Ottawa County, Michigan Warrant Records

Are Warrants Public Record in Ottawa County, Michigan?

Warrants are public records in Ottawa 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 governmental documents, including warrant information, to ensure transparency in judicial proceedings and law enforcement activities. Members of the public may access these records as part of their right to information about governmental operations.

The Ottawa County Clerk's Office maintains these public records in accordance with Michigan state law. Public access to warrant information serves multiple civic purposes, including enabling citizens to verify their own legal status, facilitating background checks, and promoting accountability within the criminal justice system. The public nature of these records reflects the county's commitment to open governance and procedural transparency.

Certain limitations may apply to warrant information that contains sensitive details related to ongoing investigations or juvenile cases, as provided under MCL 15.243. In such instances, portions of warrant records may be redacted or temporarily restricted from public view to protect the integrity of law enforcement operations or the privacy of protected individuals.

What Is Contents in Warrant Records in Ottawa County?

Warrant records maintained by Ottawa County typically contain the following standard information:

• Full legal name of the subject • Date of birth and other identifying information • Physical description (height, weight, distinguishing features) • Last known address • Nature and classification of the alleged offense • Statutory citation of the violated law • Date and time the warrant was issued • Name of the issuing judge or magistrate • Case number for reference purposes • Bond amount, if applicable • Special conditions related to apprehension or detention

These records are maintained in accordance with Michigan Court Rule 6.102 regarding the issuance of arrest warrants and MCL 764.1a, which establishes requirements for warrant content and procedures. The information contained in warrant records serves to properly identify the subject and document the legal basis for the warrant's issuance.

How to Check For Warrants in Ottawa County For Free

Ottawa County residents may verify warrant status through several no-cost methods established by county authorities:

• In-person inquiries at the Ottawa County Clerk's Office located at 12220 Fillmore Street, West Olive, MI 49460. Public service hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Telephone: (616) 994-4531.

• Direct contact with the Ottawa County Sheriff's Office at 12220 Fillmore Street, West Olive, MI 49460. The Records Division operates Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Telephone: (616) 738-4000.

• Utilization of public access terminals available at the 58th District Court locations:

• Holland: 85 West 8th Street, Holland, MI 49423. Telephone: (616) 355-7373
• Hudsonville: 3100 Port Sheldon Road, Hudsonville, MI 49426. Telephone: (616) 662-3100
• Grand Haven: 414 Washington Avenue, Grand Haven, MI 49417. Telephone: (616) 846-8280

Individuals seeking warrant information must provide proper identification when making in-person inquiries. The county does not charge fees for basic warrant status verification, though fees may apply for printed copies of documents in accordance with FOIA fee schedules established under MCL 15.234.

Ottawa County Sheriff Warrants

The Ottawa County Sheriff's Office is the primary law enforcement agency responsible for executing warrants within county jurisdiction. Sheriff warrants in Ottawa County fall into several categories pursuant to Michigan law:

• Arrest warrants: Issued under MCL 764.1a when probable cause exists that an individual has committed a criminal offense • Bench warrants: Issued when individuals fail to appear for scheduled court proceedings • Search warrants: Authorized under MCL 780.651 to permit examination of specified locations or property • Civil warrants: Related to non-criminal matters such as child support enforcement

The Sheriff's Warrant Division, operating from the Ottawa County Sheriff's Office at 12220 Fillmore Street, West Olive, MI 49460, coordinates warrant execution throughout the county. This specialized unit works in conjunction with local police departments and the court system to process approximately 5,000 warrants annually.

Law enforcement officials execute warrants in accordance with procedural requirements established in Michigan Court Rules 6.102-6.106 and applicable statutes. The Sheriff's Office maintains a dedicated telephone line for warrant-related inquiries at (616) 738-4040, available during standard business hours.

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

As of 2025, Ottawa County provides multiple methods for individuals to verify their warrant status:

The Ottawa County Courts Online Records System allows 24-hour access to warrant information through a secure portal. Users must register with the system and provide identifying information to conduct searches. The system complies with Michigan Court Administrative Order 2006-2, which governs electronic access to court records.

Individuals may contact the Ottawa County Central Dispatch non-emergency line at (800) 249-0911 to inquire about warrant status. Dispatch personnel can verify basic warrant information but cannot provide legal advice or detailed case information.

For comprehensive warrant verification, individuals may appear in person at:

Ottawa County 20th Circuit Court 414 Washington Avenue, Room 300 Grand Haven, MI 49417 (616) 846-8320 Ottawa County Courts

Ottawa County Sheriff's Office 12220 Fillmore Street West Olive, MI 49460 (616) 738-4000 Ottawa County Sheriff

Individuals with active warrants are advised to consult with legal counsel before taking action. The Ottawa County Public Defender's Office, located at 12120 Fillmore Street, West Olive, MI 49460, provides services to qualifying individuals. Telephone: (616) 738-4633.

How to Check For Outstanding Warrants in Ottawa County

Ottawa County maintains several official channels through which members of the public may verify outstanding warrant status:

• The Ottawa County Sheriff's Office Records Division provides warrant verification services during business hours (Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM) at 12220 Fillmore Street, West Olive, MI 49460. Telephone: (616) 738-4000.

• The 20th Circuit Court Clerk's Office maintains warrant records for felony cases and can be contacted at 414 Washington Avenue, Grand Haven, MI 49417. Telephone: (616) 846-8320. Operating hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM.

• The 58th District Court locations (Holland, Hudsonville, and Grand Haven) provide access to misdemeanor warrant information during regular business hours.

• The Michigan State Police Internet Criminal History Access Tool (ICHAT) provides criminal history information, though it does not specifically list active warrants. This resource is available at Michigan ICHAT.

Pursuant to the Michigan Court Rules, specifically MCR 8.119, court records including warrant information are presumptively open to public inspection unless specifically restricted by court order or statute. Individuals seeking warrant information should be prepared to provide proper identification and may need to complete a records request form in accordance with local court procedures.

Search Arrest Records in Ottawa County

• Ottawa County Jail Inmate Search • Ottawa County Court Records • Michigan State Police Records • Ottawa County Sheriff's Office