Bay County Criminal History Search

Bay County criminal history records are processed through the 18th Circuit Court and the 74th District Court in Bay City. The county clerk keeps case files and handles public records requests. You can search Bay County criminal cases online through MiCOURT for free, or run a statewide check through ICHAT for $10. The clerk's office at 515 Center Ave takes walk-in requests during business hours. This page explains each way to look up criminal history in Bay County, from online searches to in-person visits and FOIA requests.

Bay County Clerk Criminal Records

County Clerk Cynthia A. Luczak manages the clerk's office at 515 Center Ave, Suite 101, Bay City, MI 48708. Call 989-895-4280 for records questions. The office stores case files from the 18th Circuit Court. Staff can search records by name or case number during regular hours.

Standard copies cost $1 per page. Certified copies run $10 plus $1 for each page after the first. Mail requests should include the full name of the person, case numbers if known, and a check or money order payable to the Bay County Clerk. Processing time depends on the complexity of the request. Digital records are most complete from the mid-1990s forward. Older paper records may take extra time to locate. The criminal history definition under MCL 28.241a covers arrests, convictions, and case dispositions, which is what the clerk can provide from circuit court files.

18th Circuit Court Cases

The 18th Circuit Court handles all felony criminal cases in Bay County. Call 989-895-4265 for court records. This court processes serious criminal matters, from drug charges and assault to property crimes and violent offenses. The courthouse sits in downtown Bay City.

You can search 18th Circuit Court records through MiCOURT at no charge. The tool lets you look up Bay County criminal cases by name or case number. It shows charges, hearing dates, and outcomes. It does not show the full text of filings or court orders. For those, contact the clerk. The 74th District Court handles misdemeanors and arraignments. Call 989-895-4232. The probate court can be reached at 989-895-4205 for matters involving juvenile records, which are sealed under MCL 712A.28.

Bay County Criminal History Online

The ICHAT system from Michigan State Police runs statewide criminal history checks for $10 per search. ICHAT covers felonies and serious misdemeanors from all counties, Bay County included. Minor misdemeanors and traffic tickets do not appear. You need a name and date of birth to search.

The OTIS offender tracker is free. It shows people in state prison or on parole. If someone was sentenced from Bay County and went to prison, OTIS shows their status. The CLEMIS portal covers some police and crash reports, though its coverage is strongest in southeast Michigan. Bay County may have limited data there.

The CLEMIS payment portal is used for ordering crash reports and some law enforcement records across Michigan counties.

The MSP Criminal History page explains the different types of background checks available through the state police, including fingerprint-based checks and name-based ICHAT searches.

FOIA Requests in Bay County

Law enforcement records in Bay County can be requested through FOIA. Under MCL 15.231, you have the right to request police reports, incident logs, and arrest records from local agencies. Write to the Bay County Sheriff, Bay City Police, or local MSP post. Include your name, address, and a clear description of the records you need.

The agency must respond within five business days. They can extend by ten days with notice. Copy fees are typically $0.10 per page. Under MCL 15.234, the first $20 may be waived for indigent requestors. Court records do not fall under FOIA. Those are requested through the clerk under Michigan Court Rule 8.119. For state police records, use the MSP FOIA portal.

Bay County Expungement Information

Michigan's Clean Slate law impacts what appears in Bay County criminal history searches. Under MCL 780.621, certain misdemeanors are automatically expunged after seven years. Certain felonies clear after ten. The Michigan State Police run the automatic process. Not all crimes qualify. MCL 780.621g excludes violent crimes, sex offenses, and offenses with sentences of ten or more years.

The Clean Slate page has details on eligibility. Bay County residents can petition the 18th Circuit Court for early expungement of eligible records. Expunged records no longer appear in ICHAT, MiCOURT, or clerk databases.

Nearby Counties

Counties bordering Bay County in central Michigan.