Felony Nonsupport Criminal Warrants
A felony nonsupport warrant is a criminal matter and can only be resolved through the prosecutor’s Office or the Michigan Attorney General’s Office, depending on which department initiated it. The Friend of the Court has no legal authority to issue or resolve these matters. Contact with the issuing agency must be made. If felony warrants remain outstanding, you can be arrested in the United States and brought back to the State of Michigan for prosecution.
Civil Bench Warrants
If you have information about a person for whom a bench warrant or felony nonsupport case has been filed:
If you have information, contact the Friend of the Court Support Specialist at (989) 539-0800. Information and tips that aid in the location of a person with a bench warrant will be kept strictly confidential by all FOC staff.
What should I do if a Friend of the Court bench warrant is issued for my arrest?
1. Call an Enforcement Officer at the Friend of the Court office.
2. Turn yourself in to the local authorities.
3. You may post your full cash bond with local authorities and/or contact the FOC office.
If a bench warrant is not resolved, it remains active in the Law Enforcement Information Network (LEIN). So long as it is active, an authorized police officer anywhere in Michigan can arrest you.
WARRANT FAQs
A bench warrant can be issued for a person's arrest for failure to appear at a court ordered hearing, such as a show cause hearing. A contempt warrant can be issued for a person's arrest for failure to comply with an enforcement order issued by the Court.
What happens if I am arrested on a bench warrant?
If you are unable to post your full cash bond, you will be interviewed by a FOC Enforcement Officer and you will need to appear in court before the Judge for an arraignment on your warrant. If you wish to be represented by an attorney and you cannot afford one on your own, you may request a court appointed attorney. You will be required to complete a request for an attorney and a financial statement for the judge’s review. If approved, the matter will be rescheduled for a later date, giving you an opportunity to speak with the attorney prior to your arraignment.
I posted my cash bond. Will it be returned to me?
In most cases, cash bonds are applied toward past due balances of child support. Your cash bond will be addressed at a scheduled cash bond hearing before the Judge.
How do I know if a warrant has been issued on a party in my case?
The Friend of the Court sends a copy of the Bench Warrant Order to both parties once it has been signed by the Judge. You can also find this information on your MiCase account or by calling: 1-877-543-2660.
What happens if the payer of support does not live in Michigan?
The bench warrant is not valid outside of the State of Michigan. If the party’s whereabouts are known in another state, you may notify the Enforcement officer in writing. The Friend of the Court may be able to file an action in the other State to enforce the Michigan order on our behalf.
When does a case qualify for a felony warrant?
The case must have an arrearage of $10,000 or greater for an in-state felony warrant and $20,000 or greater for out-of-state felony warrants. The Attorney General’s office can review cases to determine if the payer may qualify for a felony warrant. You may contact the Attorney General at 517-373-1111.