Story County Warrant Search

What Is a Search Warrant In Story County?

A search warrant in Story 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. Pursuant to Iowa Code § 808.1, a search warrant is defined as "a written order of the court directing a peace officer to conduct a search or seizure and bring any discovered property or persons before the court."

The legal foundation for search warrants in Story County is established by both the Fourth Amendment to the United States Constitution and Article I, Section 8 of the Iowa Constitution, which protect citizens against unreasonable searches and seizures. These constitutional provisions require that warrants be issued only upon probable cause, supported by oath or affirmation, and particularly describing the place to be searched and the persons or things to be seized.

Search warrants differ significantly from other types of warrants issued in Story County:

• Arrest Warrants: Authorize law enforcement to take a specific person into custody
• Bench Warrants: Issued by a judge when an individual fails to appear for a scheduled court hearing
• Civil Warrants: Used in non-criminal matters such as civil contempt proceedings

The Story County Sheriff's Office is primarily responsible for executing search warrants within the county's jurisdiction, working in coordination with the judicial system to ensure proper legal procedures are followed.

Are Warrants Public Records In Story County?

The public accessibility of warrants in Story County follows a nuanced framework governed by the Iowa Open Records Law, specifically Iowa Code Chapter 22. Under this statute, government records are presumed to be open to public inspection unless specifically exempted by law.

Regarding warrants, their status as public records depends on several factors:

• Active vs. Executed Warrants: Active warrants that have not yet been served are typically not public records, as their disclosure could impede law enforcement operations and potentially endanger officers. This exemption is supported by Iowa Code § 22.7(5), which protects "peace officers' investigative reports" from public disclosure.

• Executed Warrants: Once a search warrant has been executed and returned to the court, it generally becomes part of the public court record, accessible through the Story County Clerk of Court.

• Sealed Warrants: In certain circumstances, a judge may order a warrant sealed, removing it from public access. This typically occurs in sensitive investigations where public disclosure could compromise ongoing operations or endanger individuals.

The Story County Open Records Request process provides the mechanism through which members of the public may request access to warrant information that is available for public inspection.

How to Find Out if I Have a Warrant In Story County?

Individuals seeking to determine if they have an active warrant in Story County may utilize several official channels to obtain this information:

1. Contact the Story County Sheriff's Office directly:

Story County Sheriff's Office
1315 South B Avenue
Nevada, IA 50201
Phone: (515) 382-6566
Story County Sheriff's Office

2. Check online through Iowa Courts Online:

   • Visit the Iowa Courts Online Search, which provides public access to court records
   • Enter your name and other identifying information
   • Review any listed cases for warrant information

3. Contact the Story County Clerk of Court:

Story County Clerk of Court
1315 South B Avenue, Suite 6
Nevada, IA 50201
Phone: (515) 382-7466
Story County Courts & Clerk of Court

4. Consult with an attorney: Legal counsel can conduct a confidential search of court records to determine if a warrant exists.

When making inquiries about potential warrants, individuals should be prepared to provide proper identification, including full legal name, date of birth, and potentially a government-issued ID. The Iowa Judicial Branch maintains the official repository of court records, including warrant information.

How To Check for Warrants in Story County for Free in 2026

Members of the public may check for warrants in Story County without incurring fees through several official channels:

1. Iowa Courts Online Search:

   • Access the Iowa Courts Online portal
   • Select "Case Search" from the available options
   • Enter the required identifying information
   • Review search results for warrant information
   • Note that while basic case information is available, some detailed documents may require in-person viewing

2. In-Person Visit to the Clerk of Court:

   • Visit the Story County Courthouse during regular business hours (Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM)
   • Request assistance from court staff to search for warrant information
   • Present valid identification to facilitate the search process

3. Public Access Terminals:

   • Use the public access computer terminals available at the Story County Courthouse
   • These terminals provide free access to court records searches and warrant information
   • No appointment is necessary, though wait times may vary based on terminal availability

4. Contact the Story County Sheriff's Office Records Division:

   • Call the non-emergency line at (515) 382-6566
   • Provide your full legal name and date of birth
   • Request information about any active warrants

The Iowa Department of Public Safety coordinates with county law enforcement agencies to maintain accurate warrant information throughout the state. Under current Iowa law, these public access options remain available without charge to facilitate transparency in the judicial system.

What Types of Warrants In Story County

Story County's judicial system issues several distinct types of warrants, each serving a specific legal purpose:

1. Arrest Warrants: Issued when probable cause exists that an individual has committed a crime. These warrants authorize law enforcement to take the named person into custody. Arrest warrants in Story County are typically issued after criminal charges have been filed or when a defendant fails to appear for scheduled court proceedings.

2. Bench Warrants: Judicial orders issued directly from the bench when an individual fails to comply with court orders. Common reasons for bench warrants in Story County include:

   • Failure to appear for scheduled court hearings
   • Non-compliance with court-ordered community service
   • Failure to pay court-ordered fines or restitution

3. Search Warrants: Court orders authorizing law enforcement to search specified locations for evidence related to criminal investigations. The Story County Sheriff's Office executes these warrants in accordance with Iowa Code § 808.3, which requires detailed descriptions of the places to be searched and items to be seized.

4. Civil Warrants: Used in non-criminal proceedings, including:

   • Child support enforcement
   • Civil contempt proceedings
   • Judgment enforcement actions

5. Electronic Search Warrants: Increasingly utilized in Story County, these warrants authorize searches of digital devices and electronic records. The Iowa Judicial Branch has implemented electronic warrant systems to expedite the process, particularly beneficial in rural areas of the county.

6. Material Witness Warrants: Issued to secure testimony from witnesses deemed material to criminal proceedings who may be flight risks or unwilling to appear voluntarily.

Each warrant type follows specific procedural requirements established by Iowa law and is processed through the Story County Clerk of Court.

What Warrants in Story County Contain

Warrants issued in Story County contain specific legally required elements as prescribed by Iowa Code § 808.4. These documents must include the following components:

1. Identifying Information:

   • Court name and jurisdiction (Story County District Court)
   • Case number and filing date
   • Judge's name and signature

2. Subject Information:

   • For arrest warrants: Full legal name of the subject, date of birth, physical description, and last known address
   • For search warrants: Precise description of the property or premises to be searched

3. Legal Basis:

   • Statement of probable cause supporting the warrant issuance
   • Reference to the specific criminal statute(s) allegedly violated
   • Summary of facts and circumstances establishing grounds for the warrant

4. Scope and Limitations:

   • For search warrants: Detailed inventory of items authorized for seizure
   • Time constraints for execution (typically within 10 days of issuance)
   • Any special instructions regarding execution (time of day, forced entry authorization)

5. Return Requirements:

   • Instructions for documenting the warrant execution
   • Requirements for inventory of seized items
   • Timeline for returning the executed warrant to the court

6. Bond Information (if applicable):

   • Amount of bail or bond set
   • Conditions for release

The Iowa Department of Public Safety maintains standards for warrant documentation that ensure consistency across jurisdictions while the Story County Sheriff's Office is responsible for maintaining accurate records of all warrants executed within the county.

Who Issues Warrants In Story County

In Story County, the authority to issue warrants is vested exclusively in judicial officers as established by Iowa law. The following judicial authorities may issue warrants within the county:

1. District Court Judges: These presiding judicial officers have the broadest authority to issue all types of warrants throughout Story County. District judges review warrant applications, assess probable cause, and determine whether legal standards have been met for issuance.

2. Associate District Court Judges: These judicial officers possess authority similar to district judges for issuing warrants, though their jurisdiction may be more limited in certain complex cases.

3. Magistrates: Story County magistrates may issue certain types of warrants, particularly in time-sensitive situations. Their warrant authority typically includes:

   • Search warrants for evidence of specific crimes
   • Arrest warrants for misdemeanor offenses
   • Emergency warrants when higher judicial officers are unavailable

4. Judicial Magistrates: Appointed to handle specific judicial functions, these officers may issue warrants within their designated scope of authority.

The warrant issuance process in Story County typically begins with an application from law enforcement submitted to the Story County Clerk of Court, which then routes the request to an appropriate judicial officer for review. The Iowa Judicial Branch has implemented electronic systems to facilitate this process, particularly for search warrants that may require rapid approval.

All judicial officers issuing warrants must determine that probable cause exists, as required by both the U.S. Constitution's Fourth Amendment and Article I, Section 8 of the Iowa Constitution.

How To Find for Outstanding Warrants In Story County

Individuals seeking information about outstanding warrants in Story County may utilize several official channels to conduct their search:

1. Story County Sheriff's Office Warrant Search:
   • Contact the Sheriff's Office Records Division directly
   • Provide the full name and date of birth of the person being searched
   • Request information about any active warrants

Story County Sheriff's Office
1315 South B Avenue
Nevada, IA 50201
Phone: (515) 382-6566
Story County Sheriff's Office

2. Iowa Courts Online:

   • Access the Iowa Courts Online Search portal
   • Enter the required identifying information
   • Review case records for warrant information
   • Note that some warrant information may be restricted from public view

3. Story County Clerk of Court:

   • Visit the clerk's office in person during regular business hours
   • Request assistance with searching court records for warrant information
   • Present valid identification to facilitate the search

Story County Clerk of Court
1315 South B Avenue, Suite 6
Nevada, IA 50201
Phone: (515) 382-7466
Story County Courts & Clerk of Court

4. Open Records Request:
   • Submit a formal open records request to the appropriate county department
   • Specify the information being sought regarding warrants
   • Be prepared to pay any applicable fees for document retrieval and copying

When conducting warrant searches, individuals should be aware that certain information may be restricted due to ongoing investigations or sealed court orders. The Iowa Department of Public Safety coordinates with county agencies to maintain current warrant information throughout the state.

How To Check Federal Warrants In Story County

Federal warrants operate under a separate jurisdiction from Story County warrants and require different search procedures. To check for federal warrants that may be executable within Story County, individuals should follow these steps:

1. Contact the U.S. Marshals Service:
   • The U.S. Marshals Service is the primary federal agency responsible for executing federal warrants
   • Contact the nearest office serving Story County

U.S. Marshals Service - Southern District of Iowa
U.S. Courthouse
123 East Walnut Street, Suite 300
Des Moines, IA 50309
Phone: (515) 284-6240
U.S. Marshals Service

2. Federal Court Records Search:

   • Access the Public Access to Court Electronic Records (PACER) system
   • Create an account at pacer.uscourts.gov
   • Search for federal cases in the Northern or Southern District of Iowa
   • Review case information for warrant details
   • Note that PACER charges nominal fees for document access

3. Federal Defender's Office:

   • Contact the Federal Public Defender's Office for assistance if you believe a federal warrant may exist

Federal Public Defender - Southern District of Iowa
400 Locust Street, Suite 340
Des Moines, IA 50309
Phone: (515) 309-9610
Federal Public Defender

4. FBI Field Office:
   • For serious federal offenses, contact the nearest FBI field office

FBI Des Moines Resident Agency
210 Walnut Street, Room 365
Des Moines, IA 50309
Phone: (515) 223-4278
FBI - Omaha Division

It is important to understand that federal warrants are not typically accessible through Story County's local records systems. The Iowa Department of Public Safety may have limited information about federal warrants but is not the primary repository for such records.

Federal warrants generally remain active until executed or recalled by a federal judge, regardless of the passage of time, making them distinct from some state and local warrants that may expire.

How Long Do Warrants Last In Story County?

The duration of warrants in Story County varies by warrant type and is governed by specific provisions in Iowa law:

1. Arrest Warrants:

   • Under Iowa Code § 804.7, arrest warrants remain active indefinitely until one of the following occurs:
     • The warrant is executed (the person is arrested)
     • The warrant is recalled by the issuing judge
     • The underlying case is dismissed
   • There is no statutory expiration date for arrest warrants in Story County

2. Search Warrants:

   • Pursuant to Iowa Code § 808.8, search warrants must be executed within ten days of issuance
   • After this period, the warrant expires and becomes invalid
   • Law enforcement must return to court for a new warrant if the ten-day period lapses

3. Bench Warrants:

   • Similar to arrest warrants, bench warrants in Story County remain active indefinitely until executed or recalled
   • These warrants stay in the system regardless of how much time has passed

4. Civil Warrants:

   • The duration varies based on the specific type of civil proceeding
   • Generally remain active until the underlying civil matter is resolved

The Story County Sheriff's Office maintains records of active warrants within their jurisdiction, while the Story County Clerk of Court preserves the official court records related to warrant issuance and execution.

It is important to note that even older warrants remain enforceable, and the passage of time does not invalidate most types of warrants in Story County. This means that warrants issued years ago may still result in arrest if the individual encounters law enforcement.

How Long Does It Take To Get a Search Warrant In Story County?

The timeframe for obtaining a search warrant in Story County varies based on several factors, including case urgency, judicial availability, and the complexity of the investigation. The process typically follows this timeline:

1. Standard Search Warrant Process:

   • Preparation of warrant application by law enforcement: 1-3 hours
   • Review by county attorney or prosecutor: 1-2 hours
   • Submission to judicial officer: Same day
   • Judicial review and decision: Typically within 24 hours
   • Total standard timeframe: 1-2 business days

2. Emergency or After-Hours Warrants:

   • Story County has implemented electronic search warrant systems to expedite urgent requests
   • Law enforcement can submit applications electronically
   • On-call judges review submissions remotely
   • Process can be completed in as little as 1-3 hours in emergency situations

3. Complex Investigation Warrants:

   • Warrants requiring extensive probable cause documentation
   • May involve multiple locations or digital evidence
   • Preparation and review process: 2-5 days
   • Judicial consideration may be more extensive

The Story County Sheriff's Office works in coordination with the county attorney's office and judicial officers to process warrant applications. Iowa law requires that search warrants be supported by affidavits establishing probable cause, which must be carefully prepared and reviewed before submission.

Once issued, search warrants in Story County must be executed within ten days, as mandated by Iowa Code § 808.8. After execution, officers must promptly file a return with the court, documenting the items seized and the manner of execution.

Search Warrant Records in Story County

Story County Sheriff's Office

Iowa Courts Online Search

Story County Courts & Clerk of Court

Story County Jail Information

Story County Open Records Requests

Iowa Department of Public Safety

Request a Criminal History Background Check

Criminal History Record Check Information

Iowa Judicial Branch

How to Check Court Records

Electronic Search Warrants and Iowa's Rural Courts