Greene County Public Records /Greene County Warrant Search

Greene County Warrant Search

How To Check for Warrants in Greene County in 2026

GreeneVARecords.us provides access to publicly available information related to warrant records, court documents, and related criminal justice data for Greene County, Virginia. Members of the public may find information pertaining to the following record categories:

Active arrest warrants
Bench warrants
Search warrant case filings
Court case status records
Criminal history and booking records

Records available through official and third-party sources may not reflect the most current warrant status, and individuals are encouraged to verify information through official government channels.

Members of the public seeking warrant information in Greene County may access records through the following official resources:

Greene County Circuit Court Clerk's Office PO Box 386, 22 Court Street Stanardsville, VA 22973 Phone: (434) 985-5208 Greene County Circuit Court

Greene County General District Court 22 Court Street Stanardsville, VA 22973 Phone: (434) 985-5210 Greene County General District Court

Greene County Sheriff's Office 40 Celt Road Stanardsville, VA 22973 Phone: (434) 985-2222 Greene County Sheriff's Office

The Virginia Judiciary's online case information system allows members of the public to search General District Court case records by name, case number, or hearing date at no cost. Circuit Court records may be searched through the Virginia Supreme Court's case search portal. Both systems are updated regularly and reflect active case and warrant status.

Why Check for Warrants

Checking for outstanding warrants serves several practical and legal purposes:

Avoiding unexpected arrest during a routine traffic stop or other law enforcement encounter
Resolving outstanding legal obligations proactively before they compound
Clearing up administrative errors or misidentification issues
Handling legal matters responsibly and demonstrating good faith to the court
Achieving peace of mind regarding one's standing with the court system

Warning Signs You May Have a Warrant

Certain circumstances commonly precede the issuance of a warrant. Members of the public should consider checking their warrant status if any of the following apply:

A scheduled court appearance was missed
Court-ordered fines or costs have not been paid
Probation or supervision terms may have been violated
Pending charges were known but no further court notice was received
A traffic stop resulted in release with a warning rather than a citation
A notice to appear was received but not acted upon

Methods to Check for Warrants

1. Online Warrant Search

The Virginia court system provides free public access to case information through the Virginia Judiciary Online Case Information System. Members of the public may search by full legal name and date of birth. Results display active case status, scheduled hearings, and warrant indicators. The system covers General District Court records statewide, including Greene County. Circuit Court records are accessible through a separate portal maintained by the Office of the Executive Secretary of the Supreme Court of Virginia.

2. Call Law Enforcement

Members of the public may contact the Greene County Sheriff's Office non-emergency line at (434) 985-2222 to inquire about warrant status. Callers should be prepared to provide:

Full legal name
Date of birth
Social Security number (in some cases)

Anonymous inquiries may not be possible, and individuals should be aware that a confirmed warrant may prompt law enforcement action. Members of the public should not call 911 for warrant inquiries.

3. Visit the Sheriff's Office or Police Department

Greene County Sheriff's Office 40 Celt Road Stanardsville, VA 22973 Phone: (434) 985-2222 Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. Greene County Sheriff's Office

Members of the public may present themselves at the records window and request a warrant check. Valid government-issued identification is required. Warning: Individuals who appear in person and are found to have an active warrant may be subject to immediate arrest. Sheriff's deputies are legally obligated to execute active warrants upon confirmation.

4. Contact the Court

Greene County Circuit Court Clerk's Office 22 Court Street Stanardsville, VA 22973 Phone: (434) 985-5208 Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m. Greene County Circuit Court

Greene County General District Court 22 Court Street Stanardsville, VA 22973 Phone: (434) 985-5210 Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m. Greene County General District Court

Court clerks can confirm bench warrant status in active case files. Contacting the clerk's office does not initiate an arrest, though the warrant remains active and enforceable until resolved.

5. Hire an Attorney

Retaining an attorney is the safest method for individuals who suspect an active warrant may exist. Attorney-client privilege protects communications, and counsel can verify warrant status, explain the charges, and arrange a voluntary surrender if necessary. The Virginia State Bar Lawyer Referral Service connects members of the public with licensed Virginia attorneys.

6. Third-Party Background Check Services

Commercial background check services may display warrant information aggregated from public records. However, the accuracy and currency of such data vary considerably. These services charge fees for information that is available at no cost through official government sources. Members of the public are advised to verify any results obtained through commercial services against official court and law enforcement databases.

What Information You'll Need

To conduct a warrant search through any official channel, individuals should have the following information available:

Full legal name
Any aliases or former names
Date of birth
Social Security number (helpful but not always required)
Previous addresses in Greene County

Important Warnings

Risk of Immediate Arrest: Checking for warrants in person at a law enforcement agency may result in immediate arrest if an active warrant is confirmed. Deputies are obligated to execute warrants upon discovery. Individuals who suspect a warrant exists should consult an attorney before appearing in person at any law enforcement facility.

Warrants Do Not Expire: Under Virginia law, most warrants remain active indefinitely until executed or recalled by the issuing court. Ignoring a warrant may result in additional charges, including failure to appear under Virginia Code § 19.2-128, and may result in arrest during any routine law enforcement encounter, including traffic stops.

What NOT to Do:

Do not ignore a possible warrant
Do not flee or attempt to evade law enforcement
Do not provide false information to law enforcement officers
Do not resist arrest if a warrant is executed
Do not assume a warrant has expired or been dismissed without official confirmation

What Is a Search Warrant in Greene County?

A search warrant is a legal document issued by a neutral judicial officer authorizing law enforcement to search a specific location and seize designated items or evidence. In Greene County, Virginia, search warrants are governed by both the Fourth Amendment to the United States Constitution and Article I, Section 10 of the Virginia Constitution, both of which protect individuals against unreasonable searches and seizures.

Purpose of Search Warrants

Search warrants serve several constitutional and practical functions:

Protecting the privacy rights of individuals against arbitrary government intrusion
Preventing unreasonable searches by requiring judicial pre-authorization
Balancing legitimate law enforcement investigative needs with individual constitutional rights
Ensuring judicial oversight of police actions prior to execution
Providing a documented legal basis for evidence gathering in criminal investigations

Constitutional Basis

The Fourth Amendment requires that warrants be supported by probable cause, supported by oath or affirmation, and must particularly describe the place to be searched and the persons or things to be seized. Virginia's constitutional protections mirror and in some respects exceed federal standards. A neutral magistrate or judge — not a law enforcement officer — must review and approve all warrant applications before issuance.

Legal Requirements

Under Virginia Code § 19.2-52, a search warrant may be issued only upon a showing of probable cause supported by affidavit. The affidavit must establish:

Probable cause to believe the items sought are located at the described premises
A sworn oath or affirmation by the presenting officer
Particularity in describing the location to be searched
Particularity in describing the items to be seized
Timely execution, with the warrant returned to the issuing court after service

When Search Warrants Are Used

Law enforcement in Greene County may seek search warrants in connection with:

Drug offense investigations
Theft and property crime investigations
White collar and financial crimes
Violent crime evidence collection
Digital evidence recovery (computers, mobile devices)
Contraband seizure
Firearms and weapons investigations

Difference from Other Warrants

Warrant Type	Purpose
Search Warrant	Authorizes law enforcement to search a location and seize specific property or evidence
Arrest Warrant	Authorizes law enforcement to take a specific person into custody
Bench Warrant	Court order issued for failure to comply with a court directive, such as a missed appearance

These warrant types are distinct legal instruments and are not interchangeable.

Are Warrants Public Records in Greene County?

Warrants in Greene County are subject to Virginia's public records framework, and their accessibility depends on whether the warrant has been executed and whether any sealing order is in effect. Virginia's Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), codified at Virginia Code § 2.2-3700 et seq., establishes the general right of public access to government records, including court documents, while providing specific exemptions for active law enforcement investigations.

When Warrants Become Public

Search Warrants:

Before execution: Search warrants are sealed as a matter of course to protect the integrity of the investigation, prevent destruction of evidence, and preserve the element of surprise.
After execution: The warrant, supporting affidavit, and inventory of seized items become part of the public court record and are accessible through the clerk's office.

Arrest Warrants:

Active warrants: Arrest warrants are public records in Virginia. The subject's name, charges, bond amount, and issuing court are visible in law enforcement and court databases.
After arrest: Arrest warrants remain part of the permanent court case file and are accessible to the public through the clerk of court.

Exceptions and Sealed Warrants

Certain warrants may remain sealed or partially redacted under court order. Circumstances that may support sealing include:

Ongoing criminal investigations where disclosure would compromise the case
Grand jury proceedings
National security matters
Cases involving confidential informants
Juvenile proceedings
Sensitive investigative techniques or surveillance methods

The duration of sealing varies by case and is determined by the issuing judge. Most warrants eventually become accessible to the public, though portions containing informant identities or investigative methods may be permanently redacted.

What Is Publicly Available

Active arrest warrant information (searchable through court and law enforcement databases)
Executed search warrant documents and affidavits (through court clerk)
Inventory of items seized pursuant to a search warrant
Bench warrant status in court case files
Court case files containing warrant-related documents

What Is Restricted

Unexecuted search warrants (sealed pending execution)
Warrants subject to active sealing orders
Confidential informant information
Grand jury materials
Certain law enforcement investigative techniques

How Much Does It Cost to Get Warrant Records in Greene County?

Members of the public may access warrant-related information through Virginia courts and law enforcement agencies at varying costs depending on the format and type of record requested.

Court Records Fees

The Virginia Supreme Court and local circuit court clerks operate under a standardized fee schedule. Current fees for court records in Virginia include:

Record Type	Standard Fee
Inspection of public court records	No charge
Photocopies of court records	$0.50 per page
Certified copies of court documents	$2.00 per document plus $0.50 per page
Electronic case information (online portal)	No charge

Sheriff's Office Records

The Greene County Sheriff's Office may provide warrant-related records pursuant to a Virginia FOIA request. Under Virginia Code § 2.2-3704, agencies may charge for the actual cost of search, duplication, and supplying records. Fees are assessed as follows:

Search and retrieval: Actual staff time at the hourly rate of the lowest-paid employee capable of fulfilling the request
Duplication: $0.10 to $0.50 per page depending on format
Electronic records: Actual cost of duplication

Free Access Options

Members of the public may access the following at no cost:

Online case information through the Virginia Judiciary Online Case Information System
In-person inspection of public court records at the clerk's office
Active warrant status inquiries through the Sheriff's Office (verbal confirmation)

Fee Waivers

Virginia FOIA provides that fees may be waived when the requester demonstrates that the information is in the public interest and that waiver would not be contrary to the public interest. Fee waiver requests must be submitted in writing to the records custodian.

Accepted Payment Methods

The Greene County Circuit Court Clerk's Office accepts cash, check, and money order for record copy fees. Members of the public should confirm accepted payment methods directly with the relevant office prior to submitting a request.

What Types of Warrants Exist in Greene County

Greene County courts and law enforcement agencies issue and execute several distinct categories of warrants, each serving a specific legal function under Virginia law.

1. Arrest Warrants

An arrest warrant is a court order authorizing law enforcement to take a named individual into custody based on probable cause that the person has committed a criminal offense. Arrest warrants in Virginia are issued by circuit court judges, general district court judges, and magistrates.

When Issued:

Felony charges have been filed and the suspect is not in custody
Following a grand jury indictment
When a suspect presents a flight risk prior to formal charging
For serious misdemeanor offenses where the suspect has not been arrested at the scene

Information Contained in an Arrest Warrant:

Subject's full legal name and physical description
Specific criminal charges and statute violations
Bond amount set by the court
Name of the issuing court and judge
Date of issuance

How Executed: Law enforcement may execute an arrest warrant at any location within the Commonwealth of Virginia. Upon arrest, the subject is transported to the local jail, booked, and scheduled for a first appearance hearing.

2. Bench Warrants

A bench warrant is issued directly by a judge from the bench when a party fails to comply with a court order. Bench warrants are among the most common warrant types in Greene County courts.

Common Reasons for Issuance:

Failure to appear (FTA) at a scheduled court hearing
Failure to pay court-ordered fines or costs
Violation of probation terms
Contempt of court
Failure to complete court-ordered community service
Non-compliance with other court directives

Resolving Bench Warrants:

Members of the public with active bench warrants may contact the Greene County General District Court at (434) 985-5210 or the Circuit Court Clerk at (434) 985-5208 to inquire about resolution options. An attorney may file a motion to recall the warrant, and in some cases the court may allow the matter to be resolved without incarceration upon payment of outstanding fines or rescheduling of the missed hearing.

3. Search Warrants

As described in the preceding section, search warrants authorize law enforcement to enter and search a specific location and seize designated items. Under Virginia law, search warrants must be executed within 15 days of issuance and must be returned to the issuing court promptly after execution.

Locations Subject to Search:

Private residences
Vehicles
Commercial businesses
Storage facilities
Electronic devices and digital storage media
Financial records and documents

4. No-Knock Warrants

A no-knock warrant is a specialized search warrant that authorizes law enforcement to enter a premises without prior announcement. Virginia law permits no-knock warrants under limited circumstances where prior announcement would create a risk of evidence destruction, endanger officer safety, or allow a dangerous suspect to flee. These warrants require specific judicial findings and are subject to heightened scrutiny.

5. Governor's Warrants (Extradition)

When an individual wanted in another state is located in Virginia, the Governor of Virginia may issue a Governor's Warrant pursuant to Virginia's extradition statutes, authorizing the arrest and transfer of the individual to the requesting state. The subject of a Governor's Warrant may challenge extradition through a habeas corpus proceeding in Virginia circuit court or may waive extradition and consent to transfer.

6. Capias Warrants (Civil Contempt)

A capias warrant may be issued in civil proceedings, including family court matters involving unpaid child support or other civil contempt situations. Although arising from non-criminal proceedings, a capias warrant authorizes arrest and detention until the subject purges the contempt, typically by paying a specified amount or complying with the court's order.

7. Material Witness Warrants

A material witness warrant may be issued to compel the appearance of a witness who has failed to respond to a subpoena and whose testimony is essential to a criminal proceeding. These warrants are relatively rare and are subject to specific procedural requirements.

Traffic Warrants

Failure to appear on a traffic citation or failure to pay traffic fines may result in the issuance of a failure to appear warrant through the General District Court. Traffic warrants typically carry lower bond amounts and may be resolved quickly through the court clerk's office.

Probation and Parole Violation Warrants

When a probation officer files a violation report with the court, a judge may issue a capias or arrest warrant for the probationer's appearance. These warrants often carry no bond or a high bond amount and require a revocation hearing before a judge.

Federal Warrants

Federal warrants are issued by United States District Court judges and magistrate judges and are separate from county-level warrants. The United States District Court for the Western District of Virginia has jurisdiction over federal matters arising in Greene County. Federal warrants are enforced by federal agencies including the FBI, DEA, ATF, and U.S. Marshals Service and do not appear in county warrant databases.

What Warrants in Greene County Contain

Warrants issued by Greene County courts contain standardized information required by Virginia law and constitutional mandate. The specific contents vary by warrant type.

Standard Header Information

All warrants issued in Greene County include:

The name and seal of the issuing court
The case number and warrant number
The name of the issuing judge or magistrate
The date of issuance
The statutory authority for issuance

Subject Identification

Arrest and bench warrants identify the subject by:

Full legal name and any known aliases
Date of birth
Physical description (height, weight, race, eye color, hair color, identifying marks)
Last known address
Driver's license number (when available)

Charges and Legal Authority

Arrest warrants specify:

The criminal offense(s) charged
The Virginia Code section(s) violated (e.g., § 18.2-95 for grand larceny)
The degree of the offense (felony class or misdemeanor level)
The number of counts
The date of the alleged offense

Bond Information

Arrest and bench warrants include:

The bond amount set by the court
The type of bond authorized (cash, surety, personal recognizance, or no bond)
Any conditions of release upon bonding

Search Warrant Contents

Search warrants contain additional specific elements:

Complete address and physical description of the premises to be searched
Specific description of items to be seized, organized by category
The probable cause affidavit prepared by the presenting officer
The date of issuance and expiration date (warrants must be executed within 15 days under Virginia law)
Any authorization for nighttime service, if applicable
The return, documenting the date and time of execution and an inventory of items seized

Probable Cause Affidavit

The affidavit supporting a search warrant contains:

A detailed narrative of the officer's investigation
The factual basis for probable cause
Information from informants (names typically redacted in public copies)
Surveillance observations
Prior law enforcement contacts relevant to the investigation
The nexus between the location and the alleged criminal activity

Confidential Portions

Certain portions of warrants and supporting documents may be redacted or sealed, including:

Confidential informant identities
Undercover officer information
Ongoing investigative techniques
Witness addresses and identifying information

What Is NOT Typically Included

Warrants do not contain complete police investigation reports, all witness statements, defendant statements, or law enforcement tactical information. These materials are maintained separately in the investigative file.

Who Issues Warrants in Greene County

The authority to issue warrants in Greene County is vested exclusively in judicial officers, consistent with the Fourth Amendment's requirement of a neutral and detached magistrate. Law enforcement officers and prosecutors do not have independent authority to issue warrants.

Judicial Officers with Warrant Authority

1. Circuit Court Judges

Greene County Circuit Court 22 Court Street Stanardsville, VA 22973 Phone: (434) 985-5208 Greene County Circuit Court

Circuit Court judges hold full authority to issue all categories of warrants, including felony arrest warrants, search warrants, and bench warrants in cases pending before the Circuit Court. The Circuit Court is Virginia's court of general jurisdiction and handles the most serious criminal matters.

2. General District Court Judges

Greene County General District Court 22 Court Street Stanardsville, VA 22973 Phone: (434) 985-5210 Greene County General District Court

General District Court judges issue warrants for misdemeanor offenses, traffic matters, and preliminary hearings in felony cases. Bench warrants for failure to appear in General District Court proceedings are issued by the presiding judge.

3. Magistrates

Greene County Magistrate's Office 22 Court Street Stanardsville, VA 22973 Phone: (434) 985-5209 Available: 24 hours per day, 7 days per week

Magistrates in Virginia are appointed judicial officers with authority to issue arrest warrants, search warrants, and set initial bond amounts. The magistrate's office is available around the clock for after-hours warrant applications. Under Virginia Code § 19.2-45, magistrates have authority to issue warrants upon a showing of probable cause by a law enforcement officer or a private citizen complainant.

Who Requests Warrants

Greene County Sheriff's Office 40 Celt Road Stanardsville, VA 22973 Phone: (434) 985-2222 Greene County Sheriff's Office

Sheriff's deputies and investigators present warrant applications to the magistrate or a judge, supported by a sworn affidavit establishing probable cause. The Sheriff's Office is the primary law enforcement agency with countywide jurisdiction in Greene County.

Greene County Commonwealth's Attorney's Office 22 Court Street Stanardsville, VA 22973 Phone: (434) 985-5226 Greene County Commonwealth's Attorney

The Commonwealth's Attorney reviews investigations, determines charges, and may request arrest warrants directly from the court. The Commonwealth's Attorney also presents evidence to grand juries, which may return indictments that function as arrest warrants.

The Warrant Issuance Process

The process by which a warrant is issued in Greene County follows a structured sequence:

Investigation: Law enforcement gathers evidence and establishes probable cause through interviews, surveillance, and physical evidence collection.
Affidavit Preparation: The presenting officer prepares a sworn affidavit detailing the facts supporting probable cause and the specific relief requested.
Presentation to Judicial Officer: The officer presents the affidavit to a magistrate or judge, either in person or, where authorized, electronically.
Judicial Review: The magistrate or judge independently reviews the affidavit, assesses whether probable cause exists, and ensures constitutional requirements are met.
Issuance or Denial: If probable cause is found, the judicial officer signs the warrant, which becomes effective immediately. If denied, the officer may supplement the affidavit or decline to proceed.
Entry and Execution: Arrest warrants are entered into the Virginia Criminal Information Network (VCIN) and the National Crime Information Center (NCIC). Law enforcement then locates and arrests the subject or executes the search.

Who Cannot Issue Warrants

Law enforcement officers acting alone, without judicial authorization
Prosecutors, absent a judicial officer's signature
Administrative agencies (with narrow statutory exceptions)
Private citizens (though private citizens may apply to a magistrate for a warrant upon sworn complaint)

How To Find Outstanding Warrants in Greene County

An outstanding warrant is one that has been issued by a court but has not yet been executed — meaning the subject has not been arrested or the search has not been conducted. Outstanding warrants remain active in law enforcement databases and may be executed at any time.

Methods to Find Outstanding Warrants

1. Online Court Case Search

The Virginia Judiciary Online Case Information System provides free public access to General District Court case records statewide, including Greene County. Members of the public may search by name and date of birth to identify cases with active warrant status. Circuit Court records are accessible through the Virginia Supreme Court's online portal.

2. Direct Contact with the Sheriff's Office

Greene County Sheriff's Office 40 Celt Road Stanardsville, VA 22973 Phone: (434) 985-2222 Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. Greene County Sheriff's Office

Members of the public may call the non-emergency line to request a warrant check by name and date of birth. Warning: Individuals who appear in person and are confirmed to have an active warrant are subject to immediate arrest.

3. Contact the Clerk of Court

Greene County Circuit Court Clerk's Office 22 Court Street Stanardsville, VA 22973 Phone: (434) 985-5208 Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m. Greene County Circuit Court

The clerk's office can confirm bench warrant status in active case files. Public access terminals are available for in-person case searches. Contacting the clerk does not initiate an arrest, though the warrant remains enforceable.

4. Through an Attorney

Retaining an attorney is the safest method for individuals who suspect an active warrant may exist. The Virginia State Bar Lawyer Referral Service connects members of the public with licensed Virginia attorneys. Counsel can verify warrant status under attorney-client privilege, arrange voluntary surrender, and negotiate bond conditions.

Search Multiple Jurisdictions

Warrants may be issued by different courts and agencies. Members of the public should check:

Greene County Sheriff's Office
Greene County General District Court
Greene County Circuit Court
Any city or county where prior legal matters arose
Traffic court records
Probation office records (if currently under supervision)

Interpreting Search Results

If a warrant is found:

Record the warrant number, charges, bond amount, issuing court, and issue date
Consult an attorney before taking any further action
Do not attempt to resolve the matter without legal counsel
Do not flee or attempt to evade law enforcement

If no warrant is found:

Verify results through multiple official sources, as recently issued warrants may not yet appear in online systems
Sealed warrants will not appear in public searches
Federal warrants are not reflected in county databases

Limitations of Online Searches

Warrants issued within the preceding 24–72 hours may not yet appear in online systems
Sealed warrants are not publicly searchable
Federal warrants require separate inquiry through federal court systems
Common names may return multiple results requiring verification by date of birth and other identifiers

How Long Do Warrants Last in Greene County?

Under Virginia law, arrest warrants and bench warrants do not expire. Once issued, a warrant remains active and enforceable until it is executed by law enforcement or recalled by the issuing court. There is no statute of limitations on the execution of a validly issued warrant. A warrant entered into the Virginia Criminal Information Network (VCIN) and the National Crime Information Center (NCIC) is accessible to law enforcement agencies throughout the Commonwealth and across the United States, meaning the warrant may be executed during any law enforcement encounter regardless of location.

Search warrants, by contrast, are subject to a strict time limitation. Under Virginia law, a search warrant must be executed within 15 days of issuance. If not executed within that period, the warrant expires and a new warrant application must be submitted to the court. The executing officer is required to return the warrant to the issuing court promptly after execution, along with an inventory of any items seized.

Bench warrants issued for failure to appear or failure to pay fines similarly remain active indefinitely. The passage of time does not diminish the legal effect of an outstanding warrant, and individuals with unresolved bench warrants may face additional charges under Virginia Code § 19.2-128 for each subsequent failure to appear. The only means by which a warrant is extinguished is through execution, voluntary surrender, or a court order recalling the warrant.

How Long Does It Take To Get a Search Warrant in Greene County?

The time required to obtain a search warrant in Greene County depends on the complexity of the investigation, the availability of the judicial officer, and whether the application is submitted during regular court hours or after hours through the magistrate's office.

In straightforward cases where probable cause is clearly established and the affidavit is well-prepared, a search warrant may be issued within one to two hours of the officer presenting the application to the magistrate. The magistrate's office in Greene County is available 24 hours per day, seven days per week, which allows law enforcement to seek warrants at any time when exigent circumstances require prompt action.

More complex warrant applications — such as those involving digital evidence, financial records, or multi-location searches — may require additional preparation time by the presenting officer and more extensive judicial review. In these cases, the process from affidavit preparation to warrant issuance may take several hours to several days.

The warrant application process follows this general sequence:

The investigating officer completes the sworn affidavit establishing probable cause
The officer presents the affidavit to the magistrate or judge in person or, where authorized, electronically
The judicial officer reviews the affidavit and may ask clarifying questions
If probable cause is found, the warrant is signed and returned to the officer
The officer proceeds to execute the warrant, which must be completed within 15 days of issuance

In urgent situations — such as cases where evidence may be destroyed imminently — Virginia law permits telephonic warrant applications in certain circumstances, allowing officers to present probable cause to an on-call judge by telephone and receive authorization to proceed while the written warrant is prepared. This process can reduce the time to authorization to under an hour in time-sensitive investigations.