In Washtenaw County, Michigan, the sitting magistrate who issues active arrest warrants is required by law to consider all case-related facts and even witness testimony in some instances before he/she issues an arrest order. This is done to ensure that the person against whom the warrant is being sought is treated fairly by the law. Hence the right to issue an arrest warrant is taken out of the hands of law enforcement.
However, once an outstanding warrant issued in Washtenaw sees the light of the day, it is the sheriff’s department that makes the arrest through its use. So, the issuing authority and the sheriff’s office have all arrest records stored in their crime databases.
To get access to this information for the purpose of conducting a warrant search, you will have to approach any one of the agencies involved in the warrant issue process. Generally, these are:
The office of the sheriff: Of course, the local police will be able to offer the most extensive information about arrest records in Washtenaw County, and the advantage is that if the person you are inquiring about does have an unscrupulous record, he will be arrested shortly. To contact the sheriff’s office, go to 2201 Hogback Rd, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48105
The magistrate’s court: If you merely need information on arrest warrants issued in a certain criminal matter, the magistrate’s court will be a more appropriate source. To get in touch with the judiciary, go to 4133 Washtenaw Ave, Ann Arbor, MI 48108.
The county clerk: This is also a division of the state judiciary, and they are entrusted the task of maintaining tribunal records like the court dockets. To connect with this agency, find your way to 200 North Main Street, Ann Arbor, Michigan, 48107.
Who can help you with an over-the-phone warrant search and arrests inquiry in Washtenaw County? (2021- Update)
- To request information about active warrants, contact the Records Division at 734-973-4655
- To inquire about recent arrests, call 734-585-7247.
- To arrange inmate visitation, call 734-973-4487.
- To speak to the officer handling your criminal complaint, contact the Detective Bureau at 734-973-4559.
- To get general information about the law and order situation, police procedures and, call 734-971-8400.
- To communicate with Victim/Witness Services, contact the Victim’s Advocate at 734-222-6650.
- To get a certified copy of judicial records, contact the Court Clerk at 734-429-2504 /734-973-4545 /734-484-6690/734-75-8606 (14 A District Court), 734-483-1333 (14 B District Court), 734-794-6759 (15th District Court) and 734-222-3270 (22nd Circuit Court).
Crime statistics of Washtenaw County
The Washtenaw County Sheriff’s Department received 18% more criminal reports in 2019 than the prior year. In contrast to the annual average of 1,883 events in 2018, more than 2,229 cases were reported in 2019. Over 1,655 of the complaints were for property offenses, while over 574 were for violent crimes.
Despite the 10,000 criminal cases registered in Washtenaw County, MI each year, the area is surprising falls in the middle of the crime index scale when compared to the other geographical divisions of the state. Yet, the fact that over 10% of criminal incidents are violent in nature should give you reason enough to go for a warrant check on new acquaintances.