Search Hendricks County Bench Warrants
Hendricks County bench warrants are issued by judges in Danville when someone fails to show up for court or does not follow a court order. As one of the fastest growing counties in Indiana, Hendricks County sees a steady flow of cases through its courts each year. You can search for active bench warrants through the state court system or by calling the Hendricks County Sheriff's Office. The sheriff handles warrant service across the county and can tell you if a bench warrant is on file for a specific name. Most of this can be done with a phone call or a quick online search.
Hendricks County Quick Facts
Hendricks County Warrant Search Options
The main way to look up bench warrants in Hendricks County is through the Indiana MyCase portal. This is a free tool run by the state courts. You can search by name or case number and pull up case details from all 92 Indiana counties, including Hendricks County. Bench warrants often show up in the case log when a judge issues one for failure to appear. The system does not always label it "bench warrant" in plain terms. Look for entries that say failure to appear, body attachment, or order for arrest in the case notes.
You can also call the Hendricks County Sheriff's Office at (317) 745-6269. The office is at 189 E Campus Blvd in Danville. Staff are on duty Monday through Friday from 8 AM to 4 PM. They can check if a bench warrant is on file for a given name. Walk-ins are welcome during business hours. Bring a valid ID if you plan to ask about your own case. The fax number is (317) 745-9276 if you need to send paperwork to the sheriff's office.
Note: The Hendricks County Sheriff also has a mobile app where you can submit anonymous tips and check the sex offender registry.
How Bench Warrants Work in Hendricks County
A bench warrant is a court order. It comes from the judge, not from police. In Hendricks County, judges issue bench warrants when a person misses a hearing, ignores a subpoena, or violates terms of probation. The name "bench warrant" comes from the fact that the judge signs it right from the bench. Under Indiana Code IC 35-33-2-1, any judge with proper jurisdiction can issue a warrant when there is probable cause or a person fails to obey a court order.
Once a Hendricks County bench warrant is active, it does not expire. There is no time limit that makes it go away. It stays in the system until the person is picked up or turns themselves in. Law enforcement can serve the warrant at any point. That could be during a traffic stop, at your home, or anywhere else. Under IC 35-33-2-3, officers can serve an Indiana bench warrant anywhere in the state. Moving to a different county does not help. The warrant follows you.
Hendricks County Sheriff and Warrant Service
The Hendricks County Sheriff's Office is the primary agency that serves bench warrants in the county. Sheriff Jack Sadler leads the department, with Chief Deputy Scott Larsen assisting. Their main office is at 189 E Campus Blvd, PO Box 87, Danville, IN 46122. You can email the sheriff at jsadler@co.hendricks.in.us for general questions, though warrant matters are best handled by phone or in person.
If you know you have a bench warrant in Hendricks County, the best thing to do is turn yourself in. Call the sheriff at (317) 745-6269 first. Ask if bond has been set. In many cases, the judge sets a bond amount when signing the bench warrant. If bond is set, you may be able to post it the same day and get a new court date. Walking in on your own terms is always better than being picked up at a bad time. The sheriff handles all types of warrants, including bench warrants from the circuit and superior courts, arrest warrants, and civil process.
The Hendricks County Sheriff's Office website shown above is the main page for the department. You can find contact details, office hours, and links to the sheriff's mobile app from this page.
Resolving Bench Warrants in Hendricks County
Clearing a bench warrant means going back to court. You cannot just pay a fine to make it go away. The judge who issued the warrant needs to see you. Most people hire a lawyer for this step. A good attorney can sometimes file a motion to recall the warrant and set a new hearing date. This can keep you from sitting in jail while you wait. The Hendricks County courts in Danville handle all these cases.
If you cannot afford a lawyer, help is still out there. The Indiana Legal Services program offers free legal help to people who meet income guidelines. They serve all of Indiana, including Hendricks County. You can also check with the Indiana Public Defender Commission for information on public defenders in Hendricks County. Here are the basic steps to resolve a bench warrant:
- Call the sheriff or court to confirm the warrant exists
- Hire a lawyer or ask about a public defender
- Post bond if one has been set by the judge
- Appear before the judge on the new court date
- The judge decides what happens next with your case
Note: Waiting too long to deal with a Hendricks County bench warrant can lead to higher bond amounts and added charges.
Hendricks County Court Records
Court records in Hendricks County are public. Anyone can look up case files, including bench warrant details. The MyCase system is the fastest way to search from home. You do not need an account, and it is free to use. In person, the clerk's office at the courthouse in Danville can pull records for you. The state public records page gives more detail on formal records requests.
The MyCase portal shown above lets you search court records from Hendricks County and all other Indiana counties. Bench warrant information often appears in the case details and hearing notes.
Statewide Resources for Hendricks County
Several state tools can help you search for bench warrant information tied to Hendricks County. The Indiana State Police runs a limited criminal history check online. This can show warrants linked to a person's record. The Indiana Sheriffs' Association directory lists all 92 county sheriff offices and is a handy starting point if you need to check warrants in counties near Hendricks.
VINELink is a free tool that tracks people who are in custody. If someone with a Hendricks County bench warrant gets arrested, VINELink can send you status alerts. Crime victims use this system often. It covers all Indiana counties, so it works for Hendricks County and beyond.
Cities in Hendricks County
Hendricks County has several cities and towns. All bench warrants are filed through the county courts in Danville. It does not matter which city you live in. The county court handles the case, and the sheriff serves the warrant.
Other communities in Hendricks County include Avon, Brownsburg, and Danville. All bench warrants from these areas go through the Hendricks County court system.
Nearby Counties
These counties border Hendricks County. If a bench warrant was issued in a different county, you need to deal with that county's court. Check the warrant details to make sure you are contacting the right office.