Lake County Bench Warrant Search

Bench warrants in Lake County are processed by the 51st Circuit Court and the 79th District Court at the Lake County Courthouse in Baldwin. Lake County has about 12,000 residents and shares the 51st Judicial Circuit with Mason County. To search for bench warrants in Lake County, use the MiCOURT portal, call the court at (231) 745-4614, or contact the Lake County Sheriff's Office. This page covers all your options for finding, understanding, and resolving a bench warrant in Lake County.

Lake County Courts and Bench Warrants

The 51st Circuit Court handles felony criminal cases, civil suits over $25,000, and family law matters in Lake County. It shares the circuit with Mason County. The Lake County Courthouse is at 800 Tenth Street, Suite 300, Baldwin, MI 49304. Phone: (231) 745-4614. Hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Hon. Susan Kasley Sniegowski and Hon. David M. Glancy (Chief Judge) serve the court.

The 51st Circuit Court was created in 1978 by Public Act 164. It joined Mason and Lake Counties together in one circuit after separating them from the 19th Circuit. Jeffrey A. Nadig serves as court administrator. When a judge issues a bench warrant in Lake County, the clerk files it and it goes into LEIN. That warrant stays active until resolved.

The 79th District Court covers misdemeanor crimes, traffic violations, civil cases up to $25,000, small claims up to $6,500, and landlord-tenant disputes in Lake County. Hon. Mark S. Wickens is the Chief Judge, and Gregory Block serves as Magistrate. Georgia Simpson is the scheduling clerk. The district court is at the same address in Baldwin. The court issues arrest and search warrants, sets bail, and handles felony arraignments.

How to Search Lake County Bench Warrants

The MiCOURT Case Search for the 51st Circuit is the best free tool for looking up Lake County circuit court records. You can also search the 79th District Court separately. Enter a name or case number and review the docket entries for bench warrant notes.

For real-time warrant status, call the Lake County Sheriff's Office at (231) 745-2712. They can check the LEIN system and confirm if a bench warrant is active. You can also call the 79th District Court at (231) 745-4614 to ask about a specific case. Both offices are open during business hours.

Lake County Sheriff's Office

The Lake County Sheriff's Office is at 1153 Michigan Avenue, Baldwin, MI 49304. Sheriff Rich Martin leads the department. He was elected in 2016 and is serving his second term. Phone: (231) 745-2712. Dispatch: (231) 745-2711. Fax: (231) 745-9008. Hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, with dispatch available around the clock.

In September 2024, the Lake County Sheriff's Office became accredited through the Michigan Law Enforcement Accreditation Commission. It was the fourth sheriff's office in Michigan to earn this status and the first rural accredited office out of all 83 counties. This accreditation means the office follows a high standard for law enforcement practices, including how they handle warrant checks and arrests.

To check for a bench warrant in Lake County, call the sheriff at (231) 745-2712, visit in person at 1153 Michigan Avenue, search MiCOURT online, or contact the 79th District Court. You need the person's full name and date of birth for most searches. The jail is at the same address as the sheriff's office.

Bench Warrant Laws in Lake County

Under MCL 764.1, Michigan judges issue warrants based on probable cause. For bench warrants, the missed court date provides the cause. MCL 764.15 lets any peace officer in the state carry out the arrest. A bench warrant from Lake County can lead to arrest anywhere in Michigan.

Court records are public under MCL 15.231. Copies cost about $1 per page from the court clerk. Certified copies are $10 for the first page. The Michigan Sheriffs' Association has additional Lake County sheriff info.

Resolving Lake County Bench Warrants

The best way to handle a bench warrant in Lake County is to deal with it on your terms. Visit the 51st Circuit Court or 79th District Court during business hours. You can also hire a lawyer to file a motion to quash. If you cannot afford one, the court must appoint a lawyer for criminal cases.

• Turn yourself in at the Lake County Courthouse in Baldwin
• Post the bond amount at the court or sheriff's office
• Hire an attorney to file a motion to quash the warrant
• Call the court clerk for walk-in procedures and hours

For free legal help, check Michigan Legal Help or call the State Bar at (800) 968-0738.

Nearby Counties

Lake County is in western Lower Michigan. These counties are nearby and may be relevant for warrant searches.