Macomb County Warrant Search
What Is a Search Warrant In Macomb County?
A search warrant in Macomb 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 fundamental legal instruments that balance the government's interest in investigating crimes against citizens' constitutional protections against unreasonable searches and seizures.
Pursuant to Michigan Code of Criminal Procedure § 780.651, a search warrant may be issued upon probable cause, supported by affidavit, showing that the property or articles sought:
- Are stolen or embezzled
- Are designed and intended for use as a means of committing a crime
- Are possessed, controlled, or used in violation of Michigan law
- May constitute evidence of a crime or tend to show that a particular person committed a crime
Search warrants differ significantly from other types of warrants issued in Macomb 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 judgments
The Fourth Amendment to the United States Constitution and Article 1, § 11 of the Michigan Constitution provide the constitutional foundation for search warrant requirements, protecting citizens from unreasonable searches and seizures by government authorities.
Are Warrants Public Records In Macomb County?
The public accessibility of warrants in Macomb County follows a nuanced framework governed by Michigan's Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), Act 442 of 1976. Whether a warrant constitutes a public record depends on its type, status, and the potential impact its disclosure might have on ongoing investigations.
Active warrants (those that have been issued but not yet executed) generally are not considered public records in Macomb County. This restriction serves several critical law enforcement purposes:
- Prevents individuals from evading arrest or destroying evidence
- Protects the integrity of ongoing investigations
- Safeguards the safety of law enforcement personnel executing the warrant
However, once a warrant has been executed, the warrant and related documents typically transition to public record status, with certain exceptions as outlined in Michigan FOIA § 13(1)(b), which exempts:
- Investigating records compiled for law enforcement purposes that would:
- Interfere with law enforcement proceedings
- Deprive a person of a right to a fair trial
- Constitute an unwarranted invasion of personal privacy
- Disclose confidential sources or information
- Endanger law enforcement personnel
The Macomb County Clerk's Office maintains records of executed warrants that have been returned to the court, while the Macomb County Sheriff's Office maintains records of active warrants within their jurisdiction.
Macomb County Clerk's Office
40 North Main Street
Mount Clemens, MI 48043
(586) 469-5120
Macomb County Clerk
How to Find Out if I Have a Warrant In Macomb County?
Members of the public seeking to determine if they have an outstanding warrant in Macomb County may utilize several official channels to obtain this information. The Michigan court system provides multiple methods for warrant verification:
The most direct approach is contacting the Macomb County Sheriff's Office warrant division:
Macomb County Sheriff's Office
43565 Elizabeth Road
Mount Clemens, MI 48043
(586) 469-5151
Macomb County Sheriff
Additional verification methods include:
- Conducting a search through the MiCOURT Case Search system, which provides access to court records across Michigan jurisdictions
- Contacting the specific district or circuit court where the warrant may have been issued
- Consulting with a licensed attorney who can access court records on your behalf
- Utilizing the Michigan State Police ICHAT (Internet Criminal History Access Tool) system for criminal history information
When making inquiries about possible warrants, individuals should be prepared to provide:
- Full legal name (including any aliases or former names)
- Date of birth
- Driver's license or state ID number
- Social Security Number (for certain searches)
Pursuant to Michigan Court Rule 8.119, court records are generally accessible to the public unless specifically restricted by statute, court rule, or court order.
How To Check for Warrants in Macomb County for Free in 2026
Members of the public may verify the existence of warrants in Macomb County through several no-cost methods currently available. The following procedures provide access to warrant information without requiring payment:
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Utilize the MiCOURT Case Search portal:
- Navigate to the official Michigan Courts website
- Select "Macomb County" from the jurisdiction dropdown
- Enter the required personal information
- Review any listed case information for warrant notations
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Contact the Macomb County 42nd District Court directly:
- Division 1 (Romeo): (586) 752-9679
- Division 2 (New Baltimore): (586) 725-9500
- Provide your full legal name and date of birth
- Request a warrant check from the court clerk
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Visit the Macomb County Sheriff's Office in person:
Macomb County Sheriff's Office
43565 Elizabeth Road
Mount Clemens, MI 48043
(586) 469-5151
Macomb County Sheriff
- Check the Michigan Department of Corrections Offender Tracking Information System (OTIS) for information about active warrants related to probation or parole violations
When conducting warrant searches, individuals should be aware that pursuant to Michigan Court Rule 1.109(D), certain identifying information may be required to ensure accurate results, including:
- Full legal name
- Date of birth
- Last known address
- Driver's license number (when applicable)
What Types of Warrants In Macomb County
Macomb County courts issue several distinct categories of warrants, each serving specific legal purposes within the criminal justice system. Understanding these warrant types is essential for comprehending their implications and procedures:
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Arrest Warrants:
- Issued when probable cause exists that an individual has committed a crime
- Authorized by a judge or magistrate upon review of sworn affidavits
- Allows law enforcement to take the named person into custody
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Bench Warrants:
- Issued directly by a judge when an individual fails to appear for a scheduled court proceeding
- Commonly results from missed court dates, probation violations, or failure to pay court-ordered fines
- Authorizes immediate arrest upon contact with law enforcement
-
Search Warrants:
- Permits law enforcement to search specified premises or property
- Must describe with particularity the place to be searched and items to be seized
- Requires demonstration of probable cause through sworn affidavits
-
Civil Warrants:
- Issued in non-criminal matters
- May include orders for civil arrest for contempt of court
- Often related to failure to comply with court orders in civil proceedings
-
Material Witness Warrants:
- Authorizes detention of individuals believed to have crucial information about a crime
- Issued when there is reason to believe the witness will not appear voluntarily
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Fugitive Warrants:
- Issued when an individual is wanted in another jurisdiction
- Facilitates the apprehension and potential extradition of the named person
The issuance of these warrants in Macomb County is governed by Michigan Code of Criminal Procedure § 764.1a, which establishes the procedural requirements for warrant applications and issuance.
What Warrants in Macomb County Contain
Warrants issued in Macomb County contain specific, legally mandated information that identifies the subject, establishes authority, and provides procedural guidance. Pursuant to Michigan Code of Criminal Procedure § 780.654, all warrants must include the following essential elements:
For arrest warrants:
- The name of the accused person (or description if name is unknown)
- The specific offense charged
- Date of issuance
- County where the warrant is valid
- Signature of the issuing judicial officer
- Court seal or identification
- Case number
- Instructions for law enforcement regarding execution
For search warrants:
- Precise description of the place to be searched
- Detailed inventory of items subject to seizure
- Legal basis for the search
- Time constraints for execution (typically within 14 days)
- Whether nighttime execution is authorized
- Instructions regarding return of the warrant and inventory
All warrants in Macomb County must demonstrate probable cause through supporting documentation, typically in the form of an affidavit from a law enforcement officer or prosecutor. These affidavits contain:
- Factual basis establishing reasonable grounds for the warrant
- Sources of information (confidential informants may be protected)
- Investigative techniques used to gather evidence
- Nexus between the alleged criminal activity and the location or person
The Michigan Supreme Court has established standardized warrant forms through Michigan Court Rule 3.901 to ensure consistency and legal sufficiency across all jurisdictions within the state.
Who Issues Warrants In Macomb County
In Macomb County, the authority to issue warrants is vested exclusively in judicial officers as prescribed by Michigan law. The following judicial authorities possess the legal power to issue warrants within their respective jurisdictions:
- Circuit Court Judges:
- Preside over the 16th Circuit Court of Macomb County
- Authorized to issue all types of warrants throughout the county
- Handle felony cases and more serious criminal matters
16th Circuit Court
40 North Main Street
Mount Clemens, MI 48043
(586) 469-5208
Macomb County Circuit Court
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District Court Judges:
- Serve in Macomb County's district courts (37th, 38th, 39th, 40th, 41-A, 41-B, and 42nd Districts)
- Issue warrants for misdemeanors and preliminary matters in felony cases
- Handle initial appearances and arraignments
-
Magistrates:
- Appointed judicial officers with limited authority
- May issue arrest warrants for certain misdemeanor offenses
- Can issue search warrants under specific circumstances
The warrant issuance process adheres to strict constitutional and statutory requirements. Under Michigan Code of Criminal Procedure § 764.1a, judicial officers must:
- Review sworn complaints or affidavits establishing probable cause
- Ensure the warrant application meets all legal requirements
- Determine that sufficient evidence exists to justify the warrant
- Sign and date the warrant, making it legally executable
The Macomb County Prosecutor's Office typically initiates the warrant process by reviewing police reports and determining whether sufficient evidence exists to pursue criminal charges:
Macomb County Prosecutor's Office
One South Main Street, 3rd Floor
Mount Clemens, MI 48043
(586) 469-5350
Macomb County Prosecutor
How To Find for Outstanding Warrants In Macomb County
Members of the public seeking information about outstanding warrants in Macomb County may utilize several official channels to access this information. The following methods provide reliable means of verifying warrant status:
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Online Court Records Search:
- Access the MiCOURT Case Search system
- Enter the required identifying information
- Review case records for warrant notations
- Note that some warrant information may be restricted during active investigations
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Contact the Macomb County Sheriff's Office:
Macomb County Sheriff's Office
43565 Elizabeth Road
Mount Clemens, MI 48043
(586) 469-5151
Macomb County Sheriff
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Check with specific district courts:
- 37th District Court (Warren): (586) 574-4900
- 38th District Court (Eastpointe): (586) 445-5020
- 39th District Court (Roseville): (586) 773-2010
- 40th District Court (St. Clair Shores): (586) 445-5280
- 41-A District Court (Sterling Heights): (586) 446-2500
- 41-B District Court (Clinton Township): (586) 469-9300
- 42nd District Court (Romeo/New Baltimore): (586) 752-9679
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Utilize the Michigan State Police resources:
- Internet Criminal History Access Tool (ICHAT) provides criminal history information
- Public Sex Offender Registry may indicate outstanding warrants related to registry violations
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Contact the Macomb County Clerk's Office for executed warrant information:
Macomb County Clerk's Office
40 North Main Street
Mount Clemens, MI 48043
(586) 469-5120
Macomb County Clerk
When conducting warrant searches, individuals should provide:
- Full legal name (including any aliases)
- Date of birth
- Last known address
- Driver's license number (if available)
Pursuant to Michigan Court Rule 8.119(H), certain court records may be restricted from public access if disclosure would:
- Endanger public safety
- Compromise ongoing investigations
- Violate personal privacy protections
How To Check Federal Warrants In Macomb County
Federal warrants represent a distinct category of legal instruments issued by federal courts rather than state or county authorities. These warrants operate under federal jurisdiction and follow different procedures than those issued by Macomb County courts. Members of the public seeking information about federal warrants may utilize the following resources:
- Contact the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan:
U.S. District Court - Eastern District of Michigan
Theodore Levin U.S. Courthouse
231 W. Lafayette Blvd.
Detroit, MI 48226
(313) 234-5000
U.S. District Court - Eastern District of Michigan
- Consult the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Detroit Field Office:
FBI Detroit Field Office
477 Michigan Avenue, 26th Floor
Detroit, MI 48226
(313) 965-2323
FBI Detroit
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Access the federal Public Access to Court Electronic Records (PACER) system:
- Register for an account at PACER
- Search federal court records for case information
- Note that active warrant information may be restricted
- Fees may apply for certain searches and document retrieval
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Contact the U.S. Marshals Service for the Eastern District of Michigan:
U.S. Marshals Service - Eastern District of Michigan
231 W. Lafayette Blvd., Suite 1044
Detroit, MI 48226
(313) 234-5600
U.S. Marshals Service
Federal warrants are issued pursuant to Federal Rules of Criminal Procedure Rule 4 for arrest warrants and Rule 41 for search warrants. These warrants may be issued for:
- Federal criminal violations
- Interstate crimes
- Immigration violations
- Violations of federal supervised release or probation
Unlike county warrants, federal warrants are valid nationwide and do not expire until executed or recalled by the issuing court. Federal agencies typically do not provide public access to active warrant information to protect the integrity of investigations and ensure officer safety.
How Long Do Warrants Last In Macomb County?
Warrants issued in Macomb County remain legally valid for varying periods depending on their type, the nature of the alleged offense, and applicable statutory provisions. Under Michigan law, most warrants do not have an automatic expiration date and remain in effect until they are executed, recalled by the court, or otherwise resolved.
For arrest warrants:
- Felony warrants remain active indefinitely under Michigan Code of Criminal Procedure § 767.24, subject only to the statute of limitations for the underlying offense
- Misdemeanor warrants typically remain active for the statute of limitations period of the charged offense (generally 6 years for most misdemeanors)
- Traffic warrants may remain active indefinitely or until resolved
For search warrants:
- Must be executed within 14 days of issuance per Michigan Code of Criminal Procedure § 780.655
- After execution, the warrant and inventory must be returned to the issuing court
- If not executed within the specified timeframe, the warrant becomes invalid and a new warrant must be obtained
For bench warrants:
- Remain active until the subject appears before the court
- No statutory expiration date exists
- May be recalled by the issuing judge at their discretion
The persistence of warrants in law enforcement databases means that even older warrants may result in arrest during routine interactions with law enforcement, such as traffic stops. Additionally, unresolved warrants may:
- Prevent renewal of driver's licenses
- Appear on background checks
- Restrict international travel
- Impact employment opportunities
Individuals with knowledge of outstanding warrants are advised to address them promptly through proper legal channels rather than relying on potential expiration.
How Long Does It Take To Get a Search Warrant In Macomb County?
The timeframe for obtaining a search warrant in Macomb County varies based on several factors, including case urgency, judicial availability, and the complexity of the investigation. Under standard circumstances, the process typically follows these general timelines:
For routine search warrant applications:
- Preparation of affidavit and application: 1-3 hours
- Review by prosecutor: 1-4 hours
- Judicial review and decision: 1-24 hours
- Total standard process: Approximately 3-30 hours
For emergency situations:
- Expedited review procedures may be implemented
- After-hours judicial availability ensures 24/7 access
- Electronic submission systems facilitate rapid processing
- Total emergency process: As little as 1-2 hours
The search warrant acquisition process in Macomb County involves several sequential steps:
- Law enforcement officers compile evidence establishing probable cause
- A detailed affidavit is prepared outlining facts supporting the warrant request
- The Macomb County Prosecutor's Office reviews the application for legal sufficiency
- The application is submitted to an authorized judicial officer
- The judge or magistrate evaluates whether probable cause exists
- Upon approval, the warrant is signed and becomes immediately executable
Pursuant to Michigan Code of Criminal Procedure § 780.651, Michigan law permits electronic submission of search warrant applications in certain circumstances, which can significantly expedite the process. Additionally, § 780.651(2) allows for warrants to be issued based on telephonic or electronic communication when immediate action is necessary.
The Macomb County courts have implemented technological solutions to streamline the warrant application process while maintaining constitutional protections and proper judicial oversight.