Do Warrants Show Up on Background Checks in CA?

Standard background checks are a natural part of life in California. Everyone, from employers to landlords, may look at a person's background, and there are no background check laws to say that they can't. 

For those who may have a felony record, it's understandable that they might be nervous about this, but what if someone has a warrant? Do background checks reveal warrants? 

The answer is this --- it depends. When a person does a background check, they may look for specific warrants, and if they are looking for a traffic warrant, but you have a bench warrant, it might not show anything at all. If you have a warrant in a different state, but the person is doing one state, and not doing a national background check, it might not matter. 

This is confusing, and understanding how warrants work and how or why they might appear is important. Let's take a look at warrants and whether they show up on background checks. 

What Is a Warrant in California? Will it Show Up on a Criminal Background Check?

A warrant is a legal document that is issued by a judge. When the warrant is issued, it authorizes law enforcement to take an action. In California, there are two common types of warrants:

• Arrest Warrant - An arrest warrant gives law enforcement legal permission to arrest someone for suspicion of a crime. Generally, these are issued when there is probable cause to believe a person is involved with a crime.

• Bench Warrant - A bench warrant is issued when a person violates a court order, like when someone fails to appear in court or does not pay a fine. For instance, if a person commits a crime but that person fails to appear in court, a bench warrant is issued.

There are other types of warrants, too, like a civil warrant. Civil warrants are issued when a person violates a civil order, like not paying child support. A search warrant gives law enforcement the right to search something associated with the person whose name is on the warrant. Typically, however, these do not appear on standard background checks. Goss Law can advise on questions like How long do warrants last in CA?

Warrants don't expire in most cases, specifically with arrest and bench warrants. Sometimes, they don't appear for many years later when they show up on standard background checks.

Do Warrants Show Up On Background Checks in CA?

In some cases, yes, a warrant will appear on comprehensive background checks. Typically, these include court records, charges, convictions, a person's arrest, and, in some cases, a warrant. A standard background check might not show everything that a comprehensive background check does.

Some lower-level warrants may not appear on a basic check but could surface during more thorough screenings.  For instance, if someone is looking into employment history for a certain position, like a government job or law enforcement, they will look deeper than background checks for employers who aren't looking for that type of record. 

Not every background check will show a warrant. However, the risk is significant enough that ignoring one can lead to serious consequences. 

Arrest Warrants and When They Show Up On a Background Check

Background check services offer different types of background checks, and not all of them will reveal a warrant. However, if any type of warrant appears on a background check report, it's likely going to be an arrest warrant. Arrest warrants are publicly accessible, and any background check provider can access them. However, if an employer isn't specifically looking for them, it's unlikely to appear. Companies looking for a deep dive into an applicant or tenant, however, like law enforcement agencies, will often do a thorough background check with a warrant check, too.

Bench Warrants and Warrant Information on Background Checks

Bench warrants are common in California. They are often issued for failure to appear in court, failure to pay traffic fines, or missing a required deadline. While many people assume these warrants are minor, they can still appear on background checks, and you may not be able to pass a background check if one of them appears. 

Even if the issue seems minor, a bench warrant may raise red flags for employers or landlords reviewing an application. However, a bench warrant is less likely to appear than an arrest warrant.

Employment Background Checks in California - What Can an Employer See?

California has strong laws regulating employment background checks. Under the state’s “Ban the Box” laws, employers cannot ask about criminal history on initial job applications. However, once a conditional job offer is made, employers may conduct a background check, including looking for warrants. 

Warrants may not always show up, but cases with criminal matters tied to them can appear. Employers must follow strict procedures before denying employment based on a criminal record, including considering the age and relevance of the information.

Though a warrant may not appear, the risk remains that an outstanding warrant could interfere with a job opportunity. This is especially true in industries that require security clearances, state licensing, or those that work with vulnerable people like children or the elderly.

Housing and Rental Background Checks - Whether a Warrant Can Affect Getting a Home

Landlords in California often run background checks before approving tenants. Most rental screenings focus on credit history and eviction records, but some also include criminal background reports. This may uncover warrants issued in California or even a warrant from another state.

If the warrant is connected to an unresolved criminal charge, it may appear during a rental background check. Even if it doesn't appear directly, related criminal case information could raise concerns for landlords. This means unresolved warrants could affect not just employment opportunities, but also housing options.

Consequences of Warrants Appearing on Background Checks - What a Warrant May Mean

The impact of a warrant showing up on a background check can be severe:

• Job Loss or Denial – Employers may revoke a conditional job offer or terminate employment.

• Housing Denial – Landlords may refuse to rent based on unresolved legal issues.

• Immediate Arrest – Discovery of an outstanding warrant can result in law enforcement being notified.

Because warrants remain active until resolved, the risk continues indefinitely.

How to Address an Outstanding Warrant in California

If someone believes they have a warrant in California, ignoring it is not recommended. Moreover, a criminal defense law office may suggest instead, they should do the following:

1. Confirm the Warrant – An attorney can check court databases or contact the court directly to verify if a warrant exists.

2. Consult a Criminal Defense Attorney – A lawyer can often negotiate with the court, arrange voluntary surrender, or request a recall of the warrant.

3. Appear in Court if Required – Failure to address a warrant can escalate the situation, while timely resolution often leads to more favorable outcomes.

4. Protect Employment and Housing Prospects – By resolving a warrant, individuals can avoid the negative impact it may have on background checks.

   
   

Get Legal Counsel to Help with a Criminal Warrant - Call Goss Law

So, do warrants show on background checks in CA? The answer is that they can—and often do, depending on the type of warrant and the depth of the background check. Arrest warrants, bench warrants, and unresolved criminal cases all carry the risk of surfacing during employment, housing, or federal background screenings.

If you believe a warrant may be on your record, and you want to take care of it, reach out to Goss Law.