Southfield Bench Warrants Database
Bench warrants in Southfield, Michigan go through the 46th District Court for misdemeanor matters and the 6th Circuit Court in Pontiac for felony cases. Southfield is in Oakland County, one of the most populated counties in the state. If you need to find out whether a bench warrant is active or check the status of a case from a Southfield court, you can call the court clerk, use the MiCOURT online tool, or contact the Oakland County Sheriff's Records Division. This page covers the search options, court contacts, and the process for clearing a Southfield bench warrant step by step.
Southfield Warrant Overview
46th District Court in Southfield
The 46th District Court is at 26000 Evergreen Road, Southfield, MI 48076. Call (248) 796-5800 to reach the main line. The fax number is (248) 796-5801. Court hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM. This court covers the City of Southfield for all misdemeanor criminal cases, traffic violations, civil cases up to $25,000, and small claims. Bench warrants get issued when someone fails to appear for a hearing, breaks probation terms, or does not pay court-ordered fines.
To check on a bench warrant at the 46th District Court, call the main number and ask the clerk. Give the full legal name and date of birth of the person you are asking about. If you have a case number, that speeds things up. The clerk can tell you if a warrant is active and what the bond amount is. You can also visit the court in person during business hours. Bring a valid photo ID.
The Southfield Police Department shares the same address at 26000 Evergreen Road, Southfield, MI 48076. The non-emergency line is (248) 796-5500. They can verify warrants related to Southfield police matters. For county-level warrant checks, call the Oakland County Sheriff's Office Records Division at (248) 858-5517.
Search for Southfield Bench Warrants Online
The MiCOURT Case Search is the main free online tool. Go to the portal and select Oakland County. Search by name or case number. The results show case records with docket entries that may include bench warrant notations. Look for "bench warrant issued" or "FTA" entries. MiCOURT is available 24 hours a day and there is no charge. It does not show real-time warrant status, but it gives you case history and current case status. Most courts update the data within a day or two.
Oakland County runs Court Explorer for the 6th Circuit Court. This is the tool for felony cases, civil matters over $25,000, and domestic relations cases from the Oakland County Circuit Court. You can search by case number or party name. The register of actions shows all entries on a case, including bench warrant issuances. The system goes back to the early 1990s. It does not cover district court cases. For those, use MiCOURT or call the 46th District Court.
The Oakland County Sheriff's Records Division at (248) 858-5517 is the go-to for live warrant confirmation. Email them at ocsorecords@oakgov.com or visit 1200 N. Telegraph Road, Building 38E, Pontiac, MI 48341. Hours are Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM. A third-party background check letter costs $5 and requires a driver's license or state ID.
Note: Southfield bench warrants do not expire. They stay in the system until the person appears in court, gets arrested, or the judge recalls the warrant.
Southfield Bench Warrant Legal Framework
Michigan law under MCL 780.654 sets out what must go on a bench warrant. The document lists the person's name, date of birth, case number, court, issuing judge, reason for the warrant, and bond amount. It includes instructions for law enforcement to arrest and bring the person before the court. Once signed, it enters the LEIN database. Every officer in Michigan can see it.
Under MCL 764.15, any peace officer in Michigan can execute a bench warrant. A Southfield warrant can lead to arrest in Kalamazoo, Lansing, or anywhere else in the state. Michigan Court Rule 8.119 provides for public access to court records. Most bench warrant records are open once they are part of the case file. Some exceptions apply to juvenile records, mental health cases, and sealed files.
The Oakland County Warrants Unit is part of the Investigative and Forensic Services Division. They handle warrants from all 15 district courts and the 6th Circuit Court. Deputies make arrests throughout Michigan. The tipline number is 1-888-TURN-1-IN for anonymous tips about wanted persons.
How to Clear a Southfield Bench Warrant
Go to the 46th District Court at 26000 Evergreen Road during court hours with a valid ID. You will be arraigned and a new date will be set. You might need to post bond. This is the simplest path. Walk in, deal with it, and move on.
A lawyer adds options. An attorney can file a motion to quash, asking the judge to pull the warrant back. The Oakland County Bar Association at (248) 334-3400 refers people to local attorneys. Michigan Legal Aid helps people with low income. The State Bar of Michigan referral line is (800) 968-0738. If you are arrested and cannot pay for a lawyer, the court assigns one.
Copies of court records from Oakland County cost $1 to $5 per page for regular copies. Certified copies run $5 to $10. The Clerk's Office at 1200 N. Telegraph Road in Pontiac processes requests. Checking for active warrants by phone is usually free.
- Visit the 46th District Court at 26000 Evergreen Road
- Call (248) 796-5800 to ask about your case
- Contact the Oakland County Sheriff at (248) 858-5517
- Hire an attorney to file a motion to quash
- Post bond at the court during business hours
- Check Southfield's city website for local resources
Nearby Cities
Southfield is centrally located in Oakland County, bordering Detroit and several other qualifying cities with their own courts.