Leelanau County Bench Warrants

Bench warrants in Leelanau County are handled through the 13th Circuit Court and the 86th District Court. The county seat is Suttons Bay, where the district court and government center are based. Leelanau County shares the 13th Judicial Circuit with Antrim and Grand Traverse Counties, with the main circuit court in Traverse City. You can search for bench warrants through MiCOURT, contact the sheriff at (231) 256-8800, or call the district court at (231) 256-8250. This page walks through the full search process and how to resolve an active warrant.

Leelanau County Court System and Warrants

The 13th Circuit Court serves Leelanau, Antrim, and Grand Traverse Counties. The main courthouse is at 328 Washington Street, Suite 300, Traverse City, MI 49684. Phone: (231) 922-4701. Email: c13court@13thcircuitcourt.org. Circuit Judges Hon. Kevin A. Elsenheimer and Hon. Charles M. Hamlyn preside over cases. Trina Girardin serves as court administrator.

Felony criminal cases from Leelanau County go through the 13th Circuit in Traverse City. When a judge issues a bench warrant for failure to appear or probation violation, the clerk records it and enters it into LEIN. Because the circuit court is in Traverse City rather than Leelanau County itself, some people do not realize they need to go there for felony matters. This is a key detail if you have a bench warrant from the 13th Circuit.

The Leelanau County website offers information about government services and court contacts.

You can find sheriff contact details, court schedules, and county office hours through the main county site.

The 86th District Court handles misdemeanors, traffic cases, civil suits up to $25,000, and small claims in Leelanau County. It is at 8527 East Government Center Drive, Suite 201, Suttons Bay, MI 49682. Phone: (231) 256-8250. Hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM. Magistrate Norene Kastys handles many proceedings. Arraignments are held via Zoom at 9:00 AM each Tuesday.

The 13th Circuit Court FAQ page includes details about the district court serving Leelanau County.

This resource covers court procedures, filing requirements, and contact information for the 86th District Court.

Search Leelanau County Bench Warrants

The MiCOURT Case Search covers both the 13th Circuit Court and 86th District Court. Select the court and enter a name or case number. The docket entries may note bench warrants or failure to appear. The tool is free and works around the clock.

For the most current warrant info, call the Leelanau County Sheriff at (231) 256-8800. The sheriff's office can check LEIN and confirm if a bench warrant is active. The toll-free number is 1-877-256-6911. You can also email sheriff@co.leelanau.mi.us with questions. You need the person's full name and date of birth.

Leelanau County Sheriff's Office

The Leelanau County Sheriff's Office is at 8525 East Government Center Drive, Suttons Bay, MI 49682. Sheriff Mike Borkovich runs the department. Phone: (231) 256-8800. Fax: (231) 256-8611. Toll-free: 1-877-256-6911. Email: sheriff@co.leelanau.mi.us.

The sheriff handles warrant enforcement across Leelanau County. If you have a bench warrant, calling the sheriff first lets you find out the bond amount and which court issued it. Turning yourself in is a better option than getting picked up during a traffic stop. The office works with the Michigan State Police and the Leelanau County Jail on warrant arrests and bookings.

Bench Warrant Laws in Leelanau County

Under MCL 764.1, Michigan judges can issue warrants based on probable cause. Bench warrants flow from the court's authority to enforce its orders. Under MCL 764.15, any peace officer in Michigan can execute the warrant. A Leelanau County bench warrant means you can be arrested anywhere in the state.

Court records are public under MCL 15.231. You can request copies from the court clerk or the 13th Circuit Court in Traverse City. Michigan Court Rule 8.119 ensures most case files are accessible, with exceptions for juvenile and sealed records.

Resolving Leelanau County Bench Warrants

To clear a bench warrant in Leelanau County, you have several options. For district court warrants, go to the 86th District Court in Suttons Bay. For circuit court warrants, you will need to go to the 13th Circuit Court in Traverse City. You can also hire a lawyer to file a motion to quash.

• Turn yourself in at the court that issued the warrant
• Post the bond amount at the court or sheriff's office
• Hire an attorney to file a motion to quash
• Call the court clerk to ask about walk-in options
• Check Michigan Legal Help for free resources

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

Nearby Counties

Leelanau County is in northwest Lower Michigan. These counties share the 13th Circuit or border Leelanau.