Washtenaw County Warrant Records
Washtenaw County warrant records are managed by the sheriff's office and courts in Ann Arbor. This is one of the larger counties in southeast Michigan with a population around 370,000, home to the University of Michigan. Warrants go through the 22nd Circuit Court, 15th District Court, and 14A District Court. The sheriff has a dedicated warrants line, and you can also search records through MiCOURT or visit the county clerk at 200 N. Main St. This page covers all the main ways to find warrant records in Washtenaw County and what each source provides.
Washtenaw County Quick Facts
Washtenaw County Sheriff Warrant Search
The Washtenaw County Sheriff's Office is at 2201 Hogback Rd., Ann Arbor, MI 48105. The main line is (734) 994-2911. For records, call (734) 994-2915. The warrants division is at (734) 994-2920. The jail line is (734) 973-4500. Staff can check if someone has an active warrant. Provide the full name and date of birth. Walk-in requests are taken during regular hours.
Arrest warrants in Washtenaw County are issued under MCL 764.1a. A judge reviews a sworn complaint showing probable cause and then signs the warrant. It names the person, lists the charge, and orders an arrest. Felony warrants do not expire in Michigan. Misdemeanor warrants last six years. Any peace officer in the state can serve them per MCL 764.15. The sheriff works with Ann Arbor police, Ypsilanti police, and other local departments to serve warrants across the county.
Bench warrants are common in a county this size. They get issued when someone misses a court date or violates a court order. The sheriff tracks them alongside arrest warrants.
The screenshot below shows the Washtenaw County records access page, a key resource for searching county records online.
Court Records in Washtenaw County
Washtenaw County has multiple courts. The 15th District Court in Ann Arbor is at 301 E. Huron St., phone (734) 794-6750. It handles misdemeanors, traffic cases, and small civil matters. The 14A District Court Division 1 is in Ypsilanti at 415 W. Michigan Ave., phone (734) 485-8600. The 22nd Circuit Court covers felonies, family law, and larger civil disputes. It sits at 101 E. Huron St., phone (734) 222-3270. The county clerk is at 200 N. Main St., phone (734) 222-6700.
Court clerks at each location can look up case files and confirm warrant status. Under MCL 764.3, bench warrants follow set rules. The court must state why it chose a bench warrant over a summons. Call the clerk to check if a bench warrant is still active. The register of actions for any public case shows every docket entry from filing to the latest hearing.
The MiCOURT Case Search portal covers all Washtenaw County courts. It is free. Search by name or case number. MiCOURT shows case status but does not flag active warrants. A call to the clerk or warrants line is still the best way to confirm.
The screenshot below shows the Washtenaw County court records portal used for case searches.
Note: MiCOURT does not show active warrant status. Call the warrants line at (734) 994-2920 for confirmation.
Washtenaw County Warrant Records Online
State databases provide more options for Washtenaw County searches. The Michigan ICHAT system costs $10 per search. It shows felony arrests and serious misdemeanors. You need the full name, date of birth, race, and gender. ICHAT covers state offenses only and does not flag active warrants.
Washtenaw County benefits from being a large, well-resourced jurisdiction. The county has invested in online access tools that make record searches easier than in many smaller Michigan counties. Between MiCOURT, the county's own records portal, and state databases, there are several ways to search from home.
The MDOC OTIS system tracks people under state corrections. It shows inmates, parolees, and probationers. If someone in Washtenaw County violated parole or probation, OTIS may show a related warrant. It covers people under MDOC supervision within the last three years only.
FOIA Requests for Washtenaw County Records
Michigan's Freedom of Information Act under MCL 15.231 lets you request government records. Submit a FOIA request to the Washtenaw County Clerk for warrant records from closed cases. Put it in writing. Describe what you need. No special form or reason is required.
The county has five business days to respond. A 10-day extension is allowed for complex requests. Copies cost $0.10 per page. Labor fees may apply. Active warrant records can be exempt under MCL 15.243 if release would interfere with law enforcement. Closed case records are more accessible. Send requests to 200 N. Main St., Ann Arbor, MI 48104.
Public Access to Washtenaw County Warrants
Court records in Washtenaw County are mostly public. Under MCR 8.119, anyone can view court records without being a party. This covers case files, docket entries, and most warrant documents. The clerk at each court location can help.
Some records have restrictions. Juvenile cases are sealed. Personal Protection Orders are not online. A judge can seal records in specific situations. Active warrant details may be withheld if release would hurt an investigation. Once a warrant is served and the case goes through court, records become available through the clerk or the Michigan Courts website.
Note: Records involving minors or sealed by court order are not available through public access channels.
Search Warrants in Washtenaw County
Search warrants in Washtenaw County follow MCL 780.651. A judge issues them on probable cause with a sworn affidavit. The warrant describes the place to search and items to seize. Officers have 10 days per MCL 780.654. Returns of service get filed with the court. Request copies through the clerk or a FOIA request.
Cities in Washtenaw County
Ann Arbor is the county seat and largest city. Warrant records for city residents go through the county courts and sheriff's office.
Nearby County Warrant Records
If you need warrant records near Washtenaw County, check these neighbors. Many people live, work, or travel across county lines.