Michigan Warrant Search

Are Warrants Public Record in Michigan

Pursuant to Michigan's Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), MCL 15.231 et seq., warrants are generally considered public records in Michigan. This transparency is mandated by state law to ensure open governance and public safety. The Michigan Court Rules (MCR 6.106) further establish that warrant information shall be accessible to the public, with certain limited exceptions for sealed warrants in ongoing investigations.

Members of the public may access warrant information through various official channels, including county courthouses, law enforcement agencies, and authorized online databases. The Michigan State Police maintains records of executed warrants that become part of the public record once processed through the judicial system. This accessibility allows citizens to verify the legitimacy of warrants and promotes accountability within the criminal justice system.

It should be noted that while warrants are public records, certain information contained within warrant documents may be redacted pursuant to MCL 15.243, which provides exemptions for personal information that would constitute an unwarranted invasion of privacy or could compromise an ongoing investigation. The Michigan State Police serves as the central repository for criminal justice information, including warrant status, throughout the state.

What Is Contained in Warrant Records in Michigan?

Warrant records in Michigan typically contain several key components as prescribed by MCR 6.102. Standard information found in Michigan warrant records includes:

Subject identification: Full legal name of the individual, date of birth, physical description, and last known address
Case information: Court case number, issuing court, and date of issuance
Judicial authorization: Name and signature of the issuing judge or magistrate
Alleged offense: Specific statutory violation(s) and criminal code references
Bond information: Type of bond and amount, if applicable
Warrant status: Whether active, served, or recalled
Jurisdictional details: The law enforcement agency responsible for execution

The Michigan Court System maintains these records in accordance with state record retention schedules. Warrant records may also include supplementary documentation such as affidavits supporting probable cause, though these may have restricted access depending on case status.

How to Check For Warrants in Michigan For Free

Michigan residents may verify warrant status without cost through several official channels. The following resources are available to the public:

County Court Clerk Offices: Most county courts maintain public terminals for searching court records, including warrants. Operating hours are typically Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM.
Local Law Enforcement Agencies: Police departments and sheriff's offices can verify warrant status for individuals who appear in person with valid identification.
MiCOURT Case Search: This official online portal provides access to court records, including warrant information for many Michigan jurisdictions.
Offender Tracking Information System (OTIS): Maintained by the Michigan Department of Corrections, this database includes information on individuals with outstanding warrants related to probation or parole violations.

Michigan State Police Central Records Division
7150 Harris Drive
Dimondale, MI 48821
517-241-0606
Michigan State Police

Individuals should be aware that pursuant to MCL 750.157a, it is unlawful to assist a person in avoiding arrest when aware of an outstanding warrant.

How to Know If You Have a Warrant in Michigan in 2025

To determine warrant status in Michigan in 2025, individuals may utilize the following official procedures:

Direct Court Inquiry: Contact the district or circuit court in the county where charges may have been filed. Court staff can provide warrant status information when provided with proper identification.
Criminal History Record Check: The Michigan State Police offers the Internet Criminal History Access Tool (ICHAT), which provides records of criminal cases, including warrant information, for a nominal fee.
County Sheriff's Office: Most sheriff's departments maintain searchable databases of active warrants within their jurisdiction.
Legal Counsel Consultation: An attorney can conduct a comprehensive search across multiple jurisdictions to determine warrant status.

Wayne County Clerk's Office
Coleman A. Young Municipal Center
2 Woodward Avenue, Suite 201
Detroit, MI 48226
313-224-6262

Kent County Clerk's Office
300 Monroe Avenue NW
Grand Rapids, MI 49503
616-632-7640

Individuals should be advised that pursuant to MCR 6.120, failure to respond to a warrant may result in additional charges and penalties.

How to Check For Outstanding Warrants in Michigan

Michigan residents seeking to verify outstanding warrant status may utilize several official channels established under state law. The following methods are authorized for warrant verification:

County Sheriff Warrant Search: Most county sheriff departments maintain searchable databases of active warrants. For example:

Oakland County Sheriff's Office
1200 N. Telegraph Road, Building 38E
Pontiac, MI 48341
248-858-5000
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
District and Circuit Courts: Court clerks can provide information on outstanding warrants when presented with proper identification. The Michigan court system maintains records of all warrants issued within their jurisdiction.
Michigan State Police Posts: Any MSP post can verify warrant status through the Law Enforcement Information Network (LEIN).
Online Resources: The Detroit Police Department and other large agencies maintain online warrant verification systems for their jurisdictions.

Pursuant to MCL 764.15(1)(e), individuals with outstanding warrants may be subject to immediate arrest. The Michigan Department of Corrections also maintains records of warrants related to probation or parole violations as outlined in their policy directives.

How to Find Federal Warrant Search

Federal warrants are distinct from state warrants and require specific procedures for verification. The following federal agencies maintain warrant information:

U.S. Marshals Service: As the primary federal agency responsible for fugitive apprehension, the USMS maintains records of federal warrants.

U.S. Marshals Service - Eastern District of Michigan
231 W. Lafayette Blvd., Suite 1044
Detroit, MI 48226
313-234-5600
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Federal Bureau of Investigation: The FBI Detroit Field Office can provide information regarding federal warrants related to federal investigations.

FBI Detroit Field Office
477 Michigan Avenue, 26th Floor
Detroit, MI 48226
313-965-2323
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:15 AM - 5:00 PM
Federal Court Records: The U.S. District Courts for the Eastern and Western Districts of Michigan maintain records of federal warrants issued within their jurisdiction.

U.S. District Court - Eastern District of Michigan
Theodore Levin U.S. Courthouse
231 W. Lafayette Blvd.
Detroit, MI 48226
313-234-5000
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM

Federal warrants are issued pursuant to Federal Rules of Criminal Procedure Rule 4 and may involve interstate fugitives, as documented in cases like those profiled by the U.S. Marshals Service. The Michigan Department of Corrections coordinates with federal authorities on warrants involving probation or parole violations as outlined in their annual reports.