Arrest warrants are legal documents that give law enforcement authorities the right to apprehend, detain and imprison a person until they are brought before a judge. Is an arrest warrant required for an arrest? No, a police officer does not need to have an active warrant to make an arrest. However, if the officer arrests because he witnesses a crime, he must take the suspect before a judge as soon as practical. Sometimes, an officer may arrest without having a copy of the arrest warrant with him. If this happens, the officer must provide a copy of the arrest warrant to the suspect as soon as possible.
What is probable cause concerning an arrest warrant?
Having an outstanding warrant is a severe matter. Courts in California issue arrest warrants based on probable cause. Probable cause is the belief that a person has committed a crime. A complaint is made before a judge alleging facts to support the idea that a suspect has committed a crime. Based on the sworn testimony or complaint, the judge must use his judgment to determine that a reasonable person would believe the suspect committed the crime being alleged. If the judge finds this true, he will issue a warrant for an arrest to local law enforcement officers.
Begin your warrant search with the Clerk of Court for the Superior Court of California for San Benito County. The criminal records division may be reached by telephone at (831) 636-4057, ext. 72, and, even though they cannot give out any information online, they can tell you the best way to get the arrest records you want to view.
The San Benito County Sheriff’s Office now uses the internet to provide information about crimes within the county. Some parts of the website are still being developed; however, when finished, it will allow you to do a crime report search, check the offender’s watch, search the most wanted, etc. You can also contact the Sheriff’s office directly at 831-636-4080 or in person at 451 4th Street, Hollister, CA 95023.
How do you look up information on recent arrests and active warrants from San Benito County over the phone? (2021-information)
- Know about recent arrest by calling the San Benito County Jail at 831-636-4060.
- Learn more about criminal background checks by calling the Records Division at 831-636-4080, ext 438.
- Contact the San Benito County Victim-Witness Assistance Program at 831-634-1397 if you are the victim of a crime and want to know more about your case, the defendant or the restitution available to you.
- Reach the Sheriff’s Department for general inquires and to file a complaint by using their non-emergency phone number- 831-636-4080
- Report a crime anonymously by calling the tip line at 831-636-4084.
- Get in touch with the detective investigating a criminal complaint filed by you by calling the Investigations Division at 831-636-4080.
San Benito County, CA crime data
As compared to the 200 plus incident rate of 2018, the annual crime average of San Benito County was lower in 2019 at approximately 185 cases. Of these complaints, over 150 were filed against property crimes, which included more than 100 cases against larceny thefts. Approximately, 30 cases were filed against violent crimes of which, an estimated 25 were against aggravated assault.
In San Benito County, CA, crime rates remained steady from 1999 through 2008, averaging 1,200 to 1,400 crimes per year. The total crimes reported during that time were almost 13,500, with only 16% of them being violent in nature. Murder was the lowest type of crime during those years, with only 23 murders within the county.