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ARTICLE · 08 MARCH 2023

How do I check if a warrant is out for my arrest?

There is no nationwide, or even state or territory-wide, register of outstanding arrest warrants in Australia.

AustraliaCriminal Law

There are many myths about arrest warrants, including when they can be issued and what you should do if you have been issued with one.

So here's some information that may assist if you suspect police could be knocking on your door sometime soon.

What Is an Arrest Warrant?

An arrest warrant is an order issued by a magistrate or a judge which empowers law enforcement agents such as police to lawfully arrest you and bring you before a court.

There are several circumstances in which an arrest warrant may be issued, including when you:

  • Are charged with a criminal offence but cannot be located,
  • Fail to attend court as required by law (in which case, a ‘bench warrant' may be issued),

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The content of this article is intended to provide a general guide to the subject matter. Specialist advice should be sought about your specific circumstances.

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