Find Bench Warrants in Alpena County
Alpena County bench warrants are issued by the 26th Circuit Court and the 88th District Court, both at 720 W. Chisholm Street in Alpena. You can search for bench warrants through the MiCOURT online portal, by calling the Alpena County Sheriff's Office, or by visiting the courthouse. The 26th Circuit also serves Montmorency County, so some records overlap between the two. This page explains how to look up, understand, and resolve bench warrants in Alpena County.
Alpena County Quick Facts
Alpena County Courts and Bench Warrants
The 26th Circuit Court handles felony cases, civil disputes over $25,000, and family law matters in Alpena County. Chief Judge Hon. K. Edward Black presides. Court Administrator Lucas Patton oversees day-to-day operations. The court sits at 720 W. Chisholm Street, Suite 1. Call (989) 354-9573 to reach the clerk. When a defendant in a felony case misses a hearing, the judge issues a bench warrant from the bench.
The 88th District Court covers misdemeanors, traffic cases, and civil matters up to $25,000. Hon. Alan M. Curtis serves as presiding judge. Court Administrator Chrissy L. Delekta handles records requests. Call (989) 354-9830 for the district court. The 88th District is shared with Montmorency County, which means bench warrant searches in this court may pull up cases from either county.
The 26th Judicial Circuit covers both Alpena and Montmorency counties. This is worth knowing if you are searching for a person who may have cases in both places. A bench warrant from either county goes through the same circuit court system.
The Circuit Court Resources page on the Alpena County website has forms and additional information about court procedures.
How to Search Alpena County Bench Warrants
The MiCOURT Case Search tool covers both the 26th Circuit Court and the 88th District Court. Go to the site. Pick Alpena County. Type in a name or case number. The results show case status, charges, hearing dates, and docket entries. Look for "bench warrant issued" or "FTA" in the register of actions.
The Montmorency Courts Case Search also has records from the 26th Circuit since the two counties share it. This can be a useful backup search tool for Alpena County bench warrants.
For the most up-to-date bench warrant status, contact these offices directly:
- Alpena County Sheriff at (989) 354-9830
- 26th Circuit Court clerk at (989) 354-9573
- 88th District Court at (989) 354-9830
- Check the Alpena County directory for other contacts
Phone checks are quick. Give them the full name and date of birth. They can usually tell you if a warrant is active within minutes.
Note: The 88th District Court serves both Alpena and Montmorency counties, so search results may include cases from either location.
Alpena County Sheriff and Bench Warrants
The Alpena County Sheriff's Office is at 4900 M32 W, Alpena. Sheriff Erik W. Smith leads the department. Call (989) 354-9830 to check on bench warrants. You can also fax a request to (989) 340-1008 or email sheriff@alpenacounty.org.
When a judge in Alpena County issues a bench warrant, the sheriff's office enters it into LEIN. From there, every law enforcement officer in Michigan can see it. A routine traffic stop in Detroit, Grand Rapids, or anywhere else will flag the warrant. The sheriff's office also works with Michigan State Police and local departments to serve warrants within the county.
The Michigan Sheriffs Association page for Alpena County has additional contact details and information about the department.
Alpena County Court Search Resources
The Alpena County website provides access to court contacts, department directories, and forms.
From this portal you can find links to both the 26th Circuit Court and 88th District Court pages.
The 88th District Court page on the county website lists judges, hours, and contact information.
District court handles the bulk of bench warrant cases tied to misdemeanors and traffic violations in Alpena County.
The Alpena County Sheriff's Office website is where you go for warrant enforcement contacts.
Call the sheriff for the quickest confirmation of an active bench warrant in Alpena County.
Michigan Bench Warrant Laws in Alpena County
Judges in Alpena County follow the same bench warrant laws as every other county in Michigan. Under MCL 764.1, a warrant needs probable cause. Bench warrants are issued under the court's inherent power to enforce orders. Missing a court date in Alpena County is all it takes.
MCL 764.15 allows any peace officer in the state to carry out a Michigan bench warrant. Court records are open to the public under the Freedom of Information Act, MCL 15.231. Bench warrant records in Alpena County are generally available once they are part of a court case file.
Important: Bench warrants issued in Alpena County never expire. They remain active until the person appears before the court or a judge recalls the warrant.
How to Clear an Alpena County Bench Warrant
Go to the courthouse at 720 W. Chisholm Street in Alpena. Tell the clerk you want to resolve a bench warrant. They will look up the case and tell you the bond amount. You may see a judge that day or get a new court date. Bring your ID.
A lawyer can file a motion to quash the warrant. This is a formal request asking the judge to cancel it and set a new hearing. Attorneys who practice in the 26th Circuit know the local judges and procedures well. For people who cannot afford a lawyer, the court will appoint a public defender once you appear. The Michigan Courts website lists legal aid options that serve northeast Michigan.
You can also post the bond listed on the warrant. Bond amounts vary. Some bench warrants carry a flat cash bond. Others allow a percentage or personal recognizance bond. Call the court at (989) 354-9573 to find out the bond terms for a specific warrant.
Alpena County Court Record Fees
Calling to check if a bench warrant is active costs nothing. Record copies have fees. Standard copies run $1 per page. Certified copies are $10 for the first page plus $1 per extra page. A criminal name search is about $10 at the county clerk's office.
Michigan's ICHAT system charges $10 per criminal history check. It covers felonies and serious misdemeanors but will not show you active bench warrants. For that, the court or sheriff is where you need to go.
Nearby Counties
Alpena County shares the 26th Circuit with Montmorency County. Other nearby counties: