Burleigh County Warrant Search
What Is a Search Warrant In Burleigh County?
A search warrant in Burleigh County 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. Search warrants are issued pursuant to the North Dakota Century Code § 29-29-01, which establishes the legal framework for search warrants throughout the state, including Burleigh County.
Search warrants in Burleigh County must be based on probable cause, supported by oath or affirmation, and must particularly describe the place to be searched and the persons or things to be seized. This requirement stems from both the Fourth Amendment to the United States Constitution and Article I, Section 8 of the North Dakota Constitution, which protect citizens against unreasonable searches and seizures.
Search warrants differ from other types of warrants issued in Burleigh County:
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Arrest Warrants: These authorize law enforcement to take a specific person into custody. Unlike search warrants which focus on places and things, arrest warrants focus on apprehending individuals.
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Bench Warrants: These are court orders issued by a judge when an individual fails to appear for a scheduled court hearing or violates court orders. Bench warrants direct law enforcement to bring the person before the court.
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Civil Warrants: These may be issued in non-criminal matters, such as for civil contempt of court.
The issuance of search warrants in Burleigh County follows strict procedural requirements under North Dakota Rules of Criminal Procedure Rule 41, which governs search and seizure procedures throughout the state.
Are Warrants Public Records In Burleigh County?
The public record status of warrants in Burleigh County follows a nuanced framework established by North Dakota law. Under the North Dakota Open Records Law § 44-04-18, government records are generally presumed to be open to public inspection. However, the accessibility of warrant information is subject to specific limitations and exceptions.
The public accessibility of warrants in Burleigh County depends on several factors:
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Active vs. Executed Warrants: Active warrants that have not yet been served may be temporarily sealed to prevent individuals from evading law enforcement. Once executed, warrant information typically becomes more accessible.
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Criminal Investigation Exemption: Under § 44-04-18.7, records of active criminal investigations may be exempt from disclosure. This may temporarily restrict access to warrant information related to ongoing investigations.
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Judicial Records: Warrants are judicial records, and their accessibility is also governed by court rules. The North Dakota Supreme Court has established policies regarding public access to court records through Administrative Rule 41.
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Sealed Warrants: In certain circumstances, a judge may order a warrant to be sealed, temporarily removing it from public access. This typically occurs when disclosure might compromise an investigation, endanger witnesses, or prejudice the administration of justice.
While the existence of a warrant may be public information, the supporting affidavits and specific details may be subject to different disclosure rules. Members of the public seeking warrant information should be aware that access may be limited based on the status of the warrant and related proceedings.
How to Find Out if I Have a Warrant In Burleigh County?
Individuals seeking to determine if they have an active warrant in Burleigh County may utilize several official channels. The following methods are currently available for warrant verification:
- Burleigh County Sheriff's Department: The Sheriff's Department maintains records of active warrants issued within the county. Individuals may contact the department directly to inquire about possible warrants.
Burleigh County Sheriff's Department
514 E Thayer Ave
Bismarck, ND 58501
701-222-6651
Burleigh County Sheriff's Department
- Bismarck Police Department: For warrants issued within Bismarck city limits, the Bismarck Police Department can provide information regarding active warrants.
Bismarck Police Department
700 S 9th St
Bismarck, ND 58504
701-223-1212
Bismarck Police Department
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North Dakota Courts Online Search: The North Dakota Court System provides a public access portal where individuals can search for case information, which may include warrant status.
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Bismarck Municipal Court: For warrants issued by the municipal court, individuals may contact the court clerk directly.
Bismarck Municipal Court
221 N 5th St
Bismarck, ND 58501
701-355-1350
Bismarck Municipal Court
- Burleigh County Clerk of District Court: The Clerk's office maintains records of warrants issued by the district court.
Burleigh County Clerk of District Court
514 E Thayer Ave
Bismarck, ND 58501
701-222-6690
Burleigh County Clerk of District Court
When making inquiries about possible warrants, individuals should be prepared to provide personal identifying information, including full legal name and date of birth. For privacy and security reasons, warrant information is typically only provided to the named individual or their legal representative.
How To Check for Warrants in Burleigh County for Free in 2026
Residents and interested parties can check for warrants in Burleigh County without incurring fees through several official channels currently available. The following methods provide free access to warrant information:
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Online Court Records Search: The North Dakota Court System maintains a comprehensive public access portal that allows users to search for case information, including warrant status. This service is provided at no cost to users and includes searchable records from Burleigh County.
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Sheriff's Department Warrant List: The Burleigh County Sheriff's Department maintains a database of approximately 3,000 active warrants. While not all warrant information is published online, the department can verify warrant status upon inquiry at no charge.
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In-Person Verification: Individuals may visit the following locations during regular business hours to request a free warrant check:
Burleigh County Courthouse
514 E Thayer Ave
Bismarck, ND 58501
Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
701-222-6690
Bismarck Police Department
700 S 9th St
Bismarck, ND 58504
Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
701-223-1212
- Telephone Verification: Individuals may call the Burleigh County Sheriff's Department at 701-222-6651 during business hours to inquire about possible warrants. This service is provided at no cost, though callers should be prepared to provide identifying information.
When conducting a warrant search, users should have the following information ready:
- Full legal name (including possible aliases)
- Date of birth
- Social Security Number (for in-person or telephone verification)
- Case number (if known)
Pursuant to North Dakota Century Code § 44-04-18, these public records are available for inspection without charge, though fees may apply for copies or certified documents.
What Types of Warrants In Burleigh County
Burleigh County issues several distinct types of warrants, each serving a specific legal purpose within the criminal justice system. The following warrant categories are currently recognized and utilized in Burleigh County:
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Arrest Warrants: These are issued when probable cause exists to believe an individual has committed a crime. Arrest warrants in Burleigh County are typically issued by district court judges pursuant to North Dakota Rules of Criminal Procedure Rule 4. The Bismarck Municipal Court and Burleigh County District Court both issue arrest warrants within their respective jurisdictions.
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Bench Warrants: These are court orders issued when an individual fails to appear for a scheduled court hearing or violates court orders. In Burleigh County, bench warrants are commonly issued for failure to appear, failure to pay court-ordered fines, or violation of probation terms.
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Search Warrants: These authorize law enforcement to search specified premises and seize designated evidence. Search warrants in Burleigh County must comply with the requirements of North Dakota Century Code § 29-29-01 and are issued based on probable cause supported by sworn affidavits.
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Civil Warrants: These include orders such as civil contempt warrants, which may be issued when an individual fails to comply with court orders in civil matters, such as child support obligations or other civil judgments.
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No-Knock Warrants: These specialized search warrants authorize law enforcement to enter premises without first announcing their presence. In Burleigh County, these warrants are issued only in exceptional circumstances where standard announcement might result in destruction of evidence or danger to officers.
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Administrative Warrants: These are issued for administrative purposes, such as health and safety inspections, and are not related to criminal investigations.
The Burleigh County Sheriff's Department is primarily responsible for executing warrants issued within the county, while the Bismarck Police Department handles warrants within city limits.
What Warrants in Burleigh County Contain
Warrants issued in Burleigh County contain specific information mandated by North Dakota law to ensure legal validity and proper execution. Pursuant to North Dakota Century Code § 29-29-02 and relevant court rules, warrants in Burleigh County include the following essential components:
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Case Identification: Each warrant contains a unique case number and court identifier showing whether it was issued by the Burleigh County District Court or Bismarck Municipal Court.
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Subject Information: Warrants include detailed identifying information about the subject, including:
- Full legal name
- Date of birth
- Physical description (height, weight, eye color, hair color)
- Last known address
- Any known aliases
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Legal Authority: The warrant specifies the legal authority under which it is issued, including references to relevant North Dakota statutes or municipal ordinances.
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Offense Details: For arrest warrants, the document contains:
- Specific charges or allegations
- Statutory citations for alleged violations
- Date and approximate time of the alleged offense
- Brief description of the criminal conduct
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Search Parameters: Search warrants specifically describe:
- Exact location to be searched
- Items to be seized
- Time limitations for execution (typically within 10 days of issuance)
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Judicial Authorization: All warrants include:
- Name and signature of the issuing judge or magistrate
- Date and time of issuance
- Court seal or official stamp
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Bond Information: Arrest warrants typically specify:
- Whether bond is allowed
- Bond amount if applicable
- Special conditions of release
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Service Instructions: Warrants may contain specific instructions for law enforcement regarding execution, including jurisdictional limitations or special procedures.
The format and content of warrants in Burleigh County adhere to standardized templates approved by the North Dakota Supreme Court to ensure consistency and compliance with legal requirements.
Who Issues Warrants In Burleigh County
In Burleigh County, the authority to issue warrants is vested in specific judicial officers as prescribed by North Dakota law. The following officials currently possess the legal authority to issue warrants within Burleigh County:
- District Court Judges: Judges of the South Central Judicial District, which encompasses Burleigh County, have the broadest authority to issue all types of warrants, including arrest warrants, search warrants, and bench warrants. These judges preside at:
Burleigh County Courthouse
514 E Thayer Ave
Bismarck, ND 58501
701-222-6690
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Magistrates: Court-appointed magistrates may issue certain warrants under delegated judicial authority, particularly in after-hours situations when immediate judicial action is required.
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Municipal Court Judges: The Bismarck Municipal Court judge has authority to issue warrants for violations of city ordinances within Bismarck city limits. The Municipal Court is located at:
Bismarck Municipal Court
221 N 5th St
Bismarck, ND 58501
701-355-1350
The warrant issuance process in Burleigh County adheres to strict procedural requirements established by the North Dakota Rules of Criminal Procedure. For arrest warrants, Rule 4 requires a showing of probable cause supported by oath or affirmation, typically in the form of a sworn complaint or affidavit. For search warrants, Rule 41 requires detailed affidavits establishing probable cause to believe evidence of a crime will be found at the specified location.
Law enforcement agencies in Burleigh County, including the Burleigh County Sheriff's Department and Bismarck Police Department, work directly with prosecutors to prepare warrant applications for judicial review. The State's Attorney's Office typically reviews warrant applications before submission to ensure legal sufficiency.
How To Find for Outstanding Warrants In Burleigh County
Individuals seeking information about outstanding warrants in Burleigh County may utilize several official channels to conduct a comprehensive search. The following methods are currently available for locating warrant information:
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North Dakota Courts Online Search: The North Dakota Court System provides a public access portal where users can search for case information by name. This database includes warrant information for cases in Burleigh County District Court.
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Burleigh County Sheriff's Department Warrant Search: The Sheriff's Department maintains records of approximately 3,000 active warrants within the county. Individuals may contact the department directly to inquire about specific warrants.
Burleigh County Sheriff's Department
514 E Thayer Ave
Bismarck, ND 58501
701-222-6651
Burleigh County Sheriff's Department
- Bismarck Police Department: For warrants issued within Bismarck city limits, individuals may contact:
Bismarck Police Department
700 S 9th St
Bismarck, ND 58504
701-223-1212
Bismarck Police Department
- Bismarck Municipal Court: For warrants related to city ordinance violations:
Bismarck Municipal Court
221 N 5th St
Bismarck, ND 58501
701-355-1350
Bismarck Municipal Court
- In-Person Records Request: Individuals may visit the Burleigh County Clerk of Court's office during regular business hours to request warrant information:
Burleigh County Clerk of District Court
514 E Thayer Ave
Bismarck, ND 58501
Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
701-222-6690
When conducting a warrant search, requestors should provide:
- Full legal name of the subject
- Date of birth (if known)
- Any aliases or alternative spellings
- Case number (if available)
For third-party searches, certain limitations may apply pursuant to North Dakota Century Code § 44-04-18.7, which governs access to criminal investigation information. While basic warrant information is generally public, supporting documentation may be subject to restricted access.
How To Check Federal Warrants In Burleigh County
Federal warrants represent a distinct category of legal instruments issued by federal courts rather than state or county authorities. Individuals seeking information about federal warrants that may be executable in Burleigh County should understand the separate processes involved. The following methods are currently available for checking federal warrant status:
- U.S. District Court for the District of North Dakota: The federal court serving Burleigh County maintains records of federal warrants issued within its jurisdiction. Limited public information may be available through:
U.S. District Court - District of North Dakota
655 1st Ave N, Suite 130
Fargo, ND 58102
701-297-7000
U.S. District Court - District of North Dakota
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Public Access to Court Electronic Records (PACER): This federal court record system provides online access to federal case information, including certain warrant details after cases are filed. Registration is required, and fees may apply for document retrieval.
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U.S. Marshals Service: As the primary federal agency responsible for executing federal warrants, the U.S. Marshals Service may provide limited information regarding federal warrants:
U.S. Marshals Service - District of North Dakota
655 1st Ave N, Suite 320
Fargo, ND 58102
701-297-7325
U.S. Marshals Service
- Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI): For federal warrants related to FBI investigations, limited information may be available through:
FBI Resident Agency - Bismarck
2929 3rd Ave N
Bismarck, ND 58503
701-223-4875
FBI Minneapolis Division
Important distinctions regarding federal warrants:
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Federal warrants are issued pursuant to the Federal Rules of Criminal Procedure rather than state law.
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Federal warrants are typically not included in state or county warrant databases, including those maintained by the Burleigh County Sheriff's Department or Bismarck Police Department.
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Federal agencies generally have more restrictive policies regarding the disclosure of active warrant information compared to state and local authorities.
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Federal warrants may be executed by federal agents or through partnerships with local law enforcement agencies in Burleigh County.
Individuals with concerns about possible federal warrants are advised to consult with a qualified attorney, as federal charges often carry significant penalties and complex procedural requirements.
How Long Do Warrants Last In Burleigh County?
Warrants issued in Burleigh County remain valid and executable according to timeframes established by North Dakota law and judicial practice. The duration of warrant validity varies by warrant type and is governed by specific statutory provisions:
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Arrest Warrants: Under North Dakota law, standard arrest warrants in Burleigh County do not expire and remain valid until executed or formally recalled by the issuing court. This principle is established in North Dakota Century Code § 29-06-08, which governs arrest warrant procedures. Arrest warrants issued by both the Burleigh County District Court and Bismarck Municipal Court remain active indefinitely.
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Search Warrants: Search warrants in Burleigh County have specific execution timeframes. Pursuant to North Dakota Rules of Criminal Procedure Rule 41(e)(2), search warrants must be executed within 10 days of issuance. After this period, the warrant expires and law enforcement must obtain a new warrant if the search is still necessary.
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Bench Warrants: Similar to arrest warrants, bench warrants issued for failure to appear or other court violations remain active until the subject appears before the court or the warrant is recalled. These warrants have no statutory expiration date in North Dakota.
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Extradition Warrants: For fugitives wanted in other states, extradition warrants in Burleigh County remain valid according to the terms of interstate agreements and the Uniform Criminal Extradition Act as adopted by North Dakota.
While warrants may remain legally valid indefinitely, practical considerations may affect their prioritization by law enforcement agencies. The Burleigh County Sheriff's Department and Bismarck Police Department typically prioritize warrant execution based on factors including:
- Severity of the underlying offense
- Age of the warrant
- Available resources for apprehension
- Current location of the subject
It should be noted that while a warrant may not expire, the statute of limitations for the underlying offense continues to run, which may eventually affect prosecution of the case once the warrant is executed.
How Long Does It Take To Get a Search Warrant In Burleigh County?
The timeframe for obtaining a search warrant in Burleigh County varies based on several factors, including case urgency, judicial availability, and the complexity of the investigation. The process follows established procedures under North Dakota Rules of Criminal Procedure Rule 41 and typically involves the following timeline elements:
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Standard Search Warrants: Under normal circumstances, the process of obtaining a search warrant in Burleigh County typically requires:
- 1-2 hours for law enforcement to prepare the affidavit and application
- 1-3 hours for review by the State's Attorney's Office
- 1-2 hours for judicial review and issuance during regular court hours
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Emergency Situations: For urgent matters involving imminent danger or risk of evidence destruction, expedited procedures allow for faster warrant issuance:
- After-hours warrants may be obtained through on-call judges
- Electronic submission systems allow for remote review and approval
- In some cases, warrants may be obtained in as little as 30-60 minutes
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Complex Investigations: For investigations involving extensive evidence or technical matters, the warrant preparation process may require:
- 1-3 days for affidavit preparation and evidence compilation
- Additional time for specialized review (e.g., digital evidence, financial records)
- Coordination with multiple agencies or jurisdictions
The search warrant process in Burleigh County involves several sequential steps:
- Law enforcement officers prepare a detailed affidavit establishing probable cause
- The affidavit and warrant application are typically reviewed by the Burleigh County State's Attorney's Office
- The application is submitted to a judge of the South Central Judicial District Court
- The judge reviews the application and may ask clarifying questions
- Upon finding of probable cause, the judge signs the warrant
- The warrant is returned to law enforcement for execution
The Bismarck Police Department and Burleigh County Sheriff's Department maintain established protocols with the courts to facilitate efficient warrant processing while ensuring constitutional requirements are met.
Search Warrant Records in Burleigh County
Warrant information for Bismarck residents
Active warrants database maintained by Burleigh County Sheriff
Bismarck Police Department warrant enforcement