Warrants

Arrest Warrants

Issued by a judge when there is probable cause to believe a person has committed a crime. Arrest warrants authorize law enforcement to take the named individual into custody.

• May be issued for felonies or misdemeanors
• Bond may or may not be set by the court

Bench Warrants

Issued by a judge when someone fails to appear for a scheduled court date or violates a court order. Common for failure to appear (FTA) situations.

• Often issued for missed court dates
• May include additional failure to appear charges

Search Warrants

Authorize law enforcement to search specific locations for evidence related to a crime. Search warrants are executed by deputies, not served on individuals.

• Requires probable cause and judicial approval
• Limited to specific locations and items described in the warrant

Check the Address Bar

Before using a website that claims to represent the Jefferson County Sheriff's Office, check the address bar. The only official JCSO website addresses are:

• jeffcosheriffco.gov
• www.jeffcosheriffco.gov

The address before the first / must match one of those exactly.

A padlock or https:// means the connection is encrypted; it does not prove that the website belongs to JCSO.

A Convincing Design Proves Nothing

Scammers can copy agency logos, photographs, navigation, and public information. They may also use real names, titles, addresses, or case information.

Pages that suddenly change design, lose their navigation, or contain broken media can be warning signs of a copied website — but always verify the domain.

Phone Numbers and Payment Links Can Be Faked Too

A fraudulent website can display any phone number it chooses, including a fake "Warrants Unit" or non-emergency line. If you call a number shown on a website you have not verified, you may be talking directly to the scammers.

JCSO and the courts do not send you to a website to pay a bond or clear a warrant. If a page directs you to another website — even one that looks like a court — to post a bond or make a payment, treat that as a sign of a scam.

The JCSO Warrants Unit number is (303) 271-6475 — as printed on this official .gov page, never a number displayed by another website.

What We Will and Will Not Ask For

When you call the official Warrants Unit, JCSO staff may ask for your full legal name and date of birth.

JCSO will not use an online warrant form to request:

• Your Social Security number
• Photographs of the front or back of your identification
• A selfie or photograph of you holding identification
• Bank account or payment-card information
• A card security code
• Gift cards, prepaid or reloadable money cards
• Cryptocurrency, wire transfers, or person-to-person payments
• A webcam session or live video check to verify your identity

Legitimate bond and court procedures are handled through the detention facility, the court, or a licensed bond agent. Do not follow payment instructions from an unexpected website, call, email, or text message.

If you are unsure, stop and call (303) 271-6475 using the number shown on this official .gov page.