Warrants are considered public records in Cherry County, Nebraska, pursuant to Nebraska Revised Statute § 84-712, also known as the Nebraska Public Records Act. This statute establishes that records maintained by government agencies, including warrant information, shall be accessible to members of the public unless specifically exempted by law. The Cherry County Sheriff's Office and County Court maintain these records in accordance with state regulations.
Public access to warrant records serves multiple governmental and civic purposes. These include:
Certain warrant information may be temporarily sealed or redacted if disclosure would compromise an ongoing investigation, as permitted under Nebraska Revised Statute § 84-712.05. However, once these concerns are resolved, the records typically become available for public inspection.
Warrant records maintained by the Cherry County Sheriff and the Cherry County Court typically contain comprehensive information about each issued warrant. Standard elements included in these official documents are:
For bench warrants specifically related to failure to appear or contempt of court, additional information may include the original case details, missed court date, and any accumulated fines or fees.
Members of the public may verify warrant status in Cherry County through several no-cost methods established under Nebraska's open records provisions. The following official channels provide free warrant verification services:
Cherry County Sheriff's Office
365 N Main Street, Suite 2
Valentine, NE 69201
Phone: (402) 376-1890
Office Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Individuals may visit the Sheriff's Office during regular business hours to request a warrant search. Photo identification is required, and searches can be conducted for oneself or for third parties, as warrant information is considered public record.
Cherry County Court Clerk
365 N Main Street
Valentine, NE 69201
Phone: (402) 376-2022
Office Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
The Court Clerk maintains judicial records, including active warrants. Pursuant to Nebraska Court Rule § 6-1464, the public may access these records during regular business hours. Basic warrant information can be provided over the phone, though detailed documentation requires an in-person visit.
Additionally, the Nebraska Judicial Branch provides limited online access to court records, which may include warrant information for cases that have been filed with the court.
The Cherry County Sheriff's Office is the primary law enforcement agency responsible for executing warrants within county jurisdiction. Sheriff warrants in Cherry County fall into several categories, each with distinct legal implications:
The execution of these warrants follows procedures established in Nebraska Revised Statute § 29-411, which governs how and when officers may serve warrants. For arrest warrants, the Sheriff's Office maintains an active warrant list that is regularly updated as new warrants are issued and existing ones are served or recalled.
Under Nebraska law, individuals with active warrants may be apprehended at any time, including during routine traffic stops or other law enforcement encounters. The Sheriff's Office prioritizes warrant service based on the severity of the underlying offense and public safety considerations.
As of 2025, Cherry County has implemented several methods for individuals to verify their warrant status in compliance with Nebraska's public records laws. Persons seeking to determine if they have an active warrant may utilize the following official resources:
Cherry County Sheriff's Online Portal
The Sheriff's Office maintains a digital database accessible through their official website. This system allows for self-verification using personal identifiers such as name and date of birth. The portal is updated daily to reflect current warrant status.
Nebraska Judicial Access System
The state court system provides a centralized database that includes Cherry County warrant information. This system is accessible through public terminals at the courthouse or via the Nebraska Judicial Branch website with appropriate registration.
Direct Inquiry Services
Individuals may contact the Cherry County Sheriff's Office Records Division at (402) 376-1890 during business hours (Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM) to inquire about warrant status. Basic identifying information will be required to process the request.
For those unable to visit in person, written requests may be submitted to:
Cherry County Sheriff's Office
Records Division
365 N Main Street, Suite 2
Valentine, NE 69201
Pursuant to Nebraska Revised Statute § 84-712.03, the agency must respond to such requests within four business days.
Cherry County provides multiple channels through which members of the public may verify outstanding warrant information. These services are provided in accordance with Nebraska's public records statutes and local administrative procedures:
In-Person Verification
The most comprehensive method for checking warrant status is to visit the Cherry County Sheriff's Office or County Court in person. Staff can conduct thorough searches of all local databases and provide official documentation if requested. Visitors should bring government-issued photo identification and be prepared to provide the full legal name and date of birth of the person being searched.
Telephone Inquiry
Basic warrant information may be obtained by calling the Cherry County Sheriff's Warrant Division at (402) 376-1895. Due to identity verification limitations, telephone inquiries may provide only confirmation of warrant existence rather than detailed information.
Written Request
Formal written requests for warrant information may be submitted to either the Sheriff's Office or County Court. These requests should include:
Responses to written requests typically require 3-5 business days for processing in accordance with Nebraska Revised Statute § 84-712.04.