Search Jefferson County Bench Warrants

Jefferson County bench warrants are public records you can search through the Clerk of Court in Monticello or the FDLE statewide database. Judges in the 2nd Judicial Circuit issue bench warrants when someone fails to appear for a scheduled court date or violates a court order. Jefferson County is one of the smallest counties in Florida by population, but its court system handles bench warrants the same way as any other county. This page explains how to find active bench warrants, what happens if you have one, and how to get the matter resolved through the Jefferson County courthouse.

Jefferson County Clerk of Court

The Jefferson County Clerk of Court manages all court records for the county, including bench warrants. The office is at 1 Courthouse Circle in Monticello, Florida 32344. Call (850) 342-0218 for case questions. The clerk staff can look up bench warrants by name or case number. They also handle bond payments, case filings, and public records requests. Jefferson County is small enough that the clerk's office handles most court business in one location. You can walk in during business hours and ask about a case.

The Jefferson County Circuit Clerk's office is the main point of contact for court records in the county.

All bench warrant documents filed in Jefferson County become part of the public record. Under Florida's Sunshine Law, Chapter 119, anyone can request to see these records. You do not need to be a party to the case. Some limits apply to juvenile records and sealed cases, but most bench warrants are open for public access.

Jefferson County shares the 2nd Judicial Circuit with Franklin, Gadsden, Leon, Liberty, and Wakulla counties. This circuit is based in Tallahassee. A bench warrant from Jefferson County can be served anywhere in the circuit and, under Florida Statute 901.04, by any sheriff in the state. That means a warrant from Monticello follows you wherever you go in Florida.

Search Jefferson County Bench Warrants Online

You can check for Jefferson County bench warrants through the FDLE statewide warrant database. The Florida Department of Law Enforcement collects warrant data from all 67 counties. It gets updated every 24 hours. Search by first name, last name, or date of birth. The results show the charge, warrant type, and issuing agency. Keep in mind there can be a short delay before new warrants appear in the system.

The FDLE database covers more than just bench warrants from Jefferson County. It includes arrest warrants, direct capias warrants, violation of probation warrants, and fugitive warrants. Each one has a different legal basis. A bench warrant comes from a judge when you miss court. A direct capias gets prepared by the clerk or state attorney under Florida Rule of Criminal Procedure 3.730 to bring someone in for sentencing. The end result is the same, though. Law enforcement will arrest you and bring you before the court in Jefferson County.

The Florida Court Clerks and Comptrollers association ties all 67 county clerk offices together. The eWarrants system connects police, prosecutors, clerks, and judges across the state. A bench warrant entered in Jefferson County goes into databases that law enforcement officers access during routine traffic stops, calls for service, and other contacts.

Jefferson County Sheriff Warrant Service

The Jefferson County Sheriff's Office serves bench warrants in the county. The office is at 171 Industrial Park in Monticello, FL 32344. Call (850) 342-0830 for warrant questions. Deputies handle both bench warrants and arrest warrants. When someone gets picked up on a bench warrant in Jefferson County, they get booked into the county jail and held until they can see a judge.

Under Florida Statute 901.02, a judge must find probable cause to issue a bench warrant. The warrant has to be signed by the judge. Electronic signatures have been allowed since July 2013. Once a bench warrant is signed, it goes into the system and stays active until it gets cleared. There is no time limit. A bench warrant from Jefferson County does not expire. It stays in the system until the person is arrested, the judge recalls it, or the subject is deceased.

Note: Deputies can serve a bench warrant in Jefferson County at any time, on any day, including weekends and holidays.

Bench Warrant Penalties in Jefferson County

Missing your court date in Jefferson County creates a new set of problems. The bench warrant itself brings you back to court. But Florida Statute 843.15 adds criminal charges on top of that. If you were released on a felony charge and failed to appear, that is a third-degree felony. Up to five years in prison. If you were on a misdemeanor charge, failure to appear is a first-degree misdemeanor. Up to one year in jail. These charges are separate from the original case.

Do not confuse bench warrants with search warrants. They work differently. Search warrants expire after 10 days under Florida Statute 933.05. Bench warrants have no such limit. One from five years ago in Jefferson County is still active today. It will come up during traffic stops, background checks, and any contact with law enforcement in Florida.

Resolving Warrants in Jefferson County

If you find out you have a bench warrant in Jefferson County, get a lawyer. A criminal defense attorney can look at your case and figure out the best path forward. They can sometimes file a motion to quash the warrant, especially if the case is old or involves minor charges. Turning yourself in at the Jefferson County Jail is another option. Voluntary surrender usually goes better than getting arrested at your job or at home.

Steps to resolve a Jefferson County bench warrant:

• Hire an attorney to file a motion to quash or recall the warrant
• Turn yourself in at the Jefferson County Jail in Monticello
• Call the sheriff's office at (850) 342-0830
• Contact the clerk at (850) 342-0218 for case info

Be careful of scam calls. No real law enforcement officer in Jefferson County will call and ask you to pay money over the phone to clear a bench warrant. No gift cards, no wire transfers. If you get a call like that, hang up and verify through the clerk's office. Under Florida Statute 88.3051, the court can issue a bench warrant, capias, or writ of bodily attachment for failure to appear. But none of that involves paying someone on the phone.

Cities in Jefferson County

Jefferson County includes the city of Monticello and a few unincorporated areas. All bench warrants in the county are handled through the 2nd Judicial Circuit Court. No cities in Jefferson County meet the population threshold for a dedicated page. All bench warrant matters go through the courthouse in Monticello.

Nearby Counties

These counties border Jefferson County. Double-check that your bench warrant is in the right county before you take any steps. Each county runs its own clerk and sheriff offices.