Lapeer County Warrant Search

We are glad you came here for help with your Lapeer County Warrant Search. Our goal is to give you the best facts. We want to guide you to the right places for your search. We aim to make this clear and easy to grasp.

If you need to start a Lapeer County Warrant Search right now, one place to check is https://michiganwarrantrecords.com/lapeer-county-warrant-search/. This site might offer quick access. It can help you begin your search for active warrants. Use their tools to see if the data you need is there. This can be a first step before you contact the official county offices listed below. Check their terms of service first.

Understanding Warrants in Lapeer County

Warrants are official court orders. Judges or magistrates issue them. They give law officers the power to act. This might mean making an arrest. It could mean searching a place. Knowing the type of warrant helps you know what steps to take next. The court system in Lapeer handles these papers.

Types of Warrants Issued

Lapeer County courts issue several kinds of warrants. Each type serves a specific role in the legal process.

• Arrest Warrants: These order the police to arrest a person. They are often for a suspected crime. Probable cause must exist. A judge must sign the warrant.

• Bench Warrants: A judge issues these from the "bench." This often happens if a person fails to show up for court. It can also be for not following a court order. Things like not paying fines can lead to a bench warrant.

• Search Warrants: These let law officers search a specific place. They look for evidence of a crime. The warrant must state the place to search. It must also list what they can look for. There must be probable cause for a judge to sign it.

• Probation Violation Warrants: If a person breaks the rules of probation, a warrant may be issued. This orders their arrest. They must then face the judge about the violation.

• Child Support Warrants: The Friend of the Court, part of the Circuit Court, handles child support. If a person fails to pay support as ordered, a warrant for their arrest might be issued. This is often a type of bench warrant.

Public Access to Warrant Information

Are warrants public records in Lapeer County? Yes, most of the time. The Michigan Freedom of Information Act, found in the Michigan Compiled Laws (MCL) Section 15.231 (https://www.legislature.mi.gov/(S(fobdp22z5jqkdwz51iyeyqrv))/mileg.aspx?page=GetObject&objectname=mcl-15-231), says public records should be open. Warrants usually fall under this rule. This means you can ask to see them. However, there are limits.

Some warrant facts might be kept private by law. For example, if showing the warrant could harm a police case, it may be withheld. Also, the details used to get a search warrant (the affidavit) are often kept secret for a time. MCL 780.651(9) (https://www.legislature.mi.gov/(S(fobdp22z5jqkdwz51iyeyqrv))/mileg.aspx?page=getObject&objectname=mcl-780-651) states search warrant affidavits stay private for 56 days after issue. So while the existence of a warrant might be public, some details might not be shared right away. You usually need to ask the right office, like the court clerk or sheriff's records unit.

Lapeer County Sheriff's Office and Warrants

The Lapeer County Sheriff's Office plays a key part regarding warrants. They do not issue warrants; courts do that job. But deputies serve warrants. This means they find the person named. They make the arrest if it is an arrest warrant. They also handle the custody of those jailed. The Sheriff's office may also have a records system. This system might track warrants they need to serve. They work closely with the courts.

Role of the Sheriff's Office

The Sheriff's main roles with warrants involve action. Deputies are the ones who usually execute arrest warrants in the county. They might go to a home or work place. They also serve bench warrants. This could happen during a traffic stop. If a deputy checks a name and finds a warrant, they must act. The office also transports people arrested on warrants. They take them to jail or court. They support court functions too. They provide security and carry out court orders. This makes them a key contact point.

Contacting the Lapeer County Sheriff

You can contact the Sheriff's Office for some information. They have specific contact details.

• Address: 3231 John Conley Dr, Lapeer, MI 48446

• Main Phone: (810) 664-1801

• Fax: (810) 664-5520

• Administrative Hours: The main office for records and admin tasks is usually open Monday through Friday, from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM. Patrols work 24/7. Always call first to check current hours for specific services.

• Website: https://www.lapeercountymi.gov/departments/sheriff/index.php

Records Division Inquiries

To ask if you or someone else has a warrant held by the Sheriff, you usually contact their Records Division. You can try calling the main phone line (810) 664-1801 during business hours. Ask for the Records Division. Be ready to give the full name and date of birth. They might tell you if there is an active warrant they hold. But they may have limits on what they say over the phone. They might ask you to come in person with ID. This protects privacy. They likely cannot give details about warrants held only by other police units or courts. Their focus is on warrants they must serve.

Lapeer County Court System Warrant Information

The courts in Lapeer County are where warrants begin. Judges review requests from police or prosecutors. If there is enough cause, the judge issues the warrant. Different courts handle different types of cases and warrants. The main courts are the 71A District Court and the 40th Circuit Court. Both are in the Lapeer County Complex Building. Knowing which court handles the type of case helps narrow your search. Court records are often the best source for warrant information.

71A District Court

The 71A District Court handles many case types. Its power covers specific areas. It deals with all misdemeanor crimes. These are crimes with jail time up to one year. It also handles civil lawsuits where the amount claimed is $25,000 or less. Small claims court cases (up to $6,500) are heard here. Landlord-tenant issues, like evictions, go through District Court. Traffic tickets and local ordinance violations are also managed here. For felony cases, the District Court holds the first hearings. This includes arraignment and the preliminary examination. If enough evidence is shown, the felony case moves to Circuit Court. The District Court issues arrest warrants for misdemeanors. It also issues bench warrants for failure to appear in its cases.

To contact the 71A District Court:

• Address: Lapeer County Complex, 255 Clay St, Lapeer, MI 48446

• Phone: (810) 667-0314

• Fax: (810) 667-0424

• Email: districtcourt@lapeercounty.org

• Hours: Office hours are typically standard business hours (e.g., 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM or 5:00 PM), Monday to Friday. Check the official Lapeer County website (https://www.lapeercountymi.gov/courts/district_court_71a/index.php) or call for exact times. Courtroom hours vary based on dockets.

• Accessing Records: You can ask the court clerk about case records. These records would show if a warrant was issued in a specific case. You can ask in person or perhaps by phone. You can also check court dockets online if available via the county website or state portals.

40th Circuit Court

The 40th Circuit Court is the court of general jurisdiction. It hears more serious cases. Its power includes all felony criminal cases. These are crimes where punishment can exceed one year in prison. It also handles civil cases where the amount claimed is more than $25,000. Family law matters are a big part of its work. This includes divorce, child custody, parenting time, and child support cases. The Friend of the Court office is part of the Circuit Court system. It helps manage child support and custody issues. Warrants related to felony cases are issued here. Bench warrants for failure to appear in Circuit Court cases, including child support matters, also come from this court. Appeals from the District Court go to the Circuit Court.

To contact the 40th Circuit Court:

• Address: Lapeer County Complex, 255 Clay St, Suite 227 (Clerk's Office), Lapeer, MI 48446

• Phone: (810) 667-0358 (Main Circuit Court line)

• Email: 40thcircuitcourt@lapeercounty.org

• Hours: The Clerk's office hours are usually standard business hours (e.g., 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM), Monday to Friday. Confirm current hours on the county website (https://www.lapeercountymi.gov/courts/40th_circuit_court/index.php).

• Accessing Records: The Lapeer County Clerk acts as the Clerk of the Circuit Court. Their office (Suite 227) maintains all Circuit Court files. You can request records there in person. You may need case information or the person's name. Records related to felony warrants would be kept here.

Lapeer County Probate Court

The Probate Court handles specific types of legal matters. These usually involve wills, estates, trusts, guardianships, and conservatorships. It also handles mental health proceedings. Importantly, it often has jurisdiction over juvenile delinquency cases. Warrants related to juvenile cases, such as a bench warrant for a youth failing to appear, might be issued through the Probate Court or the Family Division of the Circuit Court which handles juvenile matters.

To contact the Lapeer County Probate Court:

• Address: Lapeer County Complex, 255 Clay St, Lapeer, MI 48446 (Check specific suite number on county site)

• Phone: (810) 667-0261 (This number is listed as a Fax in some sources, verify the correct voice line via the county website)

• Fax: (810) 667-0261

• Hours: Assume standard county business hours, Monday to Friday. Verify on the Lapeer County website (https://www.lapeercountymi.gov/courts/probate_court/index.php).

• Checking Records: Inquire with the Probate Court clerk regarding juvenile case records or warrants related to their specific case types. Access rules for juvenile records may be stricter.

Official Online Search Tools (Michigan State Level)

Michigan offers some state wide tools online. These can sometimes help find court case data. This data might include warrant status. But these tools have limits. They are not perfect warrant finders. They search public court records or corrections data. Use them as part of your search, not the only part. Always confirm facts with the local Lapeer County court or sheriff if unsure.

MiCOURT Case Search

The Michigan Supreme Court offers an online case search tool. It is called MiCOURT Case Search.

• Website: https://micourt.courts.michigan.gov/

• Capabilities: This portal lets you search public case records from many Michigan trial courts. This includes Lapeer County's District and Circuit Courts. You can search by person's name or by case number. If a warrant was issued in a public case, the online case summary (Register of Actions) might note it. This can be a good starting point.

• Limitations: It only shows public cases. Sealed cases or nonpublic matters (like some juvenile cases or certain first-offender programs) will not appear. There might be a delay in updates. Some older criminal case details might not be shown online due to court rules. It is a case search tool, not a warrant database. So, it will not list warrants that are not yet tied to a filed public case.

Michigan Department of Corrections (MDOC) OTIS

The Michigan Department of Corrections runs the Offender Tracking Information System (OTIS).

• Website: https://www.michigan.gov/corrections/otis

• Purpose: OTIS tracks people currently under MDOC supervision. This means those in state prison, on parole, or on felony probation. It also includes people discharged within the last three years.

• Relevance: OTIS does not list active warrants. However, it shows a person's supervision status. If someone is listed as an absconder from parole or probation, there is likely a warrant for their arrest. It does not show people in county jail or those sentenced only to jail time. It also does not show misdemeanor probationers (usually supervised locally). It is a tool to check corrections status, which can imply a warrant in some cases.

Michigan State Police (MSP) Resources

The Michigan State Police offer some public online tools. These relate to criminal records but not directly to active warrants.

• ICHAT: The Internet Criminal History Access Tool (https://apps.michigan.gov/ICHAT/Home.aspx) lets you search for Michigan criminal conviction records. It requires a fee per search. It shows past convictions, not active warrants or pending charges. A warrant check is different from a criminal history check.

• Public Sex Offender Registry (PSOR): This registry (https://www.michigan.gov/msp/services/sex-offender-registry) lists people convicted of certain sex offenses who must register their address. It does not list warrants for other types of offenses. An absconder from the registry would likely have a warrant, but the registry itself is not a general warrant search.

Michigan State Police - Lapeer Post

The Michigan State Police (MSP) have posts across the state, including one serving the Lapeer area. MSP troopers enforce state laws. They patrol highways. They assist local police and sheriff departments. They conduct investigations. While they can arrest people on warrants issued anywhere in Michigan, they are usually not the primary contact for the public to check for local Lapeer County warrants.

General Information

• Role: MSP provides statewide law enforcement services. They handle major crimes, traffic safety, and support local agencies. If an MSP trooper stops someone, they can check for warrants statewide.

• Warrant Checks: For specific Lapeer County warrant inquiries, the Lapeer County Sheriff's Office or the relevant Lapeer County Court (District or Circuit) are the most direct contacts. MSP typically does not run warrant checks for the public over the phone unless it relates to an active MSP investigation or contact.

• Contact: To find contact information for the MSP Post serving Lapeer, visit the official MSP website: https://www.michigan.gov/msp. Look for post locations or contact directories.

Using the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA)

If direct inquiries do not yield results, you can use the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA). This state law gives the public the right to request copies of government records. Warrants are generally considered public records. But remember the exemptions mentioned earlier.

Filing a FOIA Request

• Reference the Law: Your request should mention the Michigan Freedom of Information Act, MCL 15.231 et seq. (https://www.legislature.mi.gov/(S(fobdp22z5jqkdwz51iyeyqrv))/mileg.aspx?page=getobject&objectname=mcl-Act-442-of-1976).

• Submit to Agency: Send your request to the agency holding the record. For Sheriff's Office warrants, send it to the Sheriff's Office FOIA coordinator. For court-issued warrants documented in case files, send it to the Lapeer County Clerk (for Circuit Court) or the District Court Clerk (for District Court). Lapeer County likely has a dedicated FOIA page on its website (https://www.lapeercountymi.gov/) explaining the process and providing forms or contact info for coordinators.

• Be Specific: Clearly describe the records you seek. Include the full name and date of birth if asking about warrants for a specific person. State the time frame if applicable.

• Fees and Response: The agency can charge fees for searching, copying, and mailing records. They have specific time limits to respond to your request (usually 5 business days, possibly extended). They will either provide the records, deny the request (citing specific FOIA exemptions), or state the records do not exist.

Handling an Outstanding Lapeer County Warrant

Discovering you have an active warrant can be stressful. Taking steps to address it is important. Ignoring a warrant will not make it go away. It can lead to arrest at any time. This could be during a traffic stop, or at home or work. Dealing with it proactively is usually best.

Addressing the Warrant

There are a few ways to handle an outstanding warrant. The best path depends on the type of warrant and the case details.

• Turning Yourself In: You can voluntarily surrender to the authorities. It is often best to contact the Lapeer County Sheriff's Office Records Division (810-664-1801 during business hours) or the issuing court (District or Circuit) first. Ask about the process for turning yourself in on a warrant. They can tell you the bond amount, if any. Arranging this may be smoother than being arrested unexpectedly. Consider going during business hours on a weekday when courts are open.

• Seeking Legal Counsel: Contacting an attorney is highly recommended. A lawyer can find out details about the warrant. They can advise you on your rights. They may be able to arrange for you to turn yourself in with minimal disruption. They can represent you in court to resolve the underlying issue that led to the warrant. This is very important for felony warrants or complex cases.

• Paying Associated Fines/Costs/Bond: Some warrants, especially bench warrants for unpaid fines or costs, might be resolved by paying the amount owed. Contact the Lapeer County District Court (810-667-0314) or Circuit Court Clerk (810-667-0358) to ask about payment options. They may have online payment portals linked from the county website, or you may need to pay in person. Paying may recall the warrant, but you should always confirm this with the court clerk. Sometimes, you still need to appear before a judge even after paying. For warrants requiring a bond to be released after arrest, payment would typically be made at the court or the jail.