Michigan Warrant Search

Individuals use the warrant search process in Michigan to check for outstanding warrants and resolve legal issues before they escalate. Checking warrants also ensures personal and community safety, as it keeps people informed about neighborhood crimes.

People in the Great Lakes State can search for warrants through the court system and local law enforcement agencies.

What is a Warrant?

A Michigan warrant is a written order by circuit or district court judges and magistrates commanding law enforcement officers to perform specific acts. These acts are related to the administration of justice and can include arresting individuals, searching and seizing properties, and other actions deemed necessary by the courts.

Michigan law recognizes several types of warrants, the most common being arrest, bench, and search warrants. Law enforcement agencies must follow due process to obtain and execute these warrants to avoid breaching individuals' Fourth Amendment rights. They must also adhere to the procedures in MCR 6.102 for arrest warrants and MCL 780.651-780.658 for search warrants.

Are Warrants Public Record in Michigan?

Yes. Michigan warrants are mostly treated as public records except those that contain information explicitly restricted by law. The Michigan Freedom of Information Act mandates public bodies, including law enforcement agencies, to provide official records upon request from members of the public, except for incarcerated individuals.

While the state's judiciary is not subject to the Michigan Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), it emulates the same principle of public transparency and accountability. MCR 8.119(H) establishes that actions filed by court clerks, such as warrants, are public records and are accessible to members of the public unless a court rule or state or federal law blocks public access.

Information typically restricted from public inspection includes the following:

• Search warrant affidavits
• Sealed court records
• Juvenile case information
• Sensitive investigation materials

How Do I Look Up Warrants in Michigan?

Individuals searching for warrants in Michigan can use third-party vendor websites. These vendors are private businesses that collate bulk official records from official sources and sell the information to customers. They typically present the data in a central repository and offer visitors more convenient ways to look up warrants than government resources. That means users do not always have to remember the court that issued a warrant or the jurisdiction where it was issued to perform the search.

Be that as it may, people who intend to use these vendors still have to provide basic information, such as a warrant subject's name. They can also filter search results with other known parameters—like the subject's age or previous address.

While third-party services are convenient, individuals must understand that they are not affiliated with any Michigan government agency. Thus, it is in a user's best interests to confirm the accuracy of the information obtained against official records.

As mentioned, third-party vendors provide warrant search services for a fee, which may be higher than official government costs. These fees vary by vendor.

What is a Search Warrant in Michigan?

A search warrant orders law enforcement to search people, properties, or other locations for items tied to criminal activity per MCL 780.654. The judicial order also allows officers to confiscate evidence discovered during the search.

• Are Search Warrants Public Records in Michigan?

  While they are considered public records, courts are prohibited from releasing the affidavits sworn to obtain warrants until 56 days after the issuance (MCL 780.651(9)). However, this information can also be suppressed indefinitely by court order. Search warrants that contain other information or details deemed confidential by federal or state law will also be blocked from public access.

• How Long Does it Take to Get a Search Warrant in Michigan?

  Law enforcement officers can obtain search warrants as soon as they convince a judge that there are reasonable grounds to search a property, person, or location.

• How Long Does a Search Warrant Last?

  Unlike some states, Michigan does not specify a uniform deadline for executing a search warrant. However, after execution, law enforcement must promptly return the search warrant and tabulation (listing of anything seized) to the court (MCL 780.655).

What is a Bench Warrant in Michigan?

A judge issues a bench warrant in Michigan to arrest individuals who failed to honor court appointments or fulfill judicial orders, such as paying fines or performing community service.

What is an Arrest Warrant in Michigan?

Arrest warrants are granted by judges and magistrates in Michigan after reviewing affidavits or complaints submitted by law enforcement and finding probable cause. MCR 6.102 establishes the legal process for issuing and executing such warrants.

How to Check if You Have a Warrant in Michigan

People looking to obtain warrants through official means can contact different government agencies, including the following:

Court Clerks

Michigan court clerks are responsible for maintaining issued and executed warrants. Individuals can visit a courthouse to research records, especially the district court that issued a warrant.

While in-person visits are an effective means of obtaining the records, one can still visit the clerk's office or send a mail request.

County Clerks

County clerks in Michigan maintain records generated or collated by the circuit courts within their jurisdictions. The circuit courts handle civil cases of over $25,000 in damages and criminal cases where the defendant faces more than a year in confinement. People involved in such cases can ask the relevant county clerk about outstanding warrants.

Prosecutor's Office

Most county prosecutors have warrants divisions or units that file criminal charges. Each criminal case typically begins when an assistant prosecuting attorney files a complaint or requests a warrant in court. Thus, individuals can reach out to a prosecutor's office to obtain warrant records.

For example, members of the public can contact the Wayne County Prosecutor's Office's Warrant Section for details about obtaining warrants.

Police Precincts and County Sheriff's Offices

Local law enforcement officers are responsible for executing most warrants in the state and typically keep records of these warrants. Individuals can generally request warrant information from sheriff departments and police precincts in Michigan.

The process for acquiring these documents may vary depending on a department's records request policies. In many cases, interested persons can submit a request for warrant records in person, by mail, or by telephone.

Can You Check Warrants Online in Michigan?

Yes, members of the public can search for warrants online using web applications provided by different government agencies.

County Clerk Online Resources

Many county clerks run online databases where members of the public can search for case records and, in some cases, order copies. These databases typically contain court records (including warrants) from circuit courts serving the county. An example is the Oakland County Court Explorer system operated by the Clerk/Register of Deeds.

The Michigan Judiciary Website

The Michigan judiciary runs the MiCOURT Case Search system, a central database where individuals can search for case records, including warrants, from courts across the state. The system allows visitors to select the specific court whose records they want to explore before they proceed. Then, they can search for documents by case party name and case number.

District Court Online Information

While members of the public can find most district court records on the MiCOURT Case Search database, some district courts maintain independent online case records resources. For example, the 54-A District Court, which serves the City of Lansing, routinely publishes a list of outstanding warrants. The 61st District Court, serving Grand Rapids, also runs a records search database, allowing interested persons to find publicly available warrants issued by the court.

How To Find Out If You Have a Warrant for Free

People can view information about warrants for free by:

• Visiting official online databases provided by courts and county clerks.
• Visiting courthouses to inspect documents.

How to Find Out if Someone Has a Warrant Online For Free in Michigan

As mentioned, people can view court records, including warrants, online using court systems and county clerk databases. However, information obtained from these resources should not be relied upon for legal action. Confirming a warrant's active status through a local law enforcement department is essential.

How Long Does a Warrant Stay Active in Michigan?

The lifespan of a Michigan warrant mostly depends on the type of warrant. For instance, arrest and bench warrants stay active until the subjects of the warrants are apprehended, fulfill their court-ordered obligations, or a judge recalls or quashes the warrant.

How Do I Find Out If I Have a Federal Warrant?

People might find out if they have outstanding warrants issued by federal judges by contacting the clerk of the federal district court that might have issued a warrant. Although the U.S. Marshals Service is generally responsible for serving federal warrants, the agency may not disclose if a person has an active warrant for their arrest. In most cases, federal warrants are sealed from public disclosure to preserve the integrity of an investigation or protect the privacy of those involved.

For persons reaching out to an official body to search for warrants, it should be noted that there are potential drawbacks to that action, including that the inquiry may prompt a search for the subject.