Fairfax County, Virginia Warrant Search

A warrant search is the act of reviewing official government-maintained records to determine whether someone has an active (outstanding) warrant associated with a court case. In Fairfax County, this typically involves searching Virginia’s court case information systems for warrant-related entries (referred to as capias or “show cause or capias” in some court settings) and, where appropriate, checking law enforcement's “wanted” postings.

Since warrants are typically associated with a case (criminal, traffic, or specific civil enforcement), most publicly accessible warrant checks are available through the court case record. Interested parties may begin their search using the Virginia Online Case Information Search (statewide search) or the General District Court Online Case Information portal.

Depending on the portal and case type, requesters may find a warrant listed as a capias, a failure-to-appear-related event, a show-cause/capias filing reference, or similar docket or status text. They may also use law enforcement “wanted” pages (e.g., Virginia State Police) for supplemental checks.

Information obtained from a warrant search may vary depending on the source. However, Virginia court portals typically return details such as the case number, court, part name, charge or charge description, and hearing dates.

Why Conduct a Warrant Search in Fairfax County?

Common reasons why Fairfax County residents may conduct a warrant search are as follows:

• An individual who missed a traffic or criminal court appearance may search to find out whether the court issued a bench warrant or failure-to-appear warrant for the non-appearance, and what the case's current status is.
• Conducting a warrant search may help a defendant clarify whether their case is moving forward, paused, or showing a warrant-related entry. In Virginia practice, a warrant-related entry may appear in docket language as “capias.”
• Defendants may overlook court notices due to address changes, travel, or simple mix-ups. Reviewing case records may help individuals with court cases see what the system currently shows.
• In Virginia, “failure to appear” has different consequences depending on the charge level. This underscores why defendants should pursue official record confirmation rather than rely on hearsay.
• An individual may share a name with others, or background check or database results may be uncertain. Performing a warrant search (using legal identifiers such as case number and date of birth) typically helps verify that the records match the correct person.

How to Perform a Fairfax County Warrant Search Online

In Fairfax County, several resources are available to individuals seeking to perform an online warrant search. The official channels available to the public are as follows:

General District Court Case Information

Interested persons may visit the General District Court Online Case Information site and select Fairfax County General District Court from the court dropdown. They may search by name (plaintiff or defendant), case number, and hearing date. Searches typically return information on case status, charges or charge type (criminal or traffic), hearing dates, and docket entries. Visitors may see warrant-related actions appear as bench warrants, capias, or similar case-event language, depending on the record.

Online Case Information System 2.0

This platform allows users to search for cases across multiple courts statewide. A general search of the database provides access to criminal/traffic case information in general district courts, adult criminal case information in the Juvenile and Domestic Relations district courts, and select circuit courts.

To search the portal, users are typically expected to enter a name (and sometimes a locality or court filter) or a case number (if available).

Fairfax Circuit Court online case info (eCaseSearch)

For felony-level criminal cases and many civil matters, users may visit the Fairfax Circuit Court’s eCaseSearch online tool. According to the County, the portal provides public information, including hearing dates and times, a list of charges, and other docket details for both criminal and civil cases. To perform a search, users are expected to enter a name or case number.

“Wanted” Postings

Individuals looking for publicly posted fugitives may visit the Virginia State Police’s Wanted Persons page. This service may be useful for high-priority postings. However, they are not meant to serve as a full warrant registry for every local warrant.

Regarding online access to warrant information, requesters are expected to note that:

• Not all warrants are obtainable online
• Some records may be restricted
• Variations in the timing of updates to online case information may affect what appears across different platforms
• Federal warrants are not available via the Virginia courts' portals

How to Check for Outstanding Warrants in Fairfax County by Phone or In Person

Given that the courts handle most questions about outstanding warrants in Fairfax County, it might be more practical to start the search with the court that dealt with the case.

Interested parties may call the relevant court (either the Fairfax County General District Court or the Fairfax County Circuit Court) for warrant-related enquiries or for enquiries about a failure to appear in connection with court cases. They may provide identifying details (name and any other identifiers requested by staff) and ask whether the case has a warrant/capias or a failure-to-appear status, or which clerk’s office handles the case file.

Alternatively, inquirers with a case number (if available) and a valid photo ID may visit the relevant Fairfax County courthouse to review the docket. They may be required to undergo security screening and may experience wait times, depending on the court's volume.

The contact and location details of the Fairfax County General District and Circuit Courts are as follows:

Fairfax County Sheriff’s Office Warrant Search Process

Requesters wishing to perform a warrant search with the Fairfax County Sheriff’s Office (FCSO) may do so using the following options:

Phone inquiries: They may contact the Sheriff’s Office by phone to ask about active warrants. According to the Sheriff’s Office public guidance, interested persons may contact the Warrant Desk at 703-246-4231.

In-person requests: The Sheriff’s Office public guidance does not state whether in-person visits are allowed for warrant searches. Individuals seeking such visits may call the Warrant Desk (703-246-4231) to confirm if they accept walk-ins and where to go (and what ID, if any, is required).

Online forms: Using the Sheriff’s Office online mail form, requesters may email the Warrant Desk about active or outstanding warrants. Requesters are expected to provide their phone number and email address for feedback.

As of December 2025, the Fairfax County Sheriff’s Office does not offer an online warrant search tool. Interested parties are advised to utilize Virginia's statewide case information portal or the Fairfax County General District Court records for online warrant searches.

Accessing Public Records Related to Warrants in Fairfax County

In Fairfax County, individuals researching a possible warrant can access public files, including court case records and dockets, as well as law enforcement records related to an arrest, booking, or incident.

Court Records

Court records may be the most accessible source of warrant-related information, given the close connection between warrants and court cases.

In Virginia, General District Court (GDC) records encompass a wide range of cases, including traffic offenses and many misdemeanor criminal cases. Using the Virginia Judiciary’s General District Court Online Case Information System, users may search these cases (publicly available) by name, case number, or hearing date. If a warrant or capias has been issued in any of these cases, it typically comes up as a docket entry in the case history.

Circuit Court records encompass felony criminal cases and a wide range of civil matters. Requesters may access case status, hearings, and key court actions, including warrant-related entries, via the online public case information on Fairfax County’s Circuit Court website.

Arrest or Booking Records

Arrest or booking-related records are often helpful in confirming what happened after a warrant was executed. However, they are not generally accessible to the public.

Police Records (Fairfax County Police Department)

Following an arrest in Fairfax County, arrest and booking information are maintained by the Police Department’s Central Records unit. Comprehensive police reports are not accessible to the public. Only law enforcement, the courts, or individuals with a subpoena may obtain such documents. Parties involved in an incident may request an incident verification, a short document (with limited information) confirming that a report exists.

State Prison Custody Checks (VADOC)

The Virginia Department of Corrections (VADOC) maintains a public Inmate Locator for finding individuals sentenced to state custody. However, this service only covers inmates incarcerated in state prison facilities, not necessarily those in local jail custody.

Requesters seeking warrant-related records are advised to contact the custodian agency (e.g., Police or Sheriff’s Department). The Fairfax County Police Department offers the public an online request form and an email channel for Virginia Freedom of Information Act (VFOIA) records requests.

Under the Virginia FOIA framework, law enforcement and criminal records that are accessible to the public include basic case information or dockets. These are often viewable online, especially for adult criminal or traffic cases. However, FOIA and other confidentiality laws may restrict or redact information, such as investigative details, identifying information of victims or witnesses, and certain sensitive or sealed matters. Requesters may not be able to access complete police reports via standard records requests. The Fairfax County Police Department states that such documents are available only to law enforcement or by subpoena, with limited verification options for involved parties.

Types of Warrants Issued in Fairfax County

In Virginia, including Fairfax County, the courts issue warrants for several purposes. Therefore, requesters must understand the different types available, as this might affect where the warrant appears, its validity period, and what information is publicly visible.

Arrest warrant

This is a legal instrument issued by a magistrate, granting law enforcement the authority to take someone into custody for an alleged crime. This document is issued after the court officer (usually a magistrate) examines the complaint and evidence and determines there is probable cause that the accused person committed an offense. In Virginia, an arrest warrant identifies the suspect and instructs law enforcement to bring the person before the relevant court.

Bench warrant

In Virginia, a bench warrant is often referred to as a “capias.” The court typically issues a bench warrant when an individual fails to appear for a scheduled hearing or does not comply with a court requirement. This means that the subject of a capias is to be arrested for their failure to appear in court or fulfill court requirements.

Criminal summon

This is a criminal process document that orders a person (or entity) to appear in court. Unlike a warrant or capias that is executable by arrest, a criminal summons is served by delivering a copy to the concerned individual.

Search warrant

A search warrant grants law enforcement the legal authority to search a specific location (and seize specified items or persons). The court typically issues this order after establishing probable cause based on an affidavit. In Virginia, search warrants that are not executed within 15 days after issuance are expected to be returned and voided.

Civil warrant

This is typically used in the Virginia District Court to begin civil cases. It entails serving a document (a civil warrant) on the defendant, instructing them to appear in court to respond to the plaintiff’s claim. Although it is referred to as a “warrant,” this is not a criminal arrest document.

How Long Warrants Remain Active in Fairfax County

Most warrants in Virginia, including those in Fairfax County, remain in effect until the case is dismissed, recalled, or quashed, or the warrant is served; there is usually no built-in expiration date.

In Virginia, arrest and bench warrants normally have no expiration dates and remain live until the court recalls, quashes, or serves them. Search warrants, on the other hand, are anticipated to be returned and nullified within 15 days of their issuance.

Court action and law enforcement processes that may affect the lifespan of a warrant include:

• Court recall/quash: A judge may recall or quash certain warrants, thereby ending the warrant.
• Case resolution: A dismissal, plea, sentencing completion, or fulfillment of conditions (fees, community service, and compliance hearings) may result in a warrant being lifted.
• Execution by law enforcement: Once served, a warrant is no longer considered "outstanding," even though the underlying case may still be ongoing.
• Agency procedures and record routing: Operational steps (service attempts, transfer between agencies, jail intake) may also affect warrant status.

What To Do if You Find an Outstanding Warrant in Fairfax County

When a warrant appears in a Fairfax County search, it may be beneficial to verify that the document is active and up to date using official sources. Online summaries or background reports may be incomplete or fail to reflect recent updates. Therefore, individuals with outstanding warrants against them may take steps that include the following actions:

• Verify using the issuing court’s records. Most warrant-related entries in Fairfax appear in either General District Court (for traffic or misdemeanors) or Circuit Court (for felonies) case records. Interested parties may search through these records for docket language indicating warrant activity (often “capias issued” for a bench-style arrest order).
• Use official contact channels. Based on information available on the Fairfax County Sheriff’s Office’s website, inquirers are expected to contact the Warrant Desk for warrant questions.
• Match the name to the right person/case. Individuals with common names may wish to confirm that they are looking at the right person using details like complete name, date of birth, case number, or jurisdiction.
• Understand the context. Understanding the context of a warrant is crucial. This is because a warrant could be associated with a missed court date, an active criminal case, or another necessity. The setting often affects what information is public and what may be withheld.