Ingham Public Records / Ingham County Arrest Records

Ingham County Arrest Records

Are Arrest Records Public in Ingham County

Arrest records in Ingham County are considered public information under Michigan's Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), specifically Michigan Compiled Laws § 15.231-15.246. This statute establishes that records maintained by public bodies, including law enforcement agencies, are generally accessible to the public unless specifically exempted by law.

The Michigan State Police and local law enforcement agencies in Ingham County maintain arrest records as part of their official duties. Pursuant to Michigan law, these records are subject to public disclosure with certain limitations. It is important to note that arrest records document only that an arrest occurred and do not constitute proof of guilt. Under the presumption of innocence principle, individuals are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

While arrest records are generally public, certain information may be redacted or withheld in accordance with exemptions provided in § 15.243 of Michigan's FOIA. These exemptions include information that would:

Constitute an unwarranted invasion of personal privacy
Interfere with law enforcement proceedings
Deprive a person of the right to a fair trial
Disclose the identity of a confidential source
Endanger the life or physical safety of law enforcement personnel

Additionally, juvenile arrest records are subject to different rules under Michigan law and generally enjoy greater confidentiality protections than adult records.

What's in Ingham County Arrest Records

Arrest records maintained by Ingham County law enforcement agencies typically contain comprehensive information about individuals who have been taken into custody. The content of these records is standardized in accordance with Michigan law enforcement protocols and includes the following categories of information:

Arrestee Identifying Information:

Full legal name and any known aliases
Date of birth and age at time of arrest
Physical description (height, weight, eye color, hair color)
Identifying marks such as tattoos or scars
Home address at time of arrest
Gender and race
Fingerprints and, in most cases, photograph (mugshot)

Arrest Details:

Date, time, and location of arrest
Arresting agency and officer identification
Circumstances leading to the arrest
Whether force was used during the arrest
Whether the arrestee was armed

Charge Information:

Criminal charges filed
Statutory citations of alleged violations
Classification of offense (misdemeanor or felony)
Description of the alleged criminal activity

Warrant Information (if applicable):

Warrant number and issuing court
Date warrant was issued
Judge who signed the warrant

Booking Information:

Date and time of booking
Booking facility location
Booking officer identification
Property inventory taken during booking

Bond/Bail Information:

Bond amount set
Bond type (cash, surety, personal recognizance)
Whether bond was posted
Conditions of release if applicable

Court Information:

Court of jurisdiction
Case number
Scheduled court appearances
Name of assigned judge

Custody Status:

Current detention status
Facility where detained (if applicable)
Release date (if applicable)

Additional Information May Include:

Prior arrest history
Known associates
Vehicle information
Employment information
Emergency contact information

The comprehensiveness of arrest records serves multiple purposes within the criminal justice system, including identification, case management, and public safety considerations.

How To Look Up Arrest Records in Ingham County in 2026

Members of the public seeking arrest records in Ingham County may utilize several official channels to obtain this information. The following procedures are currently in effect for accessing arrest records:

Submit a FOIA Request to the Ingham County Sheriff's Office

Individuals may submit a formal Freedom of Information Act request to the Ingham County Sheriff's Office, which maintains arrest records for the county.

Ingham County Sheriff's Office
630 North Cedar Street
Mason, MI 48854
517-676-2431
Ingham County Sheriff's Office

FOIA requests must be submitted in writing and should include:
- Requestor's complete contact information
- Specific description of records sought
- Date range of records requested
- Name and date of birth of the subject of the records
- Preferred format for receiving records
Contact the Arresting Agency Directly

If the arrest was made by a municipal police department within Ingham County, requestors may contact that specific agency. For example:

Lansing Police Department
120 W. Michigan Avenue
Lansing, MI 48933
517-483-4600
Lansing Police Department

East Lansing Police Department
410 Abbot Road
East Lansing, MI 48823
517-351-4220
East Lansing Police Department
Visit the Ingham County Clerk's Office

For arrest records that have resulted in court proceedings, information may be available through the Ingham County Clerk's Office.

Ingham County Clerk's Office
341 S. Jefferson Street
Mason, MI 48854
517-676-7201
Ingham County Clerk

Public counter hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Request Criminal History Information from Michigan State Police

For a comprehensive criminal history check that includes arrests throughout Michigan:

Michigan State Police Criminal Records Unit
7150 Harris Drive
Dimondale, MI 48821
517-241-0606
Michigan State Police

Requestors should be prepared to pay applicable fees for record searches and copies as permitted under Michigan's FOIA § 15.234. Fees typically include costs for search time, review, and duplication of records.

How To Find Ingham County Arrest Records Online

Ingham County provides several digital resources for accessing arrest records and related information online. These electronic systems enhance public accessibility while maintaining compliance with Michigan's public records laws.

The primary online resources for locating Ingham County arrest records include:

Ingham County Jail Inmate Search

The Ingham County Sheriff's Office maintains an online inmate lookup system that provides information about currently incarcerated individuals and recent arrests.

To use this system:
- Visit the Ingham County Sheriff's Office website
- Navigate to the "Inmate Search" section
- Enter search criteria (name, booking number, or date range)
- Review results showing current inmates and their charges
Michigan Courts Case Search System

The MiCOURT Case Search system provides access to court records related to arrests in Ingham County. This system includes:
- Case numbers and filing dates
- Charges filed
- Court appearance schedules
- Case disposition information
- Sentencing details when applicable
Michigan Offender Tracking Information System (OTIS)

The OTIS database maintained by the Michigan Department of Corrections provides information about:
- Current inmates in state prisons
- Individuals on parole or probation
- Offense information
- Custody status and location
- Scheduled release dates
Michigan Public Sex Offender Registry

For specific sex offense-related arrests and convictions, the Michigan Sex Offender Registry provides:
- Offender photographs
- Physical descriptions
- Registered addresses
- Conviction information
- Compliance status

When using online systems, users should note that:

Information may not be comprehensive or immediately updated
Some records may require additional verification
Certain sensitive information may be redacted
Records of ongoing investigations may have limited availability

Online access to arrest records is governed by Michigan's FOIA and the Enhanced Access to Public Records Act (MCL § 15.441-15.445), which establishes guidelines for electronic access to public records.

How To Search Ingham County Arrest Records for Free?

Members of the public have several options for accessing Ingham County arrest records without incurring fees. Michigan law provides for certain free access points to public records, though limitations may apply to the scope and detail of freely available information.

Free resources for searching Ingham County arrest records include:

Public Access Terminals at Government Offices

The Ingham County Clerk's Office and the 30th Circuit Court provide public access computer terminals where visitors may search court records related to arrests at no charge.

Ingham County Courthouse
341 S. Jefferson Street
Mason, MI 48854
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Online Inmate Lookup

The Ingham County Sheriff's Office maintains a free online inmate search tool that provides basic information about currently incarcerated individuals and recent bookings.

This resource is accessible 24/7 through the Sheriff's Office website and requires no registration or payment.
Michigan Courts Online Services

Basic case information is available at no cost through the Michigan Courts website, which provides:
- Case numbers and filing dates
- Scheduled hearings
- Case type and status
- Party names
Michigan State Police Sex Offender Registry

The Michigan Public Sex Offender Registry is freely accessible and searchable by name, location, or email address.
Public Records Request for Limited Information

Under Michigan's FOIA § 15.234(1), if a request for public records is made by an indigent individual, the first $20 of the fee for each request must be waived. Additionally, the first 20 pages of material may be provided without charge in some circumstances.

To qualify for fee waivers, requestors must submit an affidavit stating facts showing inability to pay due to indigence.

When utilizing free resources, users should be aware that:

Information may be less comprehensive than paid searches
Record availability may be limited to specific time periods
Some details may be redacted in accordance with privacy laws
Complex searches may still require paid services

Pursuant to Michigan's FOIA, public bodies may still charge reasonable fees for requests that require extensive search, review, or duplication beyond what is available through free access points.

How To Delete Arrest Records in Ingham County

Michigan law provides mechanisms for the expungement (legal erasure) or sealing (restricting public access) of arrest records under specific circumstances. These processes are governed primarily by Michigan's Set Aside Law, specifically MCL § 780.621 et seq., which was significantly expanded by the Clean Slate legislation that took effect in April 2021.

Expungement vs. Sealing: Understanding the Distinction

Expungement refers to the legal process of removing an arrest or conviction from public records. When a record is expunged, it is treated as if it never occurred for most purposes. Sealing, by contrast, restricts public access to records but maintains them for law enforcement and certain official purposes.

Eligibility for Expungement in Ingham County

Under current Michigan law, individuals may be eligible for expungement if:

The arrest did not lead to a conviction
The conviction was for certain qualifying misdemeanors or felonies
The required waiting period has elapsed (typically 3-7 years depending on offense type)
The individual has no more than the maximum number of allowable convictions
The offense is not among those specifically excluded by statute

Certain serious offenses, including most sexual offenses, traffic offenses, and felonies punishable by life imprisonment, are generally ineligible for expungement.

Process for Expunging Arrest Records

Obtain a Certified Record of Arrest and Prosecution (RAP Sheet)

Request a copy from the Michigan State Police through their Criminal History Request process.
File an Application to Set Aside Conviction

Submit the appropriate application to the court where the case was handled:

30th Circuit Court
341 S. Jefferson Street
Mason, MI 48854
517-676-8400

54A District Court (Lansing)
124 W. Michigan Avenue
Lansing, MI 48933
517-483-4433

54B District Court (East Lansing)
101 Linden Street
East Lansing, MI 48823
517-351-7000
Pay Filing Fees and Undergo Fingerprinting

Current filing fees are approximately $50, plus fingerprinting costs.
Attend Court Hearing

The court will schedule a hearing where a judge will consider the application.
If Granted, Notify Relevant Agencies

Upon approval, the court will send orders to appropriate agencies to expunge records.

Individuals seeking expungement may receive assistance through the Michigan Attorney General's Expungement Assistance Program, which provides guidance on navigating the process.

For arrests that did not result in charges or convictions, individuals may petition directly to the arresting agency for record removal under MCL § 28.243(8-14).

What Happens After Arrest in Ingham County?

Following an arrest in Ingham County, individuals enter a structured criminal justice process governed by Michigan law and local court procedures. This process typically progresses through several distinct phases:

Booking and Initial Detention

After physical arrest, individuals are transported to a detention facility, typically the Ingham County Jail, where they undergo:
- Photographing and fingerprinting
- Personal property inventory
- Medical screening
- Background check
- Initial holding in a detention cell
Arraignment

Within approximately 24-48 hours of arrest, defendants appear before a judge or magistrate for arraignment, where:
- Formal charges are read
- Constitutional rights are explained
- Bond decisions are made
- Plea is entered (typically not guilty at this stage)
- Future court dates are scheduled
In Ingham County, arraignments occur at:

54A District Court (Lansing cases)
124 W. Michigan Avenue
Lansing, MI 48933

54B District Court (East Lansing cases)
101 Linden Street
East Lansing, MI 48823

55th District Court (other Ingham County cases)
700 Buhl Avenue
Mason, MI 48854
Pretrial Proceedings

Following arraignment, cases proceed through several pretrial stages:
- Discovery (exchange of evidence)
- Pretrial conferences
- Motion hearings
- Plea negotiations
Preliminary Examination (Felony Cases Only)

For felony charges, a preliminary examination is held where:
- Prosecution must demonstrate probable cause
- Judge determines if case should proceed to Circuit Court
- Case may be dismissed if insufficient evidence exists
Circuit Court Proceedings (Felony Cases)

Felony cases that survive preliminary examination are bound over to:

30th Circuit Court
341 S. Jefferson Street
Mason, MI 48854
Trial

If no plea agreement is reached, cases proceed to trial, which may be:
- Bench trial (judge only)
- Jury trial (six jurors for misdemeanors, twelve for felonies)
Sentencing

Upon conviction through plea or trial verdict, sentencing follows where:
- Pre-sentence investigation reports are reviewed
- Victim impact statements may be presented
- Judge imposes sentence (may include incarceration, probation, fines, or alternative sanctions)
Post-Conviction

After sentencing, individuals may:
- Serve jail or prison time
- Complete probation requirements
- File appeals if legal grounds exist
- Eventually seek expungement if eligible

Throughout this process, defendants have constitutional rights including the right to counsel. Those unable to afford an attorney may request representation from:

Ingham County Office of the Public Defender
303 W. Kalamazoo Street, Suite 400
Lansing, MI 48933
517-483-6264

The timeline from arrest to case resolution varies significantly based on case complexity, court calendars, and whether the defendant is in custody or released on bond.

How Long Are Arrest Records Kept in Ingham County?

Arrest records in Ingham County are maintained according to Michigan's record retention requirements, primarily governed by Michigan Compiled Laws § 28.243 and the Michigan State Records Management Administration's retention schedules. These regulations establish specific timeframes for the preservation of law enforcement records.

Standard Retention Periods

Arrest Records with No Charges Filed: When an arrest does not result in charges being filed, fingerprints and arrest records must be returned or destroyed after 60 days, pursuant to MCL § 28.243(8).
Arrests Resulting in Acquittal: Following a not guilty verdict or dismissal of charges, records may be eligible for removal from public databases upon request, though internal agency records are typically maintained for at least 7 years.
Misdemeanor Convictions: Records of misdemeanor arrests resulting in conviction are generally maintained for a minimum of 7 years after the completion of sentence, though many agencies retain these records for longer periods.
Felony Records: Felony arrest and conviction records are maintained indefinitely in state databases and local agency files.
Juvenile Records: Arrest records for juveniles are subject to different retention rules and may be eligible for earlier sealing or destruction under MCL § 712A.18e.

Agency-Specific Retention Practices

Different agencies within Ingham County maintain arrest records according to their specific retention schedules:

Ingham County Sheriff's Office maintains arrest records according to the Law Enforcement Records Retention Schedule, which typically requires:
- Incident reports: minimum 7 years
- Booking records: minimum 7 years
- Arrest photographs: minimum 7 years
Michigan State Police maintains criminal history records in the statewide database indefinitely unless expungement is granted.
Ingham County Prosecutor's Office maintains case files related to arrests according to the Prosecuting Attorneys Retention Schedule, typically:
- Felony cases: 25 years
- Misdemeanor cases: 7 years
- Juvenile cases: Until age 30
Ingham County Courts maintain court records related to arrests according to the Michigan Trial Court Records Retention and Disposal Schedule, which varies by case type.

The extended retention of arrest records serves several important public purposes, including:

Maintaining evidence for potential appeals or post-conviction proceedings
Supporting law enforcement investigations of similar crimes
Providing complete criminal history information for sentencing in future cases
Ensuring accountability and transparency in the criminal justice system

Individuals seeking to limit the accessibility of their arrest records should consult the expungement process outlined in Michigan law.

How to Find Mugshots in Ingham County

What Mugshots Are

Mugshots, formally known as booking photographs, are official photographs taken during the arrest booking process. These images serve as visual identification records of arrested individuals and typically include front-view (frontal) and side-view (profile) images of the arrestee's face and upper body. Mugshots are created primarily for law enforcement identification purposes and become part of the official arrest record.

Where Mugshots Are Maintained

In Ingham County, booking photographs are maintained by several agencies:

Ingham County Sheriff's Office maintains mugshots as part of their booking records for all individuals processed through the county jail.

Ingham County Sheriff's Office
630 North Cedar Street
Mason, MI 48854
517-676-2431
Local Police Departments may maintain copies of mugshots for arrests they process:

Lansing Police Department
120 W. Michigan Avenue
Lansing, MI 48933
517-483-4600

East Lansing Police Department
410 Abbot Road
East Lansing, MI 48823
517-351-4220
Michigan State Police maintains a central repository of mugshots for arrests throughout the state.

Finding Mugshots

To obtain official copies of mugshots in Ingham County, individuals may:

Submit a FOIA Request: File a formal Freedom of Information Act request with the arresting agency or the Ingham County Sheriff's Office. The request should include:
- Full name of the arrested individual
- Date of birth
- Approximate date of arrest
- Case number (if known)
- Requestor's contact information
Contact the Records Division: Directly contact the records division of the relevant law enforcement agency during business hours:

Ingham County Sheriff's Office Records Division
630 North Cedar Street
Mason, MI 48854
517-676-8251
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Can Mugshots Be Found Online?

The availability of mugshots online through official sources is limited in Michigan. Unlike some states, Michigan does not maintain a public-facing database of booking photographs. However, mugshots may appear online through:

News Media Websites: Local news outlets may publish mugshots related to newsworthy arrests
Third-Party Websites: Commercial websites that aggregate and publish mugshot information, though Michigan has enacted legislation (MCL § 445.1881) regulating such sites

Restrictions on Mugshot Access

Access to mugshots in Ingham County is subject to certain limitations:

Privacy Exemptions: Under Michigan's FOIA, mugshots may be withheld if their release would constitute an unwarranted invasion of privacy
Ongoing Investigations: Photographs related to active investigations may be temporarily exempt from disclosure
Juvenile Records: Mugshots of juvenile arrestees (under 18) are generally not public records
Expunged Records: If an arrest record has been legally expunged, the associated mugshot should no longer be accessible

When requesting mugshots, be prepared to pay applicable fees for search and duplication services as permitted under Michigan's FOIA. Typical fees include costs for staff time and reproduction of records.

Lookup Arrest Records in Ingham County

MiCOURT Case Search

OTIS Offender Search

Attorney General Expungement Assistance

Michigan Sex Offender Registry

Michigan Courts Case Search

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