Find Bench Warrants in Clare County

Clare County bench warrants come from the 55th Circuit Court and the 80th District Court, both in the courthouse at 225 W. Main Street, Harrison. The county is part of the 55th Judicial Circuit along with Gladwin County. About 30,000 people live here, and the courts handle a steady caseload of criminal, traffic, and civil matters. When someone misses a court date or breaks a court order, a judge can issue a bench warrant. The Clare County Sheriff's Office executes warrants and can verify if one is active. This page explains how to search for bench warrant records in Clare County and what to do about them.

Clare County Circuit Court Warrants

The 55th Circuit Court sits at 225 W. Main Street in Harrison. The court phone is (989) 539-7131 and fax is (989) 539-6616. Hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM. Judges Tara S. Hovey and Michelle J. Ambrozaitis handle felony cases, civil suits over $25,000, and family court matters. Chief Judge Joshua M. Farrell oversees both the 55th Circuit Court and 80th District Court.

Circuit Court bench warrants in Clare County usually involve felony failures to appear, probation violations, or contempt of court. The County Clerk, Lori Mott, keeps records of all Circuit Court cases. You can reach the clerk at (989) 539-7109. Fax is (989) 539-7229. The Circuit Court Parole and Probation office is at (989) 539-2458.

The screenshot below shows the Clare County courts page with details about the 55th Circuit Court and 80th District Court bench warrant procedures.

Court records go back years, but the mailing address for written requests is 225 W. Main St., PO Box 438, Harrison, MI 48625. Include the case number or full name of the person you are looking up.

80th District Court Bench Warrants

The 80th District Court shares the same courthouse at 225 W. Main Street. Call (989) 539-7173 or fax (989) 539-4036. Court hours are Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM. Magistrate Steven R. Worpell handles arraignments and sets bail. The probation department is at (989) 539-2187.

District Court bench warrants in Clare County come from missed misdemeanor hearings, unpaid traffic fines, and skipped preliminary exams. The court issues and handles its own warrant records. If you need to check on a warrant from this court, call during business hours or use the MiCOURT online tool.

Searching Clare County Bench Warrants

The MiCOURT Case Search portal covers Clare County courts. Select the 55th Circuit Court or 80th District Court and search by name. The tool shows case status, docket entries, and hearing dates. Bench warrant entries show up in the register of actions.

For a direct warrant check, call the Clare County Sheriff at (989) 539-7166. The sheriff's office is at 255 W. Main Street, PO Box 407, Harrison, MI 48625. Hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Sheriff John S. Wilson has run the office since 2008. The Records Division can be reached at (989) 539-7166, ext. 4220.

The screenshot below shows the Clare County Sheriff's Office page with hours and contact details for warrant searches.

The sheriff charges fees for civil process related to bench warrants. A civil bench warrant service costs $40.00. Other fees include $25 for personal protection orders and $26 for summons and complaint, plus mileage at $1.005 per mile.

Clare County Child Support Warrants

The Friend of the Court office for the 55th Circuit handles child support bench warrants in Clare County. The office is at 225 W. Main Street, Harrison. Call (989) 539-0800. Hours are Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM. Non-support warrants require a full cash bond posted with local law enforcement. Contact the FOC office for warrant details and bond amounts.

Child support warrants go through the Family Division of Circuit Court. They are separate from criminal bench warrants but show up in the same court system. If you owe back support and missed a show cause hearing, the FOC may have a warrant out for you.

Additional Law Enforcement in Clare County

Besides the sheriff, other agencies operate in Clare County that may encounter bench warrants. The Michigan State Police Mt. Pleasant Post is at (989) 773-5951. The City of Clare Police can be reached at (989) 386-2121. These agencies check LEIN during stops and will act on active warrants from any Michigan court.

Michigan bench warrant law under MCL 764.15 allows any peace officer to execute a warrant anywhere in the state. So even if the warrant was issued in Clare County, you can be picked up on it in any other county.

Nearby Counties

Clare County shares courts with Gladwin County. Surrounding counties you may need to check include:

• Gladwin County (shares 55th Circuit Court)
• Osceola County
• Isabella County
• Missaukee County
• Roscommon County