Find Bay County Bench Warrants

Bay County bench warrants come from the 18th Circuit Court and the 74th District Court in Bay City. With a population over 102,000, Bay County is one of the busier court systems in east-central Michigan. You can search for bench warrants through MiCOURT, call the sheriff's records division at (989) 895-4050, or visit the Bay County Court Facility at 1230 Washington Avenue. This page explains where to look for bench warrants and how to deal with them in Bay County.

Bay County Courts and Bench Warrants

The 18th Circuit Court handles felony criminal cases, civil disputes over $25,000, domestic relations cases, and juvenile proceedings. Three judges preside: Hon. Joseph K. Sheeran, Hon. Jessie Scott Wood, and Hon. Craig A. Cramer. The court sits at 1230 Washington Avenue, Suite 619, Bay City. Call (989) 895-4265 for the circuit court or (989) 895-4229 for the criminal department. The court administrator is at (989) 895-4266. Circuit court probation can be reached at (989) 895-4250.

The 74th District Court covers misdemeanors, traffic violations, small claims up to $7,000, and civil cases up to $25,000. It also does felony arraignments and preliminary exams. Three judges serve: Hon. Dawn A. Stefani, Hon. Mark E. Janerus, and Hon. Michael J. Rivard. The district court is at 1230 Washington Avenue, Suite 747. Call (989) 895-4232 for criminal and traffic matters or (989) 895-4275 for district court probation. The 74th District Court also offers an online case review system that shows warrant status.

Both courts operate from the same building in Bay City. Hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM.

How to Search Bay County Bench Warrants

Start with the MiCOURT Case Search. You can search the 18th Circuit Court by name, case number, or business name. Results show case status, hearing dates, and party information. It is free and available around the clock. For district court cases, search for the 74th District Court on MiCOURT.

The 74th District Court has its own online tool. The case review system at courtinnovations.com shows basic case information and can indicate bench warrant status. This is a useful backup if MiCOURT does not have what you need.

Bay County also has a formal court records request process for written requests. For quick bench warrant checks, though, a phone call is faster.

Contact these offices for the most current warrant status:

• Sheriff's Records Division at (989) 895-4050
• 18th Circuit Court criminal department at (989) 895-4229
• 74th District Court at (989) 895-4232
• Bay County Sheriff's Office main line at (989) 895-4125

Bay County Sheriff and Bench Warrants

The Bay County Sheriff's Office is at 503 Third Street in Bay City. The main phone is (989) 895-4125. The records division handles bench warrant checks at (989) 895-4050. Office hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM.

The records division provides incident and accident reports for $20, handgun purchase permits, CCW processing, non-criminal fingerprints, and local records checks. For bench warrant verification, call the records division. They can confirm if a warrant is active and what court issued it.

Once a bench warrant gets entered into LEIN, any law enforcement officer in Michigan can see it. Bay County is part of the Great Lakes Bay Region, so warrants here are commonly picked up during stops in Saginaw, Midland, and surrounding areas. The Michigan Sheriffs Association page has additional details about the Bay County Sheriff's Office.

Bay County Court Search Resources

The Bay County 18th Circuit Court page has contact information, judge assignments, and links to the case search system.

The circuit court handles felony bench warrants, civil contempt warrants, and family division bench warrants in Bay County.

Bench Warrant Laws in Bay County

Under MCL 764.1, Michigan warrants need probable cause. Bench warrants in Bay County come from the court's authority to enforce its own orders. A missed hearing, a broken probation rule, or unpaid fines can all trigger a bench warrant. Under MCL 764.15, any Michigan peace officer can serve it.

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. Under MCL 780.654, bench warrants must contain specific details like the person's name, case number, court, and bond amount.

Resolving Bay County Bench Warrants

Go to the Bay County Court Facility at 1230 Washington Avenue in Bay City. The building houses both the circuit and district courts. Tell the clerk you want to resolve a bench warrant. They will check the system and give you the bond amount and options. You may see a judge that same day.

A lawyer can file a motion to quash. That asks the judge to recall the bench warrant and set a new date. If you cannot afford an attorney, the court will appoint a public defender once you appear. Bay County's Probate and Family Court is at Suite 715 if your bench warrant involves a juvenile or family matter. The Friend of the Court at (989) 895-4295 handles child support bench warrants.

Posting the bond amount is another route. Call the court to find out how much it is. Standard copy fees of $1 per page apply for any record copies you need. The Michigan Courts website has legal aid information for the Bay County area.

Bay County Record Fees

Calling to check bench warrant status is free. Record copies cost about $1 per page. Certified copies are $10 for the first page and $1 per extra page. Incident reports from the sheriff cost $20. Criminal name searches run about $10 at the clerk's office. In-person record viewing at the court facility may be free for basic case info.

Nearby Counties

Bay County is in the Great Lakes Bay Region alongside these counties: