Kent County, Michigan Warrant Records
Are Warrants Public Record in Kent County, Michigan?
Warrants are public records in Kent County, Michigan, pursuant to the Michigan Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), Michigan Compiled Laws § 15.231 et seq. This legislation ensures that certain judicial documents, including warrants, remain accessible to members of the public. The transparency provided by public access to warrant information serves to maintain accountability within the judicial system and informs citizens about ongoing legal proceedings within their community.
Upon issuance by a court of competent jurisdiction, warrants become incorporated into the public record system. Individuals seeking information about warrants may submit requests to the appropriate county offices. The Kent County Clerk's Office maintains these records in accordance with Michigan Court Rules (MCR) 8.119, which governs court records and their accessibility. Public access to warrant information supports the fundamental principle that judicial proceedings should remain open and transparent except in specifically exempted circumstances.
What Is Contained in Warrant Records in Kent County?
Warrant records maintained by Kent County authorities typically contain the following information pursuant to Michigan law:
- Full legal name of the subject individual
- Date of warrant issuance
- Classification of warrant (arrest, bench, search, etc.)
- Case number and court of origin
- Statutory citation and description of the alleged offense
- Name of the issuing judicial officer
- Bail or bond determinations, where applicable
- Return information, if the warrant has been executed
- Expiration date, if applicable under MCL § 780.651
The Kent County Clerk's Office maintains these records in compliance with Michigan Court Rule 8.119(D), which requires courts to maintain records of all proceedings in a case, including warrants issued.
How to Check For Warrants in Kent County For Free
Members of the public may verify warrant status in Kent County through several no-cost methods established under Michigan public records laws:
- In-person inquiries at the Kent County Courthouse located at 180 Ottawa Avenue NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49503 during regular business hours (Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM)
- Direct contact with the Kent County Sheriff's Office at 701 Ball Avenue NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49503 (616-632-6100)
- Utilization of public access terminals available at the Kent County Clerk's Office at 300 Monroe Avenue NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49503
- Online verification through the Kent County Court Records Search portal, which provides basic case information
Pursuant to MCL § 15.234, while basic searches may be conducted without charge, certain detailed record requests may incur reasonable fees to cover reproduction costs.
Kent County Sheriff Warrants
The Kent County Sheriff's Office executes warrants issued by judicial authorities within the jurisdiction pursuant to Michigan law. These legal instruments authorize law enforcement personnel to perform specific actions as directed by the court. Sheriff warrants in Kent County are categorized as follows:
- Arrest warrants: Issued under MCL § 764.1a when probable cause exists that an individual has committed a criminal offense
- Bench warrants: Authorized under MCR 3.606 for failure to appear at court proceedings or non-compliance with court orders
- Search warrants: Issued pursuant to MCL § 780.651 permitting examination of specified locations for evidence
- Civil warrants: Executed in accordance with MCL § 600.6004 for matters including judgment enforcement
The Kent County Sheriff's Office, located at 701 Ball Avenue NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49503, maintains records of warrants assigned for execution within its jurisdiction. The Sheriff's Office operates under statutory authority granted by MCL § 51.75, which delineates the powers and duties of county sheriffs regarding warrant execution.
How to Know If You Have a Warrant in Kent County in 2025
Individuals seeking to determine their warrant status in Kent County may utilize several official channels established by Michigan court administration guidelines:
- Access the Michigan Courts Case Search system, which provides statewide warrant information updated regularly
- Visit the Kent County Courthouse Records Division at 180 Ottawa Avenue NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49503 (Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM)
- Contact the Kent County Sheriff's Office Warrant Division directly at 701 Ball Avenue NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49503 (616-632-6100)
- Consult with the Kent County Clerk's Office at 300 Monroe Avenue NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49503 (616-632-7640)
Pursuant to Michigan Court Rule 8.119(H), individuals may obtain information about their own cases, including warrant status, by providing proper identification. The Michigan Court Administration has implemented enhanced digital access systems for 2025, improving the efficiency of warrant status verification while maintaining compliance with privacy regulations under MCL § 15.243.
How to Check For Outstanding Warrants in Kent County
Verification of outstanding warrants in Kent County may be accomplished through several authorized methods in accordance with Michigan public records laws:
- Utilize the Kent County Sheriff's inmate lookup system which includes information on individuals with active warrants
- Submit a formal records request to the Kent County Clerk's Office at 300 Monroe Avenue NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49503
- Access the Michigan Courts electronic case search platform for real-time warrant information
- Visit the Kent County District Court at 61 Sheldon Blvd SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49503 to inquire about specific warrant status
The verification process requires proper identification pursuant to MCL § 15.233, which governs procedures for requesting public records. Individuals with legal representation may authorize their attorneys to conduct these inquiries on their behalf in accordance with Michigan Rules of Professional Conduct 1.4 and 1.6.
Search Warrant Records in Kent County
The Child Support Enforcement division of Kent County maintains records related to bench warrants issued for non-payment of court-ordered support. These specialized warrants are executed under the authority of MCL § 552.631, which provides for the arrest of individuals who fail to pay court-ordered child support. The Friend of the Court office processes these warrants and maintains related records.
Kent County Friend of the Court
82 Ionia Avenue NW, Suite 200
Grand Rapids, MI 49503
616-632-6888
Child Support Enforcement - Kent County, Michigan
Additional warrant record resources include:
