Washtenaw County Warrant Search

Thank you for coming to this page. We want to help you with your Washtenaw County Warrant Search. Our goal is to give you clear facts. We hope this info helps you find what you need.

For those who wish to begin immediately, visit https://michiganinmaterecords.com/washtenaw-county-inmate-search/ to conduct a Washtenaw County Warrant Search. This resource is available if you prefer to start your check right now. It provides a way to look for specific information. Use the tools there to see if you can find the data you seek for your Washtenaw County Warrant Search. Remember to have key details ready for your check.

Starting Your Washtenaw County Warrant Search

Using Online Resources

The link shared above is one way to check. https://michiganinmaterecords.com/washtenaw-county-inmate-search/ offers a starting point. Official county or state websites might also help. The Michigan Courts case search may list case details. But, it might not have a simple warrant list. Some court records are not fully online. You might need to look at case files. Finding exact warrant data online can be hard. Direct contact is often best for sure answers.

Contacting Official Agencies Directly

You can ask official places about warrants. This includes the Sheriff's Office. The local courts are also key contacts. They hold the actual records. Calling or visiting them works best. You will get the most up-to-date info this way. Be ready to give your name and birth date. This helps them find the right files for your Washtenaw County Warrant Search.

Understanding Warrants in Washtenaw County

Types of Warrants Issued

Courts in Washtenaw County issue different warrants. Knowing the type can help you know what to do next. They serve distinct roles in the legal system.

• Arrest Warrants: A judge issues these. They need probable cause first. This means proof suggests a crime occurred. Police use these to arrest a person. Arrest warrants can be for felonies or misdemeanors. These allow police to take a person into custody almost anywhere, anytime. See Michigan Compiled Laws (MCL) Section 764.1 for rules on warrant issuance.

• Bench Warrants: Judges issue these from the "bench". This often happens if you miss court. It can also be for not following court orders. Or for violating probation terms. A bench warrant lets police arrest you. They bring you before the court. This type directs law enforcement to detain the named person. The goal is to address the failure to appear or comply.

Why Warrants Are Issued

Warrants start legal actions. An arrest warrant begins a criminal case usually. It follows a police probe or complaint. A prosecutor must often authorize it. See MCL 764.1a. Bench warrants enforce court authority. They make sure people show up for court dates. They also handle probation rule breaks. Warrants ensure the justice process moves forward. They hold people accountable to the court system. If police believe there is enough proof of a crime, they ask a judge for an arrest warrant. Witness statements or police reports back this up. Failure to appear in court is a common reason for a bench warrant.

Washtenaw County Sheriff's Office Warrant Information

Contact Details and Location

The Washtenaw County Sheriff's Office (WCSO) handles law needs in the county. They may have warrant details. You can reach out to them directly. Their main office address is important.

• Address: Washtenaw County Sheriff's Office, 2201 Hogback Road, Ann Arbor, MI 48105

• Records Division Phone: 734-973-4655 (Call here first for warrant or record questions)

• Inmate Information Phone: 734-585-7247 (For info on jailed persons, charges, bond)

• Detective Bureau Phone: 734-973-4559 (If speaking to an officer about a case)

• Website: https://www.washtenaw.org/348/Sheriff

Office hours are usually standard business hours. Call ahead to check current hours. These hours apply mainly to admin tasks. Law enforcement works 24/7. The Records Bureau handles report requests and background checks.

How to Inquire About Warrants

To ask about warrants, call the Records Division. The number is 734-973-4655. You will likely need to give your full name. Your date of birth is also needed. They use this to check their records. They can tell you if an active warrant exists. This check is usually for warrants held by the WCSO. They may not have data on warrants from city police. Or warrants held only by the courts. It is best to ask them directly. Be clear about why you are calling. They will guide you on the process. Sometimes you must visit in person. Bring photo ID if you go there.

Services Provided

The Sheriff's Office offers many services. They patrol the county. They run the county jail. Their Records Bureau keeps incident reports. They also handle accident reports. You can request copies of these reports. They offer local background checks too. There might be a fee for checks. The fee mentioned in one source was $10. Call them to confirm current fees. They provide inmate information via phone. This includes charges and bond details. The Sheriff helps keep the peace. They work with courts and prosecutors. Their work is key to public safety. The WCSO Records Bureau is a central point for many public requests for information generated by the Sheriff's Office. They assist the public in locating reports and researching past incidents, ensuring transparency and access to official documentation within legal limits.

Checking with Washtenaw County District Courts

Warrants are often filed with the court that issued them. Washtenaw County has several district courts. The correct court depends on where the issue occurred. You may need to contact the specific court. Public case files are not always online. You might need to visit or call.

14A District Court (Multiple Locations)

The 14A District Court serves most of the county. This excludes Ann Arbor and Ypsilanti Township. It has several locations. Contact the one serving the area of interest.

• 14A-1 (Pittsfield Township area): 4133 Washtenaw Avenue, Ann Arbor, MI 48108. Phone: 734-973-4545.

• 14A-2 (Ypsilanti City area): 415 W Michigan Avenue, Ypsilanti, MI 48197. Phone: 734-484-6690.

• 14A-3 (Chelsea area): 122 S Main Street, Chelsea, MI 48118. Phone: 734-475-8606.

• 14A-4 (Saline area): 1000 N Maple Road, Saline, MI 48176. Phone: 734-429-2504. (Note: Check status, was listed as temporarily closed before).

• Website: https://www.washtenaw.org/946/14A-District-Court

Court hours are typically Monday to Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM. Call to confirm hours and specific services. These courts handle misdemeanors and traffic cases. They also handle early stages of felonies.

14B District Court (Ypsilanti Township)

This court handles cases from Ypsilanti Township. It is located in the Civic Center.

• Address: 7200 S Huron River Drive, Ypsilanti, MI 48197

• Phone (Criminal/Traffic): 734-483-1333

• Phone (Civil): 734-483-5300

• Website: https://www.washtenaw.org/1409/District-Court-Contacts (County List), https://ypsitownship.org/government/14b_district_court/ (Township Page)

Check their site or call for hours. They handle misdemeanors, traffic tickets, and initial felony steps. They offer online ticket review options too.

15th District Court (Ann Arbor)

This court covers the City of Ann Arbor. Many county cases start here.

• Address: Ann Arbor Justice Center, 301 E Huron Street, P.O. Box 8650, Ann Arbor, MI 48107

• Phone (Main/Criminal/Traffic): 734-794-6750

• Phone (Civil): 734-794-6752

• Website: https://www.washtenaw.org/1409/District-Court-Contacts (County List), Links often point to City of Ann Arbor site for court details.

Hours are generally 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM, Monday to Friday. Call to verify. This court handles city ordinances, misdemeanors, traffic, and felony beginnings for Ann Arbor cases.

Court Records and Warrant Status

Court clerks manage case records. These records may show warrant status. You can ask the clerk's office. You might need the case number. Or the person's full name and birth date. Public access computer terminals may exist at courthouses. These let you search case records on site. The Washtenaw County Trial Court Name and Calendar Search exists online. But it states public case docs are not accessible there. You must get them from the Trial Court office. Fees may apply for copies. Calling the specific district court clerk is a good step. They can guide you on searching records for warrant info. Remember, warrant details might be restricted in some cases. Especially search warrant affidavits initially.

Consequences of an Outstanding Warrant

Potential for Arrest

An active warrant means police can arrest you. This can happen at any time. It could be during a traffic stop. Or if police come to your home or work. Even minor warrants can lead to arrest. Police officers check for warrants often. An outstanding warrant stays active until resolved. You could be detained until you see a judge. This risk hangs over you constantly.

Impact on Daily Life

A warrant affects more than just arrest risk. It can impact jobs. Background checks might show the warrant. This could stop you from getting hired. It can affect housing applications too. Professional licenses might be at risk. Your driver's license could be suspended. This depends on the warrant type. Travel might become difficult. Knowing about a warrant is key. It lets you take steps to fix it. Ignoring it makes things worse over time. The stress of a possible arrest affects life daily.

How to Resolve a Warrant in Washtenaw County

Turning Yourself In

The direct way is turning yourself in. Go to the police station or courthouse. It is wise to do this during business hours. You might see a judge faster then. Bringing a lawyer is a good idea. They can advise you during the process. This shows you are taking responsibility. It often leads to a better outcome. Call the court or Sheriff first. Ask about the best way to surrender. They can provide instructions.

Legal Assistance

Get advice from a lawyer. A criminal defense attorney understands warrants. They know the local courts in Washtenaw County. They can check if a warrant is valid. They can arrange for you to turn yourself in safely. A lawyer can argue for your release. They might argue for lower bail or no bail. They represent your rights in court. This help is vital. Especially for serious charges. Legal aid may be there for those who cannot afford a lawyer.

Paying Fines or Appearing in Court

Some warrants are for unpaid fines. Or for missing a court date. Paying the fine might resolve a bench warrant. Contact the court clerk's office. Ask about paying what you owe. You might need to appear in court too. Especially if you missed a required hearing. The court will set a new date. Make sure you attend this time. Resolving the issue stops the arrest risk. It clears your name from the warrant list. Follow all court instructions fully.

Relevant Michigan Laws and Statutes

Michigan Compiled Laws on Arrest Warrants

Michigan law details warrant rules. Chapter 764 of the MCL covers arrest procedures.

• MCL 764.1: Outlines who can issue warrants (judges, magistrates). Requires prosecutor approval for non-minor offenses. Allows electronic warrant requests.

• MCL 764.1a: Specifies conditions for issuing summons vs. warrants. Details complaint requirements based on knowledge or belief.

• MCL 764.1b: States what info a warrant must contain. Includes name, offense, command to arrest.

• MCL 764.1c: Deals with warrants for those already arrested without one.

These laws ensure warrants are issued properly. They protect citizens' rights too.

Legal Procedures for Warrants

Courts follow set steps for warrants. A complaint starts the process. A prosecutor usually reviews it. A judge or magistrate decides if probable cause exists. They then issue the warrant or a summons. The warrant is given to law enforcement. They execute it by making an arrest. After arrest, the person sees a judge soon. This is usually within 72 hours. The judge informs them of charges. Bail is set at this first appearance. Specific rules exist for different warrant types. Search warrants have their own rules too. Understanding these rules helps navigate the system. See the Michigan Courts website for more legal resources.

Accessing Records via FOIA

Washtenaw County FOIA Process

You can request public records using FOIA. FOIA stands for Freedom of Information Act. Washtenaw County has a process for this. You must submit a request.

• Online Form: Use the Online FOIA Request Form.

• Email: Email the county FOIA Coordinator. See the FOIA page for current contact info. https://www.washtenaw.org/1128/FOIA-Freedom-of-Information-Act

• Mail: Washtenaw County, Attention: FOIA Coordinator, P.O. Box 8645, Ann Arbor, MI 48107-8645.

• Fax: 734-222-6758.

Your request should be specific. Clearly state the records you seek. Include your name and contact info. The county has time limits to respond. Usually 5 business days. They can extend this by 10 business days. They might charge fees for search and copying. Check the county's FOIA Procedures and Guidelines for details on fees and process.

What Records Can Be Requested

FOIA covers many public records. This can include police reports. Arrest records may be available. Court records are often public too. But FOIA has limits. Some records are exempt. Personal private data is often removed. Active investigation files might be withheld. Juvenile records have strict privacy rules. Warrant information availability via FOIA can vary. Active warrant details might be withheld. Especially if release could impede law enforcement. The judiciary (courts) is technically exempt from FOIA. But court rules often allow public access. See Michigan Court Rule (MCR) 8.119. Always specify what you need clearly. The county will tell you if records exist and if they can be released. They will explain any denials or fees.