We are glad you came to this page. We aim to help you with your Clinton County MI Warrant Search. Our goal is to give you the facts you need. We will show you how to look for warrant information in the county.
If you wish to start a search right now, you can visit https://michiganwarrantrecords.com/clinton-county-warrant-search/. This resource lets you begin your Clinton County MI Warrant Search quickly. Use their tools to check names against available public records databases that may contain warrant information. Remember to check official sources too for the most current data. It is best to use all paths shown here.
To find warrant details, you must check with official local agencies. The main places are the Sheriff's Office and the county courts. They hold the most direct and up to date records. Going straight to the source is the best way. Do not rely on old data.
The Clinton County Sheriff's Office often handles arrest warrants. They serve warrants issued by the courts. You may ask them if a warrant exists for a person. You can call or go in person. Be ready to give the full name and birth date. They need this to search their files. Ask about their process for warrant checks. Some offices do this by phone. Others need you to visit. Knowing their rules first saves time.
The Sheriff's Office is a key part of law work here. They keep the peace and run the jail. They also serve court papers, like warrants. Staff there can tell you if they hold an active warrant for someone. They can also guide you on next steps if one is found. Their records are a prime source for your search needs. Make sure you have the full name. Also provide the date of birth if you know it. This helps them find the right person fast. Their main role is public safe ty. Helping with warrant checks is part of that job.
Clinton County Sheriff's Office
Address: 1347 E Townsend Rd, St Johns, MI 48879
Phone: (989) 224-5200 (Non-Emergency)
Hours: Office hours are usually standard business hours, Monday to Friday. Call to confirm current hours for specific services like records checks. Some services may need an appointment.
Warrants are issued by judges. These orders start in the courts. The Clinton County court system includes the 65A District Court and the 29th Circuit Court. These courts keep records of the warrants they issue. This includes arrest warrants and bench warrants. You can ask the court clerk's office about warrants. They manage court files and records. They may have a public desk or terminal. You might search records there. You can also call the clerk's office. Ask how they handle warrant look ups for the public. Some courts offer online search tools on their site. Check the official Clinton County court web pages. They list phone numbers and addresses too.
The 65A District Court handles many case types. These include small claims, traffic stuff, and first steps in felony cases. Warrants often come from this court. For example, a bench warrant for not showing up in court. The 29th Circuit Court deals with big civil cases and all felony cases. They also issue warrants tied to their cases. The court clerk is the keeper of all these records. They must follow laws about public access. Ask them about any forms or fees for record checks. Have the person's full name and date of birth ready. This makes the search much easier for the clerk.
Clinton County Courts
65A District Court: 100 E State St #3400, St Johns, MI 48879
Phone: (989) 224-5150
29th Circuit Court: 100 E State St #4300, St Johns, MI 48879
Phone: (989) 224-5130
Hours: Court offices typically open 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, Monday through Friday. Closed on holidays. Call first to check current hours and access rules.
Not all warrants are the same. Knowing the type can help you know what it means. The main types are arrest, bench, and search warrants. Each has a different goal and legal basis.
An arrest warrant orders police to arrest a person. A judge issues it based on probable cause. This means there is good reason to think the person did a crime. Law enforcement must show this cause to the judge. The warrant names the person and the crime. You can learn more about the rules for arrest warrants in Michigan law. See the Michigan Compiled Laws Section 764.1a. An active arrest warrant means police can arrest the person on sight. This type of warrant does not just go away. It stays active until the person is arrested or the court cancels it. It is a serious legal item.
A judge issues a bench warrant from the "bench," meaning the court. It is often used when someone fails to show up for court. This is called Failure to Appear or FTA. It can also be for not following a court order. For example, not paying a fine or restitution. A bench warrant also orders the police to arrest the person. The goal is to bring the person back to court. These are common in both district and circuit courts. They are a tool courts use to enforce their orders. Like arrest warrants, they stay active until dealt with. You can find rules related to court procedures on the Michigan Courts website.
Search warrants are different. They let police search a specific place for specific things. This could be a home, car, or other spot. They must show a judge probable cause that evidence of a crime is there. The warrant must state the place to search. It must also list the items police are looking for. These are not usually public before the search happens. This is to prevent loss of evidence. After a search, the warrant details may become part of the public court file. Michigan law sets strict rules for getting and using search warrants. See the Michigan Compiled Laws Section 780.651.
To do a good warrant search, you need key details. The most vital pieces of info are:
Full Name: Use the person's complete legal name. Include middle names or initials if known. Also check any known nicknames or past names (aliases). A small name error can miss the record.
Date of Birth (DOB): This helps tell apart people with the same name. Many court and police records use DOB to confirm who is who. Give the full date if you have it.
Having exact details is key. Court and law enforcement systems have many names. The more precise your info, the better the search result. Without good details, you might get wrong info or no info at all. Always check the spelling of the name. Make sure the birth date is correct. This helps the clerk or officer find the right file fast.
If you find out there is an active warrant, take steps to deal with it. Do not ignore it. A warrant does not expire on its own. It can cause problems later.
First, be sure the warrant is real and active. Call the Clinton County Sheriff's Office or the court clerk's office. Ask them to verify the warrant status. Get details like the case number and the issuing judge. Do not rely on word of mouth alone. Check official sources directly.
It is wise to talk to a lawyer. An attorney can explain the warrant. They can tell you about the charges. They can advise you on the best way to act. They might be able to arrange a time for you to turn yourself in. This may help with bail terms. If you cannot afford a lawyer, ask about legal aid. The State Bar of Michigan Lawyer Referral Service can help find lawyers.
Often, the best step is to turn yourself in. You can contact the Sheriff's Office to arrange this. Going in on your own terms can look better than being arrested later. Your lawyer can help set this up. Plan to go during business hours if possible. This allows for faster court processing. Prepare for the booking process. This may include photos and finger prints.
How you clear a warrant depends on its type.
Bench Warrant for Fines: You might clear it by paying the full amount owed. Ask the court clerk about payment options.
Bench Warrant for FTA: You will likely need to show up in court. The judge will address why you missed court. You may need to set a new court date.
Arrest Warrant: You must go through the court process. This starts with an arraignment. At this hearing, you are told the charges. Bail might be set.
Always follow the court's orders fully. This is the only way to truly resolve the warrant. Keep records of all payments made and court dates attended.
Use these official contacts for your Clinton County MI Warrant Search.
Address: 1347 E Townsend Rd, St Johns, MI 48879
Phone: (989) 224-5200 (Non-Emergency Line)
Business Hours: Standard office hours are typically 8 AM to 5 PM, Monday - Friday. Call to confirm hours for specific needs like records requests. Patrols run 24/7.
65A District Court
Address: 100 E State St #3400, St Johns, MI 48879
Phone: (989) 224-5150
29th Circuit Court
Address: 100 E State St #4300, St Johns, MI 48879
Phone: (989) 224-5130
Court Website: https://www.clinton-county.org/168/Courts (Links to both courts)
Clerk's Office Hours: Generally 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, Monday through Friday. Check the website or call, as hours can change or specific services may have limits.
Michigan Compiled Laws (MCL): Access state laws online. Search for statutes about warrants, arrests, and court rules.
Website: http://legislature.mi.gov/
Michigan Courts: Official site for the state judiciary. Find court rules, forms, and info on the court system.
Website: https://www.courts.michigan.gov/ Here is the outline and article about Clinton County MI Warrant Search.
H2: Starting Your Clinton County MI Warrant Search
H3: Official Online Warrant Review (Clinton County Website)
H3: Contacting the Clinton County Sheriff's Office
H3: Checking with Clinton County Courts
H2: Understanding Warrants in Clinton County
H3: Types of Warrants in Michigan
Arrest Warrants (Felony, Misdemeanor)
Bench Warrants
Search Warrants
H3: The Legal Basis for Warrants
H2: Resources and Contact Information
H3: Clinton County Sheriff's Office Details
H3: Clinton County Court Information
65A District Court
29th Circuit Court / County Clerk
H3: Statewide Resources
Michigan State Police ICHAT
MiCOURT Case Search
H2: What to Do If You Have a Warrant
H3: Addressing an Active Warrant
H3: Consequences of an Outstanding Warrant
We are glad you came to this page. Our goal is to give you the best help for your "Clinton County MI Warrant Search". We will share key details. We hope this makes your search easy. Find the facts you need right here.
If you need to start your "Clinton County MI Warrant Search" right now, visit https://michiganwarrantrecords.com/clinton-county-warrant-search/. This resource can help you begin the process fast. Finding warrant data can feel hard. Using a focused tool may speed things up. It helps you check names and details. Be sure you have the right data for your search. This helps get true results fast. Check the link if you want to start now.
There are official ways to look for warrants. You can check online. You can call or visit local offices. Knowing where to look saves time. Each place offers different access. Some ways are faster than others. Plan your search steps.
Clinton County offers some online tools. The 65A District Court has a page for warrant checks. This lets you look for some warrants online. It is part of the county's official site. This tool is made for public use. Find the 'Online Warrant Review' link. It is listed under the 65A District Court section. This can be a quick first step. You can check from home. Make sure you check the right court's page. This page is specific to the 65A District Court. Find it here: https://www.clinton-county.org/694/Online-Warrant-Review. Always check official sources for the best facts. This helps avoid wrong data.
The Sheriff's Office handles many warrants. They serve warrants issued by courts. They also keep records of arrests. You can ask them about warrants. You may need to call or go in person. Be ready to give the person's full name. They might ask for a date of birth too. Calling is often faster for simple checks. Going in person might be needed for some things. Ask about their policy for warrant checks. They can tell you the best way. Their main office is in St. Johns. Find their contact details below. They deal with active warrants daily. Staff can guide you on next steps. If a warrant exists, they can explain.
The Sheriff's Office works hard to keep the area safe. They have deputies on patrol. They run the county jail. They serve legal papers from the courts. This includes arrest warrants. They also help with civil process needs. You can find forms and links on their site. They help the public in many ways. If you need a police report, call central dispatch. Their admin office handles general questions. Jail staff handle inmate questions. Always call 911 for real emergencies. Use the non-emergency line for other police help. Their website lists many services. Check it for more details.
Courts issue warrants and keep case files. The main courts in Clinton County are the 65A District Court and the 29th Circuit Court. Warrants often come from these courts. You can ask the court clerk about records. Some records are online. Older records might need an in-person check. The County Clerk handles Circuit Court records. They state that searches for records before July 1996 can be done in the office for free. Or you can mail a request. Mailed requests cost $10 per name for a 10-year search. Records after July 1996 are online. Or you can check in person or mail a request. The $10 fee still applies for mailed requests. Find details here: https://www.clinton-county.org/226/Record-Searches. The state also has a portal called MiCOURT. This lets you search court cases statewide. Find it here: https://micourt.courts.michigan.gov/case-search/. Check both local and state sites. This gives a full picture.
Court records hold much data. They can show case steps. They list names of people in the case. They have dates of court events. Warrants and summons are part of court records. Docket entries track all actions. You can find orders made by the judge. But some court records are not public. Things like adoption files are kept private. Juvenile case files are often sealed. Mental health data is private too. The law protects this type of data. Public records show most court actions. You can ask the court clerk for help. They know the rules for record access. Give them clear details for your search. A name or case number helps a lot.
Warrants are legal orders. They give police the power to act. This could mean arrest or search. Judges issue warrants based on proof. Understanding warrants helps you know their effect. There are different kinds for different needs.
Michigan law defines several warrant types. Each serves a specific legal goal. Knowing the type helps understand the case.
Arrest Warrants: These order police to arrest a person. They are issued if there is probable cause a crime was done.
Felony Warrants: For serious crimes. These crimes have long jail terms. Examples are murder or robbery. Police can arrest the person any time.
Misdemeanor Warrants: For less serious crimes. Examples are petty theft or simple assault. These warrants may have limits. Like arresting only in certain hours.
Bench Warrants: A judge issues these. They are for people who miss court. Or for those who break court orders. Like not paying fines. Or breaking probation rules. Police can arrest the person on sight. They must bring the person to court.
Search Warrants: These let police search a place. They must look for specific items. These items must be linked to a crime. The warrant lists the place to search. It also lists what police can look for.
Warrants must follow legal rules. This protects people's rights. In Michigan, laws and court rules guide warrants. Judges or magistrates must approve them. They need good reason, called probable cause. Police must present facts to show this. This comes from the Michigan Compiled Laws (MCL) Section 764.1. This law covers how warrants are issued. It requires review by a judge. The facts can come from police reports. Or from witness statements. The goal is to ensure arrests and searches are fair. Michigan Court Rule 6.102 also sets rules. It details how warrants are requested and issued. These rules aim to balance law needs with rights.
The process starts with a complaint. This is often filed by police or a prosecutor. It lays out the alleged crime. It explains why they think someone did it. A judge reviews this complaint. They may ask for more facts. This could be through sworn statements. Or testimony in court. The judge must find enough proof. This proof must meet the probable cause standard. If so, the judge signs the warrant. The warrant must describe the person. Or the place to be searched. It must state the alleged crime clearly. This ensures the warrant is specific. It limits police actions. Warrants must be based on solid facts. Not just guesses or hunches. This protects folks from unfair state action.
Knowing who to contact is key. Here are addresses and phone numbers. Use these for your search.
The Sheriff is a main contact for warrants.
Address: 1347 E Townsend Road, St. Johns, MI 48879
Admin Phone: 989-224-5200 (For general questions)
Jail Info Phone: 989-227-6580 (For inmate or jail questions)
Non-Emergency Dispatch: 989-224-6792 (To file a report or non-urgent police help)
Website: https://www.clinton-county.org/241/Sheriffs-Office Office hours for admin tasks may vary. Call ahead to check times. Jail functions run 24/7. But records staff have set hours.
Courts issue and manage warrant records. Contact the right court.
65A District Court: Handles misdemeanors, traffic cases, small claims. They have the online warrant review tool.
Address: 100 E State St, Suite 3400, St. Johns, MI 48879
Phone: 989-224-5150
Website: https://www.clinton-county.org/235/65A-District-Court
Online Warrant Review: https://www.clinton-county.org/694/Online-Warrant-Review
29th Circuit Court / County Clerk: Handles felonies, major civil cases, family law. The Clerk manages these records.
Address: 100 E State St, Suite 2600, St. Johns, MI 48879
Clerk Phone: 989-224-5140
Circuit Court Records Phone: 989-224-5257
Clerk Public Counter Hours: Monday - Friday, 8:00 AM - 12:00 PM & 1:00 PM - 4:30 PM (Except Holidays)
Clerk Website: https://www.clinton-county.org/194/County-Clerks-Office
Some tools cover the whole state. These can be helpful too.
Michigan State Police ICHAT: The Internet Criminal History Access Tool. This checks statewide criminal records. It might show data linked to warrants. There is usually a fee per search. It costs $10. Results are online. Find it here: https://apps.michigan.gov/. This is name-based. It does not search SSN or driver license numbers. Make sure info is correct before you pay. Results are ready right away.
MiCOURT Case Search: This portal searches court case info. It covers many Michigan courts. You can search by name or case number. It shows case status and filings. Some case types are not shown. Like juvenile or adoption cases. Access it here: https://micourt.courts.michigan.gov/case-search/. Check the site for limits. Some courts only show recent criminal cases. You may need to call the court for older data.
Finding out you have a warrant is serious. Take action but be careful. Ignoring it makes things worse. Know your options and act smart.
Do not wait to be arrested. Be proactive. First, confirm the warrant is real. Check with the court or sheriff. Get details about the warrant. What type is it? What are the charges? What is the bond amount, if any? Think about getting legal help. A lawyer can explain your rights. They can advise the best steps. They might arrange for you to turn yourself in. This can look better than being caught. For bench warrants on small issues like fines. You might fix it by paying the court. Call the court clerk to ask. For serious charges, legal advice is key. A lawyer can work on bond. They can start building your defense. Do not try to hide or run. This leads to more charges. Face the issue with help.
Dealing with a warrant needs care. You need to know the charge. Is it a felony or a misdemeanor? This affects how serious it is. A lawyer can find out all details. They can check the warrant's validity. Was it issued based on good cause? Were procedures followed right? Errors could help your case. If you turn yourself in, plan it. Your lawyer can contact the police or court. They can arrange a time. This avoids public arrest. It allows for a smooth process. Your lawyer might argue for low bail. Or for release on your own word. This depends on the charge and your past record. If the warrant is for unpaid fines. Paying them might clear the warrant. Always get proof of payment. Confirm with the court clerk. Make sure the warrant is recalled. Keep records of all talks and actions.
An active warrant stays in police systems. Like the Law Enforcement Information Network (LEIN). Any police officer can see it. A simple traffic stop can lead to arrest. This can happen any time, any place. An old warrant does not just go away. It stays active until cleared. Outstanding warrants cause big problems. They can stop you from getting jobs. Many bosses run background checks. A warrant shows up as a red flag. It can affect housing options too. Landlords often check backgrounds. It can impact professional licenses. Or your driver's license status. You might not be able to renew it. Travel can be risky too. Airport checks might flag the warrant. This leads to arrest far from home. The legal issues grow over time. Ignoring a court date leads to bench warrants. This adds new charges like contempt of court. Face the warrant soon to limit harm.