Warrant records are public documents in Alpena County, Michigan, pursuant to the Michigan Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), MCL 15.231 et seq. This legislation establishes the framework for public access to government records, including those pertaining to law enforcement activities such as warrants. The Michigan FOIA specifically designates most court records, including warrants, as public information accessible to citizens.
Members of the public may request access to warrant information through designated channels established by Alpena County authorities. Such access supports governmental transparency and public oversight of law enforcement operations. The Michigan Court Rules (MCR 8.119) further affirm that court records shall be available for public inspection unless specifically exempted by statute or court rule.
It should be noted that certain warrant information may be temporarily sealed by judicial order, particularly in cases where premature disclosure might compromise an ongoing investigation. In such instances, the records become public after the warrant has been executed or the investigation has concluded, in accordance with MCL 780.651.
Warrant records maintained by Alpena County authorities typically contain the following information pursuant to Michigan law:
These records are maintained in accordance with Michigan Court Rule 3.212 regarding the form and content of warrants. The information contained therein serves both law enforcement purposes and the public's right to information about judicial proceedings.
Alpena County residents seeking to verify warrant status may utilize several no-cost resources established by local authorities:
Visit the Alpena County Sheriff's Office during regular business hours to request a warrant check in person.
Alpena County Sheriff's Office
320 Johnson Street
Alpena, MI 49707
(989) 354-9830
Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Access the public terminals at the Alpena County Courthouse to search court records, including active warrants.
Alpena County Courthouse
720 W. Chisholm Street
Alpena, MI 49707
(989) 354-9573
Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Utilize the Michigan Courts case search system for basic case information that may indicate warrant status.
Contact the Alpena County Clerk's Office by telephone to inquire about publicly available warrant information.
Pursuant to Michigan Court Rule 8.119(H), these public access options are provided to ensure citizens can obtain information about court proceedings, including outstanding warrants.
The Alpena County Sheriff's Office maintains and executes warrants issued by the 26th Circuit Court and the 88th District Court within its jurisdiction. These legal instruments are categorized as follows in accordance with Michigan law:
Arrest Warrants - Issued under MCL 764.1a when there is probable cause to believe an individual has committed a criminal offense.
Bench Warrants - Issued pursuant to MCR 3.606 when an individual fails to appear for a scheduled court hearing or violates court orders.
Search Warrants - Authorized under MCL 780.651 permitting law enforcement to search specified premises for evidence of criminal activity.
The Sheriff's Office maintains a dedicated warrants division responsible for processing and executing these judicial orders. Deputies are dispatched to serve warrants based on priority, with those involving violent offenses receiving immediate attention.
Individuals with knowledge of an active warrant against them are encouraged to surrender voluntarily at the Sheriff's Office rather than risk arrest at home or workplace. The Sheriff's Office processes warrant surrenders during regular business hours:
Alpena County Sheriff's Office
320 Johnson Street
Alpena, MI 49707
(989) 354-9830
Alpena County Sheriff's Office
Individuals seeking to determine warrant status in Alpena County in 2025 may utilize several official channels established by Michigan judicial authorities:
Access the Michigan Judicial Information System to search for case information that may indicate warrant status. This system is maintained pursuant to Administrative Order 1998-5 and provides public access to non-confidential court records.
Contact the Alpena County Clerk's Office directly to inquire about warrant status:
Alpena County Clerk's Office
720 W. Chisholm Street
Alpena, MI 49707
(989) 354-9520
Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Consult with a licensed Michigan attorney who can access court records and provide legal advice regarding any outstanding warrants.
Visit the Michigan Department of Corrections Offender Tracking Information System to determine if there are any active warrants related to probation or parole violations.
Check with the Michigan State Police regarding any statewide warrants that may have been issued:
Michigan State Police - Alpena Post
3283 W. Washington Avenue
Alpena, MI 49707
(989) 354-4101
24 hours daily
Pursuant to MCL 15.233, these agencies are required to provide reasonable facilities for individuals to examine public records during normal business hours.
Alpena County maintains several official channels through which citizens may verify outstanding warrant status:
The Alpena County Court Records Search system provides public access to warrant information. This resource is available during regular business hours at:
Alpena County Courthouse
720 W. Chisholm Street
Alpena, MI 49707
(989) 354-9573
Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
The City of Alpena Police Department maintains records of municipal warrants and can provide verification upon request:
Alpena City Police Department
501 W. Chisholm Street
Alpena, MI 49707
(989) 354-1800
Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
The Michigan Judicial Information System provides electronic access to court records that may indicate warrant status. This system operates pursuant to Michigan Supreme Court Administrative Order 1998-5.
Written requests for warrant information may be submitted to the Alpena County Clerk in accordance with the Michigan Freedom of Information Act:
Alpena County FOIA Coordinator
720 W. Chisholm Street
Alpena, MI 49707
(989) 354-9520
Individuals seeking warrant information should be prepared to provide proper identification and specific information to facilitate the search process. Pursuant to MCL 15.233(3), a public body may establish reasonable rules to protect its records and prevent excessive and unreasonable interference with the discharge of its functions.