Wichita Bail Bonds Blog

Yes, warrants can show up on a criminal background check, but it depends on the type of warrant, the status of the case, and how the records are managed. In Kansas and most other states, active warrants for serious offenses are entered into state and national databases that background check agencies and law enforcement can access. May it be a warrant appears also depends on if it is active, cleared, or sealed by the court.

Types Of Warrants That May Appear

• Arrest warrants – Issued when someone is charged with a crime but has not yet been taken into custody. Active arrest warrants usually appear on background checks because they show pending criminal action.
• Bench warrants – Issued when a person fails to appear in court or violates a court order. These often show up since they are part of public record databases.
• Search warrants – Typically do not appear because they relate to investigations, not an individual’s failure to appear or criminal charge status.
• Civil warrants – Warrants connected to unpaid fines or missed civil hearings may or may not appear, depending on what information the background check service includes.

When Warrants Show Up On Background Checks

• If the warrant is active, it usually appears in law enforcement and public record systems accessible to background screeners.
• If criminal charges have been filed, the warrant may appear as part of a pending court case even before an arrest occurs.
• After a warrant is cleared by arrest, court appearance, or dismissal, it may remain visible until the court system updates the record.
• Some basic background checks only include convictions, so active or cleared warrants may not show up in every search.

Who Can See The Warrant

• Law enforcement – Police agencies and federal officers can see all active warrants through the National Crime Information Center (NCIC) database.
• Employers – Employers who conduct extensive background checks, especially for government or security jobs, may see open or pending cases that include warrants.
• Courts and the public – Many court records are public, so anyone can look up active warrants through online court databases or the local clerk’s office.

How To Check For Warrants

• Search your name in Kansas public court records or contact the local sheriff’s office to see if a warrant exists.
• An attorney can request an official records search and help you clear the warrant without the risk of being arrested on the spot.
• Appearing in court voluntarily, paying fines, or turning yourself in through your lawyer can help close the case and remove it from active status.

Active arrest and bench warrants often appear on criminal background checks because they are public records. Once cleared, they may still show up for a short time until the system is updated. Checking your record regularly and resolving warrants quickly can prevent future problems with employment or legal issues.