>Bay County Warrant Search Online

Bay County, Michigan Warrant Records

Are Warrants Public Record in Bay County, Michigan?

Warrants are public records in Bay County, Michigan, pursuant to the Michigan Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), MCL 15.231 et seq. This legislation ensures that residents have access to public records, including warrants, to promote transparency and accountability within government entities. The act establishes the public's right to request and receive copies of most government documents, including those related to law enforcement activities, subject to specific exemptions outlined in MCL 15.243.

Warrants are considered public records because they are official documents issued by a court that authorize law enforcement to perform an arrest or search. This transparency helps maintain public trust in the judicial process and ensures that the actions of law enforcement agencies are subject to public scrutiny. The availability of warrant records is part of the broader commitment to uphold the principles of open government as established by Michigan state law.

Members of the public should note that while warrants are generally public records, certain information within these documents may be redacted in accordance with privacy protections under MCL 15.243, particularly in cases involving ongoing investigations, juvenile offenders, or matters of public safety.

What Is Contained in Warrant Records in Bay County?

Warrant records maintained by Bay County authorities typically include the following information:

The full legal name of the individual subject to the warrant
Date of birth and other identifying information
The date the warrant was issued by the court
The nature of the offense or reason for the warrant issuance
Case number and court docket information
The issuing court or judicial authority
The name of the judge who signed the warrant
Any specific instructions or conditions associated with the warrant execution
Bond amount, if applicable
Status of the warrant (active, served, or recalled)

These records are maintained by the 74th District Court and the Bay County Sheriff's Office in accordance with Michigan court rules and state recordkeeping requirements.

How to Check For Warrants in Bay County For Free

Bay County residents may conduct free searches of warrant records through several official channels. The following methods are available to the public:

Visiting the 74th District Court located at 1230 Washington Avenue, Suite 747, Bay City, Michigan 48708 (989-895-4275) during regular business hours (Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM)
Contacting the Bay County Sheriff's Office at 503 Third Street, Bay City, Michigan 48708 (989-895-4125) for information regarding active warrants
Utilizing public access terminals available at the Bay County Building, 515 Center Avenue, Bay City, Michigan 48708
Accessing the 74th District Court Online Case Review system for basic case information
Using the statewide Michigan Courts Case Search portal for court records

Pursuant to Michigan Court Rule 8.119, court records are presumptively open to the public unless specifically restricted by court order or statute. When conducting searches, individuals should be prepared to provide accurate identifying information to ensure correct results.

Bay County Sheriff Warrants

The Bay County Sheriff's Office maintains and executes warrants issued by courts within the jurisdiction. These legal documents authorize law enforcement to arrest individuals or conduct searches as part of criminal investigations. Sheriff warrants in Bay County are processed through the:

Bay County Sheriff's Office
503 Third Street
Bay City, Michigan 48708
989-895-4125
Official Website

The Sheriff's Office maintains a warrant division responsible for:

Processing new warrants received from the courts
Maintaining a database of active warrants within the county
Executing arrest warrants through dedicated warrant teams
Coordinating with other law enforcement agencies on multi-jurisdictional cases
Providing warrant status information to authorized parties

Under Michigan law, specifically MCL 764.15(1)(c), peace officers may execute arrest warrants anywhere in the state. The Bay County Sheriff's Office regularly conducts warrant sweeps to address outstanding warrants and may collaborate with the Michigan State Police on high-priority cases.

How to Know If You Have a Warrant in Bay County in 2025

Individuals seeking to determine if they have an active warrant in Bay County can utilize several official resources. The Bay County judicial system has implemented enhanced digital access options for 2025, making warrant verification more accessible. To check warrant status, residents may:

Access the MiCOURT Case Search system, which provides a centralized database of court records across Michigan jurisdictions
Contact the 74th District Court Clerk's Office at 1230 Washington Avenue, Suite 747, Bay City, Michigan 48708 (989-895-4275) during business hours (Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM)
Visit the Bay County Sheriff's Office Records Division at 503 Third Street, Bay City, Michigan 48708 (989-895-4125)
Utilize the Offender Tracking Information System (OTIS) maintained by the Michigan Department of Corrections for information on individuals with criminal records

When checking for warrants, individuals should be prepared to provide proper identification, including full legal name, date of birth, and other identifying information to ensure accurate results. Pursuant to MCL 780.651, warrant information is maintained in official court and law enforcement databases and is updated regularly to reflect current status.

How to Check For Outstanding Warrants in Bay County

Bay County maintains several systems for verifying outstanding warrants. Members of the public seeking this information may utilize the following resources:

The 74th District Court Online Case Review system, which provides access to basic case information including warrant status
In-person visits to the Bay County Courthouse at 1230 Washington Avenue, Bay City, Michigan 48708 during regular business hours (Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM)
Direct inquiries to the Bay County Sheriff's Records Division at 503 Third Street, Bay City, Michigan 48708 (989-895-4125)
The Michigan Department of Corrections Offender Search for individuals with criminal histories in the state system

When conducting searches for outstanding warrants, individuals should note that pursuant to MCR 6.102, warrants remain in effect until executed or canceled by court order. The Bay County Sheriff's Office maintains records of all active warrants within the jurisdiction and can provide verification of warrant status upon proper request.

For warrants related to unpaid traffic citations or minor infractions, the 74th District Court offers options for resolution that may include payment plans or court appearances to address the underlying issues without arrest.