Michigan Warrant Search

We appreciate you choosing this page for your research. We aim to provide clear information to help you with your Michigan Warrant Search. We strive to give you the facts you need.

If you need to start your Michigan Warrant Search now, you can go directly to https://michiganofficialrecords.com/warrant-search/. This site offers a way to look for warrant information. It lets you check names and find details. You can use it right away to see if a warrant exists. This is a fast option for those who need quick answers about a potential Michigan Warrant Search.

Understanding Warrants in Michigan

What is a Warrant?

A warrant is a legal paper. A judge or magistrate issues it. It gives police the power to act. This act could be an arrest. It could be a search of a place. Warrants are based on law. They must follow rules. They are not issued lightly. There must be a good reason.

Types of Warrants in Michigan

Michigan uses several kinds of warrants. Each serves a set goal. Knowing the type helps you act.

• Arrest Warrants: A judge issues these for a crime. Police can then find and hold the named person. They need probable cause for this. The warrant links a person to a crime. It orders their arrest.

• Bench Warrants: These come from the court itself. A judge issues them if someone misses court. Or if they break a court order. It tells police to arrest the person. They bring them back to the judge. This often happens in cases already in court. Failing to pay fines can also lead to one.

• Search Warrants: These let police search a specific place. They look for items linked to a crime. The warrant names the place. It lists what they can look for. Police need probable cause. They present facts to a judge. The judge decides if the search is legal. Per Michigan Compiled Laws (MCL) 780.651, specific rules apply to getting and using search warrants. An affidavit must show probable cause. The affidavit is often kept nonpublic for 56 days.

How Warrants are Issued

A legal process must be followed. A police officer or prosecutor asks a judge. They give facts in an affidavit. This sworn statement shows probable cause. Probable cause means there is a fair chance a crime occurred. Or that proof of a crime is in a place. The judge reviews the facts. If they agree, they sign the warrant. This makes it official. The process ensures rights are safe. MCL 764.1 outlines rules for issuing arrest warrants. It requires prosecutor approval for most warrants. But not for minor offenses in some cases. Warrants can be issued using electronic means. This includes fax or computer networks. The judge must still administer an oath. The person asking for the warrant must sign the affidavit.

Validity and Scope of Michigan Warrants

A warrant is only good for a set time. It also limits what police can do. An arrest warrant names one person. A search warrant names a place and items. Police must stick to the warrant's terms. Warrants are usually valid statewide in Michigan. But their reach can depend on the court. Federal warrants have wider reach. The warrant must list the offense charged. It must describe the person or place clearly. Police must execute it in a fair way.

Conducting a Michigan Warrant Search

Finding out if a warrant exists takes effort. There is no single state database for all warrants open to the public. You must check various official sources. Be ready to provide needed information.

Statewide Resources

While no central public warrant list exists, some state tools help.

Michigan State Police (MSP) - ICHAT

The Michigan State Police run the Internet Criminal History Access Tool (ICHAT). You can find it at https://apps.michigan.gov/. ICHAT mainly shows conviction records. It does not reliably show active warrants. It is a name-based check of Michigan criminal history. There is a fee, often $10 per search. Results are online right away. They are viewable for seven days. MSP support is at 517-241-0606. Help desk hours are 8 am to 5 pm, Monday to Friday. They are closed on state holidays. Remember, ICHAT is not built for a Michigan Warrant Search.

Michigan Courts - MiCOURT Case Search

The Michigan Courts offer the MiCOURT Case Search. This tool lets you look up court case information. It covers many Michigan district and circuit courts. You can search by name or case number. While it does not list warrants directly, case status might hint at one. For example, a case might show "Bench Warrant Issued". This tool is free to search public records. Not all courts participate fully yet. Some older cases may not be online. Non-public cases are not shown. This is a key resource for a Michigan Warrant Search via court records.

County and Local Level Searches

Often, the best way is to check with local agencies. Warrants are usually issued by local courts. They are held by sheriff offices or local police.

Contacting County Sheriff Offices

County sheriffs often handle warrants. You can call or visit their office. Some may offer online lookups, but many do not. You usually need the person's full name. You might need their date of birth too. Be polite and clear in your request. They may or may not give warrant info over the phone. Privacy rules can apply.

• Wayne County Sheriff: 4747 Woodward Ave, Detroit, MI 48201. Phone: (313) 224-2222. Office hours vary by division. Call ahead for specific services.

• Oakland County Sheriff: 1200 N. Telegraph Rd, Bldg 38E, Pontiac, MI. General Info: 248-858-5000. Dispatch (Non-Emergency): 248-858-4950. Check their website www.oakgov.com/sheriff for services.

• Macomb County Sheriff: 43565 Elizabeth Rd, Mt Clemens, MI 48043. Phone: (586) 469-5151. General office hours are often M-F 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM.

• Allegan County Sheriff: 640 River St., Allegan, MI 49010. Main Phone: 269-673-0500. Lobby Hours: Monday - Thursday, 8:00am - 5:00pm; Friday, 7:00am - 4:00pm.

• Muskegon County Sheriff: 990 Terrace Street STE 450, 4th Floor, Muskegon, MI. Phone: 231-724-6351. Check their site for specific record request details.

Contacting District and Circuit Courts

Courts issue warrants. The court clerk's office holds case records. You can contact the clerk where you think a warrant was issued. Use the MiCOURT link above or find specific court websites. Many courts allow in-person record checks. Some require forms or fees for copies. Public access terminals may be available at the courthouse. You will need the case number or party name.

• 3rd Circuit Court (Wayne County): Coleman A. Young Municipal Center, 2 Woodward Ave, Detroit, MI 48226. Clerk Phone: (313) 224-5261. Hours: M-F 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM. Offers Odyssey Public Access (OPA) portal online for its cases.

• 6th Circuit Court (Oakland County): 1200 N Telegraph Rd, Pontiac, MI 48341. Clerk Phone: (248) 858-0582. Hours: M-F 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM.

• 16th Circuit Court (Macomb County): 40 N Main St, Mt Clemens, MI 48043. Clerk Phone: (586) 469-5150. Hours: M-F 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM.

• 54B District Court (East Lansing): 101 Linden St, East Lansing, MI 48823. Phone: (517) 351-7000. Hours: M-F 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM. They provide a File / Copy Request Form online. Public court records can be viewed online via the MiCOURT link. Copy fees are $1.00 per page for most documents.

Online Portals for Specific Courts

Besides the statewide MiCOURT system, some courts have their own online search tools. The 3rd Circuit Court in Wayne County uses the Odyssey Public Access (OPA) system. Check the specific court's website. These portals provide public case information. They may show if a warrant is active on a case. A Michigan Warrant Search often requires checking these local court sites.

Information Needed for a Search

To conduct a useful Michigan Warrant Search, you typically need:

• The person's full legal name.

• Their date of birth.

• Sometimes, the last known address helps narrow results.

• If you know it, the court case number is very helpful.

Without accurate details, searching is hard. Common names can return many results. Be sure your information is correct.

What to Do if You Have a Warrant in Michigan

Learning you have a warrant can be stressful. Taking the right steps is key. Ignoring it will make things worse. Acting fast is often best.

Confirming the Warrant's Existence and Details

First, be sure the warrant is real. Use the methods above to check. Contact the court clerk or sheriff. Get details like the issuing court. Find out the date it was issued. Ask about the charges listed. Confirm the warrant type (arrest, bench). Knowing these facts helps plan your next move. Do not rely on second hand information. Verify it through official channels. A proper Michigan Warrant Search is the first step.

Understanding the Charges

Know what the warrant is for. Is it a felony? A misdemeanor? A missed court date? The type of charge impacts the seriousness. It affects potential bail amounts. It guides your legal strategy. Look up the charges in the Michigan Compiled Laws. This helps you grasp the potential penalties. A lawyer can explain the charges fully.

Legal Options and Seeking Counsel

Talk to a lawyer right away. An attorney can advise you best. They know Michigan law and courts. They can verify the warrant's validity. They might find errors in how it was issued. A lawyer can arrange for you to turn yourself in safely. They can argue for release or fair bail. Do not try to handle serious charges alone. Legal aid may be available if you cannot afford a lawyer. This is a vital step after a Michigan Warrant Search confirms a warrant.

Turning Yourself In

If a warrant is valid, you may need to turn yourself in. This is often better than waiting for arrest. You can arrange it through your lawyer. Or contact the police or sheriff yourself. Ask about the process. Find out where to go. Know what times they process warrants. Going in calmly shows you want to fix the issue. This can sometimes lead to better outcomes with bail. Bring identification with you.

Addressing Bench Warrants

Bench warrants usually mean you missed court. Or you failed to follow an order. Contact the court that issued it. Speak to the clerk's office. Find out why it was issued. Ask how to resolve it. You may need to schedule a new court date. You might need to pay old fines. Resolving it quickly is important. It shows the court you take it seriously. Your lawyer can also handle this for you.

Posting Bail or Bond

If arrested, bail might be set. This lets you leave jail while the case proceeds. The amount depends on the charge. It also depends on your history. A judge sets the bail amount. You can pay it in cash. Or you can use a bail bond agent. The bond agent charges a fee. This fee is usually a part of the total bail. Your lawyer can argue for lower bail. Or for release on your own word (personal recognizance).

Michigan Warrant Search Resources and Contacts

Here are key contacts for warrant info and legal process in Michigan.

Michigan State Police Headquarters

• Address: 7150 Harris Drive, Dimondale, MI 48821

• Phone: 517-332-2521

• Hours: Monday - Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM (General Admin)

• ICHAT Support: 517-241-0606 (M-F, 8-5)

• Website: https://www.michigan.gov/msp 

Michigan Supreme Court / State Court Administrative Office (SCAO)

• Address: Michigan Hall of Justice, 925 W. Ottawa Street, Lansing, MI 48915

• Phone: (517) 373-0130 (SCAO General Information)

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

• MiCOURT Case Search: https://micourt.courts.michigan.gov/case-search/ 

Key County Sheriff Offices

• Wayne County Sheriff: 4747 Woodward Ave, Detroit, MI 48201. Phone: (313) 224-2222.

• Oakland County Sheriff: 1200 N. Telegraph Rd, Bldg 38E, Pontiac, MI. Phone: 248-858-5000.

• Macomb County Sheriff: 43565 Elizabeth Rd, Mt Clemens, MI 48043. Phone: (586) 469-5151.

• Allegan County Sheriff: 640 River St., Allegan, MI 49010. Phone: 269-673-0500.

• Muskegon County Sheriff: 990 Terrace Street STE 450, Muskegon, MI. Phone: 231-724-6351.

Key District/Circuit Courts

• 3rd Circuit (Wayne): 2 Woodward Ave, Detroit, MI 48226. Phone: (313) 224-5261.

• 6th Circuit (Oakland): 1200 N Telegraph Rd, Pontiac, MI 48341. Phone: (248) 858-0582.

• 16th Circuit (Macomb): 40 N Main St, Mt Clemens, MI 48043. Phone: (586) 469-5150.

• 54B District (East Lansing): 101 Linden St, East Lansing, MI 48823. Phone: (517) 351-7000.

Michigan Compiled Laws (MCL) Links

These laws govern warrants and arrests in Michigan.

• Chapter 764 (Arrest):https://www.legislature.mi.gov/Laws/MCL%3FobjectName%3Dmcl-chap-764

• Section 780.651 (Search Warrants): https://www.legislature.mi.gov/Laws/MCL?objectName=MCL-780-651

• Section 764.1 (Issuance of Process/Warrants): https://www.legislature.mi.gov/Laws/MCL?objectName=mcl-764-1

• Section 764.15 (Arrest Without Warrant):https://www.legislature.mi.gov/Laws/MCL%3FobjectName%3Dmcl-764-15

• Section 600.8511 (Magistrate Powers):https://www.legislature.mi.gov/Laws/MCL%3FobjectName%3Dmcl-600-8511

Michigan Court Rules (MCR) Links

Court rules also guide warrant procedures. Key rules include MCR 6.102 (Warrants and Summons) and MCR 6.615 (Misdemeanor Procedure).

• Michigan Court Rules:https://www.courts.michigan.gov/courts/michigan-supreme-court/rules/michigan-court-rules/

Helpful Resources

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