Washtenaw County Warrant Search
What Is a Search Warrant In Washtenaw County?
A search warrant in Washtenaw County is a legal document issued by a judicial officer that authorizes law enforcement personnel to search a specifically designated location and seize particular items or evidence described within the warrant. Search warrants are governed by both the Fourth Amendment to the United States Constitution and Michigan state law, specifically Michigan Compiled Laws § 780.651, which establishes the requirements for issuance of search warrants.
For a search warrant to be valid in Washtenaw County, it must:
- Be based on probable cause
- Be supported by oath or affirmation
- Particularly describe the place to be searched and items to be seized
- Be issued by a proper judicial authority
Search warrants are distinct from other types of warrants issued in Washtenaw County:
- Arrest warrants authorize law enforcement to take a specific person into custody
- Bench warrants are court orders issued when an individual fails to appear for a scheduled court date
- Civil warrants relate to non-criminal matters such as civil contempt
Pursuant to Michigan Compiled Laws § 780.654, search warrants must be executed within 10 days of issuance and must be executed during daytime hours unless specifically authorized for nighttime execution.
Are Warrants Public Records In Washtenaw County?
The public accessibility of warrants in Washtenaw County follows a nuanced framework established by Michigan law. Under the Michigan Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), MCL § 15.231 et seq., government records are presumptively public unless specifically exempted. However, the status of warrants as public records depends on several factors including the warrant type, status, and stage of the investigation.
Active warrants (those not yet executed) are generally not public records in Washtenaw County. This restriction exists to prevent interference with ongoing law enforcement activities and is supported by exemptions in Michigan FOIA § 15.243(1)(b), which protects law enforcement investigative records.
Once executed, search warrant records typically transition to public status, though with important limitations:
- Search warrant affidavits may remain sealed by court order
- Information that would compromise an ongoing investigation may be redacted
- Personal identifying information may be protected under privacy provisions
The Michigan Court Rules, specifically MCR 8.119(F), govern public access to court records, including executed warrants that become part of court files. These rules establish that court records are generally open for public inspection unless specifically restricted by statute, court rule, or court order.
How to Find Out if I Have a Warrant In Washtenaw County?
Individuals seeking to determine if they have an active warrant in Washtenaw County may utilize several official channels. The Washtenaw County Sheriff's Office maintains records of active warrants and provides multiple methods for verification.
To check for active warrants in Washtenaw County:
- Contact the Washtenaw County Sheriff's Office Records Division directly:
Washtenaw County Sheriff's Office
2201 Hogback Road
Ann Arbor, MI 48105
(734) 971-3911
Washtenaw County Sheriff's Office
- Utilize the Online Warrant Review system provided through the Washtenaw County official website
- Check the Michigan Courts Case Search portal for court records that may indicate warrant status
- Contact the Washtenaw County Clerk's Office:
Washtenaw County Clerk's Office
200 N. Main Street
Ann Arbor, MI 48104
(734) 222-6720
Washtenaw County Clerk
Individuals may also consult with a licensed attorney who can conduct a confidential search on their behalf. The Michigan State Police provides access to certain criminal history information through their Internet Criminal History Access Tool (ICHAT), though this system does not specifically list active warrants.
How To Check for Warrants in Washtenaw County for Free in 2026
Members of the public may verify warrant status in Washtenaw County without incurring fees through several official channels currently available. These resources are maintained by county and state agencies and provide access to public warrant information.
To check for warrants at no cost:
- Visit the Washtenaw County Sheriff's Office website and access the warrant search function
- Utilize the MiCOURT Case Search system maintained by the Michigan Supreme Court
- Contact the Washtenaw County District Court directly:
Washtenaw County 14A District Court
4133 Washtenaw Avenue
Ann Arbor, MI 48108
(734) 973-4545
14A District Court
- Submit a written request to the Washtenaw County Clerk's Office using the public records request form
- Visit the Washtenaw County Courthouse in person to conduct a records search at a public terminal
When conducting a warrant search, individuals should be prepared to provide:
- Full legal name (including any aliases or former names)
- Date of birth
- Last known address in Washtenaw County
- Case number (if known)
Pursuant to Michigan Court Rule 8.119, certain court records are available for public inspection during normal business hours. However, some records may be restricted by statute or court order.
What Types of Warrants In Washtenaw County
Washtenaw County courts issue several distinct types of warrants, each serving a specific legal purpose within the criminal justice system. Understanding these warrant classifications is essential for individuals navigating the legal system.
The primary warrant types issued in Washtenaw County include:
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Search Warrants: Authorize law enforcement to search specified locations for evidence of criminal activity as outlined in MCL § 780.651
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Arrest Warrants: Issued when probable cause exists that an individual has committed a crime, authorizing law enforcement to take the person into custody
-
Bench Warrants: Court orders issued when an individual fails to appear for a scheduled court date or violates court orders
-
Civil Warrants: Related to non-criminal matters such as civil contempt or enforcement of civil judgments
-
Probation Violation Warrants: Issued when an individual violates terms of probation, as documented in the Michigan Court Forms system
-
Child Support Warrants: Issued for failure to comply with child support orders
-
Material Witness Warrants: Authorize detention of individuals believed to have crucial information about a criminal case
Each warrant type follows specific procedural requirements established by Michigan law and court rules. The Washtenaw County courts utilize standardized forms for warrant issuance as prescribed by the State Court Administrative Office.
What Warrants in Washtenaw County Contain
Warrants issued in Washtenaw County contain specific information mandated by Michigan law to ensure legal validity and proper execution. Pursuant to Michigan Compiled Laws § 780.654, search warrants must include particular elements to satisfy constitutional requirements.
Standard information contained in Washtenaw County warrants includes:
- Case number and court of issuance
- Name of the issuing judicial officer
- Date and time of issuance
- Legal authority under which the warrant is issued
- Name of the person to be arrested (for arrest warrants)
- Specific description of property to be searched (for search warrants)
- Detailed inventory of items to be seized (for search warrants)
- Address or precise description of the location to be searched
- Time constraints for execution (typically 10 days from issuance)
- Return requirements documenting execution results
For search warrants specifically, the document must be accompanied by an affidavit establishing probable cause. This affidavit details the facts and circumstances justifying the search and is sworn under oath by the requesting officer.
The format and content of warrants in Washtenaw County adhere to standardized templates established by the Michigan State Court Administrative Office, ensuring consistency across jurisdictions within the state.
Who Issues Warrants In Washtenaw County
In Washtenaw County, the authority to issue warrants is vested exclusively in judicial officers as prescribed by Michigan law. This authority is carefully distributed among different levels of the judiciary based on jurisdiction and warrant type.
Judicial officers authorized to issue warrants in Washtenaw County include:
- Circuit Court Judges of the 22nd Circuit Court
- District Court Judges of the 14A, 14B, and 15th District Courts
- Magistrates (limited authority for certain warrant types)
The primary judicial authorities issuing warrants include:
22nd Circuit Court
101 E. Huron Street
Ann Arbor, MI 48104
(734) 222-3001
Washtenaw County Trial Court
14A District Court
4133 Washtenaw Avenue
Ann Arbor, MI 48108
(734) 973-4545
14A District Court
14B District Court
7200 S. Huron River Drive
Ypsilanti, MI 48197
(734) 483-5300
14B District Court
15th District Court
301 E. Huron Street
Ann Arbor, MI 48104
(734) 794-6750
15th District Court
The process for warrant issuance typically begins with a law enforcement officer or prosecutor presenting an affidavit to the appropriate judicial officer. The judicial officer must determine that probable cause exists before issuing the warrant, as required by the Fourth Amendment and Michigan law.
How To Find for Outstanding Warrants In Washtenaw County
Individuals seeking to identify outstanding warrants in Washtenaw County may access this information through several official channels. The county maintains multiple resources to facilitate warrant verification for public safety and legal compliance purposes.
To locate outstanding warrant information:
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Access the Washtenaw County Online Resources portal, which provides a dedicated warrant search function
-
Contact the Washtenaw County Sheriff's Office Records Division:
Washtenaw County Sheriff's Office
2201 Hogback Road
Ann Arbor, MI 48105
(734) 971-3911
Washtenaw County Sheriff's Office
-
Utilize the MiCOURT Case Search system to review court records that may indicate warrant status
-
Submit a written request to the appropriate district court:
14A District Court
4133 Washtenaw Avenue
Ann Arbor, MI 48108
(734) 973-4545
14A District Court
- Consult the Michigan Criminal History Records through the Michigan State Police ICHAT system for certain criminal history information
When conducting a warrant search, individuals should provide complete identifying information including full legal name, date of birth, and address to ensure accurate results. Pursuant to Michigan Court Rule 8.119, certain court records are available for public inspection during normal business hours.
How To Check Federal Warrants In Washtenaw County
Federal warrants represent a distinct category of legal instruments issued by federal courts rather than state or county authorities. These warrants are processed through the federal judicial system and are not maintained in Washtenaw County records systems.
To verify the existence of federal warrants that may be executable in Washtenaw County:
- Contact the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan:
U.S. District Court - Eastern District of Michigan
200 E. Liberty Street, Suite 300
Ann Arbor, MI 48104
(734) 741-2280
U.S. District Court - Eastern District of Michigan
- Consult with the United States Marshals Service, which is the primary federal agency responsible for executing federal warrants:
U.S. Marshals Service - Detroit Office
231 W. Lafayette Blvd., Room 118
Detroit, MI 48226
(313) 234-5600
U.S. Marshals Service
- Submit a request to the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) for criminal history information:
FBI Detroit Field Office
477 Michigan Avenue, 26th Floor
Detroit, MI 48226
(313) 965-2323
FBI Detroit Field Office
Federal warrant information is not integrated with state and county systems, creating separate verification processes. The Public Access to Court Electronic Records (PACER) system provides online access to federal court records, though active warrant information may be restricted.
Under federal law, specifically 18 U.S.C. § 3103a, certain federal warrants may be sealed by court order, limiting public access to this information.
How Long Do Warrants Last In Washtenaw County?
The duration of warrants in Washtenaw County is governed by Michigan state law and varies according to warrant type. Understanding these timeframes is essential for both law enforcement and individuals with potential warrant concerns.
For search warrants, Michigan Compiled Laws § 780.655 establishes that:
- Search warrants must be executed within 10 days of issuance
- After execution, officers must promptly file a return with the issuing court
- The warrant becomes invalid if not executed within the prescribed timeframe
For arrest warrants and bench warrants, different rules apply:
- Arrest warrants remain active until executed or recalled by the issuing court
- Bench warrants typically remain in effect until the subject appears before the court or the warrant is withdrawn
- No statutory expiration date exists for most arrest warrants in Michigan
The persistence of arrest warrants is established in Michigan case law, notably in People v. Roney, 137 Mich. App. 393 (1984), which confirmed that arrest warrants remain valid until executed or withdrawn.
Certain specialized warrants may have specific duration provisions:
- Probation violation warrants typically remain active for the duration of the probation period plus any applicable statute of limitations
- Civil warrants often have timeframes established by the issuing court
The Michigan Court Rules, particularly MCR 3.606 for civil contempt proceedings, may establish additional parameters for warrant duration in specific circumstances.
How Long Does It Take To Get a Search Warrant In Washtenaw County?
The timeframe for obtaining a search warrant in Washtenaw County varies based on several factors, including case urgency, judicial availability, and the completeness of the application materials. The process follows established procedures under Michigan law.
Under normal circumstances, the search warrant process includes:
- Preparation of the warrant application and supporting affidavit by law enforcement
- Review by prosecutorial authorities when required
- Presentation to an authorized judicial officer
- Judicial review for probable cause determination
- Issuance or denial of the warrant request
In standard non-emergency situations, this process typically requires:
- 24-48 hours for preparation and initial review
- Additional time for judicial consideration, usually within 1-3 business days
- Processing time for warrant documentation and recording
For urgent matters, Michigan law provides expedited procedures:
- Emergency circumstances may allow for accelerated processing
- After-hours warrant requests can be submitted to on-call judges
- Electronic submission options exist pursuant to MCL § 780.651(6)
The electronic warrant process, established under Michigan law, allows for remote submission and approval, potentially reducing processing time to hours rather than days in appropriate circumstances.
Washtenaw County courts maintain procedures for both standard and expedited warrant processing to balance thoroughness of review with operational needs of law enforcement agencies.