Arrest Warrants in North Carolina: What to Do Next
An arrest warrant authorizes law enforcement to take a person into custody. It does not mean the person has been found guilty. If you think you have a warrant in North Carolina, start by verifying the information and speaking with a criminal defense attorney about your options.
Updated 2026-09-10
What Is an Arrest Warrant?
A warrant for arrest identifies an alleged crime and directs officers to arrest the person named. Under North Carolina law, it must be supported by probable cause — information giving a judicial official reasonable grounds to believe the person committed the offense.
- You may also hear the term order for arrest. This is a separate legal document directing officers to take someone into custody. It can arise in situations such as a missed court appearance and does not necessarily mean there is a new criminal charge.
- These circumstances are covered by G.S. 15A-305, which describes when an order for arrest may issue separately from a warrant.
- A warrant does not mean the person has been found guilty or that the charges are final. It means the court has authorized an arrest based on the information presented.
How Can You Check Whether You Have a Warrant?
Start with any paperwork or information you received. Note the county, case number, and name of the agency or court involved.
- A criminal defense attorney can help verify the matter and explain your options.
- The clerk's office handling the case or the relevant law enforcement agency can explain what information they can provide through official channels.
- An online search with no results does not prove that no warrant exists. Public case searches may not show every outstanding order.
- An inmate search serves a different purpose: it helps locate someone already in custody, not someone with an outstanding warrant.
- If someone unexpectedly contacts you about a warrant, independently verify the agency's contact information before sharing personal information or making a payment.
What Should You Do After Confirming an Order?
Speak with your attorney about the reason for the order and the options available in your case. Do not assume that making a payment, contacting a bondsman, or scheduling another court date automatically resolves it.
- If the issue involves a missed court appearance, explain what happened and provide any supporting documents. Your attorney can advise whether there is a basis to ask the court to address the order.
- If you will be turning yourself in, use our guide to what to prepare before a voluntary surrender. It covers practical preparation, contacts, and questions to ask about a possible bond.
- Legal questions about the order itself should go to your attorney. Bond-related questions can go to a licensed bail bondsman once a bond exists.
What If the Person Has Already Been Arrested?
First, confirm where the person is being held. If the detention is in Wake County, our Wake County inmate search guide can help you find available custody information.
- Next, ask about the bond type, amount, and any other release requirements.
- Amistad can review the available information and explain whether we can help with a surety bond — a bond posted through a licensed bail bondsman.
- For the full explanation, read how bail works in North Carolina.
- If a bond is posted, the detention facility still completes its own release process. Another hold or requirement may affect timing.
Common Questions About Arrest Warrants
Not necessarily. An arrest warrant can remain active until it is served or recalled by the court. Check with the clerk's office or your attorney to confirm the current status of an order.
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