Chatham County Warrant Search
What Is a Search Warrant In Chatham County?
A search warrant in Chatham County is a legal document issued by a judicial officer that authorizes law enforcement personnel to search a specifically designated location and seize particular items or evidence described within the warrant. Pursuant to Georgia Code § 17-5-21, a search warrant may be issued upon sufficient showing of probable cause supported by oath or affirmation.
The legal foundation for search warrants stems from the Fourth Amendment to the United States Constitution and Article I, Section I, Paragraph XIII of the Georgia Constitution, both of which protect citizens against unreasonable searches and seizures. In Chatham County, as throughout Georgia, search warrants must:
- Particularly describe the place to be searched
- Specifically identify the items to be seized
- Be based on probable cause
- Be executed within a specified timeframe
- Be executed in accordance with statutory requirements
Search warrants differ significantly from other types of warrants issued in Chatham County. An arrest warrant authorizes law enforcement to take a specific person into custody, while a bench warrant is issued by a judge when an individual fails to appear for a scheduled court date or violates court orders. Unlike these person-directed warrants, search warrants focus on locations and items rather than individuals.
The Chatham County Police Department and other local law enforcement agencies must adhere to strict procedural requirements when obtaining and executing search warrants to ensure constitutional protections are maintained.
Are Warrants Public Records In Chatham County?
The public record status of warrants in Chatham County follows a nuanced framework established by Georgia law. Under the Georgia Open Records Act § 50-18-70, government records are generally presumed to be open for public inspection. However, the accessibility of warrant information is subject to important limitations and exceptions.
Active warrants in Chatham County typically maintain a confidential status during ongoing investigations to prevent:
- Interference with law enforcement activities
- Flight of suspects
- Destruction of evidence
- Compromise of investigative techniques
Once executed, search warrant returns (documents detailing what was seized) generally become public records accessible through the Chatham County Superior Court Clerk's Office. However, pursuant to Georgia Code § 50-18-72(a)(4), certain records may remain sealed if their disclosure would:
- Compromise ongoing investigations
- Reveal the identity of confidential sources
- Endanger witnesses or law enforcement personnel
- Disclose confidential investigative techniques
Bench warrants and arrest warrants that have been executed typically become part of the public court record, though access may be restricted if the case involves juvenile defendants, certain sexual offenses, or other matters where confidentiality is statutorily protected.
How to Find Out if I Have a Warrant In Chatham County?
Members of the public seeking to determine if warrants exist in their name in Chatham County may utilize several official channels. The most direct method involves contacting the Chatham County Sheriff's Office, which maintains warrant information for the county.
Chatham County Sheriff's Office
1050 Carl Griffin Drive
Savannah, GA 31405
(912) 652-7600
Chatham County Sheriff's Office
Individuals may also check warrant status through:
- The Chatham County Clerk of Superior Court's office, which maintains records of warrants issued by Superior Court judges
- The Magistrate Court, which handles many initial warrants
- Municipal courts for warrants issued within specific city jurisdictions
When inquiring about possible warrants, requestors should be prepared to provide:
- Full legal name
- Date of birth
- Social Security Number (for verification purposes)
- Photo identification
For safety and privacy reasons, the Sheriff's Office generally will not confirm warrant status over the telephone. In-person inquiries are recommended, though individuals should be aware that appearing in person may result in immediate arrest if an active warrant exists.
Legal counsel may also conduct warrant searches on behalf of clients through the Chatham County Court System to determine if warrants exist before developing an appropriate legal strategy.
How To Check for Warrants in Chatham County for Free in 2026
Chatham County residents currently have several no-cost options to verify warrant status. The most comprehensive method involves visiting the Chatham County Sheriff's Office Records Division during regular business hours.
Chatham County Sheriff's Office Records Division
1050 Carl Griffin Drive
Savannah, GA 31405
(912) 652-7693
Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
When conducting a free warrant search, individuals should follow these steps:
- Bring government-issued photo identification
- Complete a records request form available at the service counter
- Specify the type of warrant information being requested
- Allow staff sufficient time to search relevant databases
- Receive printed verification if no warrants exist
The Chatham County Sheriff's Office also maintains a limited online inmate search function that can indirectly indicate if someone has been arrested on an outstanding warrant. This resource is accessible through the Sheriff's Office website without charge.
For those unable to visit in person, the Magistrate Court provides limited telephone information regarding bench warrants issued by that court:
Chatham County Magistrate Court
133 Montgomery Street, Room 300
Savannah, GA 31401
(912) 652-7171
Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Under current Georgia law, third-party websites charging fees for warrant searches are not official government resources and may provide incomplete or outdated information.
What Types of Warrants In Chatham County
Chatham County's judicial system issues several distinct types of warrants, each serving specific legal purposes within the criminal justice framework.
Search warrants authorize law enforcement to search specified locations for evidence of criminal activity. Pursuant to Georgia Code § 17-5-23, these warrants must be executed within 10 days of issuance.
Arrest warrants direct law enforcement to take named individuals into custody based on probable cause that they have committed a criminal offense. These warrants remain active until executed or recalled by the issuing court.
Bench warrants are judicial orders issued when individuals fail to:
- Appear for scheduled court proceedings
- Comply with court-ordered obligations
- Respond to subpoenas
- Pay court-ordered fines
Civil warrants in Chatham County relate to non-criminal matters such as:
- Evictions (dispossessory warrants)
- Seizure of property for debt satisfaction
- Child support enforcement
Material witness warrants may be issued to secure testimony from individuals deemed essential to legal proceedings who may be flight risks.
The Chatham County Court System processes these various warrant types according to established legal procedures, with different courts having jurisdiction depending on the nature and severity of the underlying matter.
What Warrants in Chatham County Contain
Warrants issued in Chatham County must contain specific information to satisfy constitutional requirements and Georgia statutory provisions. Under Georgia Code § 17-5-21(a), a properly executed warrant includes:
- The name of the issuing judicial officer
- The date and time of issuance
- A statement establishing probable cause
- A precise description of the location to be searched (for search warrants)
- Detailed identification of items to be seized (for search warrants)
- The full legal name of the subject (for arrest warrants)
- The specific criminal offense(s) charged
- The signature of the issuing judicial authority
Search warrants additionally contain:
- Limitations on when the warrant may be executed (daytime hours unless specifically authorized for nighttime execution)
- The expiration date of the warrant
- Instructions regarding return of the warrant and inventory of seized items
Arrest warrants must include:
- Physical descriptors of the subject (height, weight, race, gender, distinguishing features)
- Last known address
- Date of birth and/or age if known
- The criminal statute allegedly violated
The Chatham County Superior Court Clerk maintains records of warrants issued by Superior Court judges, while other warrants may be filed with the appropriate issuing court.
Who Issues Warrants In Chatham County
In Chatham County, the authority to issue warrants is vested exclusively in judicial officers as prescribed by Georgia law. The following judicial authorities may issue warrants within their respective jurisdictions:
Superior Court Judges of the Eastern Judicial Circuit have the broadest warrant-issuing authority, covering all criminal matters within Chatham County. These judges may issue any type of warrant, including those for serious felony offenses.
Chatham County Superior Court
133 Montgomery Street
Savannah, GA 31401
(912) 652-7200
State Court Judges may issue warrants for misdemeanors and certain felony offenses that fall within their court's jurisdiction.
Chatham County State Court
133 Montgomery Street, Room 501
Savannah, GA 31401
(912) 652-7325
Magistrate Judges frequently handle initial warrant applications, particularly for search warrants and arrest warrants in preliminary stages of criminal proceedings.
Chatham County Magistrate Court
133 Montgomery Street, Room 300
Savannah, GA 31401
(912) 652-7171
Municipal Court Judges may issue warrants for violations of municipal ordinances and certain state laws within city limits.
Savannah Municipal Court
132 East Broughton Street
Savannah, GA 31401
(912) 525-3408
Under Georgia law, specifically Georgia Code § 17-5-21(a), judicial officers must determine that probable cause exists before issuing any warrant. This determination typically involves reviewing sworn affidavits from law enforcement officers or hearing testimony under oath.
The Chatham County Court System maintains records of which judicial officers have issued specific warrants, information that becomes part of the official court record.
How To Find for Outstanding Warrants In Chatham County
Individuals seeking information about outstanding warrants in Chatham County may utilize several official channels to obtain accurate information. The primary resource is the Chatham County Sheriff's Office Warrant Division, which maintains the county's central warrant repository.
Chatham County Sheriff's Office Warrant Division
1050 Carl Griffin Drive
Savannah, GA 31405
(912) 652-7690
Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Chatham County Sheriff's Office
To conduct a comprehensive outstanding warrant search, requestors should:
- Visit the Sheriff's Office in person with valid government-issued photo identification
- Complete a warrant inquiry form at the service counter
- Provide the full legal name of the person being searched
- Include date of birth and other identifying information if available
- Pay any applicable search fees as established by county ordinance
For warrants issued by specific courts, direct inquiries may be made to:
Chatham County Clerk of Superior Court
133 Montgomery Street, Room 304
Savannah, GA 31401
(912) 652-7200
Chatham County Superior Court Clerk
Chatham County Magistrate Court
133 Montgomery Street, Room 300
Savannah, GA 31401
(912) 652-7171
Attorneys and legal representatives may file formal requests for warrant information on behalf of clients through the appropriate court clerk's office. Such requests typically require:
- A signed authorization from the subject
- Proof of the attorney-client relationship
- Payment of applicable search fees
The Chatham County Police Department may also provide limited information regarding active warrants for serious offenses, though their primary function is enforcement rather than information dissemination.
How To Check Federal Warrants In Chatham County
Federal warrants operate under a separate jurisdiction from county and state warrants in Chatham County. These warrants are issued by federal magistrate judges or district court judges for violations of federal law. The process for checking federal warrants differs significantly from local warrant searches.
The primary agency responsible for federal warrant information in Chatham County is the United States Marshals Service, Southern District of Georgia:
U.S. Marshals Service - Savannah Office
125 Bull Street, Room 401
Savannah, GA 31401
(912) 652-4646
Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Individuals seeking federal warrant information should be aware that:
- The U.S. Marshals Service does not provide public access to their warrant database
- Federal agencies generally confirm warrant status only to law enforcement personnel
- Federal court records may contain information about warrants that have been executed
Limited information about federal cases may be accessed through the Public Access to Court Electronic Records (PACER) system, though active warrant information is typically restricted.
For those with legitimate concerns about possible federal warrants, the most prudent approach is to:
- Consult with an attorney experienced in federal criminal matters
- Have the attorney contact the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Southern District of Georgia
- Request that the attorney review federal court records for indications of pending charges
U.S. Attorney's Office - Southern District of Georgia
100 Bull Street, Suite 201
Savannah, GA 31401
(912) 652-4422
Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
The Chatham County Sheriff's Office does not have direct access to federal warrant databases but may coordinate with federal authorities when federal warrants are to be executed within the county.
How Long Do Warrants Last In Chatham County?
Warrants issued in Chatham County remain legally valid for varying periods depending on their type and the nature of the underlying offense. Under Georgia law, most warrants do not expire until they are executed or formally withdrawn by the issuing court.
Arrest warrants for felony offenses in Chatham County remain active indefinitely, with no statutory expiration date. This perpetual validity is consistent with Georgia Code § 17-3-1, which establishes that prosecution for serious offenses may commence at any time, though the statute of limitations for the underlying crime may eventually expire.
For misdemeanor offenses, arrest warrants generally remain active for the duration of the statute of limitations for the underlying offense, typically two years from the date of the alleged crime.
Search warrants in Chatham County have specific execution timeframes. Pursuant to Georgia Code § 17-5-25, search warrants must be executed within 10 days of issuance. After this period, the warrant becomes invalid and law enforcement must obtain a new warrant based on current probable cause.
Bench warrants issued for failure to appear in court remain active until:
- The subject appears before the court
- The court recalls the warrant
- The underlying case is otherwise resolved
The Chatham County Court System maintains records of active warrants, and periodic reviews may be conducted to determine if older warrants should remain in effect or be withdrawn based on changed circumstances or prosecutorial priorities.
How Long Does It Take To Get a Search Warrant In Chatham County?
The timeframe for obtaining a search warrant in Chatham County varies based on several factors, including case urgency, judicial availability, and the complexity of the investigation. Under normal circumstances, the process follows a structured timeline.
For routine investigations, law enforcement officers in Chatham County typically prepare warrant applications that include:
- A detailed affidavit establishing probable cause
- Specific descriptions of places to be searched
- Particular items to be seized
- Supporting documentation as needed
Once prepared, the warrant application is presented to an appropriate judicial officer. During regular court hours, this process may be completed within:
- 2-4 hours for standard cases with straightforward probable cause
- 4-8 hours for more complex investigations requiring additional documentation
- 1-2 days for specialized warrants requiring extensive review
The Chatham County Police Department and other local law enforcement agencies have established protocols with the courts to expedite warrant applications in emergency situations.
For urgent matters involving imminent danger or risk of evidence destruction, expedited procedures exist:
- On-call judges may review warrant applications outside normal court hours
- Electronic submission systems allow for remote review in some circumstances
- Telephone warrants may be authorized in exceptional situations
After judicial review, if probable cause is established, the warrant is signed and immediately becomes executable. Law enforcement must then execute the warrant within 10 days as required by Georgia law.
The Chatham County Court System coordinates with law enforcement to ensure judicial officers are available to review warrant applications in a timely manner while maintaining constitutional protections.
Search Warrant Records in Chatham County
Chatham County Sheriff's Office