Antrim County Bench Warrants

Antrim County bench warrants are issued through the 13th Circuit Court and the 86th District Court, with the county seat in Bellaire. The 13th Circuit is a three-county circuit that also covers Grand Traverse and Leelanau counties, so some records overlap across the region. You can search for bench warrants using the MiCOURT case search tool, by calling the Antrim County Sheriff, or by going to the courthouse in Bellaire. This page walks you through all the ways to find and deal with bench warrants in Antrim County.

Antrim County Courts That Issue Bench Warrants

The 13th Circuit Court handles felony cases, civil suits over $25,000, and family law matters for Antrim County. The main circuit court office is at 328 Washington Street, Suite 300, in Traverse City since it serves three counties. Circuit Judges Hon. Kevin A. Elsenheimer and Hon. Charles M. Hamlyn hear cases from Antrim, Grand Traverse, and Leelanau counties. Court Administrator Trina Girardin runs the daily operations. Call (231) 922-4701 or email c13court@13thcircuitcourt.org to reach the court.

The 86th District Court in Bellaire handles misdemeanors, traffic offenses, small claims, and civil cases up to $25,000. Criminal cases in Antrim County start here at the district court level. When a person skips an arraignment, pretrial, or sentencing date, the judge can issue a bench warrant right from the bench. That warrant goes into the LEIN system, making it visible to police statewide.

Because the 13th Circuit serves three counties, a bench warrant from Antrim County sits in the same system as warrants from Grand Traverse and Leelanau. If you search the circuit court records, you might see results from all three counties.

Search for Bench Warrants in Antrim County

The MiCOURT Case Search is the best free tool. Go to the portal. Select the 13th Circuit Court or 86th District Court. Enter a name or case number. The results pull up case details and docket entries. Look for "bench warrant issued" or "failure to appear" in the case notes.

MiCOURT shows case history, not live warrant status. Updates may take a day or two. For the current status of a bench warrant, reach out to these offices:

• Antrim County Sheriff's Office by phone
• 13th Circuit Court at (231) 922-4701
• 86th District Court in Bellaire
• Check the Michigan Courts website for additional tools

Give them the person's full legal name. A date of birth makes the search faster and more accurate. If you visit in person, bring a valid photo ID.

Antrim County Sheriff and Warrant Enforcement

The Antrim County Sheriff's Office in Bellaire handles bench warrant enforcement throughout the county. They can tell you if a bench warrant is active when you call. The sheriff's office also serves warrants and makes arrests tied to bench warrants from both the circuit and district courts.

When a bench warrant is issued in Antrim County, the sheriff enters it into LEIN. Any law enforcement officer in Michigan can see it. That includes state police, city police, and sheriff deputies in other counties. A traffic stop in Lansing or a contact with police in Detroit will flag an Antrim County bench warrant. The Michigan Sheriffs Association page for Antrim County has contact details for the sheriff's office.

Antrim County Warrant Search Resources

The Michigan Courts website provides statewide court information, forms, and links to the case search portal.

From here you can access MiCOURT and look up cases from the 13th Circuit Court and 86th District Court that serve Antrim County.

Bench Warrant Laws Affecting Antrim County

Under MCL 764.1, Michigan warrants require probable cause. Bench warrants come from the court's own power to enforce orders. Skip a hearing in Antrim County and the judge can sign one the same day. The warrant tells law enforcement to bring the person to court.

Under MCL 764.15, any Michigan peace officer can carry out a bench warrant. It does not matter where you are. Court records are public under MCL 15.231, the Freedom of Information Act. Michigan Court Rule 8.119 supports public access to most case files.

A bench warrant from Antrim County contains the person's name, date of birth, case number, the court that issued it, the judge's name, the reason, and the bond amount. Under MCL 780.654, warrants must include specific details and instructions for law enforcement.

Resolving an Antrim County Bench Warrant

Turn yourself in at the courthouse in Bellaire during regular hours. The clerk will check your case and tell you about bond. You may see a judge that day or get a new date. Bring your ID and any case paperwork.

A lawyer can file a motion to quash the warrant. This asks the judge to recall it and set a new hearing. That approach works well for old warrants. If you cannot afford a lawyer, tell the court. They must appoint a public defender once you appear. The Michigan Courts website has self-help resources and legal aid referrals for northwest Michigan.

Posting bond is another option. The bond amount is listed on the warrant. Call the court to find out what it is. Some warrants allow cash bond, percentage bond, or personal recognizance depending on the case and the judge's order.

Antrim County Bench Warrant Record Fees

Calling to ask if a bench warrant is active is free. Copies of court records cost money. Standard copies run about $1 per page. Certified copies cost $10 for the first page, $1 for each extra. Criminal name searches are about $10 at the clerk's office.

The Michigan State Police ICHAT system charges $10 per search. ICHAT shows criminal history but not active bench warrants. For warrant status, the court or sheriff is the right call.

Nearby Counties

Antrim County shares the 13th Circuit with Grand Traverse and Leelanau counties. Other neighbors include: