Muskegon County Arrest Records

Thank you for visiting our page. We strive to offer clear help. We want to aid your search for Muskegon County Arrest Records. This page has key facts for you.

If you need to start your search now, go to https://muskegoncountyjails.org/muskegon-county-mi-arrest-records/. This site can help you begin looking for Muskegon County Arrest Records right away. It offers tools and links. These can guide your search for arrest details in the county. Using this resource might speed up your process. Find the data you need fast.

Accessing Muskegon County Arrest Records

What Are Arrest Records?

Arrest records note when police take a person into custody. They are made after an arrest occurs. These are often public records. They show who was held by law enforcement. The record usually lists the charge or charges. It gives the date and time of the arrest. It is not proof of guilt. A court case decides guilt. An arrest record just shows police action.

Who Can Access Arrest Records?

Most people can ask for public records. This includes arrest records in many cases. The Michigan Freedom of Information Act supports this right. This law is found in the Michigan Compiled Laws Ann. §15.231 et seq (https://www.legislature.mi.gov/(S(dnpfzrf0w21l0mwcslsnkawl))/mileg.aspx?page=getObject&objectName=mcl-15-231). You do not need to give a reason. You can ask for these files. There are some rules. Some data may be private. Things like active case details might be held back. But the basic arrest fact is often open. People in prison cannot file FOIA requests.

Where to Find Muskegon County Arrest Records

Finding Muskegon County Arrest Records involves knowing which office holds them. The Sheriff's Office is key for arrest details. The County Clerk handles court case files. These files often result from arrests. Local courts also keep case records.

Muskegon County Sheriff's Office

The Sheriff's Office makes arrest records. They handle the booking process. They may run the county jail. You can ask them for records. Use the county's FOIA process.

• Services: Request incident reports. Request accident reports. Look up inmates (tool may be down sometimes). Provide fingerprinting.

• Contact:

  • Main Office: 990 Terrace Street STE 450, 4th Floor, Muskegon, MI 49442

  • Phone: 231-724-6351

  • Records Division: 990 Terrace Street, 1st Floor

  • Records Fax: 231-724-6008

• How to Request: Use the Muskegon County Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) process. You can find forms online. Look for the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) Request Form-2023 (PDF) on the county site. You can submit online. Or mail the form. Or bring it in person. They have 5 work days to reply. They might ask for 10 more days. Fees may apply for copies or search time. Find FOIA info here: https://www.co.muskegon.mi.us/1115/Freedom-of-Information-Act.

Muskegon County Clerk's Office

The County Clerk keeps court records. These files show what happened after an arrest. This includes charges filed by the prosecutor. It shows court dates and results. The Clerk handles Circuit Court records.

• Types of Records: Civil cases, criminal cases (felonies), family court cases. Divorce records. They also manage vital records like birth or death certificates. But vital records are separate from arrest or court files.

• Contact:

  • Circuit Court Records: 990 Terrace, 6th Floor, Suite 600, Muskegon, MI 49442

  • Phone: 231-724-6251

  • Fax: 231-724-6695

  • Hours: Monday - Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. (Closed Holidays)

  • Vital Records Phone: 231-724-6221

• Request Procedures: Visit the office to view public files. Call for copy requests or questions. Use the state's MiCOURT Case Search online. You can find forms online too. Michigan Legal Help (https://michiganlegalhelp.org/) has forms for those without a lawyer. Fee waivers (MC 20 form) exist for low income persons. Get the MC 20 form here: https://courts.michigan.gov/Search/Pages/Forms.aspx?k=mc%2020. The Clerk sells packets to set aside convictions for $5.00.

Muskegon County Courts (District/Circuit)

Courts handle the legal case after an arrest. Their records show the outcome. Arrest records show the start. Court records show the full path. The 60th District Court handles traffic cases. It also handles less serious crimes (misdemeanors). The 14th Circuit Court handles serious crimes (felonies). It also handles family court cases.

• Accessing Court Dockets/Case Files: Use the MiCOURT Case Search online tool.

  • 14th Circuit Court Search: https://micourt.courts.michigan.gov/CaseSearch/Court/C14

  • 60th District Court Search: https://micourt.courts.michigan.gov/CaseSearch/Court/D60

  • Probate Court Search: https://micourt.courts.michigan.gov/CaseSearch/Court/P61

• Contact Information:

  • Circuit Court Phone: 231-724-6251 (Records: 231-724-8843)

  • District Court Phone: 231-724-6294 (Criminal/Traffic: 231-724-6258)

  • Probate Court Phone: 231-724-6241

  • Friend of the Court/Juvenile: 231-724-6234

  • General FOC Questions: 1-877-543-2660

Understanding Michigan Laws on Records

State laws shape access to public records. The Freedom of Information Act is key. Rules about setting aside convictions also matter.

Michigan Freedom of Information Act (FOIA)

Michigan's FOIA gives you the right to see government files. This includes many police and court records. The law aims for open government. Public bodies must respond to requests. They have set time limits. Usually 5 work days. They can charge fees for search and copy work. Some records are exempt. Exemptions protect privacy or active cases. Read the FOIA statute: https://www.legislature.mi.gov/(S(dnpfzrf0w21l0mwcslsnkawl))/mileg.aspx?page=getObject&objectName=Act-442-of-1976. Muskegon County provides a FOIA guide. It explains their process and fees. Find it on their FOIA page: https://www.co.muskegon.mi.us/1115/Freedom-of-Information-Act.

Expungement and Record Sealing

Michigan law lets some people clear their public criminal record. This is called setting aside a conviction. Or expungement. It does not destroy the record fully. But it limits public access. Law enforcement can still see it. Not all crimes can be set aside. There are wait times. The process involves filing forms with the court. The Muskegon County Clerk sells packets for this. The cost is $5.00. Find the Clerk at 990 Terrace, 6th Floor, Suite 600. Michigan Legal Help offers guidance on this process: https://michiganlegalhelp.org/resources/crime-and-traffic/i-have-criminal-conviction-i-want-clear-or-expunge-my-record.

Information Included in Muskegon County Arrest Records

What will you find in an arrest record? The exact details can vary. But some points are common. These help identify the person. They show the reason for the arrest.

Typical Data Points

Most Muskegon County arrest records should include:

• Full name of the person arrested.

• Date of birth.

• Physical details like height, weight, hair color.

• Mugshot or booking photo, if taken.

• Date and time of the arrest.

• Location where the arrest happened.

• The charges listed at the time of arrest.

• Name of the arresting police agency.

• Booking number or identification number.

• Sometimes bail or bond amount is listed.

Online Search Options (Official)

You can search some records online. Use official state and county tools. These offer trusted data.

Michigan State Police ICHAT System

The Michigan State Police run ICHAT. It stands for Internet Criminal History Access Tool. This is a statewide database. It has public criminal history records. This includes arrests and court results. It costs $10 per search. You pay with a credit card. You need an account. Some people can get a fee waiver. Use a FOIA request and prove low income. ICHAT shows data linked to fingerprints. It draws from police, prosecutor, and court inputs. Find ICHAT here: https://apps.michigan.gov/ichat/home.aspx. The site explains what data is shown. It also tells how to fix errors.

Muskegon County Official Online Portals

Muskegon County offers some online tools. The main one is MiCOURT Case Search. This lets you look up court cases. It covers Circuit, District, and Probate Courts. Find links on the county court page: https://www.co.muskegon.mi.us/1116/Courts. The Sheriff's Office page lists an inmate lookup tool. It also lists a way to buy accident reports online. Check the Sheriff's site for current status. Look here: https://co.muskegon.mi.us/1709/Sheriffs-Office. Use official county sites for best results.