Search Canton Warrant Records
Canton warrant records are held by the Canton Township Police Department and the 35th District Court in Wayne County. With a population near 98,000, Canton is one of the largest townships in Michigan. The police department runs its own records division for warrant checks and arrest reports. The 35th District Court sits in nearby Plymouth and handles all misdemeanor and preliminary felony cases for Canton. You can search records online through MiCOURT or contact the court and police directly. This page explains how to find active warrants, bench warrants, and related court records in Canton.
Canton Quick Facts
Canton Police Department Warrant Search
The Canton Township Police Department is at 1150 S. Canton Center Rd., Canton, MI 48188. The main number is (734) 394-5400. Hours are Monday through Friday, 8 AM to 4:30 PM. The records division handles warrant checks for the public. Walk-in requests are accepted at the front desk. You need the full name and date of birth of the person you are looking up.
Arrest warrants in Canton follow MCL 764.1a. Each warrant needs a sworn complaint that shows probable cause. The warrant names the person, states the charge, and commands their arrest. Felony warrants never expire in Michigan. Misdemeanor warrants last six years under MCL 764.1b. Any peace officer in Michigan can execute a warrant per MCL 764.15.
Canton police also handle bench warrants and civil warrants. Bench warrants come from the 35th District Court when someone fails to show up. The department's patrol officers carry out warrant arrests during their shifts. If you want to check on a warrant, call the non-emergency line or stop by during office hours.
35th District Court Records
The 35th District Court is at 660 Plymouth Rd., Plymouth, MI 48170. The phone number is (734) 459-4740. Hours are Monday through Friday, 8 AM to 4:30 PM. This court serves Canton Township, Plymouth, and Northville. It covers all misdemeanors, traffic cases, and civil matters under $25,000.
Felony cases start at the 35th District Court for arraignment. After that, they move to the Wayne County Circuit Court. The court clerk can look up case records and check if a bench warrant is open. You can view the register of actions for any public case at the clerk's window. It lists all filings, hearings, and orders.
Under MCL 764.3, the court must have a valid reason to issue a bench warrant over a summons. Missed court dates are the most common cause. If you think you have a bench warrant in Canton, the 35th District Court clerk is the fastest way to find out. You can call or walk in.
Note: The 35th District Court is in Plymouth, not Canton. Plan your trip if you need to visit the clerk in person.
Wayne County and Canton Felony Cases
Canton sits in Wayne County. Felony cases from the 35th District Court move to the Wayne County Circuit Court for trial. The circuit court handles all felony warrants after arraignment. For felony warrant info tied to a Canton case, check with the Wayne County Clerk or search through the Wayne County CJIS system.
Wayne County is the most populated county in Michigan. It covers Detroit, Canton, and many other communities. The circuit court is at 2 Woodward Ave. in Detroit. The county prosecutor files felony charges. For more on Wayne County warrant records, see our Wayne County page.
Canton Warrant Records Online
The MiCOURT Case Search tool covers the 35th District Court. It is free. Search by name or case number. MiCOURT shows case status, charges, and hearing dates. It does not flag active warrants directly, so look through case details for bench warrant entries.
The screenshot below shows the Canton Township Police Department website, which has contact info for their records division.
You can find forms, contact details, and other resources on the department's site.
The Michigan ICHAT system costs $10 per search. Run by the state police, it covers felony convictions and serious misdemeanors statewide. You need the full name, date of birth, race, and gender. ICHAT does not show active warrants or minor offenses.
Below is the 35th District Court, which handles Canton criminal and civil cases.
The court site provides info on case lookup and filing procedures.
The MDOC OTIS tracks people under state corrections control. It shows inmates, parolees, and probationers. If someone in Canton violated parole, OTIS may have related warrant info. The tool covers the last three years of MDOC records.
FOIA Requests for Canton Records
Under MCL 15.231, Michigan's Freedom of Information Act lets you request government records. File a FOIA request with the Canton Police Department or the 35th District Court for warrant records from closed cases. Write it down and describe what you want. No reason is needed.
Agencies have five business days to respond. They can extend by 10 days for large requests. Copies run $0.10 per page. Labor fees may apply. Active warrant records can be withheld under MCL 15.243 if release would interfere with law enforcement. Closed case records are usually released. Send your request by mail, email, or drop it off in person at the records office.
Warrant Types and Resolution in Canton
Canton courts issue several warrant types. Arrest warrants come from judges after a sworn complaint. Bench warrants are for missed court dates. Search warrants allow police to search a location for evidence. Civil warrants can tie to debt or code issues.
Search warrants follow MCL 780.651. A judge must find probable cause from a sworn affidavit. The warrant describes the place to search and items to seize. Officers have 10 days under MCL 780.654 to carry it out. After that, the warrant expires. Returns of service are filed with the court.
To clear a warrant, turn yourself in at the 35th District Court or the Canton Police Department. Bring valid ID. The court may set bond or a hearing date. For bench warrants, a lawyer can file a motion to quash before you turn yourself in. That can sometimes help avoid time in jail. It all depends on the charge and the judge. Get legal advice if you are not sure how to handle it.
Court records in Canton are public under MCR 8.119. Anyone can look at case files at the clerk's office. Sealed records and cases involving minors are not available. Once a warrant is served and the case proceeds, those records open up through the court clerk or the Michigan Courts website.
Nearby City Warrant Records
Need warrant records from cities near Canton? These pages cover other areas in the region. People sometimes have cases in more than one city.