Michigan Warrant Lawyer

If you have a warrant in Michigan, or think one is coming, every day you wait gives police a chance to arrest you at home, at work, or during a traffic stop. Christopher Brown is a Michigan warrant lawyer and former Detroit police officer. He helps clients turn themselves in on their own terms, avoid an embarrassing arrest, and walk into court ready to argue for a low bond.

Have a Warrant in Michigan? What to Do Right Now

• Don’t wait for police to find you. A warrant doesn’t go away on its own.
• Don’t call the detective to “explain.” Anything you say can be used against you.
• Don’t just show up at the jail or courthouse alone. Jail staff could hold you until a judge is available.
• Do call a lawyer. Your lawyer can confirm the warrant, contact the officer, and arrange a walk-in arraignment.
• Do get bond money ready. Keep funds on hand, or with someone you trust, in case the judge sets a cash bond. You can also line up a bail bondsman ahead of time.

Types of Warrants in Michigan

Arrest Warrants for New Charges

A judge or magistrate issues an arrest warrant after the prosecutor authorizes charges and the court finds probable cause. It can be for a felony or a misdemeanor. If police are still investigating and the prosecutor hasn’t filed charges, see our Michigan criminal investigation lawyer page.

Bench Warrants for Missed Court Dates or Unpaid Fines

A judge issues a bench warrant when you miss a court date or fail to follow a court order, such as paying fines and costs. Bench warrants often lead to a higher bond, because missing court counts against you. A Michigan warrant lawyer can often get you back before the judge quickly, with a plan the court will accept.

Probation Violation Warrants

If you’re on probation and miss a test, an appointment, or a payment, the court may issue a probation violation warrant. These cases follow their own rules. Learn more about Michigan probation violations, or see our pages for Oakland County, Macomb County, and Wayne County probation violations.

How to Find Out If You Have a Warrant

Start with the MiCOURT case search to see whether a case is pending against you. Not every court uses MiCOURT, and the search may not show whether the case is in warrant status. To confirm that, someone has to ask the court clerk. As your Michigan warrant lawyer, Attorney Brown can make that inquiry for you, so you don’t have to call the court yourself.

Under Investigation? Get a Lawyer Before the Warrant Is Issued

The best time to call a Michigan warrant lawyer is before charges are filed. If you believe you are the target of an investigation, Attorney Brown can:

• Contact the officer in charge. In Attorney Brown’s experience, the officer in charge nearly always takes the lawyer’s name and number. If the prosecutor authorizes charges, the officer typically calls the lawyer to arrange a walk-in arraignment instead of an arrest.
• Prepare your bond argument now. He gathers your work history, family ties, and other information in advance, so he’s ready if police pick you up.
• Help you plan for bond. Having money set aside, or a bondsman lined up, lets you move quickly once charges are filed.

Police can still choose to arrest you. In Attorney Brown’s experience, though, officers usually honor a request to contact the attorney on file.

How a Michigan Warrant Lawyer Arranges a Walk-In Arraignment

A walk-in arraignment lets you turn yourself in on a scheduled date, with your lawyer beside you. You avoid an arrest in front of family or coworkers, and you avoid sitting in jail over a weekend waiting to see a judge. The police may still book and fingerprint you. The judge or magistrate then arraigns you and sets bond, and your lawyer argues for release that day. Whether a court allows a walk-in depends on the court, the charge, and the warrant.

Michigan Bond Rules: Types of Bond

Under Michigan Court Rule 6.106, release on personal recognizance is the starting point. A judge may add conditions or require money bail only when less restrictive release would not reasonably ensure that you appear in court and that the public is safe. If the judge requires money bail, the judge must state the reasons on the record.

When a judge allows a 10% deposit bond, Michigan law also lets you post a surety bond for one-quarter of the full bail amount instead (MCL 765.6). The court rule also says a judge may not keep you in jail just because you can’t afford a money condition.

Interim Bond Before You See a Judge

For some misdemeanor arrests, you can post interim bond at the police station or jail and go home before arraignment. Some arrest warrants also list an interim bail amount. Domestic violence arrests and certain other cases have stricter rules.

Common Bond Conditions in Michigan

Judges can set any condition reasonably needed to ensure you appear and keep the public safe. Common conditions include:

• Reporting to pretrial services
• No alcohol or drugs, with testing or a monitoring device
• No contact with an alleged victim or witnesses
• Travel, curfew, or residence restrictions
• Surrendering a passport or driver’s license
• No firearms or other weapons
• GPS or electronic monitoring in some assault and domestic violence cases

What Judges Consider When Setting Bond

Michigan judges must consider the seriousness of the charge, public safety, your criminal record, and the likelihood that you’ll come to court (MCL 765.6). The court rule adds factors such as:

• Past court appearances and any missed dates
• Employment and financial history
• Family ties and how long you’ve lived in the community
• Responsible people willing to vouch for you or supervise you
• Substance use or mental health history

That’s why preparation matters. Attorney Brown brings proof of your job, residence, family support, and any treatment, so the judge sees why you’re not a risk.

When Can a Judge Deny Bond in Michigan?

“No bond” is the exception. Under the Michigan Constitution and Court Rule 6.106, a judge can deny release only in limited cases, and only when the evidence of guilt is strong:

• Murder or treason
• A violent felony when you have two or more prior violent felony convictions within 15 years
• A violent felony committed while on probation, parole, or pretrial release for another violent felony
• First-degree criminal sexual conduct, armed robbery, or kidnapping with intent to extort, unless the court finds by clear and convincing evidence that you’re not likely to flee or endanger anyone

If the judge denies bond, trial must begin within 90 days (not counting delays caused by the defense). Otherwise, the court must hold a hearing and set bond. You can also ask for a custody hearing, where your lawyer can present witnesses and cross-examine the prosecution’s witnesses.

How to Lower or Review Bond in Michigan

Motion to Modify Bond

If your bond is too high, your lawyer can file a motion to modify it. Before your case reaches circuit court, the court must find a substantial reason to change bond, such as new information or a change in circumstances. After arraignment in circuit court, the judge can decide bond fresh. The side asking for the change must present the reasons and supporting proof.

Asking a Higher Court to Review Bond

You can also ask the next-higher court to review a bond decision, for example asking the circuit court to review a district court’s decision. There is no filing fee. The reviewing court can change bond only if the first judge abused their discretion, so a transcript of the bond hearing is often essential.

What Makes a Bond Motion Succeed

Judges respond to specifics: a job letter, proof of residence, a treatment program, a family member willing to supervise, or GPS monitoring in place of a cash amount you can’t afford. As your Michigan warrant lawyer, Attorney Brown builds a concrete plan that answers the court’s concerns.

Getting Your Bond Money Back

Michigan changed its bond refund rule effective May 1, 2026. When your case ends and you’ve met your bond conditions, the court generally must return your entire deposit. The court may keep 10% of a 10% deposit bond only when the charge was a misdemeanor or traffic offense and you were convicted of it. If you posted the bond yourself, the court may first apply it to fines and costs.

What Happens If You Violate Bond?

Violating a bond condition can lead to arrest, revoked release, and forfeiture of the bond. A judge can also hold you in contempt. If someone accuses you of a bond violation, call a lawyer right away.

Recent Results

$300,000 Bond Reduced, Client Released the Same Day — Madison Heights

Police arrested our client on several felony drug charges when they executed a search warrant at his home, and the magistrate set bond at $300,000 cash/surety. We filed a motion to reduce bond, arguing that the amount was excessive given his disability, his limited resources, and other factors the court must weigh. The court granted the motion, and our client bonded out that same day.

Felony Probation Warrant After 10 Years Resolved With No Jail — Macomb County

The client had a probation warrant after leaving Michigan for more than 10 years. The court imposed no jail and continued probation so she could pay restitution.

See more of our case results.

A Former Police Officer as Your Michigan Warrant Lawyer

Attorney Brown served with the Detroit Police Department from 1996 to 2003. He knows how police request, enter, and serve warrants, and how detectives handle a call from a defense lawyer. He has also practiced before criminal judges throughout Oakland, Macomb, and Wayne Counties for years. That experience helps him get clients in front of the court quickly and with the strongest possible bond argument.

Michigan Warrant FAQ

Do warrants expire in Michigan?

Generally, no. A Michigan arrest or bench warrant stays active until police arrest you or the court recalls it.

Can I be arrested on a warrant during a traffic stop?

Yes. Warrants appear in the police database, and officers routinely check it during traffic stops.

Can my lawyer clear a bench warrant without me being arrested?

Often your lawyer can contact the court and get you a new date, or arrange for you to appear in person to have the warrant recalled. Each court handles this differently.

What if I have a warrant in another county?

If police arrest you on another county’s warrant, they may hold you until that county’s officers pick you up. Clearing the warrant first avoids this delay.

How much will my bond be?

It depends on the charge, your record, and your ties to the community. Preparation before arraignment gives you the best chance at a low bond or personal recognizance.

Talk to a Michigan Warrant Lawyer Today

A warrant won’t go away on its own, and every day you wait raises the risk of an arrest at the worst possible time. Attorney Brown defends clients throughout Oakland County, Macomb County, and Wayne County. Call (248) 468-1468, 24/7, or contact us online for a free, confidential consultation.