The Area Courts employ a warrant officer to review requests for warrants and to determine probable cause. The warrant officer is available from 8:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M., Monday through Friday, except on legal holidays. Warrants may be processed in person at Area I court on Wednesdays from noon to 2:00 P.M., at Area II court on Mondays from noon to 2:00 P.M. and at Area III court on Fridays from noon to 2:00 P.M. At all other times, the warrant officer may be reached by calling an area court. All private warrants must be processed through the warrant officer, unless a police officer witnesses an offense.
Officers making arrests during hours when the court is closed may complete the formal complaint on the next day the court is open. If there is any doubt about the charges, officers are required to talk to the warrant officer. Officers can continue to discuss cases with the Butler County Prosecutor’s Office but the Prosecutor will not determine probable cause.
Warrant Affidavit Forms, provided by the Court, and the Warrant Information Form, provided by the Butler County Sheriff’s Department, must be filled out and sworn to before a warrant will be processed.