 11 Del. C. § 8605.

For those who prefer in-person verification, the following options remain available:

Schedule an appointment with the Court of Common Pleas in your county of residence
Visit the Records Division of your local police department with valid identification
Consult with the Office of the Public Defender if financial qualification criteria are met

Delaware Public Defender's Office
Carvel State Office Building
820 N. French Street, 3rd Floor
Wilmington, DE 19801
(302) 577-5160
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM

Individuals may also participate in the Safe Surrender Program periodically offered by Delaware courts, which allows those with outstanding warrants to voluntarily surrender under favorable conditions. This program operates pursuant to Administrative Directive No. 2018-5 of the Delaware Supreme Court.

The Delaware Department of Justice maintains a 24-hour warrant information hotline that provides automated verification services. This resource can be accessed by calling (302) 577-8500 and following the automated prompts.

How to Check For Outstanding Warrants in Delaware

Delaware law enforcement agencies maintain comprehensive records of outstanding warrants through the centralized DELJIS system. Members of the public seeking to verify outstanding warrant status may employ several authorized methods:

The Delaware State Police recommends utilizing the DELJIS Online Wanted Person Review as the most efficient method for checking warrant status. This system is updated in real-time and provides accurate information on active warrants and capiases.

For third-party inquiries regarding another individual's warrant status, the following protocol applies:

Requests must be submitted in writing to the appropriate law enforcement agency
Requestors must demonstrate legitimate interest as defined in 11 Del. C. § 8513
Only limited information may be disclosed in accordance with privacy regulations

Professional bail enforcement agents licensed under 24 Del. C. § 5504 may access additional warrant information through designated channels after providing proper credentials.

Employers conducting background checks should note that pursuant to 19 Del. C. § 711, employment decisions based on arrest records alone (without conviction) may constitute unlawful discrimination. Consultation with legal counsel is advisable before utilizing warrant information for employment purposes.

How to Find Federal Warrant Search

Federal warrants issued within Delaware fall under the jurisdiction of the United States District Court for the District of Delaware and are enforced by federal agencies including the U.S. Marshals Service. These warrants are distinct from state warrants and require specific procedures for verification.

To determine if a federal warrant has been issued:

Contact the U.S. District Court for the District of Delaware:

United States District Court for the District of Delaware
J. Caleb Boggs Federal Building
844 N. King Street
Wilmington, DE 19801
(302) 573-6170
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:00 PM

Inquire with the U.S. Marshals Service:

U.S. Marshals Service - District of Delaware
1007 N. Orange Street, Suite 430
Wilmington, DE 19801
(302) 573-6176
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM

Federal warrant information may be more restricted than state records due to national security concerns and ongoing investigations. Access is governed by federal regulations including 28 CFR § 20.33, which limits dissemination of criminal history information.

The Delaware Inmate Locator system may provide information on individuals who have been apprehended on federal warrants and are currently in custody. This resource is maintained by the Delaware Department of Correction and is updated regularly.

Legal professionals with access to PACER (Public Access to Court Electronic Records) may be able to locate federal warrant information through that system, though sealed warrants will not be visible to public users.

Search Warrant Records in Delaware

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Kent New Castle Sussex