Van Buren County Warrant Search

We want to thank you for coming here. We hope this page helps you with your Van Buren County Warrant Search. Our aim is to give you the facts you need. We will do our best to guide you.

If you wish to begin your search right now, you can visit https://michiganinmaterecords.com/van-buren-county-inmate-search/ for help with a Van Buren County Warrant Search. This resource may provide quick access to inmate information which can sometimes relate to warrant status, though direct confirmation with official sources discussed below is best for certainty about active warrants themselves. Check it out if you want to start a search fast.

Contacting Official Sources for Warrant Information

To find out if there is a warrant in Van Buren County, you need to check with official places. The main sources are the Sheriff's Office and the county courts. They hold the most current warrant data. Calling or visiting them is the sure way to check.

Van Buren County Sheriff's Office

The Van Buren County Sheriff's Office is a key place for warrant checks. They often serve warrants issued by the courts. You can ask them if a warrant exists for a person.

• Address: 205 S Kalamazoo Street, Paw Paw, MI 49079

• Administration Phone: (269) 657-2006

• Jail Information Phone: (269) 657-2171

• Office Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM (Administrative Office)

You can call the administration line during business hours. Ask how to inquire about warrants. They may require you to come in person. You might need to show photo ID. The jail line can help if someone is already in custody. Be aware they may not give out all details by phone. This protects privacy and rights.

Van Buren County Courts

Courts issue warrants in Van Buren County. There are two main courts involved. The 36th Circuit Court handles major cases like felonies. The 7th District Court handles smaller cases. This includes misdemeanors and traffic issues. It also handles the first steps for felony cases. Both courts can issue warrants.

36th Circuit Court

This court deals with serious criminal cases (felonies). Warrants related to these cases might come from here.

• Address: 212 E Paw Paw Street, 2nd Floor, Paw Paw, MI 49079

• Phone: (269) 657-8200

• Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM

Contact the court clerk's office. Ask about checking for warrants related to circuit court cases. They can explain their process. Case information might sometimes be found online. But warrant status often requires direct contact.

7th District Court (Paw Paw & South Haven)

This court handles many types of cases. Misdemeanors and traffic tickets start here. It also covers landlord-tenant issues and small claims. Importantly, all adult criminal cases start here. This includes arraignments where bond is set. Judges and magistrates here issue arrest and bench warrants. They can also issue search warrants if needed.

• Paw Paw Location:

  • Address: 212 E Paw Paw Street, Paw Paw, MI 49079

  • Phone: (269) 657-8222

  • Fax: (269) 657-8223

  • Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:45 PM

• South Haven Location:

  • Address: 1007 E Wells Street, South Haven, MI 49090

  • Phone: (269) 637-5258

  • Fax: (269) 639-4517

  • Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:45 PM

Call either court location. Ask the clerk about checking for active warrants. They might search by name and date of birth. Be ready to provide this info. Remember that bench warrants for missed court dates are common here. These must be dealt with through the court.

Understanding Types of Warrants in Michigan

A warrant is a legal paper. It allows police to do something specific. This could be an arrest or a search. A judge or magistrate issues warrants. They must have a good reason based on facts. Michigan law defines different kinds of warrants.

Arrest Warrants

An arrest warrant allows police to take someone into custody. It is issued when there is probable cause. This means there is good reason to think the person did a crime.

• Felony Warrants: For serious crimes. These include things like murder or major theft. A judge issues these based on evidence. Police can arrest the person named anywhere, anytime. See Michigan Compiled Laws (MCL) Chapter 764 for arrest procedures.

• Misdemeanor Warrants: For less serious crimes. Examples are simple assault or shoplifting. These warrants also need probable cause. They allow police to arrest the person. Sometimes they have limits on when or where an arrest can occur.

Bench Warrants

A judge issues a bench warrant from the "bench". This means from their seat in the courtroom. It happens when someone disobeys a court order.

• Common Reasons:

  • Failing to show up for a court date.

  • Not paying fines or costs ordered by the court.

  • Violating terms of probation or bond.

• Result: Police can arrest the person. They must bring them back to the court that issued the warrant. The judge will then address the reason it was issued. This often happens in the 7th District Court for missed dates or unpaid tickets.

Search Warrants

A search warrant lets police search a specific place. They must look for items linked to a crime.

• Basis: Needs probable cause. Police must swear in an affidavit (a sworn statement). It must show why they think evidence is at that spot. MCL 780.651 details requirements.

• Issuance: A judge or magistrate must agree there is probable cause. They then sign the warrant. It lists the place to search and items to seize.

The Warrant Process in Van Buren County

How does a warrant get issued in Van Buren County? It follows rules set by Michigan law and court procedures. It starts with a reason and needs review by a judge.

How Warrants are Issued

A warrant usually starts with law enforcement or a prosecutor. They present facts to a judge or magistrate. This is often done with a sworn complaint or affidavit. The judge reviews the facts. They decide if there is enough reason, called probable cause. If yes, the judge issues the warrant.

• Prosecutor Role: For criminal cases, the prosecutor often reviews the police request. They authorize the formal complaint. See Michigan Court Rule (MCR) 6.102.

• Probable Cause: This is the key standard. Is it likely a crime was committed? Is it likely the named person did it? Or, for a search, is it likely evidence is at the place? MCL 764.1a covers probable cause for arrest warrants.

• Electronic Warrants: Warrants can be issued electronically now. This speeds up the process sometimes. See MCL 780.651.

Warrant Execution

Once issued, police execute the warrant. For an arrest warrant, they find and arrest the person. For a search warrant, they search the location named. The warrant details what police can do. After an arrest, the person is booked. They are usually held until they can see a judge. This first appearance is called an arraignment.

Law Enforcement Information Network (LEIN)

Active warrants are often entered into LEIN. This is a statewide police database. Any police officer in Michigan can check LEIN. If they stop someone and find a warrant in LEIN, they can make an arrest. This is why even old warrants can cause problems later.

What to Do if You Have a Warrant in Van Buren County

Finding out you have a warrant can be scary. It is best to deal with it fast. Ignoring it will not make it go away. It could lead to arrest at a bad time.

Confirming the Warrant

First, be sure a warrant really exists. Contact the Van Buren County Sheriff's Office or the relevant court (7th District or 36th Circuit). Use the contact details provided earlier. Ask them directly. Have your full name and date of birth ready.

Resolving the Warrant

How you clear a warrant depends on the type.

• Turning Yourself In: For many arrest warrants, you may need to turn yourself in. You can go to the Sheriff's Office at 205 S Kalamazoo Street, Paw Paw. Call their non-emergency line first. Ask about the process for voluntary surrender. This might allow for a smoother booking and faster court date. It often looks better than being arrested unexpectedly.

• Contacting the Issuing Court: If it is a bench warrant (like for a missed court date or unpaid fine), contact the court clerk. This is likely the 7th District Court. Ask what you need to do. You might be able to get a new court date. You might need to pay the fine. Sometimes the judge will recall or cancel the bench warrant if you fix the issue. Call the Paw Paw or South Haven office.

• Paying Fines/Fees: Some warrants, mainly bench warrants for failure to pay, can be cleared by paying what is owed. Ask the court clerk if this is an option. You can often pay fines at the court offices. The 7th District Court page mentions online payment options for some things. Check their site or call for details.

• Posting Bond: If arrested, bond might be set at arraignment. Posting bond allows release while the case continues. The amount depends on the charge and other factors.

Legal Assistance

Dealing with a warrant is serious. It is wise to talk to a lawyer. A lawyer can confirm the warrant. They can explain the charges. They can advise you on the best way to resolve it. They can represent you in court. This is very important for felony or serious misdemeanor charges.

Official Resources and Forms

Here are key contacts and links for Van Buren County warrant information.

Van Buren County Sheriff's Office

• Address: 205 S Kalamazoo Street, Paw Paw, MI 49079

• Administration Phone: (269) 657-2006 (Mon-Fri, 8 AM - 4 PM)

• Jail Info Phone: (269) 657-2171

• Fax: (269) 657-5161

• Website: https://www.vanburencountymi.gov/247/Sheriff

Van Buren County Courts

• 36th Circuit Court:

  • Address: 212 E Paw Paw Street, 2nd Floor, Paw Paw, MI 49079

  • Phone: (269) 657-8200 (Mon-Fri, 8:30 AM - 5 PM)

  • Website: https://www.vanburencountymi.gov/162/36th-Circuit-Court

• 7th District Court (Paw Paw):

  • Address: 212 E Paw Paw Street, Paw Paw, MI 49079

  • Phone: (269) 657-8222 (Mon-Fri, 8:30 AM - 4:45 PM)

  • Fax: (269) 657-8223

  • General Email: [email address removed]

  • Website: https://www.vanburencountymi.gov/160/7th-District-Court

• 7th District Court (South Haven):

  • Address: 1007 E Wells Street, South Haven, MI 49090

  • Phone: (269) 637-5258 (Mon-Fri, 8:30 AM - 4:45 PM)

  • Fax: (269) 639-4517

  • General Email: [email address removed]

  • Website: https://www.vanburencountymi.gov/160/7th-District-Court

State Laws and Court Rules

• Michigan Compiled Laws (MCL): Official source for state laws.

  • Chapter 764 - Code of Criminal Procedure - Arrest

  • Chapter 780 - Code of Criminal Procedure - Search Warrants (Starting at 780.651)

• Michigan Court Rules (MCR): Rules governing court procedures.

  • Chapter 6 - Criminal Procedure

Freedom of Information Act (FOIA)

You can request public records using FOIA. Police reports can often be obtained this way. The Sheriff's website mentions a FOIA form for reports. Find info here: https://www.vbtmi.gov/departments/public_safety/police/records_department___foia.php (Note: This link seems specific to Van Buren Township, check the County Sheriff site directly for county-wide forms). However, active warrant information is usually handled directly by contacting the Sheriff or Courts, not typically through a formal FOIA request. Warrant details might be kept private until served or for safety reasons.