Michigan Arrest Warrants

Small troubles can still lead to court
Imagine this scenario: you get into a disagreement with your neighbor over tree trimming. They sue you in small claims court but because you think its nonsense you don't even bother showing up. It's conceivable at that point that you could have a bench warrant sworn out in your name which could compel you to come to court and stand before the judge.

Compliance is essential
When it comes to Michigan arrest warrants, that type of scenario is all too common. Once a judge has issued an arrest warrant whether that's a bench warrant for matters dealing with the court or an arrest warrant for criminal matters, you must comply or face serious penalties and even jail time.

There is no avoiding court
Like the rest of the country, Michigan arrest warrants break down into two simple categories: bench warrant and arrest warrants. You can think of the difference between these two as court versus criminal. The bench warrant is sworn out in your name by a judge who has been told that you have fulfilled an obligation that is before the court. It could be that lawsuit scenario or it could also be a parking ticket that you forgot to pay. The bottom line is that if it has reached the point for a judge to issue a bench warrant that means you had better show up in court to clear up the matter.

Bench Warrants
Keep in mind that if a Michigan bench warrant has been sworn out in your name, that doesn't mean the police are going to rush out and arrest you. However, if you are stopped for speeding or try to get a job where they run a background check you the red flags will go up. At that point, you could very well be arrested and brought before the judge.

Arrest Warrants
As to the Michigan arrest warrants, these are also issued by a judge but deal with specific criminal charges you might be facing. This doesn't have to mean you've committed murder but something as simple as a tussle in a bar that got out of hand could lead to an arrest warrant being sworn out in your name. In the case of these types of warrants, the police are more inclined to try and locate you immediately while you are considered to still be in their jurisdiction. This could mean being arrested at home or at work.

It's your responsibility
It's obvious that we should know if we have been in trouble but there are cases where things have gotten away from us like tickets or summons to appear. Unfortunately, ignorance is not an excuse. Even if you moved and weren't notified, the Michigan arrest warrants will still be considered outstanding until you have cleared them with the court. Just as you can check for your credit report, you can also check for any outstanding arrest warrants. There are many databases available online that can conduct a search in your name. Even if you think you might have missed something having to do with the courts, it's better to find out and take care of it yourself.