Grant County Warrant Search
How To Check for Warrants in Grant County in 2026
GrantCountyRecords.org provides access to publicly available information related to warrant records in Grant County, Kentucky. Members of the public may find data pertaining to active arrest warrants, bench warrants, court case records, and related criminal justice documents. The information presented is drawn from official government sources and may include:
- Active and outstanding warrant listings
- Court case status and bench warrant records
- Arrest and booking records
- Search warrant filings (post-execution)
- Criminal history and disposition records
Records can be searched through official resources maintained by the Grant County Circuit Court Clerk, the Grant County Sheriff's Office, and the Kentucky Court of Justice. The Office of Circuit Court Clerk in each county is the starting point for requesting copies of court records from cases in that county, and members of the public are encouraged to call or visit the clerk's office directly for case-specific inquiries.
Online Resources for Warrant Searches:
- The Grant County Clerk's records portal provides access to documents filed through the eCCLIX system, which allows users to view or print documents filed by over 85 clerk offices across Kentucky.
- The Kentucky Court of Justice – Grant County page provides court contact information and links to case search tools.
- The Kentucky Court of Justice CourtNet public access terminal, available at the courthouse, allows name-based case searches at no charge.
Grant County Circuit Court Clerk
101 N. Main Street
Williamstown, KY 41097
Phone: (859) 824-3321
Grant County Clerk
Grant County Sheriff's Office
112 N. Main Street
Williamstown, KY 41097
Phone: (859) 824-3323
Grant County Sheriff
Why Check for Warrants:
Proactively verifying warrant status serves several important purposes:
- Avoiding an unexpected arrest during a routine traffic stop or other law enforcement encounter
- Resolving outstanding legal obligations before they compound into additional charges
- 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 judicial system
Warning Signs You May Have a Warrant:
Certain circumstances may indicate that a warrant has been issued:
- A missed court appearance or failure to appear (FTA) on a scheduled date
- Failure to pay court-ordered fines, fees, or restitution
- Violation of probation or supervised release terms
- Awareness of pending criminal charges that have not been resolved
- A traffic stop that resulted in release with a warning rather than a citation
- Receipt of a notice to appear that was not acted upon
Methods to Check for Warrants:
1. Online Warrant Search
The Kentucky Court of Justice maintains a public case search system that allows members of the public to search by name for active cases, including those with outstanding bench warrants. The Grant County page of the Kentucky Court of Justice provides direct access to court contact information and online search tools. Searches are free, updated regularly, and display active warrant status, charges, bond amounts, and case numbers.
2. Call Law Enforcement
Members of the public may contact the Grant County Sheriff's Office by telephone to inquire about outstanding warrants:
- Grant County Sheriff's Office Non-Emergency Line: (859) 824-3323
- Do not call 911 for warrant inquiries
- Be prepared to provide:
- Full legal name
- Date of birth
- Social Security number (may be requested)
- Anonymous inquiries may not be possible in all circumstances
- Individuals should be aware that confirmation of a warrant may prompt law enforcement action
3. Visit the Sheriff's Office or Police Department
Grant County Sheriff's Office
112 N. Main Street
Williamstown, KY 41097
Phone: (859) 824-3323
Grant County Sheriff
Members of the public may present themselves at the records window or front desk and request a warrant check. A valid government-issued photo identification is required. Individuals should be aware that deputies are obligated to execute active warrants upon confirmation, and an in-person inquiry may result in immediate arrest.
Williamstown Police Department
301 N. Main Street
Williamstown, KY 41097
Phone: (859) 824-3333
4. Contact the Court
Grant County Circuit Court Clerk
101 N. Main Street
Williamstown, KY 41097
Phone: (859) 824-3321
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Grant County Clerk
The Circuit Court Clerk's office can confirm bench warrant status through case records. Clerk staff will not initiate an arrest, but any active warrant remains enforceable and will not be dismissed by the inquiry alone.
5. Hire an Attorney
Retaining legal counsel is the safest method for individuals who have reason to believe a warrant may exist. Attorney-client privilege protects all communications, and counsel can verify warrant status, explain the nature of any charges, and arrange a voluntary surrender under controlled conditions. The Kentucky Bar Association provides a lawyer referral service for members of the public seeking representation.
6. Third-Party Background Check Services
Commercial background check websites may display warrant information, but accuracy and currency vary significantly. 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 county and court records before taking action.
What Information You Will Need:
- Full legal name
- Any aliases or former names
- Date of birth
- Social Security number (helpful but not always required)
- Previous addresses within Grant County
Important Warnings:
Risk of Immediate Arrest: Presenting in person at a law enforcement agency when an active warrant exists will result in arrest. Deputies and officers are legally obligated to execute warrants upon confirmation. Individuals who suspect a warrant exists should consult an attorney before making any in-person inquiry.
Do Not Delay: Warrants do not expire in Kentucky under most circumstances. An unresolved warrant may compound with additional charges such as failure to appear, and any routine law enforcement encounter — including a traffic stop — may result in arrest.
What NOT to Do:
- Do not ignore a possible warrant
- Do not attempt to flee or conceal your whereabouts
- Do not provide false information to law enforcement
- Do not resist if an arrest is made
- Do not assume a warrant will expire or be dismissed without action
What Is a Search Warrant in Grant County?
A search warrant is a legal document issued by a judge or magistrate that authorizes law enforcement officers to search a specific location and seize designated items or evidence. In Grant County, search warrants are governed by the Fourth Amendment to the United States Constitution, which prohibits unreasonable searches and seizures and requires that warrants be supported by probable cause. Kentucky's constitutional protections are codified in Section 10 of the Kentucky Constitution, which mirrors and reinforces federal protections.
Under Kentucky Revised Statutes § 431.005 and related provisions, a search warrant may be issued only upon a sworn affidavit establishing probable cause to believe that evidence of a crime, contraband, or the fruits of a criminal offense are located at the described premises. The warrant must describe with particularity both the place to be searched and the items to be seized. A neutral magistrate or judge — not a law enforcement officer — must review and approve the application before any search may be conducted.
Purpose of Search Warrants:
- Protecting the privacy rights of individuals against arbitrary government intrusion
- Preventing unreasonable searches by requiring judicial oversight
- Balancing legitimate law enforcement investigative needs with constitutional guarantees
- Ensuring that evidence gathered is legally admissible in court proceedings
When Search Warrants Are Used:
Search warrants are employed across a broad range of criminal investigations, including:
- Drug offenses and controlled substance investigations
- Theft, burglary, and property crimes
- Violent crimes and homicide investigations
- White-collar and financial crimes
- Digital evidence collection (computers, mobile devices, cloud storage)
- Contraband and weapons offenses
Difference from Other Warrants:
| Warrant Type | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Search Warrant | Authorizes law enforcement to search a location and seize property |
| 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 |
These warrant types are distinct legal instruments and are not interchangeable.
Are Warrants Public Records in Grant County?
Warrants are subject to Kentucky's public records framework, and their accessibility depends on whether the warrant has been executed and whether any sealing order is in effect. Under the Kentucky Open Records Act, KRS § 61.870 et seq., public agencies are required to make non-exempt records available for inspection and copying upon request.
Search Warrants:
- Before execution: Search warrants are sealed and confidential. Premature disclosure could compromise an ongoing investigation, allow for the destruction of evidence, or endanger law enforcement personnel.
- After execution: The warrant, supporting affidavit, and inventory of seized items become part of the public court record and are accessible through the Circuit Court Clerk's office.
Arrest Warrants:
- Active warrants: Active arrest warrants are public records in Kentucky. The subject's name, charges, bond amount, and issuing court are visible in law enforcement databases and court case search systems.
- After arrest: Arrest warrants remain part of the permanent court case file and are accessible to the public.
Warrants That May Remain Sealed:
Certain categories of warrants may be sealed by court order for an extended period:
- Warrants related to grand jury proceedings
- Warrants involving ongoing multi-agency investigations
- Cases involving confidential informants or sensitive investigative techniques
- Juvenile cases
- National security matters
- Witness protection situations
The duration of sealing is determined by the presiding judge based on the specific circumstances of each case. Most sealed warrants eventually become public, though certain portions — such as informant identities — may be permanently redacted.
What Is Publicly Available:
- Active arrest warrant listings (searchable online and in person)
- Executed search warrant documents and affidavits (through court records)
- Inventory of items seized pursuant to a search warrant
- Bench warrant status within court case files
What Is Restricted:
- Unexecuted search warrants
- Sealed investigative warrants
- Confidential informant information
- Certain law enforcement techniques and surveillance methods
- Grand jury materials
How Much Does It Cost to Get Warrant Records in Grant County?
The cost of obtaining warrant records in Grant County depends on the type of record requested and the office from which it is obtained. Under KRS § 61.874, public agencies may charge a reasonable fee for copies of public records, but inspection of records must be permitted at no charge.
Standard Fee Schedule:
| Record Type | Fee |
|---|---|
| Paper copies (per page) | $0.10–$0.25 per page (varies by office) |
| Certified copies | $5.00 per document (Circuit Court Clerk) |
| Electronic copies | Varies; may be provided at no charge |
| Record inspection (in person) | No charge |
| Court case search (public terminal) | No charge |
Grant County Circuit Court Clerk Copy Fees:
- Standard paper copies: $0.25 per page
- Certified copies of court documents: $5.00 per document
- Electronic records: Available through the eCCLIX system; fees may apply for printing
Kentucky State Police Open Records Requests:
Members of the public seeking records held by the Kentucky State Police may submit a request through the Kentucky State Police Open Records Request portal. Fees for KSP records are governed by KRS § 61.874 and are assessed based on the volume and format of records provided.
Accepted Payment Methods:
- Cash (in person)
- Check or money order payable to the Grant County Clerk
- Credit or debit card (availability varies by office)
Fee Waivers:
Agencies may waive fees for indigent requesters or when disclosure is determined to be in the public interest. Requesters seeking a fee waiver should submit a written request explaining the basis for the waiver at the time of the records request.
What Is Available at No Cost:
- In-person inspection of public records
- Online case status searches through the Kentucky Court of Justice portal
- Active warrant searches through the Sheriff's Office (by phone or in person)
What Types of Warrants Exist in Grant County
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 are issued by Circuit Court judges or District Court judges in Grant County and remain active until the subject is arrested or the warrant is recalled by the court.
Arrest warrants contain the subject's full legal name and physical description, the specific criminal charges and statute violations, the bond amount set by the court, the name of the issuing judge, and any special cautions such as armed and dangerous designations. Law enforcement may execute an arrest warrant at any location within the Commonwealth of Kentucky.
2. Bench Warrants
A bench warrant is issued directly by a judge during the course of court proceedings, most frequently for failure to appear (FTA) at a scheduled hearing, failure to pay court-ordered fines, violation of probation terms, or contempt of court. Bench warrants are among the most common warrant types in Grant County and may be resolved in some cases by contacting the court, paying outstanding obligations, or filing a motion to recall through an attorney.
Grant County District Court
101 N. Main Street
Williamstown, KY 41097
Phone: (859) 824-3321
Kentucky Court of Justice – Grant County
3. Search Warrants
Search warrants authorize law enforcement to enter and search a specifically described location and to seize enumerated items of evidence. As noted above, search warrants must satisfy the probable cause and particularity requirements of the Fourth Amendment and Kentucky law. They are subject to time limitations — in Kentucky, search warrants must be executed within ten days of issuance — and officers must file a return with the court documenting the execution and any items seized.
4. No-Knock Warrants
A no-knock warrant is a specialized form of search warrant that permits law enforcement to enter a premises without prior announcement. These warrants are subject to a heightened standard of judicial review and are issued only when there is a specific, articulable basis to believe that announcement would result in the destruction of evidence, endanger officers, or allow a dangerous suspect to escape. Kentucky law and judicial oversight govern the issuance and documentation of no-knock warrants.
5. Governor's Warrants (Extradition)
When an individual wanted in another state is located in Kentucky, the requesting state may seek extradition through a governor's warrant. The Kentucky Governor issues the warrant upon receipt of a valid extradition request, authorizing law enforcement to arrest the subject and hold them pending transfer to the requesting jurisdiction. The subject retains the right to challenge extradition through a writ of habeas corpus or may waive extradition and consent to transfer.
6. Capias Warrants
A capias warrant is issued in civil or quasi-criminal proceedings — most frequently for failure to comply with child support orders or civil contempt — and authorizes the arrest of the named individual. Release is conditioned upon payment of a specified purge amount or compliance with the underlying court 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 or who is believed to be evading service. These warrants are relatively uncommon and are reserved for situations in which a witness's testimony is essential to a criminal proceeding.
Traffic Warrants:
Failure to appear on a traffic citation or failure to pay traffic fines may result in the issuance of a bench warrant through the District Court. Traffic warrants carry bond amounts and can be resolved through the court clerk's office in many cases.
Probation and Parole Violation Warrants:
When a probationer or parolee is alleged to have violated the terms of supervision, a warrant may be issued by the supervising court or the Kentucky Parole Board. These warrants frequently 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. Federal warrants for individuals in the Eastern District of Kentucky are processed through the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Kentucky and enforced by federal agencies including the FBI, DEA, ATF, and U.S. Marshals Service. Federal warrant information does not appear in county databases.
U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Kentucky
35 W. Fifth Street
Covington, KY 41011
Phone: (859) 392-7900
U.S. District Court – Eastern District of Kentucky
What Warrants in Grant County Contain
Standard Information in All Warrants:
Every warrant issued in Grant County includes identifying header information: the name and seal of the issuing court, the case number, the name of the presiding judge, the warrant number, and the date of issuance. The body of the warrant commands law enforcement — "To any peace officer in the Commonwealth of Kentucky" — to carry out the specified action.
Subject Identification:
- 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 or Social Security number (where applicable)
Arrest Warrant Contents:
- Specific criminal offense(s) charged
- Statute number(s) violated
- Degree of offense (felony class or misdemeanor level)
- Number of counts
- Date of alleged offense
- Bond amount and type (cash, surety, personal recognizance, or no bond)
- Conditions of release
- Special cautions (armed and dangerous, flight risk)
- Judge's original signature and court seal
Search Warrant Contents:
- Complete address and physical description of the premises to be searched
- Specific description of items to be seized, organized by category
- Probable cause affidavit detailing the officer's investigation, informant information (which may be redacted), surveillance results, and the nexus between the location and the alleged criminal activity
- Date of issuance and expiration date (ten days in Kentucky)
- Time-of-day restrictions (daytime or nighttime service)
- Return requirements: the executing officer must file an inventory of seized items with the court
Bench Warrant Contents:
- Reference to the original case number and charges
- Specific court order that was violated (missed hearing date, unpaid fines, probation terms)
- Bond amount
- Instructions for bringing the subject before the court
- Purge conditions, if applicable
Confidential Portions:
Certain elements of warrants may be sealed or redacted even after execution, including the identities of confidential informants, specific investigative techniques, addresses of protected witnesses, and information related to ongoing investigations.
What Is NOT Typically Included in Warrants:
- Complete police investigation reports
- Full witness statements
- Defendant's recorded statements
- Law enforcement tactical plans
- Unrelated case information
Who Issues Warrants in Grant County
The authority to issue warrants in Grant County is vested exclusively in members of the judiciary. Under the Fourth Amendment and Kentucky Constitution Section 10, no law enforcement officer or prosecutor may self-authorize a search or arrest. A neutral and detached magistrate or judge must independently review the probable cause presented before any warrant may issue.
Circuit Court Judges:
Grant County Circuit Court judges hold full authority to issue all categories of warrants, including felony arrest warrants, search warrants, and bench warrants in circuit court cases. The Circuit Court handles felony criminal matters and serious civil litigation.
Grant County Circuit Court
101 N. Main Street
Williamstown, KY 41097
Phone: (859) 824-3321
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Kentucky Court of Justice – Grant County
District Court Judges:
Grant County District Court judges have authority to issue misdemeanor arrest warrants, traffic warrants, bench warrants in district court cases, and search warrants. District Court handles misdemeanor criminal matters, traffic violations, small claims, and preliminary hearings in felony cases.
Grant County District Court
101 N. Main Street
Williamstown, KY 41097
Phone: (859) 824-3321
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Kentucky Court of Justice – Grant County
Who Requests Warrants:
Law enforcement officers and prosecutors present warrant applications to the court. The Grant County Sheriff's Office, Williamstown Police Department, and the Kentucky State Police all have authority to present probable cause affidavits to the court in support of warrant applications. The Grant County Commonwealth's Attorney reviews felony investigations and may request arrest warrants following grand jury proceedings or direct filing of charges.
Grant County Commonwealth's Attorney
101 N. Main Street
Williamstown, KY 41097
Phone: (859) 824-3346
The Warrant Issuance Process:
- Investigation: Law enforcement gathers evidence, interviews witnesses, and documents findings sufficient to establish probable cause.
- Affidavit Preparation: The investigating officer prepares a sworn affidavit detailing the facts supporting probable cause and identifying the suspect or location.
- Presentation to Judge: The officer or prosecutor presents the affidavit to a judge or magistrate, either in person or through Kentucky's electronic warrant system.
- Judicial Review: The judge independently assesses whether probable cause exists, reviews constitutional requirements, and ensures the particularity of the warrant's description.
- Warrant Signed or Denied: If probable cause is established, the judge signs the warrant, which becomes effective immediately. If denied, the officer may supplement the affidavit or decline to proceed.
- Execution: The signed warrant is entered into law enforcement databases, including the National Crime Information Center (NCIC), and officers proceed with arrest or search.
Electronic Warrants in Kentucky:
Kentucky has implemented a statewide electronic warrant system. According to the Kentucky Court of Justice, the eSearch Warrant platform is now live statewide, allowing officers to submit warrant applications electronically and judges to review and sign warrants digitally. As of the program's reporting period, 6,681 search warrant applications had been filed through the system, of which 4,589 had been executed. Electronic warrants carry the same legal authority as paper warrants.
Who CANNOT Issue Warrants:
- Law enforcement officers (cannot self-authorize searches or arrests)
- Prosecutors acting alone without judicial review
- Administrative agencies (with narrow statutory exceptions)
- Private citizens
How To Find Outstanding Warrants in Grant County
Outstanding warrants are warrants that have been issued by a court but have 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 indefinitely in most cases and may be encountered during any law enforcement contact.
Methods to Find Outstanding Warrants:
1. Online Warrant and Case Search
The Kentucky Court of Justice provides a public case search tool accessible through the Grant County page of the Kentucky Court of Justice. Members of the public may search by name and date of birth to locate active cases, including those with outstanding bench warrants. Results display case numbers, charges, warrant status, and bond amounts. The system is updated regularly, though very recently issued warrants may not appear immediately.
The Grant County Clerk's records portal provides access to filed documents through the eCCLIX system, which covers records from over 85 Kentucky clerk offices and allows users to view or print filed documents.
2. Contact the Sheriff's Office Warrants Division
Grant County Sheriff's Office
112 N. Main Street
Williamstown, KY 41097
Phone: (859) 824-3323
Grant County Sheriff
Members of the public may call the non-emergency line to request a warrant check by name and date of birth. In-person inquiries are also accepted at the records window. Individuals should be aware that confirmation of an active warrant may result in immediate arrest.
3. Contact the Circuit Court Clerk
Grant County Circuit Court Clerk
101 N. Main Street
Williamstown, KY 41097
Phone: (859) 824-3321
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Grant County Clerk
Clerk staff can confirm bench warrant status through case records. Public access terminals are available at the courthouse for self-service searches. The clerk's office will not initiate an arrest, but any active warrant remains enforceable.
4. Retain an Attorney
Retaining legal counsel is the safest method for individuals who have reason to believe an outstanding warrant may exist. Attorney-client privilege protects all communications, and counsel can verify warrant status without triggering an immediate arrest. If a warrant is confirmed, an attorney can arrange a voluntary surrender, negotiate bond conditions, and appear with the client at the initial hearing. The Kentucky Bar Association provides a lawyer referral service.
5. Kentucky State Police Resources
The Kentucky State Police maintains statewide law enforcement databases and may have information on warrants issued across multiple jurisdictions. Members of the public may submit an Open Records Request to the Kentucky State Police for records within KSP's custody, subject to applicable exemptions under KRS § 61.878.
Search Multiple Jurisdictions:
Warrants may be issued by different courts and entered into different databases. Members of the public with legal history in multiple counties should check:
- Grant County Sheriff's Office
- Each city police department in jurisdictions where they have resided or worked
- All counties where prior legal matters occurred
- Traffic courts and criminal courts separately
- Probation offices (if currently under supervision)
Interpreting Search Results:
If a warrant is found, the individual should record the warrant number, charges, bond amount, issuing court, and issue date, and consult an attorney before taking any further action. If no warrant is found, members of the public may wish to verify through multiple sources, as recently issued warrants may not yet appear in all systems. Common names may return multiple results; date of birth and other identifiers should be used to confirm identity.
Limitations of Online Searches:
- Warrants issued within the past 24–72 hours may not yet appear in public databases
- Sealed warrants will not be visible in public search results
- Federal warrants are not included in county or state databases
- Data entry errors may cause inaccuracies
- Results should be verified through official channels before any action is taken
What to Do If a Warrant Is Found:
- Do not panic or attempt to flee
- Record all warrant details
- Contact an attorney immediately
- Do not discuss the matter with anyone other than legal counsel
- Do not attempt voluntary surrender without legal representation
Voluntary surrender, arranged through an attorney, is preferable to an unplanned arrest. It allows the individual to choose a convenient time, have counsel present from the outset, and demonstrate responsibility to the court, which may favorably influence bond conditions.
How Long Do Warrants Last in Grant County?
Under Kentucky law, arrest warrants and bench warrants do not expire. Once issued by a court, an arrest warrant or bench warrant remains active and enforceable until the subject is arrested, the warrant is recalled by the issuing court, or the underlying case is dismissed. There is no statute of limitations on the execution of an outstanding warrant after it has been issued.
Search warrants, by contrast, are subject to a strict time limitation. Under Kentucky Rules of Criminal Procedure (RCr) 13.10, a search warrant must be executed within ten days of the date of issuance. If the warrant is not executed within that period, it becomes void and a new warrant application must be submitted to the court.
The practical consequence of the indefinite duration of arrest and bench warrants is that individuals with outstanding warrants remain at risk of arrest during any law enforcement encounter — including routine traffic stops, interactions with officers in other jurisdictions, and border crossings — regardless of how much time has passed since the warrant was issued.
How Long Does It Take To Get a Search Warrant in Grant County?
The time required to obtain a search warrant in Grant County depends on the complexity of the investigation, the availability of the reviewing judge, and whether the application is submitted through the standard process or the Kentucky eSearch Warrant electronic system.
In straightforward cases where probable cause is well-documented and the affidavit is complete, a search warrant may be reviewed and signed within a matter of hours. Emergency or exigent circumstances — such as an imminent risk of evidence destruction or danger to persons — may allow for expedited review, with some warrants approved within minutes through telephonic or electronic submission to an on-call judge.
More complex investigations involving extensive surveillance records, digital evidence, or multiple locations may require additional time for the affidavit to be prepared, reviewed by the prosecutor's office, and presented to the court. In these cases, the process may take several days from the initiation of the warrant application to judicial approval.
Once signed, the warrant must be executed within ten days under Kentucky law. The executing officer is required to file a return with the court documenting the date and time of execution and providing an inventory of all items seized. The Kentucky eSearch Warrant system, now live statewide, has streamlined the application and approval process by allowing officers to submit affidavits electronically and judges to review and sign warrants digitally, reducing processing time in many cases.