Muskegon County Criminal Records

What Is Muskegon County Criminal Records

Criminal records in Muskegon County constitute official documentation of an individual's interactions with the criminal justice system within the county's jurisdiction. These records are maintained pursuant to Michigan Compiled Laws § 15.231, which establishes the framework for public records maintenance and access throughout the state.

Criminal records encompass several distinct categories:

• Arrest Records: Documentation of apprehensions by law enforcement agencies, which do not necessarily indicate guilt
• Conviction Records: Official records of guilty verdicts or pleas, representing adjudicated criminal responsibility
• Felony Records: Documentation of serious crimes punishable by imprisonment exceeding one year
• Misdemeanor Records: Records of less severe offenses typically punishable by fines or imprisonment of less than one year
• Adult Records: Generally accessible to the public unless sealed or expunged
• Juvenile Records: Typically confidential and sealed from public view under Michigan Compiled Laws § 712A.28
• Active Warrants: Current orders for arrest issued by judicial authorities
• Historical Records: Documentation of past criminal justice interactions

Multiple agencies maintain these records within Muskegon County:

Muskegon County Sheriff's Office
25 W Walton Ave
Muskegon, MI 49440
231-724-6351
Muskegon County Sheriff's Office

14th Circuit Court
990 Terrace St
Muskegon, MI 49442
231-724-6251
14th Circuit Court

60th District Court
990 Terrace St
Muskegon, MI 49442
231-724-6283
60th District Court

City of Muskegon Police Department
980 Jefferson St
Muskegon, MI 49440
231-724-6750
Muskegon Police Department

The comprehensive nature of criminal records includes documentation of the entire criminal justice process: initial charges, arraignments, plea agreements, trial proceedings, sentencing determinations, and probation or parole status. The Michigan State Police also maintains a centralized repository of criminal history information through their Criminal History Records system.

Are Criminal Records Public In Muskegon County

Criminal records in Muskegon County are generally accessible to the public in accordance with the Michigan Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), codified under Michigan Compiled Laws § 15.231-15.246. This statute establishes the presumption that records maintained by public bodies shall be available to the public unless specifically exempted by law.

The statute explicitly 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 Muskegon County typically include:

• Adult conviction records
• Court proceedings and case dispositions
• Booking information and mugshots
• Sex offender registry information
• Incarceration records

However, certain categories of criminal records remain restricted from public access:

• Active criminal investigations, as disclosure could interfere with law enforcement proceedings
• Juvenile records, which are generally sealed under Michigan Compiled Laws § 712A.28
• Records sealed or expunged by court order
• Information that would constitute an unwarranted invasion of personal privacy
• Records that would disclose the identity of a confidential source

The Muskegon County Sheriff's Office maintains public access to certain criminal records as part of their commitment to transparency, as evidenced by their policy changes and public disclosure practices. However, requesters should be aware that some records may be redacted to protect confidential information in accordance with statutory exemptions.

How To Look Up Criminal Records In Muskegon County in 2026

Members of the public seeking criminal records in Muskegon County may utilize several established methods to obtain this information. The county maintains multiple access points for criminal record retrieval, each serving specific purposes and containing different types of information.

To request criminal records in person:

1. Visit the appropriate agency based on the type of record needed:

   Muskegon County Sheriff's Office Records Division
   25 W Walton Ave
   Muskegon, MI 49440
   231-724-6351
   Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
   Muskegon County Sheriff's Office

   Muskegon County Clerk's Office
   990 Terrace St, Room 105
   Muskegon, MI 49442
   231-724-6221
   Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
   Muskegon County Clerk

2. Complete the appropriate request form, which varies by agency:

   • For police reports, complete the Report Request Form
   • For court records, complete the Circuit or District Court records request form

3. Provide proper identification (government-issued photo ID)

4. Pay applicable fees:

   • Copy fees (typically $0.10-$0.25 per page)
   • Certified copy fees (typically $1.00-$10.00 per document)
   • Search fees (may apply for extensive searches)

To request criminal records by mail:

1. Download and complete the appropriate request form from the agency website

2. Include a self-addressed stamped envelope

3. Enclose payment by check or money order

4. Mail to the appropriate agency address

For expedited service, requesters may utilize the Michigan State Police Internet Criminal History Access Tool (ICHAT) for statewide criminal history information. This service provides rapid access to public criminal history records maintained by the Michigan State Police Criminal Justice Information Center.

Pursuant to the Michigan Freedom of Information Act, agencies must respond to requests within 5 business days, with a possible 10-day extension if necessary.

How To Find Criminal Records in Muskegon County Online?

Muskegon County provides several digital platforms that allow members of the public to access criminal records online. These resources offer varying levels of information and serve different purposes within the criminal justice information ecosystem.

The primary online resources include:

1. Muskegon County Courts Online Case Search
   This portal provides access to court case information for both the 14th Circuit Court and 60th District Court.

   • Navigate to the Muskegon County Courts website
   • Select "Case Search" from the navigation menu
   • Search by name, case number, or citation number
   • Available information includes:
     • Case numbers and filing dates
     • Charges and case types
     • Scheduled hearings
     • Case status and disposition
     • Judgment information

2. Muskegon County Jail Inmate Search
   The Sheriff's Office maintains a current roster of individuals in custody.

   • Visit the Muskegon County Sheriff's Office website
   • Select "Inmate Search" from the available options
   • Search by name or booking number
   • Results include:
     • Booking date and charges
     • Bond information
     • Scheduled release date (when applicable)
     • Physical description

3. Michigan Offender Tracking Information System (OTIS)
   This statewide database provides information on offenders under the jurisdiction of the Michigan Department of Corrections.

   • Access the OTIS website
   • Search by name or offender number
   • Information includes:
     • Current status (incarcerated, on parole, discharged)
     • Offense information
     • Sentence details
     • Parole eligibility

4. Michigan Public Sex Offender Registry
   This registry provides information on registered sex offenders residing in Muskegon County.

   • Visit the Michigan Public Sex Offender Registry
   • Search by name, location, or non-compliant offenders
   • Results include:
     • Offender photographs and physical descriptions
     • Registered addresses
     • Conviction information
     • Registration requirements

Users should note that some online systems require registration or the creation of an account prior to accessing information. Additionally, certain detailed records may only be available through in-person requests, as they require verification of identity or payment of fees that cannot be processed through the online systems.

The Michigan State Police also provides access to criminal history records through their Internet Criminal History Access Tool, which requires registration and payment of a fee for each search conducted.

Can You Search Muskegon County Criminal Records for Free?

The Michigan Freedom of Information Act, under Michigan Compiled Laws § 15.233(2), establishes the right of individuals to inspect public records at no charge. The statute states: "A public body shall furnish a requesting person a reasonable opportunity for inspection and examination of its public records, and shall furnish reasonable facilities for making memoranda or abstracts from its public records during the usual business hours."

In accordance with this provision, Muskegon County offers several no-cost options for accessing criminal records:

Free In-Person Inspection Locations:

Muskegon County Clerk's Office
990 Terrace St, Room 105
Muskegon, MI 49442
231-724-6221
Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Muskegon County Clerk

14th Circuit Court Records
990 Terrace St
Muskegon, MI 49442
231-724-6251
Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
14th Circuit Court

60th District Court Records
990 Terrace St
Muskegon, MI 49442
231-724-6283
Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
60th District Court

Free Online Resources:

• Muskegon County Courts Online Case Search: Basic case information is available at no cost through the county court website
• Muskegon County Jail Inmate Search: Current inmate information is freely accessible
• Michigan Offender Tracking Information System (OTIS): State corrections records are available without charge
• Michigan Public Sex Offender Registry: Sex offender registration information is provided at no cost

While inspection of records is free, agencies may charge reasonable fees for:

• Copies of records (typically $0.10-$0.25 per page)
• Certified copies (typically $1.00-$10.00 per document)
• Labor costs for searching, examining, reviewing, and separating exempt information (after exceeding a time threshold)
• Mailing costs

The Muskegon County Sheriff's Office Records division maintains a fee schedule for various record types, but in-person inspection remains available at no cost during regular business hours.

What's Included in a Muskegon County Criminal Record?

Criminal records maintained by Muskegon County agencies typically contain comprehensive information documenting an individual's interactions with the criminal justice system. These records are structured to provide a complete profile of the subject and their criminal history within the jurisdiction.

Identifying Information:

• Full legal name and known aliases
• Date of birth and age
• Physical description (height, weight, eye color, hair color)
• Mugshot or booking photograph
• Last known address
• State Identification Number (SID)
• FBI number (if applicable)
• Fingerprint classification

Arrest Information:

• Date and time of arrest
• Arresting agency and officer
• Booking number and facility
• Charges filed at arrest
• Bail or bond amount
• Detention facility information
• Arresting agency case number

Court Case Information:

• Court case number
• Court of jurisdiction (14th Circuit or 60th District)
• Filing date
• Formal charges and corresponding Michigan statutes
• Classification of offenses (felony or misdemeanor)
• Plea information
• Defense attorney information
• Prosecutor assigned
• Judge presiding over the case

Disposition Information:

• Verdict or outcome
• Conviction date (if applicable)
• Sentencing details:
  • Incarceration length
  • Probation terms
  • Fines and court costs
  • Restitution ordered
  • Special conditions (treatment programs, community service)
• Appeal information (if applicable)
• Probation or parole status
• Compliance with sentencing requirements

Additional Information:

• Active warrants
• Protective or restraining orders
• Sex offender registration requirements
• DUI/OWI history
• Traffic violations connected to criminal charges
• Pending charges in other jurisdictions
• Prior criminal history within the county

The comprehensiveness of criminal records is maintained in accordance with the Michigan State Police Criminal History Records standards, ensuring consistency and accuracy across jurisdictions. Records may also contain notations regarding expungement eligibility under Michigan's Clean Slate legislation, which expanded opportunities for record sealing in recent years.

How Long Does Muskegon County Keep Criminal Records?

Muskegon County adheres to the Michigan State Records Retention and Disposal Schedule for criminal records maintenance. These schedules establish minimum retention periods for various document types within the criminal justice system, ensuring proper preservation of official records while allowing for eventual disposition of outdated materials.

The retention periods for criminal records in Muskegon County are governed by Michigan Administrative Code R 18.901-18.910, which establishes the following timeframes:

• Felony Case Files: Permanent retention for capital offenses; 50 years from date of disposition for non-capital felonies
• Misdemeanor Case Files: 10 years from date of disposition
• Arrest Records: 10 years from date of arrest if no charges filed; otherwise retained with corresponding case file
• Booking Records and Photographs: 10 years from date of booking
• Jail Records: 7 years after release from incarceration
• Warrant Records: 7 years after service or recall of warrant
• Sex Offender Registration Records: Lifetime for Tier III offenders; 25 years for Tier II offenders; 15 years for Tier I offenders
• Juvenile Records: Until age 30 unless expunged earlier by court order
• Probation Records: 7 years after discharge from probation
• Court Recordings and Transcripts: 10 years for misdemeanors; 25 years for felonies; permanent for capital cases

Certain records may be eligible for earlier expungement under Michigan's Clean Slate legislation, which provides for automatic expungement of eligible misdemeanors after 7 years and eligible non-assaultive felonies after 10 years, subject to specific conditions.

The Muskegon County Clerk's Office and the 14th Circuit Court maintain archival records beyond these minimum retention periods for historical and research purposes, particularly for cases of significant public interest or legal precedent.

Digital records are subject to the same retention requirements as physical records, though the storage medium may change over time due to technological advancements and data migration protocols.

Lookup Criminal Records in Muskegon County

Request police reports and other law enforcement records

Learn about Muskegon County Sheriff's Office policy changes

Contact Muskegon County Sheriff's Office Records Division

Access Michigan State Police criminal history records

Explore expungement options for eligible criminal records