About Arrest Warrants

An arrest warrant, which calls for the immediate apprehension and arrest of a person, is issued by a judge as a result of a suspected commission of a crime and/or failure to follow an order of the Court, such as a failure to appear at a hearing or a violation of the terms of probation or pre-trial supervision.

The Sheriff’s Office does not issue warrants; the Sheriff’s Office is responsible by state statute for processing and maintaining warrant data. Warrants processed by the Olmsted County Sheriff’s Office are issued by the Olmsted County District Court (Third Judicial District). A judge must sign and approve each warrant.

Arrest warrants are issued for serious crimes, such as murder, criminal sexual conduct, and assault, and/or when an individual presents a flight risk, cannot be located, or resides out of state. Arrest warrants are also issued for less serious crimes where an individual has failed to follow an order of the court.

Types of Criminal Warrants

There are generally three types of criminal arrest warrants:

  • Bench warrants. Bench warrants are issued for individuals who fail to appear in court for a hearing, violate pre-trial release supervision conditions, or do not follow a court directive. 
  • Complaint warrants. Complaint warrants are issued as part of a criminal complaint when the Olmsted County Attorney’s Office or one of the city attorney’s offices charge a case. Charging by warrant occurs for more serious crimes and/or when the defendant presents a flight risk, and/or the defendant cannot be located, and/or when the defendant resides out of state.
  • Probation/Parole violation warrants. Probation/parole violation warrants are issued for an offender who is already under supervision with Dodge & Olmsted Community Corrections and has violated their supervision conditions.

Offense Levels

Most criminal warrants have an offense level. These offense levels are defined by Minnesota State Statute 609.02 (Subdivisions 2, 3, 4, and 4a):

  • Felony
  • Gross misdemeanor
  • Misdemeanor
  • Petty misdemeanor

Civil Warrants

Civil warrants are issued for non-criminal reasons, such as contempt of court, or for housing or family court reasons. Business or collection reasons may also result in a civil warrant being issued.

Law Enforcement Response

When an arrest warrant is issued, deputies and officers attempt to locate and arrest the person, bringing him or her to justice. By statute, the sheriff is required to "pursue and apprehend all felons" (Minnesota State Statute 387.03). As a result, law enforcement agencies collaborate to seek out the most dangerous fugitives and to bring them to justice.

Resolving Your Arrest Warrant and Turning Yourself In

If you are wanted for a serious crime, the best way to resolve your warrant is to turn yourself in. Law enforcement agencies are actively working together to bring you to justice. Individuals with an active arrest warrant can turn themselves in 24 hours a day, seven days a week, at the Adult Detention Center.

When turning yourself in, arriving at the Adult Detention Center before 8:30 a.m., Monday through Thursday, excluding holidays, is best. This can help minimize the likelihood of remaining in jail over the weekend.

All reasonable efforts will be made to place you on the next available, appropriate court calendar. The first available court date for your case will depend on the type of warrant issued, status of your case and the judge issuing the warrant.

Turning yourself in will resolve the warrant immediately. You will also be provided the opportunity to post bail or bond, if permitted by the court, and remain out-of-custody until your court date.

Individuals turning themselves in are encouraged to provide the Sheriff’s Office with as much information as possible about why they are wanted.

When turning yourself in, please bring the following items:

  • Valid state or federal-issued photo identification, such as a driver’s license
  • Current prescription medications in original sealed and labeled packaging
  • Clothing appropriate for the season
  • Cash for bail/bond (if appropriate)
  • Necessary personal assistive aids, such as glasses, hearing aids or orthopedic devices
  • Collateral contact information (name of another person and phone number for verification purposes)

The following items should not be brought to the jail:

  • Excessive personal items, such as jewelry or extra clothing items
  • Weapons
  • Non-prescription medications
  • Perishable items such as food
  • Electronics

Identification Verification Standards

All persons with an Olmsted County warrant who turn themselves in must be processed by the jail staff to confirm identification; this process includes being fingerprinted and photographed.

Life with an Arrest Warrant

If you are wanted for a serious crime, you are a fugitive. You should know law enforcement agencies are actively working together to bring you to justice. By statute, the sheriff is required to "pursue and apprehend all felons" (Minnesota State Statute 387.03). Statute also requires law enforcement officers to arrest anyone with an active arrest warrant. 

If you are wanted for a less serious crime and have not resolved your arrest warrant in court, chances are you have not had contact with law enforcement since your original offense. You should know you still run the risk of being arrested.

Imagine how difficult an unexpected arrest could be. For example, assume on your way to work or school:

  • You are pulled over for speeding.
  • The deputy/officer lets you know you have an arrest warrant.
  • You are arrested and brought to jail.
  • Your car is towed and impounded (tow fees and daily storage fees vary by towing company).
  • You may be held in-custody (in jail) if you cannot post bail/bond.
  • You may miss work or school and may have to take additional time off work to appear in court.

Whether you are a wanted fugitive or wanted for a less serious crime, turning yourself in will immediately resolve your arrest warrant at a time that is convenient for you.

Having an active arrest warrant may also have a negative impact in one of the following ways:

  • Being arrested at an unexpected time.
  • Showing up on a background check when applying for a job.
  • Being denied public assistance for housing or social security (SSI).
  • Not being able to obtain a passport or being detained while traveling out of the country.
  • Having a loan application or bank account denied.