Benzie County Bench Warrants
Benzie County bench warrants are issued by the 19th Circuit Court and the 85th District Court in Beulah. Both courts share space at the Benzie County Government Center at 448 Court Place. The 19th Circuit also serves Manistee County, so some records cross county lines. You can search for bench warrants online through MiCOURT, call the Benzie County Sheriff at (231) 882-4484, or go to the courthouse in person. Here is what you need to know about bench warrants in Benzie County.
Benzie County Quick Facts
Benzie County Courts That Issue Bench Warrants
The 19th Circuit Court handles felony criminal cases, civil disputes over $25,000, and family law matters. It serves both Benzie and Manistee counties. The Benzie County location is at 448 Court Place in Beulah. Call (231) 882-9671 ext. 2 for the circuit court. When a defendant in a felony case fails to show up, the judge issues a bench warrant that stays active until resolved.
The 85th District Court handles misdemeanors, traffic offenses, small claims, and civil cases up to $25,000. It also serves both Benzie and Manistee counties. The Benzie office is on the upper level of the Government Center at 448 Court Place. Call (231) 882-9671. Hours are Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM. Most bench warrants in Benzie County come from this court. Missed arraignments, skipped pretrial dates, and failure to pay fines are common triggers.
You can search the 19th Circuit Court specifically through the MiCOURT 19th Circuit portal. This shows Benzie County circuit court cases including any bench warrant entries in the docket.
Note: The 19th Circuit and 85th District courts serve both Benzie and Manistee counties, so some search results may include cases from Manistee.
How to Search Benzie County Bench Warrants
The MiCOURT Case Search covers Benzie County courts. Select the 19th Circuit Court or 85th District Court. Enter a name or case number. The system shows docket entries, hearing dates, and case status. Look for "bench warrant issued" or "failure to appear" in the register of actions.
MiCOURT updates are not instant. There may be a lag of a day or two. For the most current bench warrant status, contact these offices:
- Benzie County Sheriff at (231) 882-4484
- 19th Circuit Court at (231) 882-9671 ext. 2
- 85th District Court at (231) 882-9671
- Michigan Sheriffs Association for sheriff details
You need the person's full legal name. A date of birth helps narrow the search. Bring a valid photo ID if you visit in person.
Benzie County Sheriff and Bench Warrants
Sheriff Kyle Rosa heads the Benzie County Sheriff's Office at 505 S. Michigan Avenue in Beulah. The main number is (231) 882-4484. Fax is (231) 882-4487. Email sheriff@benzieco.net. Business hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM.
The sheriff's office enforces bench warrants throughout Benzie County. They can confirm if a bench warrant is active when you call. All bench warrants go into LEIN once issued. That means any officer in Michigan can see a Benzie County bench warrant during a traffic stop or other contact. The warrant stays in the system until the court resolves it.
Benzie County Warrant Search Resources
The Benzie County website has links to government departments, courts, and the sheriff's office.
From this portal you can access the 19th Circuit Court, 85th District Court, and sheriff's office pages for Benzie County.
Bench Warrant Laws Affecting Benzie County
Michigan judges follow state law when issuing bench warrants. Under MCL 764.1, warrants need probable cause. A bench warrant stems from the court's power to enforce its orders. Skip a hearing in Benzie County and the judge can issue one right away.
Under MCL 764.15, any peace officer in the state can carry out a bench warrant. Court records are public under MCL 15.231, the Freedom of Information Act. Michigan Court Rule 8.119 provides for public access. Most bench warrant records are open once part of a case file.
Important: Bench warrants in Benzie County do not expire. They stay active until the person appears in court or the judge recalls them.
Resolving Benzie County Bench Warrants
Head to the Benzie County Government Center at 448 Court Place in Beulah. The clerk can look up your case and tell you the bond amount. You may see a judge that day or get a new date. Bring your ID and any case documents.
A lawyer can file a motion to quash the warrant. This asks the judge to cancel it and set a new hearing. For people who need free legal help, the Michigan Courts website has self-help resources and legal aid referrals. The court will appoint a public defender if you cannot afford a lawyer.
Posting bond is another option. Call the court at (231) 882-9671 to find out the bond amount. Cash bonds, percentage bonds, and personal recognizance bonds are all possible depending on the case.
Benzie County Court Fees
Calling to check on a bench warrant is free. Record copies cost about $1 per page. Certified copies are $10 for the first page and $1 for each extra page. Criminal name searches run about $10. ICHAT from Michigan State Police costs $10 per search but does not show active bench warrants.
Note: Call the court at (231) 882-9671 to confirm current fees before requesting copies of bench warrant records.
Nearby Counties
Benzie County shares the 19th Circuit and 85th District with Manistee County. Other neighbors: