Michigan Criminal Records

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If you need to start a search for Michigan Criminal Records right now, you can visit https://michiganofficialrecords.com/criminal-records/. This site allows you to quickly begin looking for the public records you need. Finding Michigan Criminal Records can feel complex, but resources are available to make the process clear and direct for your immediate search needs. Use their tools to start your search without delay.

Understanding Michigan Criminal Records

What Are Michigan Criminal Records?

Michigan Criminal Records are official files. They list a person's history with crime in the state. These are sometimes called rap sheets. They are kept by state and local law enforcement. Courts also add data to these files. These records help track crime history. They serve many public needs.

Types of Information in Michigan Criminal Records

A Michigan Criminal Record holds key details. It lists arrests for big crimes (felonies). It also lists smaller crimes (misdemeanors). The record shows charges filed by a lawyer for the state. If the court found the person guilty, that is noted. This is a conviction. The file shows the sentence given by the judge. This could be jail time or fines. It also has the person’s name. It may show their date of birth. It might list how they look, like height or eye color. This info helps match the record to the right person. The file is built from reports. These come from police, state lawyers, and the courts.

Who Maintains Michigan Criminal Records?

The main keeper of Michigan Criminal Records is the Michigan State Police (MSP). The MSP runs the Criminal Justice Information Center, or CJIC. This is the central place where records are stored. Local police and sheriff's offices send their crime reports here. Michigan courts also send updates. They report when a case ends and if there was a conviction. The Michigan Department of Corrections (MDOC) keeps track of people in state prison. They also track those on parole. Their data is separate but related. The MSP CJIC puts much of this data together in one main state file. This system helps ensure records are as full as they can be.

How to Access Public Michigan Criminal Records

There are a few ways to find Michigan Criminal Records. The method used depends on who is asking. It also depends on why they need the record. Some ways give basic public data. Other ways give more detail but have strict rules.

Using the ICHAT System for Michigan Criminal Records

ICHAT stands for Internet Criminal History Access Tool. It is the main public way to check Michigan Criminal Records using just a name. It is run by the Michigan State Police. This online tool lets anyone search the official state crime history file. You do not need special permission to use it. It is designed for quick public checks.

To search Michigan Criminal Records on ICHAT, you need the person's full name. You also need their date of birth. Go to the ICHAT website. The site link can be found on the MSP page or by search. Enter the name and birth date. The system will search the state database. Results show up right on the screen. You can print the results. They stay online for seven days after the search. Then they are gone. Social security numbers cannot be used to search. Make sure you type the name and date right. Wrong info means a bad search.

Each search on ICHAT costs $10. You must pay with a credit or debit card. Visa, MasterCard, or Discover are okay. Payment is made online before you see results. Some people may not have to pay. If a person cannot afford the fee, they might get it waived. They must fill out a form. It must state why they cannot pay. This form must be signed before a notary public. Then it is sent to the MSP for review.

ICHAT shows public conviction data from Michigan courts. Since a law change in 2006, it may also show arrests. This applies even if there was no conviction later. But, ICHAT does not show everything. You will not find active warrants. You will not see records that are sealed or hidden by law (suppressed). Federal crime records are not in ICHAT. Crime records from other states are not there either. Juvenile records are kept private.

If you need help with ICHAT, support is there. You can call the MSP CJIC Records Section. The phone number is 517-241-0606. Help desk hours are 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM Eastern Time. This is Monday through Friday. They are closed on state holidays. You can ask questions about how to use ICHAT. They can also help if you have issues with a search result.

Fingerprint-Based Michigan Criminal Records Check

Sometimes, a name check is not enough. A fingerprint check links a record directly to a person. This provides a more complete look at Michigan Criminal Records. These checks are often needed for jobs. Think about jobs in schools, police work, or healthcare. They are also used for some state licenses. People can also request their own record using fingerprints. This helps them see the full file the state has. It is more certain than a name search. A name search might miss records or pull up the wrong person if names are common.

The process starts with getting your fingerprints taken. You must go to a local police station or sheriff's office. Some private vendors approved by the state can also take prints (Live Scan). You need a valid photo ID. For requests sent by mail, use the Michigan Application Fingerprint Card (RI-008). If you are out of state, use the FBI Applicant Fingerprint Card (FD-258). Write "Michigan Record Check" on the FBI card reason line. Fill out the card fully. You also need to write a short cover letter. Say why you need the Michigan Criminal Records check. Make sure your return address is clear on the card. The results will only be mailed back to you. They cannot send it to your work or some other place.

There is a fee for this state check. It costs $30. You must pay with a check or money order. Make it payable to the "State of Michigan." Cash or cards are not taken by mail. Send the filled fingerprint card, your letter, and the $30 fee to the MSP CJIC. The mailing address is: Michigan State Police, CJIC, P.O. Box 30634, Lansing, MI 48909-0634. Processing takes time once they get your request.

Many places now use Live Scan for fingerprints. This sends prints to the MSP fast using electronics. If your job or license needs this, they give you a special form. Take this form to an approved Live Scan vendor. You can find a list of vendors on the MSP site. You pay the vendor for their service. They collect the state fee too. This is often faster than mailing the card.

Accessing Michigan Criminal Records via Courts

The Michigan Criminal Records held by the MSP show arrests and convictions. Court records show much more detail about a specific case. They include motions, orders from the judge, and evidence lists. These are kept at the courthouse where the case happened. They are separate from the MSP state history file. If you need full details on one case, you need court records.

A good place to start for court case information is MiCOURT Case Search. This is an online tool from the Michigan Supreme Court. It lets you search case information from many district and circuit courts in Michigan. You can search by name or the court case number. The web address is https://micourt.courts.michigan.gov/case-search/. It may show case status, dates, and filings. Not all courts might be fully on this system. Some older case data might not be online.

To get actual copies of court documents, you must ask the Clerk of Court. Find the court where the case was decided. Contact their clerk's office. Most courts have a form to request copies. You can often find this on the court's own website. You usually need the case number or party names. There are fees for copies. It is often $1.00 per page. If you need a certified copy (with a court seal), there is an extra fee. This is often $10 per document plus the page cost. You might request by mail, fax, or in person. Check the specific court's rules. Public access terminals may be free to view records at the courthouse.

Michigan Criminal Records and FOIA

The Michigan Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) gives people the right to see public records. This law covers records made and kept by state and local government bodies. The law is found in Michigan Compiled Laws (MCL) section 15.231 and following sections. (See: http://legislature.mi.gov/doc.aspx?mcl-act-442-of-1976). FOIA can be used to ask for things like police incident reports from a specific event. It can also get agency policies or communications. Any person can make a FOIA request, except those in prison.

To make a FOIA request, write it down. Clearly state the records you want. Be specific with dates, names, and type of record. Send the request to the FOIA coordinator at the agency that has the records. For example, send it to the city police department for their report. Agencies usually have 5 business days to respond. They can grant the request, deny it, or ask for more time (up to 10 more business days). They might charge fees for search time, copy costs, and mailing.

FOIA is useful for some records related to crime. But it is not the main way to get a person's full Michigan Criminal Records history. For that history, use ICHAT or a fingerprint check through MSP. Court case files are accessed through the courts directly; they are not subject to FOIA requests for access. Vital records like birth or death certificates also have their own request process, not FOIA. Also, FOIA has exemptions. Some law enforcement records might be withheld if release would harm an investigation or reveal private details.

Details Within Michigan Criminal Records

Information Included in Michigan Criminal Records

Official Michigan Criminal Records compile a lot of data. They contain the person's full name. Any known aliases or past names may be listed too. The date of birth is a key piece of info. Physical details like height, weight, hair, and eye color help confirm who it is. Fingerprints are linked to the record if they are on file with the state. Each time the person is arrested, the date and the charges are logged. The agency that made the arrest is noted. The name of the county prosecutor handling the case might be included. The most vital part is the court outcome, or disposition. This shows if the person was found guilty (convicted). It also shows if charges were dropped (dismissed) or if they were found not guilty (acquitted). If convicted, the sentence is recorded. This tells the punishment, like time in jail or prison, probation period, and amount of fines paid. This detailed log creates a history of interactions with the state's criminal justice system.

Information Excluded or Restricted

Not all justice system information is public in Michigan Criminal Records. Records for crimes committed by minors (juveniles) are usually kept private. They are handled by the family court system. Arrests that do not lead to a conviction might not show up after some time. Or they might be removed under certain rules. Records that a judge has ordered sealed or expunged are removed from public access. These cannot be seen through tools like ICHAT. Some court records are kept private by law. These can include cases about mental health treatment. Some parts of domestic violence cases might be restricted. Active arrest warrants are not listed on public ICHAT searches. Criminal records from federal courts are kept separate by the federal government. If someone has a crime history in another state, that will not be in the Michigan state database. You must check with that state's record system.

Managing Your Michigan Criminal Records

Having accurate Michigan Criminal Records is important. Mistakes can harm job searches or housing options. Michigan law provides ways to fix errors. It also allows some old convictions to be removed from public view.

Correcting Errors in Michigan Criminal Records

You might find a mistake in your Michigan Criminal Records. The record could list a crime you did not commit. It might have wrong dates or charge details. Or, it could be someone else's record mixed with yours if you have a similar name. First, get a copy of your record. You can use ICHAT for a quick check. Or get a fingerprint check for the full record. Compare it carefully to your own knowledge and court papers.

If you find an error, you must contact the Michigan State Police CJIC. This is the agency that keeps the main database. You need to formally challenge the incorrect information. The MSP has a process for this. You may need to submit your fingerprints again. This helps them prove you are who you say you are. It makes sure they fix the right person's record.

You will need proof that the record is wrong. Good proof includes official court documents. Get a copy of the Judgment of Sentence for convictions. Get an Order of Dismissal if charges were dropped. These papers show the true outcome of the case. Write a clear letter. Explain exactly what mistake you found on your record. Include copies of your proof documents. Do not send originals.

Send your challenge packet to the MSP CJIC Record Challenge unit. The address is: Michigan State Police, CJIC, Attention: Record Challenge, P.O. Box 30634, Lansing, Michigan 48909-0634. If the error is an arrest record missing the final court result, you might need paperwork from the arresting agency or court first. Then you can fax this proof to MSP at 517-241-0866. Keep copies of everything you send. It can take four to six weeks for MSP to review and fix records. Check your record again after that time. If you still have issues, call the Records Section at 517-241-0606.

Expungement of Michigan Criminal Records (Setting Aside Convictions)

Expungement, called "setting aside" a conviction in Michigan, is a legal way to clear past crimes from your public record. When a Michigan Criminal Record is set aside, it is removed from public view. Employers, landlords, and the general public usually cannot see it anymore. Law enforcement and courts may still access the non-public record. This process gives people a fresh start. It helps them get jobs and housing more easily.

To ask a court to set aside a conviction, you must be eligible. Michigan law (MCL 780.621) sets the rules. These rules changed with the "Clean Slate" laws. Generally, you can ask to set aside one or more felony convictions. You can also ask for set aside of multiple misdemeanor convictions. The exact number depends on the type of crime and your whole record. There are waiting periods. You must wait several years after finishing your sentence or probation/parole. This wait is often 3, 5, or 7 years depending on the crime. You must not have new convictions during the wait time.

The process requires filing an "Application to Set Aside Conviction" form. You file it in the same court where you were convicted. You must get your fingerprints taken for this process. Copies of the application must be sent to the Michigan State Police. Copies also go to the Attorney General's office and the county prosecutor who handled your case. There are court filing fees. You may need to attend a court hearing. A judge listens to your request. The prosecutor might object. The judge decides if setting aside your conviction is in the public interest. They look at your behavior since the crime.

Michigan's Clean Slate laws also created automatic expungement. This started in April 2023. Certain convictions can be set aside automatically by the state. You do not need to file an application for these. However, the waiting periods are longer. It is usually 7 years after sentencing for eligible misdemeanors. It is 10 years after sentencing or release from prison (whichever is later) for eligible felonies. There are limits. Only up to two felonies and four serious misdemeanors can be cleared automatically.

Not all crimes can be set aside, either by petition or automatically. Crimes punishable by life in prison cannot be expunged. Most Criminal Sexual Conduct convictions are not eligible. Traffic offenses that caused death or serious injury usually cannot be set aside. Operating While Intoxicated (DUI) offenses were mostly ineligible. But, a change allows setting aside a first DUI offense by petition after February 19, 2022, after a waiting period. Domestic violence cannot be set aside if you have a prior domestic violence conviction. Human trafficking crimes are also excluded. Always check the current law or get legal advice on eligibility.

For legal details, see the Set Aside law (MCL 780.621) online: http://legislature.mi.gov/doc.aspx?mcl-780-621. Good information on Clean Slate is at Safe & Just Michigan: https://www.safeandjustmi.org/our-work/automatic-expungement/.

Using Michigan Criminal Records

Common Uses (Employment, Housing, Licensing)

Michigan Criminal Records are used often in daily life. Many employers check records before hiring. This is common for jobs with trust, like handling money or working with kids. Landlords check records when screening tenants for rental housing. State agencies check records before issuing certain professional licenses. This includes fields like nursing, teaching, or law. Getting a license to purchase a handgun requires a background check. Applying for a Concealed Pistol License (CPL) also involves checking Michigan Criminal Records. These checks aim to protect the public.

Employer Access and Compliance

Employers in Michigan use ICHAT for quick name-based checks. They might also ask job applicants to get a fingerprint-based check. This is more common for sensitive jobs. When employers use background checks, they must follow laws. If they use a third-party company to run the check, they must obey the federal Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA). The FCRA requires getting the applicant's written consent first. If the employer decides not to hire someone based partly or fully on the Michigan Criminal Records check, they must follow specific steps. This includes giving the applicant a notice before the final decision. They must also provide a copy of the report. They must tell the applicant about their right to dispute errors in the record.

Key Contacts for Michigan Criminal Records

Michigan State Police - Criminal Justice Information Center (CJIC)

The CJIC handles the state's central criminal record repository and ICHAT.

• Mailing Address (Fingerprint Checks / Record Challenges): P.O. Box 30634, Lansing, MI 48909-0634

• MSP Headquarters Address: 7150 Harris Drive, Dimondale, Michigan 48821

• Phone (ICHAT Help / Records Section): 517-241-0606

• Business Hours: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM EST, Monday - Friday (closed on state holidays)

Michigan Department of Corrections (MDOC)

MDOC handles records for individuals currently or recently under state correctional supervision (prison, parole, probation).

• Address: Grandview Plaza, 206 E. Michigan Ave, P.O. Box 30003, Lansing, MI 48909

• Phone (General Info): 517-335-1426

• Offender Tracking Information System (OTIS): https://mdocweb.state.mi.us/otis2/otis2.html (Use this to look up MDOC offenders)

Michigan Courts Resources

For court-specific case files and information.

• Michigan Courts Main Website: https://www.courts.michigan.gov/ (Find links to local courts, forms, and rules)

• MiCOURT Case Search: https://micourt.courts.michigan.gov/case-search/ (Search case information for participating courts)

• Contact the specific Circuit Court, District Court, or Probate Court clerk where a case was handled for direct record requests. Find court directories on the main website.

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