Search Michigan Warrant Records
Michigan warrant records are held by courts and law enforcement offices in all 83 counties. You can search for active warrants, bench warrants, and arrest warrants through state and county databases. County sheriff offices and district courts keep warrant records that you can check in person or by phone. This page covers how to find Michigan warrant records, what tools are out there, and where to go for help in your area.
Michigan Warrant Records Overview
Where to Find Michigan Warrant Records
Michigan runs a unified court system under Article VI of the state constitution. Warrant records sit at three levels: state, county, and local. At the state level, the Michigan State Police Criminal Justice Information Center and the Michigan Department of Corrections both hold records. County sheriff offices and circuit courts keep their own files too. Each of these sources gives you a different piece of the full picture, so it helps to know where to look first.
The MiCOURT Case Search is the main state portal for court records. It is run by the State Court Administrative Office and covers circuit courts and district courts in all 83 Michigan counties. You can search by party name, case number, or court. The system shows case status, filing dates, hearing dates, and docket entries. It goes back to about 2000 for most courts. Keep in mind that MiCOURT does not show whether a case is in active warrant status. It is best for finding case history and case numbers. You do not need to pay or make an account to use it.
The screenshot below shows the Michigan Courts homepage, which links to MiCOURT and other court resources across the state.
For criminal history, the Michigan State Police ICHAT tool costs $10 per search. You need the person's full name, date of birth, race, and gender. ICHAT shows felony arrests, serious misdemeanors, and convictions at the state level. It does not show active warrant records, federal records, or local misdemeanors. The response is instant when no record is found. If a record exists, it may take a bit longer.
Note: ICHAT is for criminal history, not active warrant searches. To check for active warrants, contact your county sheriff or local district court.
Michigan Warrant Records Through MDOC OTIS
The MDOC Offender Tracking Information System is a free database from the Michigan Department of Corrections. It tracks people who are or were under MDOC control. You can search by name, MDOC number, or date of birth. Results show a photo, current status, offense info, and sentence details. OTIS covers current inmates, parolees, probationers, and people on interstate compact transfers.
The OTIS screenshot below shows the search page for looking up offenders in the Michigan corrections system.
OTIS has limits. It only shows people under MDOC jurisdiction within the last three years. Records are removed three years after discharge. It does not list all active warrants and does not include county jail inmates. Still, it can help you find out if someone with corrections history has warrants tied to parole or probation violations.
Types of Warrant Records in Michigan
Michigan courts issue several types of warrants. Each one serves a different purpose and comes from a different part of the legal process. Knowing the type helps you figure out where to search and what to expect.
Arrest warrants are the most common. A judge or magistrate issues them when there is probable cause that a person committed a crime. Under MCL 764.1a, warrants must be based on a sworn complaint. The warrant must list the defendant's name, the offense, and a command to arrest. Felony arrest warrants in Michigan do not expire. Misdemeanor warrants last six years. Peace officers can execute these warrants anywhere in the state per MCL 764.15.
Bench warrants come from a judge when someone fails to show up for court or breaks a court order. Under MCL 764.3, the court must state its reasons before issuing one right away. Bench warrants stay active until the court recalls them. They are common in cases where a person misses a hearing or does not pay fines on time.
Search warrants let law enforcement search a place and take evidence. They must be based on probable cause and backed by an affidavit per MCL 780.651. Officers have 10 days to execute a search warrant under MCL 780.654.
Other warrant types in Michigan include civil warrants for child support under MCL 552.631, probation violation warrants, material witness warrants, and fugitive warrants for people wanted from other states.
Michigan State Police and Warrant Records
The Michigan State Police play a big role in the state's warrant records system. The Criminal Justice Information Center within MSP runs ICHAT and manages the statewide criminal database. They also keep most wanted lists and cold case files.
The Michigan Criminal History Records page has details on how to request records from MSP. You can also submit a Freedom of Information Act request for certain warrant records. Under MCL 15.231, public records are presumptively open. Agencies have five business days to respond, with a possible 10-day extension. However, MCL 15.243 allows exemptions for law enforcement records that could interfere with proceedings or endanger public safety. Active warrant info may fall under this exemption.
Michigan Corrections and Warrant Records
The Michigan Department of Corrections manages records for people in state prisons, on parole, or on probation under MDOC supervision. If someone breaks their parole or probation terms, MDOC can request a warrant for their arrest. These records show up in OTIS and through the corrections department's own files.
MDOC tracks about 38,000 inmates and tens of thousands of parolees and probationers. The department lists escapees and absconders on its website. If you are looking for warrant records tied to state corrections, start with the OTIS search tool. For county-level jail records, you need to contact the specific county sheriff's office. Each of Michigan's 83 county jails keeps its own inmate roster and booking records.
Are Michigan Warrant Records Public
Court records in Michigan are generally open to the public. Under MCR 8.119, anyone can view most court records without giving a reason. This includes case files, docket entries, and many warrant-related documents. You do not have to be a party in the case to request access.
There are some limits. Active warrant information may be restricted if releasing it would interfere with law enforcement under MCL 15.243. Records involving minors are usually sealed. Personal Protection Order cases are not available online per MCR 3.705. Victim information is suppressed in the MiCOURT system. A judge can also seal records by court order in specific cases. For the most part though, once a warrant has been executed and a case moves through court, those records become accessible to the public through normal channels.
Note: Most court records are open to the public. Some active warrant details may be restricted to protect ongoing investigations.
FOIA Requests for Warrant Records in Michigan
Michigan's Freedom of Information Act lets you request government records in writing. A valid FOIA request must describe the records you want and include your contact info. You do not need a special form, though most agencies have one. You do not need to give a reason for your request. Agencies must respond within five business days. They can ask for a 10-day extension if needed.
Copies cost $0.10 per page at most agencies. Some charge labor fees for large searches. Each county has its own FOIA coordinator, usually in the county clerk's office. You can submit requests by mail, email, or in person. For warrant records, keep in mind that active warrant info may be exempt from FOIA. Records tied to closed cases are more likely to be released.
Browse Michigan Warrant Records by County
Each of Michigan's 83 counties has a sheriff's office and court system that handles warrant records. Pick a county below to find local search tools, court contacts, and warrant lookup resources.
Warrant Records in Major Michigan Cities
Residents in Michigan's largest cities can search for warrant records through their local police department or district court. Pick a city below to find warrant lookup resources for that area.