Ottawa County Criminal Records

We are glad you came to this page. We will do our best to help you learn about Ottawa County Criminal Records. This guide points you to the right places. It helps you know what you can find.

If you want to start a search right now for Ottawa County Criminal Records, one place you can check is https://michiganofficialrecords.com/ottawa-county-criminal-records/. This site may offer quick access to look up records. It can be a fast way to begin finding the data you need. Feel free to visit them if you prefer not to wait or need results immediately. They aim to simplify your search process.

Where to Find Ottawa County Criminal Records

Ottawa County Courts (Circuit & District)

Most official criminal case records are held by the courts. Ottawa County has two main courts for these files. The 20th Circuit Court deals with more serious crimes. These are known as felonies. It also handles large civil cases and family law. The Circuit Court Records Division is run by the County Clerk. You can ask for records there. The 58th District Court handles less serious crimes. These are misdemeanors. It also manages traffic tickets and small claims cases. The District Court has three locations in the county. Each location keeps its own case files. You need to know which court handled the case.

The 20th Circuit Court Records Division is in Grand Haven. Their main office is at 414 Washington Ave, Room 320, Grand Haven, MI 49417. You can call them at (616) 846-8315. The fax number is (616) 846-8138. For email use circuitcourtrecords@miottawa.org. The Family Division is at 12120 Fillmore St, West Olive, MI 49460. Its phone is (616) 786-4108. Many court records can be searched online. Check the county court websites for search tools. Keep in mind that older records may need a direct request. Online systems might not show cases older than seven years for the District Court. You would need to email the specific court location for those.

Ottawa County Sheriff's Office

The Ottawa County Sheriff's Office creates records too. These often relate to arrests and incident reports. When someone is arrested, the Sheriff logs the event. They write reports about calls for service. These records are different from court conviction records. They show law enforcement actions. The Sheriff's Records Unit handles requests for these reports. They manage access based on rules like FOIA. You can ask for crash reports too. Some crash reports can be bought online fast. Others need a Freedom of Information Act request.

To ask for criminal reports or other service reports, use the county's online system. The Ottawa County FOIA Center is used to process these requests. This helps them track your request. It lets you get records online when ready. You can submit a request using the FOIA Center. You can also send requests by mail or fax. You can bring it in person. But the report will not be ready right away. They need time to process it. The main Sheriff's Office Administration is at 12220 Fillmore St, West Olive, MI 49460. The Records Unit page is on the Sheriff's website. It has links to the FOIA center. Some services like fingerprints have set fees. FOIA request costs depend on the work needed. Many cost less than $10.

Michigan State Police (ICHAT)

For a wider check, use the Michigan State Police. They run the Internet Criminal History Access Tool. This is called ICHAT. It lets you search public criminal records from all Michigan counties. It shows felony convictions. It also shows serious misdemeanor convictions. These are crimes punishable by more than 93 days in jail. Law enforcement and courts across Michigan report to this system. It is a name based search. You need the person's full name and date of birth.

ICHAT is a useful tool for background checks. But it has limits. It only shows public Michigan records. It does not show federal crime records. It does not show tribal court records. It does not show records from other states. Records that are sealed or expunged will not appear. Active warrant information is also not available on ICHAT. There is a fee to use ICHAT. Each search costs $10. You pay this online when you make the request. You can access ICHAT at the official Michigan State Police website. Many employers and groups use ICHAT for screening.

Types of Criminal Records Available

Arrest Records

Arrest records are made when police detain someone. The Ottawa County Sheriff's Office makes these. Local city police departments also make them. These records show that an arrest happened. They do not prove guilt in court. An arrest record usually includes:

• The person's full name and date of birth.

• Physical details like height, weight, and race.

• Booking information (date, time, holding place).

• Bond amount if set.

• Arrest details (time, place, officer).

• The charges at the time of arrest.

These records are kept by the law agency that made the arrest. You usually request them from the Sheriff's Records Unit. You may need to file a FOIA request. Some details might be kept private during an active case.

Court Records (Convictions, Case Files)

Court records are official files from legal cases. They show what happened in court. This includes charges filed by the prosecutor. It includes pleas entered (guilty, not guilty). It shows motions filed and court orders. If there was a trial, it shows the outcome. If convicted, it shows the sentence. These are public records for adult cases. The 58th District Court handles misdemeanors. The 20th Circuit Court handles felonies. The County Clerk maintains Circuit Court records. District Court clerks maintain their records. You can search some case information online. You can also visit the court clerk's office. They can help you find case files. Copies usually have a fee per page.

Finding the right court record requires some detail. Knowing the full name of the person is key. A date of birth helps make sure it is the right person. If you have a case number, that is best. It takes you right to the file. Court records provide the official history of a criminal case. They show convictions, dismissals, or acquittals. These are very important for background checks. They are also used for legal needs. Access is governed by court rules and state law. Most adult criminal case files are open to the public. Juvenile records are usually private.

How to Request Ottawa County Criminal Records

Online Requests

You can ask for some records online. This is often the fastest way. The Michigan State Police ICHAT system is online. It checks statewide public conviction records. It costs $10 per search. You get results right away usually. The Ottawa County courts offer online case search tools. The 20th Circuit Court may have options linked from its site. The 58th District Court also has an online search. Remember, court sites might not show old cases. Cases older than 7 years might need direct email requests. For Sheriff's Office reports, use the Ottawa County FOIA Center. This online portal lets you submit and track requests. You can get crash reports and incident reports this way.

In-Person Requests

You can go in person to ask for records. Visit the court clerk's office for court files. The Circuit Court Clerk's record division is at 414 Washington Ave, Room 320, Grand Haven. The District Court has offices in Grand Haven, Holland, and Hudsonville. Check their specific addresses and hours before you go. These are usually normal business hours, like 8 AM to 5 PM, Monday to Friday. For Sheriff's records, visit their administration building. This is at 12220 Fillmore St, West Olive. Ask for the Records Unit or FOIA coordinator. Bring photo ID. Be ready to fill out a request form. You might need to pay fees. Records may not be ready the same day.

Mail Requests

Sending requests by mail is another choice. This works for both court records and Sheriff reports. For court records, write to the clerk of the specific court. That is the Circuit Court Clerk or the District Court Clerk at the right location. Include the person's full name and date of birth. Add any case numbers you know. State clearly what record you need. Ask about fees and how to pay. For Sheriff's records, mail a FOIA request form or letter. Send it to the Sheriff's Office address. Be specific about the report you need. Include dates and names involved if known. Mail requests take longer. Allow time for mailing and processing.

Required Information and Fees

To get criminal records, you need some key information. You always need the person's full name. Their date of birth is also very important. This helps make sure you find the right person. If you seek court records, a case number is very helpful. For Sheriff reports, the date and location of the event helps. Fees vary based on the record type and agency.

• ICHAT Search: $10 per name searched online.

• Court Record Copies: Fees per page, set by the court. Certification costs extra.

• Sheriff Reports (FOIA): Cost based on labor time and materials. Many small requests are under $10. Larger ones cost more. You get an estimate if the cost is high.

• Fingerprinting (Sheriff): Specific fees apply if needed ($25 for handgun prints, $5/card otherwise per ottawacountyso.com).

Payment methods differ. ICHAT takes cards online. Courts often take cash, check, money order, or card. The Sheriff's Office may prefer cash or money order for some things. They accept credit cards (Visa/Mastercard) with a fee for FOIA. Check with the specific office for their accepted payment types.

Understanding Record Access

Public vs. Non-Public Records

Most adult criminal records in Michigan are public. This means anyone can ask to see them. This follows the Michigan Freedom of Information Act (FOIA). FOIA gives people the right to access public body records. Court convictions and case files are public. Arrest information is often public too. But some records are not public. Juvenile court records are usually kept private. Records that have been legally sealed or expunged are removed from public view. Details about ongoing police investigations might be withheld. This protects the case. Always check with the agency if unsure. They follow state laws on record access.

Michigan Clean Slate Law

Michigan has laws to help people clear their records. These are called "Clean Slate" laws. They started taking full effect in recent years. The goal is to remove old criminal records from public view. This helps people get jobs and housing. The law expands who can apply to set aside convictions. It also creates an automatic process for some records. Many misdemeanors and some felonies can now be cleared. Up to three felonies and unlimited misdemeanors might be expunged. But there are limits, like no more than two assault crimes. Certain serious crimes cannot be expunged. This includes things like murder or criminal sexual conduct. Most traffic offenses may now be eligible. Even old marijuana misdemeanors can often be cleared.

Clean Slate changes how background checks work. Expunged records are sealed. They will not show up on public searches like ICHAT. Private employers will not see them. Landlords will not see them. But law enforcement and courts keep a private record. The automatic expungement process began clearing records in April 2023. Millions of old convictions have been sealed automatically. This helps many people move past old mistakes. If you think you might qualify, you can learn more. Check resources like the State Court Administrative Office or Safe & Just Michigan. They have information on eligibility and the process.

Key Ottawa County Contacts for Criminal Records

Ottawa County Clerk - Court Records Division

• Address: 414 Washington Ave, Room 320, Grand Haven, MI 49417

• Phone: (616) 846-8315

• Fax: (616) 846-8138 (Fax Filing: 616-846-8147)

• Email: circuitcourtrecords@miottawa.org

• Hours: Monday - Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM (Verify hours before visiting)

• Website: Circuit Court Records Page

20th Circuit Court

• Address: 414 Washington Ave, Grand Haven, MI 49417

• Phone: (616) 846-8320

• Fax: (616) 846-8179

• Email: circuitcourt@miottawa.org

• Hours: Monday - Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM (Verify hours)

• Website: 20th Circuit Court Page

58th District Court

• Locations & Contacts:

  • Grand Haven: 414 Washington Ave, Grand Haven, MI 49417 | Phone: (616) 846-8280 | Email: ghcrim@miottawa.org

  • Holland: 85 West 8th Street, Holland, MI 49423 | Phone: (616) 392-6991 | Email: holcrim@miottawa.org

  • Hudsonville: 3100 Port Sheldon Road, Hudsonville, MI 49426 | Phone: (616) 662-3100 | Email: hudcrim@miottawa.org

• Hours: Monday - Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM (Verify hours per location)

• Website: District Court Records Page

Ottawa County Sheriff's Office - Records Unit

• Address: 12220 Fillmore St, West Olive, MI 49460 (Administration Building)

• Phone: Refer to general Sheriff number (616-738-4000) or FOIA contact info on website.

• Hours: For in-person requests/services, hours may vary. Check website or call. The FOIA Center online is available 24/7 for submissions.

• Website: Sheriff's Records Unit Page (Links to FOIA Center)