How to Create a Warrant Request

This guide shows you how to draft, review, and submit warrant requests in IronCase.

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Understanding Warrant Types

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Prerequisites

Before creating a warrant:

• Have an active case in IronCase
• Gather supporting evidence
• Identify probable cause basis
• Know the specific target (location, person, device, account)

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Creating a Warrant Request

Step 1: Access Warrants

1. Open your case
2. Go to the Warrants tab
3. Click New Warrant

Step 2: Select Warrant Type

1. Choose the appropriate warrant type
2. Each type has specific required fields
3. IronCase validates completeness before submission

Step 3: Define the Target

Enter target information based on type:

Step 4: Write Probable Cause

The probable cause section is the core of your warrant. Include:

1. Facts establishing the crime — What happened
2. Connection to target — Why this target relates to the crime
3. Timeliness — Why evidence is likely still present
4. Your expertise — Training and experience relevant to the case

Step 5: Attach Supporting Evidence

Link evidence from your case that supports probable cause:

1. Click Attach Evidence
2. Select relevant items
3. Add brief notes explaining each item's relevance
4. Attached evidence creates audit trail

Step 6: Specify Items to Seize

List specifically what you're seeking:

• Be as specific as possible
• Avoid overly broad language
• Reference relevant statutes
• Include digital evidence categories if applicable

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CalECPA Requirements

For California agencies requesting digital records:

Additional Steps for CalECPA

1. Select the CalECPA checkbox when applicable
2. Specify notification requirements
3. Document any delayed notification justification
4. Track notification deadlines

See CalECPA Compliance for details.

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Internal Review Process

Submitting for Review

1. Click Submit for Review
2. Warrant status changes to review
3. Supervisor receives notification

Supervisor Review

Your supervisor will:

1. Review probable cause sufficiency
2. Verify target information accuracy
3. Check legal requirements
4. Approve, request changes, or reject

After Approval

Once approved internally:

1. Status changes to approved
2. You can download the warrant document
3. Submit to appropriate court

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Warrant Statuses

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After the Warrant is Signed

Recording Judicial Approval

1. Upload signed warrant document
2. Enter judge name and signing date
3. Note any modifications made by the court
4. Status changes to signed

Executing the Warrant

1. Document execution date and time
2. Record who participated
3. Log items seized
4. Upload return inventory
5. Status changes to executed

Filing the Return

1. Complete return inventory in IronCase
2. Generate return document
3. File with issuing court
4. Upload filed return
5. Status changes to returned

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Best Practices

• Be thorough — Incomplete warrants delay investigations
• Stay current — Law changes; keep training up to date
• Document everything — Record all activity in IronCase
• Meet deadlines — Execute warrants promptly; they expire
• Review returns — Ensure accuracy before court filing

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AI-Assisted Warrant Drafting

For faster warrant preparation, use IRIS to draft the probable cause affidavit:

1. From the case, click AI Actions → Draft Warrant
2. Select the warrant type
3. Choose which case facts to include
4. Review and edit the generated draft
5. Submit for supervisor approval

AI drafts require your verification against original evidence before use.

See Draft Warrant with AI for the complete guide.

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Related

• Draft Warrant with AI
• Warrant Lifecycle
• Warrant Workflow
• Handle an Approval
• CalECPA Compliance