Maine Warrant Search

All warrants issued and executed in Maine are stored electronically in a warrant docket management system and physically in the record units of the issuing and executing law enforcement agency. This allows for easy dissemination of warrant records upon request. A Maine warrant search can be conducted online, by phone, or in person at local City Police Departments, County Sheriff’s Offices, State Police, and local courts.

Warrant searches allow record seekers to have details concerning active warrants within Maine. Warrant searches help law enforcement officers perform arrests during traffic stops if they find that the person has active warrants. Employers use information from warrant searches to verify whether prospective employees have criminal records within the state.

What is a Warrant?

A warrant is a judicial writ that authorizes a law enforcement officer to execute a search, seizure, or arrest. It is usually issued by a court or a justice of the peace when a probable cause is determined. Only law enforcement officers can execute warrants in Maine. Judges in Maine issue several warrants. The most common are arrest, bench, search, and inspection warrants.

Are Warrants Public Record in Maine?

Yes. The Maine Freedom of Access Act (“FOAA”) grants members of the public the right to access warrant records maintained by any law enforcement agency in the state. Therefore, anyone can request to view or obtain copies of warrant records during the record custodian’s office hours. However, Maine Law does not permit public disclosure of juvenile and unexecuted search warrants.

How Do I Look Up Warrants in Maine?

Individuals can conduct warrant lookups on third-party aggregate databases. These sites provide warrant information when a search is initiated by first and last names. Each site returns unique search results, but most provide basic warrant information for free. A full warrant report attracts a fee between $2.95 and $4.95 for a 7-day unlimited access. A monthly subscription fee costs between $19.95 and $24.95. Always verify any information a third-party site provides because accuracy is not guaranteed.

What is a Search Warrant in Maine?

Per Me. R. Crim. P. 41, a court or a justice of the peace issues a search warrant when there is probable cause to believe that the grounds for the search exist. This type of warrant is usually issued to search for and seize any:

• Property that serves as evidence of the commission of a crime
• Contraband or things otherwise criminally possessed
• Property used, intended for use, which is or has been used as the means of committing a crime
• The person for whose arrest there is probable cause or who is unlawfully restrained.

A search warrant must be directed to a law enforcement officer. It must contain names of the persons whose affidavits have been taken in support thereof, a command to search the person or place named, and a designated Unified Criminal Docket to which the warrant must be returned.

• Are Search Warrants Public Records in Maine

  Yes, search warrants are public records in Maine. Per Maine Administrative Order JB-05-20, the information contained in or relating to a pending request for an outstanding search warrant is confidential. Search warrants and affidavit materials are treated as impounded (M.R. Crim. P. 41(f)(2)(A)). They only become public records when executed and returned to the court.

• How Long Does it Take to Get a Search Warrant in Maine?

  It is faster to get search warrants because they can be initiated electronically. However, the specific time to get a search warrant in Maine depends on how quickly the issuing judge can determine a probable cause.

• How Long Does a Search Warrant Last

  Per Me. R. Crim. P. 41(g), search warrants must be executed and returned within 14 days after its date. After the 14 days elapse, the executing law enforcement must return the search warrant to the Unified Criminal Docket designated in it.

What is a Bench Warrant in Maine?

Per ME Rev Stat 15 § 651, a bench warrant refers to an arrest warrant issued by a judge that directs a law enforcement officer to seize or detain an individual. It contains the subject or alias’ name, date of birth (if known), an identified charge, an indication, and information concerning the identity and location of the subject (ME Rev Stat 15 §654). A bench warrant in Maine includes the following types of arrest warrants:

• An affidavit warrant: This type of bench warrant is issued in response to a properly sworn charging instrument, affidavit, or both, based on probable cause to believe that an individual has committed a crime.
• A contempt warrant: This is issued by a judge for the failure to appear for a contempt hearing or failure of a contemnor to comply with a contempt order.
• An FTP warrant: This is a type of bench warrant issued for the failure of an individual to pay a fine as ordered by the issuing court.
• An FTA warrant: This type of bench warrant is issued for failure to appear in court for a hearing as required by a criminal summons.
• A juvenile warrant: This type of bench warrant is issued to detain a juvenile
• A probation violation warrant: This type of bench warrant is issued by a judge in response to a motion requested by a probation officer or prosecutor to revoke a person's probation or supervised release.

What is an Arrest Warrant in Maine?

Per Me. R. Crim. P. 4, the court or a justice of the peace issues arrest warrants when there is an indictment or probable cause to believe that a crime has been committed and that the accused committed it. A typical arrest warrant issued in Maine contains the following:

• The caption of the court or division of the court from which it issues it.
• An electronic or physical signature of the court or clerk issuing it.
• The defendant’s name (if unknown, any name or specific description by which the defendant can be identified will be provided)
• Information (like photographs, last known address, date of birth, and distinguished physical characteristics) on the identity and location of the defendant.
• Charges and bail amount
• A command that the subject of the warrant is arrested and brought before the court.

How to Check if You Have a Warrant in Maine

The most common way of checking for warrants in Maine is online. Individuals can visit any law enforcement agency in their city or county to verify if they are the subject of any warrant. All visitations should be done during the agency’s normal business hours, usually from Monday to Friday between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. Individuals can also call local police departments to request warrant information. Alternatively, individuals can order their criminal records online on the State Bureau of Identification’s website. This online service will reveal any warrant information of anyone in their database. The search is by name and date of birth, costing between $21 and $31.

Can You Check Warrants Online in Maine?

Most law enforcement agencies in Maine, like City Police Departments and County Sheriff’s Offices, do not have online portals to check warrants. However, requesters can view warrant information published in the Maine State Police’s weekly reports. The reports reveal the date the subject of the warrant was arrested, the town, the name of the Tropper, and a brief synopsis of how the person was arrested. Individuals might be able to see warrant records on some County Sheriff’s Offices' Facebook pages.

How To Find Out If You Have a Warrant for Free

Individuals can inquire about their warrant status for free at any law enforcement agency. Below are some specific ways to retrieve warrant information at no cost in Maine:

• Check the Maine State Police weekly reports.
• Visit the issuing court in person during normal business hours
• Visit or call local police departments or the county sheriff’s offices during business hours.

How to Find Out if Someone Has a Warrant Online For Free in Maine

Most law enforcement agencies do not disseminate active warrant records online for free. The Maine State Police (MSP) publishes warrant information in its weekly reports at no cost. To locate these reports, click the “Media Center” menu at the top bar of the MSP’s official website. Then select “Public Releases” from the dropdown.

How Long Does a Warrant Stay Active in Maine?

Arrest warrants, including bench warrants, are valid until served or recalled. However, search warrants stay active for 14 days in Maine. If the 14 days elapse, the search warrant can no longer be used. The executing officer can request a new one, but the unexecuted warrant must be returned to the issuing court.

How Do I Find Out If I Have a Federal Warrant?

There are several federal warrant search options in the United States. Authorized individuals can use the Warrant Information System (WIN) provided by the United States Marshals Service (USMS) to track the status of federal fugitives. Public members can use the Fugitives Lists provided by the USMS and Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).