Tangipahoa County Warrant Search
What Is a Search Warrant In Tangipahoa County?
A search warrant in Tangipahoa Parish is a legally binding court order that authorizes law enforcement officers to search a specifically designated location and seize particular items or evidence described within the warrant. These judicial directives are issued pursuant to the Louisiana Code of Criminal Procedure § 162, which establishes the legal framework for search warrants throughout the state. Search warrants in Tangipahoa Parish must be based upon probable cause, supported by oath or affirmation, and must particularly describe the place to be searched and the persons or things to be seized.
Search warrants are distinct from other types of warrants that may be issued in Tangipahoa Parish:
- Arrest Warrants: Authorize law enforcement to take a specific person into custody
- Bench Warrants: Court orders issued when an individual fails to appear for a scheduled court date
- Capias Warrants: Directives to arrest an individual who has failed to comply with court orders
The Fourth Amendment of the United States Constitution and Article I, § 5 of the Louisiana Constitution provide the fundamental protections against unreasonable searches and seizures, requiring warrants to be issued only upon probable cause. In Tangipahoa Parish, as throughout Louisiana, search warrants represent the careful balance between effective law enforcement and the constitutional rights of citizens.
Are Warrants Public Records In Tangipahoa County?
The public accessibility of warrants in Tangipahoa Parish follows a nuanced framework established by Louisiana law. Under the Louisiana Public Records Act § 44:1, many government documents, including certain court records, are presumptively public. However, the status of warrants as public records depends significantly on their type and current status.
Active warrants in Tangipahoa Parish are generally not accessible to the public while investigations are ongoing. This limitation stems from Louisiana Code of Criminal Procedure § 162.2, which allows for the sealing of search warrant applications and affidavits when public disclosure might compromise investigations, endanger individuals, or prejudice the accused's right to a fair trial.
Once executed, warrant records typically transition to public status with certain exceptions:
- Warrants related to juvenile cases remain confidential per Louisiana Children's Code § 412
- Warrants connected to ongoing investigations may remain sealed
- Warrants involving certain sensitive matters (e.g., sexual offenses, domestic violence) may have redacted information
The Tangipahoa Parish Clerk of Court maintains warrant records that have become part of the public court record, while the Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff's Office manages information regarding active warrants.
Tangipahoa Parish Clerk of Court
110 N Bay Street, Room 100
Amite, LA 70422
(985) 748-4146
Tangipahoa Parish Clerk of Court
How to Find Out if I Have a Warrant In Tangipahoa County?
Individuals seeking to determine if they have an active warrant in Tangipahoa Parish may utilize several official channels. The most direct method is contacting the Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff's Office, which maintains the parish's warrant database. Members of the public may inquire about warrant status through the following methods:
- In-person inquiry at the Sheriff's Office
- Telephone verification through the warrants division
- Online search through the Sheriff's Office website
When making inquiries, individuals should be prepared to provide personal identifying information including full legal name, date of birth, and possibly a Social Security number to ensure accurate results.
Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff's Office
15475 Club Deluxe Road
Hammond, LA 70403
(985) 902-2000
Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff's Office
Additionally, the Tangipahoa Parish Clerk of Court can provide information about warrants that have been filed with the court. Their records are accessible during regular business hours, Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM.
For individuals concerned about potential federal warrants, inquiries should be directed to the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Louisiana or the local office of the United States Marshals Service.
How To Check for Warrants in Tangipahoa County for Free in 2026
Tangipahoa Parish residents and other interested parties may verify warrant status without incurring fees through several official channels. The following methods provide cost-free access to warrant information:
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Online Sheriff's Database: The Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff's Office maintains a searchable online database of active warrants. Users may search by name and date of birth at the official sheriff's website.
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In-Person Verification: Individuals may visit the Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff's Office during regular business hours (Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM) to request a warrant check.
Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff's Office
15475 Club Deluxe Road
Hammond, LA 70403
(985) 902-2000
Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff's Office -
Telephone Inquiry: The warrants division accepts telephone inquiries during business hours. When calling, be prepared to provide full legal name and date of birth.
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Court Records Search: The Tangipahoa Parish Clerk of Court provides public access terminals for searching court records, including warrants that have been filed with the court.
Tangipahoa Parish Clerk of Court
110 N Bay Street, Room 100
Amite, LA 70422
(985) 748-4146 -
Louisiana State Police Public Records: For statewide warrant checks, the Louisiana State Police provides limited public access to warrant information pursuant to Louisiana Revised Statutes § 15:578.
When conducting warrant searches, individuals should be aware that results are only as current as the most recent database update. For the most accurate information, direct contact with the Sheriff's Office is recommended.
What Types of Warrants In Tangipahoa County
Tangipahoa Parish courts issue several distinct types of warrants, each serving specific legal purposes within the parish's judicial system. The primary warrant categories include:
Arrest Warrants: Issued when probable cause exists that an individual has committed a crime. These warrants authorize law enforcement to take the named person into custody. Arrest warrants in Tangipahoa Parish are issued pursuant to Louisiana Code of Criminal Procedure § 202 and require judicial approval based on sworn affidavits.
Bench Warrants: Court-ordered directives issued when an individual fails to appear for a scheduled court proceeding or violates court orders. These are commonly issued for:
- Failure to appear for arraignment
- Missing trial dates
- Non-compliance with court-ordered programs
- Failure to pay court-ordered fines
Search Warrants: Judicial orders authorizing law enforcement to search specified locations for evidence related to criminal investigations. These warrants must describe with particularity the place to be searched and items to be seized.
Capias Warrants: Similar to bench warrants, these direct law enforcement to arrest individuals who have failed to comply with court orders, particularly in cases involving unpaid fines or fees.
Fugitive Warrants: Issued when an individual is wanted in another jurisdiction and is believed to be in Tangipahoa Parish.
Child Support Warrants: Issued for individuals who have failed to comply with court-ordered child support obligations.
Each warrant type follows specific procedural requirements established by Louisiana law and must be properly executed by authorized law enforcement personnel within Tangipahoa Parish.
What Warrants in Tangipahoa County Contain
Warrants issued in Tangipahoa Parish contain specific legally required elements as prescribed by Louisiana Code of Criminal Procedure § 203 for arrest warrants and § 162 for search warrants. These official documents typically include:
- Case Identification: Court docket number and case reference information
- Issuing Authority: Name and title of the judge or magistrate who issued the warrant
- Subject Information: For arrest warrants, the full legal name of the person to be arrested and, when available, identifying information such as date of birth, physical description, and last known address
- Allegations/Charges: Description of the alleged criminal offense(s), including relevant statute citations
- Probable Cause Statement: Brief summary of the facts establishing probable cause
- Location Details: For search warrants, a precise description of the premises, vehicles, or persons to be searched
- Items Subject to Seizure: For search warrants, specific description of evidence or contraband to be seized
- Execution Parameters: Instructions regarding when and how the warrant may be executed, including any time restrictions
- Bond Information: For arrest warrants, the amount of bail, if applicable
- Issuance Date: Date the warrant was signed and became effective
- Expiration Information: Any applicable expiration date or execution deadline
- Official Signatures: Signature of the issuing judicial officer and court seal
All warrants in Tangipahoa Parish must comply with constitutional requirements established by the Fourth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution and Article I, § 5 of the Louisiana Constitution, ensuring they are based on probable cause, supported by oath or affirmation, and contain particularity regarding persons, places, and items.
Who Issues Warrants In Tangipahoa County
In Tangipahoa Parish, the authority to issue warrants is vested exclusively in judicial officers as established by Louisiana law. The following judicial authorities may issue warrants within the parish:
District Court Judges of the 21st Judicial District Court have primary authority to issue all types of warrants throughout Tangipahoa Parish. These judges preside over felony and misdemeanor cases and have the broadest warrant-issuing authority.
Tangipahoa Parish 21st Judicial District Court
110 North Bay Street
Amite, LA 70422
(985) 748-8232
21st Judicial District Court
Magistrate Judges appointed by the district court may issue warrants within their designated jurisdiction. These judicial officers often handle initial appearances and preliminary matters.
Justices of the Peace have limited authority to issue certain warrants, primarily for misdemeanor offenses within their ward or district.
Municipal Court Judges may issue warrants for violations of municipal ordinances and certain state laws within their respective city limits. Tangipahoa Parish contains several municipalities with their own courts, including Hammond and Ponchatoula.
Hammond City Court
303 East Thomas Street
Hammond, LA 70401
(985) 542-3214
Hammond City Court
The warrant-issuing process requires these judicial officers to review affidavits or sworn testimony establishing probable cause before authorizing the warrant. This judicial review serves as a constitutional safeguard ensuring that warrants are not issued arbitrarily but only upon sufficient legal grounds as required by Louisiana Code of Criminal Procedure § 162.
How To Find for Outstanding Warrants In Tangipahoa County
Individuals seeking information about outstanding warrants in Tangipahoa Parish may utilize several official channels to conduct their search. The following methods provide access to warrant information:
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Sheriff's Office Records Division: The primary repository for active warrant information in Tangipahoa Parish is the Sheriff's Office Records Division. Individuals may request warrant searches in person during regular business hours.
Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff's Office
15475 Club Deluxe Road
Hammond, LA 70403
(985) 902-2000
Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff's Office -
Online Warrant Database: The Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff's Office maintains a searchable online database of active warrants. This resource allows for name-based searches and provides basic information about outstanding warrants.
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Clerk of Court Records: For warrants that have been filed with the court, the Tangipahoa Parish Clerk of Court maintains searchable records. These records may be accessed through public terminals at the courthouse.
Tangipahoa Parish Clerk of Court
110 N Bay Street, Room 100
Amite, LA 70422
(985) 748-4146
Tangipahoa Parish Clerk of Court -
Louisiana State Police: For statewide warrant checks, individuals may contact the Louisiana State Police Bureau of Criminal Identification and Information. This service requires submission of a formal request and payment of applicable fees.
Louisiana State Police
Bureau of Criminal Identification and Information
P.O. Box 66614
Baton Rouge, LA 70896
(225) 925-6095
Louisiana State Police -
Written Request: Individuals may submit a written request for warrant information to the Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff's Office. Requests should include the subject's full name, date of birth, and any other identifying information.
When conducting warrant searches, requestors should be prepared to provide proper identification. Third-party searches may have additional restrictions to protect privacy and prevent misuse of information.
How To Check Federal Warrants In Tangipahoa County
Federal warrants operate under a separate jurisdiction from Tangipahoa Parish warrants and follow distinct procedures established by federal law. Individuals seeking information about federal warrants that may be executable in Tangipahoa Parish should utilize the following resources:
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United States District Court: The Eastern District of Louisiana, which has jurisdiction over Tangipahoa Parish, maintains records of federal warrants issued within its jurisdiction. Limited information may be available through the court's public access system.
United States District Court, Eastern District of Louisiana
500 Poydras Street
New Orleans, LA 70130
(504) 589-7650
Eastern District of Louisiana -
United States Marshals Service: As the primary federal agency responsible for executing federal warrants, the U.S. Marshals Service may provide limited information regarding active federal warrants.
United States Marshals Service - Eastern District of Louisiana
500 Poydras Street, Suite 1120
New Orleans, LA 70130
(504) 589-6079
U.S. Marshals Service -
Federal Bureau of Investigation: The FBI's New Orleans Field Office covers Tangipahoa Parish and may provide information regarding federal warrants related to FBI investigations.
FBI New Orleans Field Office
2901 Leon C. Simon Dr.
New Orleans, LA 70126
(504) 816-3000
FBI New Orleans -
PACER System: The Public Access to Court Electronic Records (PACER) system provides online access to federal court records, including certain warrant information after cases have been filed. Registration and fees apply for this service.
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Federal Public Defender's Office: Individuals who believe they may be subject to a federal warrant can consult with the Federal Public Defender's Office for guidance.
Federal Public Defender's Office - Eastern District of Louisiana
500 Poydras Street, Room 318
New Orleans, LA 70130
(504) 589-7930
Federal Public Defender
Federal warrants are typically not disclosed to the general public while active, and information may be limited due to ongoing investigations. Individuals with concerns about possible federal warrants are advised to consult with legal counsel regarding appropriate steps.
How Long Do Warrants Last In Tangipahoa County?
The duration of warrants in Tangipahoa Parish is governed by Louisiana state law and varies according to warrant type and the nature of the underlying offense. Under current Louisiana legal framework:
Arrest Warrants for felony offenses in Tangipahoa Parish remain active until executed or recalled by the issuing court. There is no statutory expiration date for felony arrest warrants, consistent with Louisiana Code of Criminal Procedure § 205. This perpetual validity reflects the serious nature of felony offenses and the state's interest in prosecuting these cases regardless of time elapsed.
Misdemeanor Arrest Warrants generally remain active until executed, though practical limitations may apply based on the statute of limitations for the underlying offense. In Louisiana, most misdemeanors have a two-year statute of limitations under Louisiana Code of Criminal Procedure § 572, though the warrant itself does not automatically expire.
Bench Warrants issued for failure to appear in court typically remain active until the subject appears before the court or the warrant is recalled by judicial order. These warrants can remain in effect indefinitely.
Search Warrants have the most restrictive timeframe. Pursuant to Louisiana Code of Criminal Procedure § 163, search warrants in Tangipahoa Parish must be executed within ten days after issuance. After this period, the warrant becomes invalid and must be returned to the issuing court.
It is important to note that while a warrant may remain legally valid for extended periods, practical considerations such as case prioritization, resource allocation, and changes in circumstances may affect how aggressively older warrants are pursued by law enforcement agencies in Tangipahoa Parish.
How Long Does It Take To Get a Search Warrant In Tangipahoa County?
The timeframe for obtaining a search warrant in Tangipahoa Parish varies based on several factors, including case urgency, judicial availability, and the complexity of the investigation. Under standard circumstances, the process typically follows this timeline:
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Preparation Phase (1-3 days): Law enforcement officers must gather sufficient evidence to establish probable cause, draft the warrant application, and prepare supporting affidavits. This initial phase may take from several hours to several days depending on investigation complexity.
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Review and Approval (1-24 hours): The warrant application must be reviewed by a prosecutor or agency legal counsel before submission to a judge. This review ensures legal sufficiency and proper formatting.
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Judicial Review (1-24 hours): Once submitted to a judicial officer of the 21st Judicial District Court or other authorized magistrate, the review process typically takes between one hour and one business day. In emergency situations, judges may expedite this review.
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Issuance and Execution: Upon approval, the warrant is immediately valid and may be executed within the ten-day window prescribed by Louisiana Code of Criminal Procedure § 163.
For urgent situations involving imminent danger, destruction of evidence, or other exigent circumstances, Tangipahoa Parish law enforcement may utilize expedited procedures, potentially obtaining warrants within hours through electronic submission systems and telephone approval as authorized under Louisiana law.
The Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff's Office and other local law enforcement agencies coordinate with the 21st Judicial District Court to facilitate efficient warrant processing while ensuring constitutional requirements are met. The parish has implemented electronic systems to streamline the warrant application process, reducing delays in appropriate cases.