Keweenaw County Bench Warrants
Bench warrants in Keweenaw County are managed through the 12th Circuit Court and the 97th District Court at the Keweenaw County Courthouse in Eagle River. Keweenaw is the northernmost county in Michigan and one of the smallest, with about 2,000 residents. It shares all of its courts with neighboring counties. This page explains how to search for bench warrants in Keweenaw County, where records are kept, who to contact, and what steps to take if you have an active warrant.
Keweenaw County Quick Facts
Keweenaw County Court System
The 12th Circuit Court serves both Keweenaw and Houghton Counties. The Keweenaw location is at 5095 Fourth Street, Eagle River, MI 49950. Phone: (906) 337-2229. Hon. Brittany A. Bulleit serves as the Circuit Court Judge. Julie Carlson is the Court Clerk. Email: clerk@keweenawcountymi.gov. Office hours are Monday through Friday, 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM.
This court handles felony criminal cases, civil lawsuits over $25,000, divorce and custody matters, and personal protection orders. When a defendant misses a hearing in Keweenaw County or breaks probation, the judge issues a bench warrant. The clerk records it and it enters the LEIN database. Because Keweenaw shares the circuit with Houghton, some records may be processed through the Houghton County courthouse.
The 97th District Court is shared with Baraga and Houghton Counties. In Keweenaw, it operates at the same courthouse in Eagle River. Hon. Nicholas J. Daavettila serves as judge, and Roxanne Billing is the magistrate. This court handles misdemeanors, traffic violations, civil cases up to $25,000, small claims up to $6,000, and landlord-tenant disputes. The probation officer is Keith Anderson at (906) 482-0066 ext. 3.
How to Search Keweenaw County Bench Warrants
Use the MiCOURT Case Search to look up Keweenaw County court records online for free. Select the 12th Circuit Court or 97th District Court and search by name or case number. Docket entries may note bench warrants or failure to appear.
For real-time warrant info, call the Keweenaw County Sheriff's Office at (906) 337-0528. Sheriff Curt Pennala oversees operations. The sheriff can check the system and confirm if a bench warrant is active. You need the person's full name and date of birth. The clerk's office at (906) 337-2229 can also help with case lookups during business hours.
Note: Keweenaw County shares courts with neighboring counties, so some records may be filed through Houghton County.
Keweenaw County Court Fees and Records
The 12th Circuit Court in Keweenaw County charges specific fees for various services. Criminal name searches cost $10 per name. Filing a civil case costs $175. Jury demands are $85. Motion fees are $20. You can pay by mail with a check or money order, in person with cash, or by credit or debit card at the clerk's window or online.
The Keweenaw County contact page lists all department phone numbers. For record requests, visit the clerk's office at 5095 Fourth Street, Eagle River, during business hours with a valid ID. The small population means wait times are usually short.
Warrant Resources for Keweenaw County
Keweenaw County is unique in Michigan because it shares all of its courts with other counties. The 12th Circuit is shared with Houghton County. The 97th District serves Keweenaw, Houghton, and Baraga Counties. Keweenaw has its own Probate Court with Hon. Keith Deforge as Probate Judge and Mary Crampton as Probate Register. You can reach probate at (906) 337-1927.
The small population and remote location affect how warrants are served. Winter weather can delay warrant execution. Isle Royale National Park is in Keweenaw County, adding federal law enforcement coordination. But for bench warrants issued by the county courts, the process is the same as any other Michigan county. They go into LEIN and any officer statewide can make the arrest.
For legal help, Michigan Legal Help has resources specific to the 12th Circuit Court in Keweenaw County. You can also check MiFILE for court availability and electronic filing options.
Bench Warrant Laws for Keweenaw County
Under MCL 764.1, Michigan judges can issue warrants with probable cause. Bench warrants come from the court's own power to enforce orders. MCL 764.15 allows any officer in the state to carry them out. Court records are public under MCL 15.231.
Nearby Counties
Keweenaw County is at the tip of Michigan's Upper Peninsula. These nearby counties share court resources.