Burke County, North Dakota Warrant Records
Are Warrants Public Record in Burke County, North Dakota?
Warrant records are public documents in Burke County, North Dakota, pursuant to North Dakota Century Code § 44-04-18, which establishes the state's open records law. This statute mandates that all government records shall be accessible to the public unless specifically exempted by law. The North Dakota Open Records Statute ensures transparency in governmental operations, including law enforcement activities, by allowing citizens to access information about warrants issued within the county.
The Burke County Sheriff's Office maintains warrant records as part of its official duties. These records are subject to public inspection during regular business hours at the Sheriff's Office. Pursuant to state law, members of the public may request copies of warrant information, though certain administrative fees may apply for document reproduction as permitted under N.D.C.C. § 44-04-18(2).
It should be noted that while warrant records are generally public, certain information may be redacted or restricted if disclosure would compromise an ongoing investigation or if the records contain confidential information as defined by N.D.C.C. § 44-04-18.7.
What Is Contents in Warrant Records in Burke County?
Warrant records maintained by Burke County law enforcement agencies typically contain the following information as required by North Dakota Rules of Criminal Procedure Rule 4:
- Full legal name of the subject
- Date of birth and/or age of the subject
- Physical description (height, weight, identifying marks)
- Last known address
- Nature of the alleged offense and corresponding statute number
- Date of warrant issuance
- Case or docket number
- Name of the issuing judge or magistrate
- Bond amount, if applicable
- Instructions for law enforcement regarding execution
The level of detail in warrant records may vary depending on the type of warrant issued. Arrest warrants for felony offenses typically contain more comprehensive information than those issued for misdemeanors or bench warrants for failure to appear.
How to Check For Warrants in Burke County For Free
Members of the public seeking to verify warrant status in Burke County may utilize several no-cost methods pursuant to North Dakota's public records provisions:
- In-person requests at the Burke County Sheriff's Office located at 103 Main Street, Bowbells, ND 58721
- Telephone inquiries to the Sheriff's Office at (701) 377-2311 during regular business hours (Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM)
- Accessing public terminals at the Burke County Courthouse at 103 Main Street, Bowbells, ND 58721
- Reviewing court dockets, which are public records available at the Burke County Clerk of Court's office
When making inquiries, individuals should be prepared to provide identifying information such as full name and date of birth to ensure accurate results. The Sheriff's Office maintains records of all active warrants issued within Burke County jurisdiction.
Burke County Sheriff Warrants
The Burke County Sheriff's Office is the primary law enforcement agency responsible for executing warrants within county boundaries. Sheriff warrants are issued pursuant to North Dakota Rules of Criminal Procedure Rule 4 and are categorized as follows:
- Arrest warrants: Issued when probable cause exists that an individual has committed a criminal offense
- Bench warrants: Issued when an individual fails to appear for a scheduled court hearing
- Search warrants: Authorizing law enforcement to search specified premises for evidence
- Civil warrants: Related to non-criminal matters such as child support enforcement
The Sheriff's Office maintains a dedicated warrants division responsible for processing and executing these legal documents. Deputies are dispatched to serve warrants based on priority, with violent offenses receiving immediate attention. The execution of warrants must comply with constitutional requirements regarding reasonable force and proper identification as outlined in N.D.C.C. § 29-06-15.
Burke County Sheriff's Office
103 Main Street
Bowbells, ND 58721
(701) 377-2311
Burke County Sheriff's Office
How to Know If You Have a Warrant in Burke County in 2025
Individuals seeking to determine if they are subject to an active warrant in Burke County have several official channels available. The North Dakota Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation maintains a statewide database that may include warrant information for serious offenses. Additionally, the following methods are available:
- Direct contact with the Burke County Clerk of Court at 103 Main Street, Bowbells, ND 58721, or by phone at (701) 377-2323
- Written requests submitted to the Burke County Sheriff's Office with proper identification
- Consultation with a licensed attorney who can access court records on behalf of a client
- Appearance at a designated law enforcement agency with photo identification to verify warrant status
Pursuant to N.D.C.C. § 44-04-18.10, individuals may be required to provide proper identification when requesting records pertaining to themselves. The Burke County Sheriff's Office processes such requests during regular business hours and typically provides responses within 3-5 business days as required by state law.
How to Check For Outstanding Warrants in Burke County
The verification of outstanding warrants in Burke County requires adherence to established protocols. Pursuant to N.D.C.C. § 44-04-18, the following official methods are available:
- Submission of a formal records request to the Burke County Sheriff's Office, which maintains the most current warrant database
- In-person inquiry at the Burke County Courthouse during regular business hours (Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM)
- Utilization of the North Dakota Courts Records Inquiry system for cases that have been filed with the court
- Contact with the Burke County State's Attorney's Office at 103 Main Street, Bowbells, ND 58721, or by phone at (701) 377-2323
For third-party inquiries, requestors should note that while warrant information is generally public record, certain personal identifying information may be redacted in accordance with N.D.C.C. § 44-04-18.7. Law enforcement agencies may require verification of identity for individuals checking their own warrant status to prevent identity fraud.
The North Dakota Bureau of Criminal Investigation also maintains records that may include warrant information for serious offenses, though a fee may apply for comprehensive background checks.
Search Warrant Records in Burke County
Members of the public seeking warrant information in Burke County may access these records through multiple official channels. The North Dakota Child Support Division maintains records of warrants related to child support enforcement. Additional resources include:
