Shiawassee County Warrant Search

We thank you for visiting this page. Our goal is to give you the best help for your Shiawassee County Warrant Search. We aim to provide clear facts. Find the info you need right here. We will guide you through the steps.

If you wish to start your Shiawassee County Warrant Search now, please visit https://michiganinmaterecords.com/shiawassee-county-inmate-search/. This resource provides a way to look for inmate details. It may help find persons held on warrants. This can be a fast first step. Check their site for search tools. It could save you time. Remember to check official sources too.

Understanding Warrants in Shiawassee County

What is a Warrant?

A warrant is a legal paper. A judge or magistrate issues it. It allows police to act. An arrest warrant lets police arrest a person. A search warrant lets police search a place. Warrants need good reason. This reason is called probable cause. An officer must swear to facts. These facts must show a crime likely happened. Or that proof of a crime is at a location. Michigan law guides this process. You can read the law about search warrants. See Michigan Compiled Laws Section 780.651 here: https://www.legislature.mi.gov/Laws/MCL?objectName=MCL-780-651. This law outlines the rules for getting warrants. It protects people's rights.

Types of Warrants

There are a few kinds of warrants. You may find these in Shiawassee County.

• Arrest Warrants: These order police to arrest someone. They are for crimes. This could be a small crime (misdemeanor). Or a big crime (felony). The warrant names the person. It lists the crime charged. Police need this to make a lawful arrest. These are very common warrants.

• Bench Warrants: A judge issues these from the "bench." This often happens if you miss court. Or if you do not follow a court order. For example, not paying a fine. Or not showing up for a hearing. A bench warrant lets police arrest you. Then you must see the judge.

• Search Warrants: These let police search a specific place. They look for proof of a crime. The warrant must list the place. It must list what police can look for. Police must show probable cause first. They need facts to believe proof is there.

Do Warrants Expire?

Do Shiawassee County arrest warrants expire? No, most do not. Especially for felony crimes. Once a judge issues an arrest warrant, it stays live. It remains active in police systems. It does not just go away with time. Police can act on it years later. The warrant is valid until the person is arrested. Or until a court cancels the warrant. This might happen if charges are dropped. Or if the person resolves the case. So, an old warrant can still cause an arrest. It is key to deal with any known warrant. Do not assume it is gone.

How to Conduct a Shiawassee County Warrant Search

Shiawassee County Sheriff's Office

The Shiawassee County Sheriff's Office handles warrants. They serve warrants issued by courts. They also keep arrest records. You might ask about warrants there. You can visit them in person. Their office is a key place for warrant info. Staff may help you check status. But they might not give full details by phone. This protects safety and privacy. Calling first is a good idea. Ask about their policy for warrant checks.

• Address: 201 E McArthur St, Corunna, MI 48817

• Phone: (989) 743-3411

• Fax: (989) 743-6423

• Website: https://shiawassee.net/sheriffs-office/

• Hours: Standard office hours are usually Monday to Friday, 8 AM to 5 PM. Call to confirm current hours before you go.

The Sheriff plays a large role in law work here. They manage the county jail. They patrol areas without local police. They handle civil process too. Their records division keeps track of arrests. This office is central to finding warrant details. But be ready for rules on how they share data. They must balance public access with safety needs.

Shiawassee County Courts

Courts issue warrants in Shiawassee County. Checking court records might show a warrant. This can be complex. Warrants might be filed with case records. Or kept in separate systems. You may need to check with the court clerk. There are two main courts to know. Each handles different case types. Their records may contain warrant info. Public access computer terminals might be at the courthouse. These let you search case dockets. Ask court staff if these are open for use.

35th Circuit Court

The Circuit Court handles serious cases. This includes all felony criminal cases. It also handles large civil suits. If a warrant is for a felony, check here. The Clerk of the Circuit Court manages these files. You can ask the clerk's office about records. They follow state rules for record access.

• Address: 208 N Shiawassee St, 2nd Floor, Corunna, MI 48817

• Phone: (989) 743-2239 (Main Clerk line, may differ for records)

• Fax: (989) 743-2602

• Website: https://www.shiawassee.net/Circuit-Court/

66th District Court

The District Court handles other cases. This includes misdemeanor crimes. Traffic tickets are handled here. Small claims civil suits are too. Initial steps for felonies start here. Like the first court appearance. Warrants for misdemeanors come from this court. Bench warrants often start here too. Contact the District Court Clerk for records help.

• Address: 110 E Mack St, Corunna, MI 48817 (Courts and Defender Building)

• Phone: (989) 743-2395

• Fax: (989) 743-2469

• Website: https://www.shiawassee.net/District-Court/

Online Court Records Search

Michigan offers an online tool. It is called MiCOURT Case Search. You can search court records online. This includes some Shiawassee County cases. Use it to look up names or case numbers. It might show case status linked to a warrant. But, it has limits. Not all cases appear online. Some older cases might not be shown. Some courts filter old criminal cases. Check the site for details on limits. Access it here: https://micourt.courts.michigan.gov/case-search/. This tool covers many courts in the state. It can be useful for a first look. The 66th District Court may also have its own lookup at http://roa.shiawassee.net/roawebinq/, but verify if this is active. Direct contact with the court clerk is best for full records.

Michigan State Police Resources

The Michigan State Police (MSP) offer a tool. It is the Internet Criminal History Access Tool (ICHAT). This site lets you check criminal history by name. It searches MSP's state database. Note, this is NOT a direct warrant search. It shows past arrests and convictions in Michigan. A conviction might have started with a warrant. So it can give clues. But it won't show active, unserved warrants. There is a fee for each search. The fee was $10 per search based on past data. Results show up online right away. You can access ICHAT here: https://apps.michigan.gov/. Remember its limits. It checks past history, not live warrants.

Accessing Records and Information

Freedom of Information Act (FOIA)

You have a right to ask for public records. The Michigan Freedom of Information Act grants this right. This law covers records held by government bodies. This includes the Sheriff's Office and Courts. You can read the Act (starting with MCL 15.231) here: https://www.legislature.mi.gov/Laws/MCL?objectName=mcl-act-442-of-1976. You can file a FOIA request. Ask for specific records like police reports. Or court case files. Shiawassee County has a process for this. You usually submit a written request. Describe the records you need clearly. The county has a FOIA Coordinator. As of late 2023, Dr. Brian Boggs held this role. Requests typically go through the County Administration office.

• FOIA Request Email: [email address removed]

• Mail Address: FOIA Coordinator, 201 N Shiawassee Street, Corunna, MI 48817

• County FOIA Page: https://shiawassee.net/administration/freedom-of-information-act-request/

Find request forms on the county site. There are forms for general county, health dept, and Sheriff's Office requests. Note that FOIA has limits. Some data may be private (redacted). Active warrant details might be withheld. This protects ongoing probes or officer safety. Fees may apply for search time and copies. The county website details procedures and costs.

Information Found in Records

Public records can offer useful details. An arrest record often shows:

• The person's full name and date of birth.

• The date and time of the arrest.

• The charges filed against the person.

• Which police agency made the arrest.

• Where the arrest took place.

• Booking details, like the jail location.

• Sometimes, a mugshot photo.

Court records add more info. They show case numbers, hearing dates. They list pleas entered and judge rulings. They show final outcomes like conviction or dismissal. Warrant details might be in these files. The warrant itself names the person. It states the alleged crime. It includes the judge's signature. It directs police to make the arrest or search. Getting these records helps build a full picture.

Legal Basis for Warrants in Michigan

Probable Cause Requirement

A warrant is not issued lightly. Michigan law requires probable cause. This is a key legal standard. It means there must be fair reason. Reason to believe a crime occurred. Or that evidence exists at a certain place. An officer must state facts under oath. This sworn statement is an affidavit. A judge or magistrate reviews this affidavit. They decide if probable cause exists. Without it, no warrant should be issued. This rule protects against unfair searches or arrests. See the law (MCL 780.651) here: https://www.legislature.mi.gov/Laws/MCL?objectName=MCL-780-651. This ensures a neutral review before police act.

Issuance Process

Who issues warrants? A judge or district court magistrate does. They must be authorized to issue warrants. They review the sworn affidavit. If they agree probable cause exists, they sign the warrant. This makes it official. Michigan law allows this process to be electronic. Warrants can be requested and issued via computer network. Or by fax. The judge can sign electronically. The officer gets proof of the signature. This speeds up the process when needed. But the legal standard stays the same. See MCL 780.651 (linked above) for electronic rules.

What Can Be Seized (Search Warrants)

Search warrants must be specific. They list what police can look for and seize. Michigan law defines what items are subject to seizure. Found in MCL 780.652, these include:

• Stolen or embezzled property.

• Items designed or used to commit a crime.

• Things possessed or used against state law.

• Evidence of a crime or criminal conduct.

• Contraband (items illegal to possess).

• A person who is the subject of an arrest warrant.

• Human or animal bodies that may be crime victims.

The warrant must describe these items. Police can only seize items listed. Or items in plain view during a legal search. Read the specifics in MCL 780.652 here: https://www.legislature.mi.gov/Laws/MCL?objectName=MCL-780-652.

What to Do if You Have a Warrant

Confirming the Warrant

Think you might have a warrant? First step is to check. Do not rely on rumors. Use the official ways discussed here. Contact the Shiawassee County Sheriff's Office. Or check with the 66th District Court Clerk. Or the 35th Circuit Court Clerk. Ask them how to verify a warrant status. They have the most direct information. Online searches like MiCOURT can help. But they may not show all active warrants. Direct contact is more sure. Be calm and polite when asking.

Seeking Legal Advice

If you confirm a warrant exists, get legal help. Contact a criminal defense lawyer right away. An attorney understands the court system. They can explain the charges against you. They can advise you on your rights. They can discuss the best way to handle the warrant. This might involve arranging a time to turn yourself in. Or challenging the warrant itself. Facing a warrant alone is risky. Legal counsel is very important. Do not wait to seek this help.

Turning Yourself In

Ignoring a warrant makes things worse. It can lead to more charges. Like failure to appear in court. It is often best to face it head-on. With a lawyer's help, plan how to resolve it. This usually means turning yourself in. Your lawyer can help arrange this. They may coordinate with the court or police. This can make the process smoother. It might help arrange bail faster. Taking care of the warrant shows the court you are serious. It is the first step to resolving the case. Always do this with legal advice.