Grant County Bench Warrants
Grant County bench warrants are filed through the Circuit Court in Canyon City. The 24th Judicial District serves this rural county in eastern Oregon. Judge Robert S. Raschio presides over bench warrant cases. Canyon City is the county seat. The courthouse was built in 1952 and still handles all filings. If you miss a court date or break a court order in Grant County, the judge can issue a bench warrant for your arrest. Records are public under Oregon law. You can check on bench warrants by calling the court or visiting in person.
Grant County Quick Facts
Grant County Circuit Court Bench Warrant Process
The Grant County Circuit Court sits at 201 S. Humboldt Street in Canyon City. Mail goes to P.O. Box 159, Canyon City, OR 97820. Call (541) 575-1438 to ask about a case or find out if a bench warrant is on file. The court is part of the 24th Judicial District. Judge Robert S. Raschio hears all bench warrant matters here.
A bench warrant gets issued when you fail to show up in court. The judge signs it right from the bench. Under ORS 136.608, any judge can issue a bench warrant for a missed hearing. This is true for all case types in Grant County. Criminal, traffic, and civil contempt cases can all result in bench warrants. DA Jim Carpenter handles the state's side of criminal bench warrant cases. His office can be reached at (541) 575-0146.
The Grant County Circuit Court website lists hours and court details.
Once a bench warrant is filed, it goes into the state law enforcement system. Any officer in Oregon can see it and act on it.
| Court |
Grant County Circuit Court 201 S. Humboldt Street Canyon City, OR 97820 Phone: (541) 575-1438 |
|---|---|
| P.O. Box 159, Canyon City, OR 97820 | |
| Website | courts.oregon.gov/courts/grant |
Sheriff's Office and Bench Warrant Enforcement
Sheriff Todd McKinley runs the Grant County Sheriff's Office. Under Sheriff Zach Mobley assists. The office has 17 full-time staff. Call (541) 575-1131 to reach them. Civil Deputy Anna Marie Kuhn handles civil papers. Deputies serve bench warrants across the county.
When deputies arrest someone on a bench warrant, the person goes to the Grant County Jail at 205 S. Humboldt Street. The jail phone is (541) 575-1134. It was built in 1997. It holds up to 41 inmates on hard beds with 7 more on temp beds. The average daily count is about 20. Sgt. Wade Waddel manages the jail. There is no work release program at this time.
Video visits are by appointment only. Bail can be posted through PayPal. Call the jail for details on posting bail for someone held on a bench warrant in Grant County.
The Grant County Sheriff page has more on office services. The Grant County Jail page covers rules for visits and bail.
Note: Grant County does not have an online inmate search tool. You must call or visit in person to check if someone is in jail on a bench warrant.
How to Search for Grant County Bench Warrants
Searching for bench warrants in Grant County takes a few steps. The county does not post warrants online. Your best bet is to call the court at (541) 575-1438. The clerk can tell you if a bench warrant is on file for a given name. You can also visit the courthouse in Canyon City and ask at the front desk.
The state has online tools too. The Oregon eCourt Case Information system covers all circuit courts. You can search by name or case number. It shows case status, hearing dates, and bench warrant flags. The Oregon Offender Search is useful if the person is or was in the corrections system.
Under ORS 192.324, you have the right to inspect public records at the court. The clerk must let you view bench warrant records unless a judge has sealed the file. Some records may be exempt under ORS 192.345. Ask the clerk to explain what is available.
Grant County Jail and Bench Warrant Holds
The Grant County Jail is small. It sits next to the courthouse. Sgt. Wade Waddel runs day-to-day operations. When someone is booked on a bench warrant, they stay until the judge sets a hearing. Bail may be set at booking or at a later hearing. The jail takes PayPal for bail payments.
Parole and probation matters go through Sgt. Josh Wolf at (541) 575-1743. If you have a bench warrant tied to a probation case, contact that office first. They can guide you on next steps.
- Jail capacity: 41 hard beds plus 7 temp beds
- Average daily population: about 20 inmates
- No work release available
- Video visitation by appointment
- Bail accepted via PayPal
Steps to Clear a Bench Warrant in Grant County
Do not wait. A bench warrant stays active until you deal with it. You can be stopped and arrested any time. It shows up on background checks. It can block your license renewal.
Get a lawyer if you can. They can file a motion to quash the bench warrant. The court sets a date and you appear before Judge Raschio. In many cases, the judge will recall the bench warrant and put you back on the docket. You may face new fines or terms. But it is far better than a surprise arrest during a stop in Canyon City or John Day.
Under ORS 133.120, you may be able to turn yourself in on a bench warrant. Contact the court first to ask how this works in Grant County. The clerk can tell you what to expect.
Note: Bench warrants in Grant County may also affect your driving status with the Oregon DMV. Clear the warrant to avoid added problems.
Why Bench Warrants Are Issued in Grant County
The most common cause is a missed court date. It happens fast. You get a notice. You miss it. The judge issues a bench warrant that same day. Under ORS 136.608, the court has broad power to do this.
Other causes include broken probation terms, unpaid fines, and ignored subpoenas. Each one gives the judge grounds for a new bench warrant. Officers can arrest you under ORS 133.110 once the bench warrant is in the system. Grant County is small, but the warrant applies statewide.
Nearby Counties
Grant County shares borders with several other counties in eastern Oregon. Each has its own court for bench warrants. Make sure your case is in the right county.