Warrant records are generally considered public records in Davis, California, pursuant to the California Public Records Act (Government Code § 6250-6270). This legislation establishes the public's right to access information maintained by state and local government agencies, including judicial records such as warrants, unless specifically exempted by law.
The California Public Records Act operates under the principle that governmental transparency serves the public interest. Under this framework, warrant information is typically accessible to members of the public with certain limitations:
The Yolo County Superior Court, which has jurisdiction over Davis, maintains warrant records as part of its official court documentation. Public access to these records promotes accountability within the criminal justice system while allowing individuals to verify their own legal status.
Several official resources are available for individuals seeking warrant information in Davis, California. The following options provide varying levels of access to warrant records:
Yolo County Superior Court Portal: The Yolo County Superior Court maintains an online case information system where members of the public may search for case information, including associated warrants.
Davis Police Department Records: The Davis Police Department provides limited warrant information through their records division.
Davis Police Department
2600 5th Street
Davis, CA 95618
(530) 747-5400
City of Davis Police Department
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Yolo County Sheriff's Office: The Sheriff's Office maintains a database of active warrants within the county jurisdiction.
Yolo County Sheriff's Office
140 Tony Diaz Drive
Woodland, CA 95776
(530) 668-5280
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Pursuant to California Government Code § 6253(f), agencies must provide assistance to members of the public seeking to access records, including helping to identify records responsive to the request.
Individuals seeking to determine if they have an active warrant in Davis in 2025 may utilize several official channels. The verification process typically requires personal identifying information to ensure accurate results:
Direct Court Inquiry: Contact the Yolo County Superior Court Criminal Division directly to inquire about warrant status. Court staff can perform a search of the court's records system using name and date of birth.
Yolo County Superior Court
1000 Main Street
Woodland, CA 95695
(530) 406-6700
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Law Enforcement Verification: The Davis Police Department Records Division can verify warrant information for individuals who appear in person with valid identification.
Attorney Representation: Legal counsel may conduct a warrant search on behalf of clients through professional access to court systems. This method provides confidentiality during the inquiry process.
Online Court Portal: The Yolo County Superior Court's online case information system allows for limited public searches of court records, which may indicate the existence of a warrant.
California Penal Code § 980 establishes that warrants remain in effect until executed, recalled by the court, or otherwise resolved through legal proceedings.
Members of the public seeking to verify outstanding warrant status in Davis must follow established protocols to obtain accurate information. The verification process includes:
In-Person Court Records Search: Individuals may visit the Yolo County Superior Court clerk's office to request a warrant search. Pursuant to California Rules of Court, Rule 2.400, the public has the right to inspect judicial administrative records unless specifically sealed or confidential.
Law Enforcement Inquiry: The Davis Police Department Records Division processes warrant verification requests during regular business hours. Photo identification is required, and a nominal fee may apply for printed documentation.
Telephone Verification: Limited information may be available through telephone inquiry to the Yolo County Sheriff's Warrant Division at (530) 668-5280. Staff can confirm the existence of a warrant but typically cannot provide comprehensive details.
Legal Aid Assistance: The Yolo County Law Library provides public access to legal resources and limited assistance with court record searches.
Yolo County Law Library
204 F Street, Suite 303
Davis, CA 95616
(530) 666-8918
Hours: Tuesday-Thursday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Under California Penal Code § 1214.1, individuals with outstanding warrants related to failure to appear may face additional penalties, including civil assessments of up to $300.
Warrant records maintained by Davis authorities and the Yolo County Superior Court contain standardized information as required by California Penal Code § 815. These official documents typically include:
For arrest warrants, California Penal Code § 813 requires a finding of probable cause determined by a magistrate before issuance. Search warrants are governed by California Penal Code § 1523-1542, requiring specific description of persons, places, and items subject to search.
The Davis Police Department maintains records of executed search warrants within city limits. Members of the public seeking information about search warrants must submit a formal request pursuant to the California Public Records Act.
Davis Police Department Records Division
2600 5th Street
Davis, CA 95618
(530) 747-5400
Davis Police Department Records
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Search warrant records typically become public after execution, unless sealed by court order under California Penal Code § 1534(a). The sealing of search warrant materials may occur when disclosure would compromise an ongoing investigation or endanger individuals involved.
The California Public Records Act establishes a presumption of access to government records, including executed search warrants. However, certain exemptions apply under Government Code § 6254, including:
Requests for search warrant records must be reasonably specific to enable the agency to identify responsive documents. The Davis Police Department must respond to requests within 10 days, with a possible 14-day extension for complex requests.