Michigan Warrant Search

We are glad you came to this page. We will do our best to help you with your Michigan Warrant Search. This guide gives key facts. It helps you check for warrants in the state. We cover how to look and what warrants mean. Find the details you need right here.

If you need to start a Michigan Warrant Search now, visit https://michiganwarrantrecords.com/. This site may help you find warrant information quickly. It offers a way to look for records across different areas. Please review their terms and privacy notice before you search. Knowing if a warrant exists is the first step. Taking action based on good information is key. Use resources well to handle your search.

Understanding Michigan Warrants

Definition and Purpose of a Warrant in Michigan

A Michigan warrant is an order from a court. A judge or magistrate issues it. It allows police to do a specific task. This could be an arrest. It could be a search of a place. Warrants support court cases or police work. They aim to ensure actions follow the law. They also protect officers doing their job. Warrants are based on set legal grounds. They are not issued without cause.

Legal Status: Are Michigan Warrants Public Records?

Yes, warrants are often public records in Michigan. This falls under the Michigan Freedom of Information Act (FOIA). The law is found in MCL 15.231. Public bodies must share many records. This includes warrants. Most people can ask for this data. But there are rules that limit access sometimes. If sharing a warrant could harm a police case, it may be kept private. Also, search warrant affidavits are kept nonpublic for 56 days after issue. This is stated in MCL 780.651(9). After 56 days, the affidavit usually becomes public. But a court can order it kept private longer.

Typical Information Found in a Warrant Search

A Michigan warrant search can show key details. You will often find the name of the person sought. This might include any known aliases. The search usually shows the alleged crime or reason. The date the warrant was issued is common. The name of the judge who signed it may appear. The court case number linked to it might be listed. The area or town where the warrant is valid is also key data. Keep in mind the exact data can change. It depends on the type of warrant. It also depends on the source you use.

Types of Warrants Issued in Michigan

There are many kinds of warrants in Michigan. Each serves a set role. They follow specific rules for issue and use. Judges and magistrates issue these court orders.

Search Warrants

A search warrant lets police search a place. This could be a house, car, or office. They look for items linked to a crime. Or they might look for a person. The Michigan Search Warrants Act guides this. See MCL 780.651. Police need probable cause to get one. They must list what they seek. This could be stolen goods. It could be drugs or guns used in a crime. It could be evidence like computers or papers. Police usually must knock and say who they are. They must state they have a warrant before entry. But MCL 780.656 allows forced entry. This can happen if refused entry. Or if needed to execute the warrant safely.

Arrest Warrants

An arrest warrant orders police to arrest a person. This person is suspected of a crime. A judge issues it based on a complaint. The complaint often comes from a prosecutor or police. There must be reasonable cause shown. This means good reason to think the person did the crime. MCL 764.1 covers this. Reasonable cause can come from facts in the complaint. It can come from witness statements under oath. It may rely on police reports as well. See MCL 764.1a(4). Once issued, police can arrest the named person.

Felony Warrants

These warrants are for serious crimes. Think of crimes like murder or robbery. Burglary and major drug crimes are also felonies. Felony warrants let police arrest the person any time. They can arrest them any place they are found. These warrants often have no time limits for arrest. They remain active until the person is caught or the warrant is recalled by the court. Felony cases proceed through Circuit Court in Michigan.

Misdemeanor Warrants

These are for less serious crimes. Petty theft or simple assault are examples. Drunk driving can also lead to one. These warrants also allow arrest. But some might have limits. For example, some may direct police to arrest within a set time frame. Or they might suggest arrest only during certain hours. This is less common than for felony warrants. Still, police can act on a valid misdemeanor warrant. These cases are usually heard in District Court.

Bench Warrants

A judge issues a bench warrant from the "bench." This happens when someone defies a court order. The most common reason is failure to appear in court. If you miss a court date, a bench warrant may issue. Violating probation terms can also lead to one. A bench warrant directs police to arrest the person. They must bring the person before the court. The judge will then address the missed date or violation. You might face fines or jail time for the failure to appear itself. It is separate from the original case charge. Fast action might avoid a bench warrant for a missed date. Contacting the court clerk at once is wise.

Probation Violation Warrants

This is a type of arrest warrant. It is issued when a probation agent believes someone broke probation rules. The agent must have good reason for this belief. The warrant allows police to arrest the probationer. The person then faces a probation violation hearing. Consequences can range from warnings to jail time. Sometimes probation is revoked entirely.

Immediate Warrants

Prosecutors can ask for these warrants. They request them when filing criminal charges. This means a person can be arrested right away. Police enter the warrant into the LEIN system. LEIN stands for Law Enforcement Information Network. This makes the warrant known to all police agencies. This type is common in felony cases. It is also used more now in misdemeanor cases with violence. This includes domestic violence cases.

Show Cause Warrants

These are slightly different. A judge or probation agent issues them. But they are often held back for a short time. They are used when someone fails to meet bond rules. Or if they break probation terms. The warrant gives the person a chance. They can come to court on their own. They appear to "show cause." This means they explain why they should not be held in contempt. Or why they did not violate the court's order. If they fail to appear, the held warrant becomes active. Then police can arrest them.

How to Conduct a Michigan Warrant Search

You have a few ways to check for warrants in Michigan. Some methods use the web. Others need a call or visit.

Searching Online

• Statewide Resources: Michigan Courts MiCOURT Case Search The Michigan Courts website offers case search tools. You can find the main search page through www.courts.michigan.gov. Look for "Case Search" options. The MiCOURT portal aims to link records from many local courts. Using this portal is usually free. You can search by name or case number. However, these online systems may not always show if a case has an active warrant. Some courts specifically state this limitation. Royal Oak's 44th District Court site notes this. You might see case details but not the warrant status.

• County and Local Court Websites Many counties offer their own online tools. Some are quite specific. For instance, Clinton County has an Online Warrant Review page. Check https://www.clinton-county.org/694/Online-Warrant-Review. Jackson County's 12th District Court may list active warrants. Look under the Courts section on the county site: https://www.mijackson.org/2963/Courts-Judicial-Jury. Some Sheriff's offices post wanted lists. Berrien County Sheriff does this here: https://www.berriencounty.org/1100/Wanted-Individuals. These local resources vary widely. Not all counties provide online warrant lists. Check the specific county court or sheriff site.

• Data Privacy Considerations Some case information is kept private by law. This includes adoption cases. Cases involving minors might have names hidden. This protects the privacy of children involved. So, a name search might not show results for these cases. Even if a warrant exists in such a case.

Checking via Phone or In Person

• Contacting the Local Court Clerk Calling or visiting the court clerk is a direct way. You need to contact the right court. This is usually the court in the city or county where the offense happened. Or where the case is being heard. District Courts handle misdemeanors. They also handle the first steps of felony cases. Circuit Courts handle felony trials and serious cases. Friend of the Court offices handle child support. They may issue warrants for unpaid support. Find the phone number for the specific court clerk's office.

• Contacting the County Sheriff's Office The county sheriff's office often manages warrants. They serve warrants and make arrests. You can call their main office. Ask if they can check for active warrants under a name. Some offices may provide this. Others might direct you to the court. Be ready to give the full name and maybe date of birth.

• Information Usually Needed for Inquiry When you call or visit, have key details ready. You will need the person's full legal name. Spelling must be correct. You might need their date of birth. Sometimes an address helps confirm identity. Be polite and clear in your request. Court staff and police have rules they must follow. They may not be able to give all details over the phone.

Important Note on State Police Checks

Official criminal background checks from the Michigan State Police do not include warrant information. These checks show convictions. They do not show active arrest warrants. So, getting a state police check will not tell you if there is a warrant. You must use court or local police channels instead.

Contact Information for Specific Michigan Courts and Agencies

Finding the right office is key for warrant checks. Here are some contacts. Hours are usually standard business hours unless noted. Always call ahead to confirm hours and services.

State Level

• Michigan Court of Appeals Clerk's Office

  • Use for appeals case questions. May not handle initial warrants.

  • General Phone: 517-373-0786

  • Email: [email address removed]

  • District Offices:

    • Detroit (1st Dist): 313-972-5678 | Cadillac Place, 3020 W. Grand Blvd, Ste 14-300, Detroit, MI 48202

    • Troy (2nd Dist): 248-524-8700 | Columbia Center, 201 W. Big Beaver Rd, Ste 800, Troy, MI 48084

    • Grand Rapids (3rd Dist): 616-456-1167 | State Bldg, 350 Ottawa Ave NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49503

County Examples

• Calhoun County Court Contacts (Warrants)

  • Check with these offices for warrant status.

  • Friend of the Court: 269-969-6500

  • Circuit Court Clerk: 269-969-6518

  • District Court Clerk: 269-969-6666

  • Website Reference: https://www.calhouncountymi.gov/departments/courts/circuit_court/warrant_information.php

• Jackson County Court Contacts

  • Check for active warrant lists or inquire by phone.

  • 12th District Court: 517-788-4260

  • 4th Circuit Court: 517-788-4382

  • Website Reference: https://www.mijackson.org/2963/Courts-Judicial-Jury

• Berrien County Sheriff

  • Check their "Wanted Individuals" list online. Or call.

  • Main Office Address: 919 Port Street, St. Joseph, MI 49085

  • Phone: 269-983-7141

  • Dispatch (for tips/info): 269-983-3060

  • Crime Stoppers (Anonymous Tips): 800-342-STOP

  • Website Reference: https://www.berriencounty.org/1100/Wanted-Individuals

• Royal Oak 44th District Court (Oakland County)

  • Online case search does NOT show warrant status. Must call or visit.

  • Address: 203 S Troy Street, Royal Oak, MI

  • Phone: 248-246-3600 (Mon-Fri, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM)

  • Warrant Walk-in Hours: Mon-Fri 8:00 AM - 8:30 AM (To recall warrant and see judge)

  • Website Reference: https://www.romi.gov/1126/Court-Case-Look-Up

The Warrant Process: Issuance and Execution

How does a warrant come to be? How is it used? The process follows legal steps.

Issuing Authority

In Michigan, judges issue warrants. District court magistrates can also issue them. They must be authorized to issue warrants in criminal cases. They review requests from police or prosecutors. They decide if legal standards are met.

Requirements for Issuance

• Search Warrant: Police must submit an affidavit. This is a sworn statement. It must show probable cause. This means good reason to believe evidence of a crime is in the place to be searched. MCL 780.651 details this. The affidavit must describe the place and items sought.

• Arrest Warrant: Usually starts with a criminal complaint. This alleges someone committed a crime. A judge reviews the complaint and any supporting facts. They must find probable cause (reasonable cause) to believe the person committed the crime. MCL 764.1a governs this. Probable cause can rest on the complaint facts. It can rely on sworn testimony or affidavits.

Electronic Issuance and Affidavits

Michigan law allows electronic warrants. See MCL 780.651. Affidavits can be submitted electronically. This includes fax or computer network. The judge must administer the oath orally. The officer signs the affidavit. Proof of signing can be electronic. Judges can also issue and sign warrants electronically. They can do this from any location in Michigan. Police must receive proof the judge signed it before acting on it. Transmitted copies count as duplicate originals.

Warrant Execution by Law Enforcement

Once issued, police execute the warrant. For an arrest warrant, they locate the person. They take the person into custody. The person is usually booked. Booking includes taking name, photo, and fingerprints. For a search warrant, officers go to the location. They announce their presence unless exceptions apply. They search for the items listed in the warrant. Any items found may be seized as evidence.

Role of the Law Enforcement Information Network (LEIN)

Active warrants are often entered into LEIN. This is a statewide database. Police officers can check LEIN during traffic stops. Or during other contacts. If a person has a warrant in LEIN, they can be arrested. Entry into LEIN helps ensure officer safety. It makes warrant information widely available to police. Courts might be responsible for LEIN entry. Or police agencies might handle it. Prompt entry is vital.

Addressing an Active Michigan Warrant

Finding out you have a warrant is serious. Take steps to deal with it. Do not ignore it.

Verification Steps

First, confirm the warrant is real. Find out what type it is. Learn which court issued it. You can do this by calling the court clerk. Or call the local sheriff's office. Use the contact information provided earlier. Or look up the specific court or sheriff online. Ask them to check for active warrants under your name. Get the case number if possible. Find out the charge or reason for the warrant.

Options for Resolution

• Contacting the Issuing Court or Agency: Once confirmed, contact the court that issued it. Ask about the process to resolve it. For a bench warrant for missed court, you may get a new date. You might need to pay fines or fees. For criminal warrants, the path is different.

• Arranging to Turn Yourself In: Often, the best step is voluntary surrender. You can arrange this with the court or police. Some courts have specific walk-in times. Royal Oak 44th District Court has morning walk-in hours (8:00-8:30 AM). See https://www.romi.gov/1126/Court-Case-Look-Up. Turning yourself in can look better than being arrested unexpectedly. It may help with setting bail. You can often arrange surrender through an attorney.

Importance of Legal Counsel

Having a lawyer is very helpful. This is true especially for arrest warrants. An attorney can confirm the warrant. They can explain the charges. They can advise you on how to proceed. They can arrange your surrender. They can represent you at your first court date. They will argue for reasonable bail. Facing criminal charges without a lawyer is risky. Seek legal advice early.

The Initial Court Appearance Process

After arrest on a warrant, you see a judge. This usually happens within 72 hours. This is the initial appearance or arraignment. The judge tells you the charges against you. They advise you of your rights. This includes the right to a lawyer. If you cannot afford one, the court may appoint one. The judge will also address bail. Bail is money or conditions set for release from jail. The judge considers flight risk and public safety. Having a lawyer here is key to argue for fair bail terms.

Helpful Resources

Massachusetts Warrant Search | Michigan Warrant Search | Michigan Criminal Records