Warrants are public records in Clare County, Michigan, pursuant to the Michigan Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), MCL 15.231 et seq. Under Michigan law, records maintained by public bodies are accessible to the public unless specifically exempted by statute. Warrant records, as official documents of the judicial process, fall within the category of public records available for inspection.
The Michigan Court Rules and state statutes establish that court records, including warrants, shall be available for public examination in accordance with FOIA provisions. This transparency serves multiple public interests, including accountability of the judicial system and allowing individuals to verify the existence of warrants that may affect their legal status.
Members of the public seeking warrant information should note that while these records are generally public, certain sensitive information may be redacted in accordance with MCL 15.243, which provides exemptions for personal privacy and ongoing investigations. The Michigan Courts case search system provides online access to many court records, though not all warrant information may be available through this portal.
Warrant records maintained by Clare County authorities typically contain several standard elements as required by Michigan law. These records include:
Pursuant to Michigan Court Rule 6.102, arrest warrants must be supported by probable cause and contain sufficient particularity to identify the individual against whom the warrant is issued. The warrant documentation may also reference supporting affidavits that establish the factual basis for probable cause, though these affidavits may be sealed in certain circumstances as provided by MCL 780.651.
Clare County residents and other interested parties may verify warrant status through several no-cost methods established by local authorities. The following official channels provide free warrant verification:
Individuals seeking warrant information should be prepared to provide proper identification and the full legal name of the person for whom they are checking. The Michigan Offender Tracking Information System (OTIS) may also provide information about individuals with active warrants who have previous corrections history.
The Clare County Sheriff's Office maintains and executes warrants issued by courts within the jurisdiction pursuant to Michigan law. These legal instruments authorize law enforcement to take specific actions including:
The Sheriff's Office processes warrants in accordance with MCL 764.15, which governs the authority of peace officers to make arrests. Warrants remain active in the system until executed or recalled by judicial order. The Sheriff's Office maintains a dedicated warrants division that coordinates with other law enforcement agencies to execute warrants across jurisdictional boundaries when necessary.
Clare County Sheriff's Office
255 W. Main Street
Harrison, MI 48625
(989) 539-7166
Official Website
As of 2025, Clare County has implemented several methods for individuals to verify their warrant status in compliance with Michigan court administration standards. Persons concerned about possible warrants may utilize the following verification methods:
Pursuant to MCL 764.1a, warrants remain valid until executed or withdrawn by court order. Individuals who discover active warrants against them are advised to address the matter promptly through proper legal channels. The Clare County courts have established procedures for warrant resolution that may include surrender arrangements, bond posting, or court appearances as specified in the Michigan court forms.
Clare County maintains a systematic process for public access to outstanding warrant information in accordance with Michigan public records laws. Individuals seeking to verify outstanding warrant status may:
When checking for outstanding warrants, requestors should provide the full legal name, date of birth, and if possible, the last known address of the subject. Under MCL 15.233, public bodies must respond to records requests within 5 business days, though this period may be extended by an additional 10 business days if necessary.