Ingham County Criminal Records
What Is Ingham County Criminal Records
Criminal records in Ingham County are official documents that chronicle an individual's interactions with the criminal justice system within the county's jurisdiction. These records are maintained pursuant to Michigan Compiled Laws § 28.242, which establishes requirements for criminal record keeping throughout the state.
Criminal records encompass several distinct categories of documentation:
- Arrest Records: Documents created when law enforcement takes an individual into custody based on probable cause that a crime has been committed. These records exist regardless of whether charges are ultimately filed.
- Conviction Records: Official documentation of criminal cases resulting in a guilty verdict or plea, representing the most accessible type of criminal record.
- Felony Records: Documentation of serious crimes punishable by imprisonment exceeding one year, including violent offenses, significant property crimes, and certain drug violations.
- Misdemeanor Records: Records of less serious offenses typically punishable by up to one year in jail, fines, or probation.
- Juvenile Records: Documentation of offenses committed by individuals under 18 years of age, which are generally sealed and not publicly accessible under Michigan Compiled Laws § 712A.28.
- Warrant Information: Records of active warrants for arrest or bench warrants issued for failure to appear in court.
Multiple agencies maintain criminal records in Ingham County:
Ingham County Sheriff's Office
630 N Cedar St
Mason, MI 48854
517-676-2431
Ingham County Sheriff's Office
30th Circuit Court
Veterans Memorial Courthouse
313 W Kalamazoo St
Lansing, MI 48933
517-483-6500
30th Circuit Court
54A District Court
124 W Michigan Ave
Lansing, MI 48933
517-483-4433
54A District Court
54B District Court
101 Linden St
East Lansing, MI 48823
517-351-7000
54B District Court
55th District Court
700 Buhl Ave
Mason, MI 48854
517-676-8400
55th District Court
Comprehensive criminal records typically include documentation of charges, arraignments, plea agreements, trial proceedings, sentencing information, and probation or parole status. These records serve as the official history of an individual's involvement with the criminal justice system in Ingham County.
Are Criminal Records Public In Ingham County
Criminal records in Ingham County are generally considered public information under Michigan's Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), MCL 15.231-15.246. This statute establishes the public's right to access government records, including most criminal justice documentation.
The Michigan FOIA states: "It is the public policy of this state that all persons, except those persons incarcerated in state or local correctional facilities, are entitled to full and complete information regarding the affairs of government and the official acts of those who represent them as public officials and public employees, consistent with this act."
Public criminal records in Ingham County typically include:
- Adult arrest records resulting in formal charges
- Court proceedings and docket information
- Conviction records
- Sentencing information
- Incarceration records
- Sex offender registry information
- Probation and parole status
However, certain categories of criminal records remain restricted from public access:
- Ongoing criminal investigations, as protected under MCL 15.243(1)(b)
- Juvenile records (for offenders under 18), except in specific circumstances
- Records sealed or expunged by court order
- Records where disclosure would constitute an unwarranted invasion of privacy
- Information that would identify confidential informants
- Records that would interfere with law enforcement proceedings
The Michigan Court of Appeals has consistently upheld that criminal conviction records are public documents. In Detroit Free Press v. City of Southfield, the court affirmed that conviction information is not exempt from disclosure under FOIA, as there is a significant public interest in knowing about criminal activity and how law enforcement addresses it.
At present, members of the public may access public criminal records through the Ingham County Clerk's Office or through various online portals maintained by county and state agencies. While certain restrictions apply to protect privacy and ongoing investigations, the presumption under Michigan law favors disclosure of criminal record information to promote transparency in the criminal justice system.
How To Look Up Criminal Records In Ingham County in 2026
Members of the public seeking criminal records in Ingham County may utilize several official channels to obtain this information. The following procedures are currently in effect for accessing criminal records:
In-Person Requests at the Clerk's Office:
- Visit the Ingham County Clerk's Office during regular business hours (Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM).
- Complete a public records request form, providing the subject's full name and, if possible, date of birth.
- Present valid government-issued photo identification.
- Pay applicable search and copy fees (currently $10-25 for searches, $1-2 per page for copies).
- Allow 5-10 business days for processing complex or extensive requests.
Ingham County Clerk's Office
341 S Jefferson St
Mason, MI 48854
517-676-7201
Ingham County Clerk
Court Records Requests:
- Determine which court has jurisdiction over the case (30th Circuit Court, 54A/54B/55th District Courts).
- Visit the appropriate court clerk's office or access their online portal.
- Provide the case number if known, or the individual's name and approximate case date.
- Pay applicable search and copy fees.
- Review records on-site or request certified copies for an additional fee.
Mail Requests:
- Submit a written request to the Ingham County Clerk's Office or appropriate court.
- Include the subject's full name, date of birth (if known), and approximate timeframe.
- Enclose a self-addressed stamped envelope and payment for applicable fees.
- Allow 2-3 weeks for processing and return mail.
Background Check Requests:
For comprehensive criminal history information, the Michigan State Police maintains the Internet Criminal History Access Tool (ICHAT), which provides statewide criminal history records for a fee of $10 per search.
Michigan State Police ICHAT
7150 Harris Drive
Dimondale, MI 48821
517-241-0606
Criminal History Records
Pursuant to Michigan Compiled Laws § 15.234, agencies may charge reasonable fees for searching, retrieving, and copying public records. Fee waivers may be available for indigent requesters who submit an affidavit stating they are receiving public assistance or otherwise demonstrate inability to pay.
How To Find Criminal Records in Ingham County Online?
Ingham County residents and interested parties may access criminal records through several official online portals maintained by county and state agencies. These digital resources provide convenient access to various types of criminal record information without requiring in-person visits to government offices.
MiCOURT Case Search Portal: The Michigan Courts provide a centralized case search system that includes Ingham County court records.
- Navigate to the MiCOURT Case Search website.
- Create a free user account or log in with existing credentials.
- Select Ingham County from the jurisdiction dropdown menu.
- Enter search criteria (name, case number, or business name).
- Review search results showing case numbers, filing dates, case types, and status.
- Access detailed case information including charges, hearings, and dispositions.
Ingham County Inmate Search: The Ingham County Sheriff's Office maintains an online inmate lookup system.
- Visit the Ingham County Sheriff's Office website.
- Navigate to the "Inmate Search" section.
- Enter the individual's name or booking number.
- View current incarceration status, charges, and bond information.
- Note that this system only displays currently incarcerated individuals.
Michigan Offender Tracking Information System (OTIS): For information on individuals under Michigan Department of Corrections supervision:
- Access the OTIS portal.
- Enter the offender's name or identification number.
- Review incarceration status, offense information, and earliest release date.
- Access photographs and physical descriptions of offenders.
- View supervision information for those on parole or probation.
Michigan Internet Criminal History Access Tool (ICHAT): For comprehensive statewide criminal history information:
- Visit the Criminal History Records website.
- Create an account or log in with existing credentials.
- Pay the required fee ($10 per search).
- Enter the subject's name and date of birth.
- Review results showing Michigan criminal history information.
Michigan Public Sex Offender Registry:
- Access the Michigan Sex Offender Registry website.
- Search by name, location, or non-compliant offender status.
- View photographs, physical descriptions, addresses, and offense information.
- Access mapping features showing offender locations.
Users should note that online systems may have limitations regarding the scope and currency of information. Some records may only be available through in-person requests, particularly older cases or those with special handling requirements. Additionally, pursuant to Michigan Court Rule 8.119, certain sensitive information may be redacted from online records to protect privacy interests.
Can You Search Ingham County Criminal Records for Free?
Ingham County residents and members of the public have several options for accessing criminal records without payment, though certain limitations apply to free searches. Michigan law, specifically MCL 15.234(1), permits government agencies to charge reasonable fees for record searches and copies, but also provides for free inspection of records in many circumstances.
Free In-Person Record Inspection:
The following locations offer free on-site inspection of public criminal records:
Ingham County Clerk's Office
341 S Jefferson St
Mason, MI 48854
517-676-7201
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Ingham County Clerk
30th Circuit Court Records
Veterans Memorial Courthouse
313 W Kalamazoo St
Lansing, MI 48933
517-483-6500
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
30th Circuit Court
55th District Court
700 Buhl Ave
Mason, MI 48854
517-676-8400
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
55th District Court
Visitors may use public access terminals at these locations to search for cases and view basic case information at no charge. However, printing or obtaining certified copies typically incurs fees ranging from $1-2 per page to $10-25 for certified documents.
Free Online Resources:
Several online portals provide limited criminal record information without charge:
-
MiCOURT Case Search: Basic case information is available without charge through the MiCOURT Case Search portal, though user registration is required.
-
Ingham County Inmate Search: Current jail population information is freely accessible through the Sheriff's Office website.
-
Michigan Offender Tracking Information System (OTIS): Information about individuals under Michigan Department of Corrections supervision is available at no cost through the OTIS portal.
-
Michigan Public Sex Offender Registry: Sex offender registration information is freely accessible to the public.
Fee Waiver Provisions:
Under Michigan FOIA provisions, individuals who demonstrate indigency may qualify for fee waivers. To request a waiver:
- Submit an affidavit stating that you are receiving public assistance or otherwise cannot pay due to indigency.
- Complete the fee waiver request form available from the record-holding agency.
- Provide documentation of financial hardship if requested.
While basic record searches may be conducted without charge, comprehensive criminal history reports through the Michigan State Police ICHAT system require payment of a $10 fee per search. This fee is established by state law and generally cannot be waived.
What's Included in a Ingham County Criminal Record?
Criminal records maintained by Ingham County agencies contain comprehensive documentation of an individual's interactions with the criminal justice system. These records typically include several categories of information as prescribed by Michigan Compiled Laws § 28.243, which governs the collection and maintenance of criminal justice information.
Identifying Information:
- Full legal name and known aliases
- Date of birth and age
- Physical description (height, weight, eye and hair color)
- Distinguishing features such as tattoos or scars
- Booking photographs ("mugshots")
- Last known address
- State Identification Number (SID)
- FBI number (if applicable)
- Fingerprint classification
Arrest Information:
- Date, time, and location of arrest
- Arresting agency and officer information
- Booking number and processing details
- Initial charges filed by law enforcement
- Bail or bond amount and status
- Detention facility information
- Arresting agency case number
Court Case Information:
- Court case number and filing date
- Court of jurisdiction (Circuit, District, or Municipal)
- Charges filed by the prosecutor with corresponding statute citations
- Classification of offenses (felony or misdemeanor)
- Plea information
- Attorney of record
- Judge assigned to the case
- Hearing dates and outcomes
- Motion filings and rulings
Disposition Information:
- Final verdict (guilty, not guilty, dismissed, etc.)
- Conviction date (if applicable)
- Sentencing details:
- Incarceration terms (jail or prison)
- Probation conditions and duration
- Fines, costs, and restitution ordered
- Community service requirements
- Treatment or program participation mandates
- Appeal information (if applicable)
- Probation/parole status and violations
Additional Information:
- Active warrant status
- Protective or restraining orders
- Sex offender registration requirements
- Habitual offender designations
- DUI/DWI history
- Traffic violations connected to criminal cases
- Pending charges in other jurisdictions
- Probation or parole conditions
Criminal records in Ingham County are maintained in accordance with the Michigan Criminal Justice Information Systems Security Policy, which establishes standards for accuracy, completeness, and security of criminal history information. Records are regularly updated to reflect case progression, from initial arrest through final disposition and sentence completion.
Certain information may be redacted from publicly accessible versions of criminal records, including Social Security numbers, driver's license numbers, financial account information, and information about victims of certain offenses, in accordance with Michigan Court Rule 1.109(D).
How Long Does Ingham County Keep Criminal Records?
Ingham County maintains criminal records according to retention schedules established by the Michigan State Court Administrative Office and the Michigan Department of Technology, Management and Budget. These schedules, authorized under Michigan Compiled Laws § 399.811, establish minimum retention periods for various types of criminal justice records.
Court Records Retention:
- Felony Case Files: Maintained for a minimum of 50 years from the date of filing. Capital offense records are retained permanently.
- Misdemeanor Case Files: Retained for a minimum of 20 years from the date of filing.
- Traffic Misdemeanors: Maintained for a minimum of 10 years from the date of disposition.
- Civil Infractions: Retained for a minimum of 2 years after case closure.
- Juvenile Delinquency Records: Generally maintained until the subject reaches age 30, unless sealed or expunged earlier by court order.
- Court Dockets and Indexes: Maintained permanently as historical records.
- Probation Records: Retained for 10 years after discharge from probation.
Law Enforcement Records Retention:
- Arrest Records: Maintained for a minimum of 25 years from the date of arrest.
- Investigation Reports (Felonies): Retained for a minimum of 25 years.
- Investigation Reports (Misdemeanors): Maintained for a minimum of 10 years.
- Booking Photographs: Retained for a minimum of 25 years.
- Fingerprint Cards: Maintained permanently by the Michigan State Police.
- Incident Reports: Retained for a minimum of 7 years.
Corrections Records Retention:
- Inmate Files (Felony): Maintained for 15 years after release from incarceration.
- Inmate Files (Misdemeanor): Retained for 7 years after release.
- Jail Booking Records: Maintained for a minimum of 7 years.
It is important to note that these are minimum retention periods. In practice, many criminal records in Ingham County are maintained for longer periods or permanently, particularly for serious offenses. Additionally, even after physical records may be destroyed according to retention schedules, electronic indexes and summary information may be maintained indefinitely.
The Michigan State Police maintains a permanent database of criminal history information, including fingerprints and arrest/disposition data, which is not subject to standard county retention schedules. This information remains available through the Internet Criminal History Access Tool (ICHAT) even after local records may have been purged.
Under Michigan Compiled Laws § 780.621, certain criminal records may be eligible for expungement (setting aside a conviction), which removes them from public access but does not necessarily result in their destruction. Law enforcement agencies retain access to expunged records for limited purposes.