Access Clare County Criminal History

Clare County criminal history records are kept by the county clerk and the court system in Harrison. This central Michigan county handles criminal cases through its circuit and district courts. You can look up Clare County criminal records online through MiCOURT for free. The ICHAT system from Michigan State Police runs statewide checks for $10. In-person visits go to the clerk's office at 225 W Main St. This page walks through each way to search for criminal history records in Clare County, from online databases and mail requests to the FOIA process.

Clare County Clerk Criminal Records

County Clerk Margaret Mottl manages the office at 225 W Main St, Harrison, MI 48625. Call 989-539-7131 for questions. The clerk stores case files from the circuit court and processes criminal records requests. Walk-in visits are accepted during business hours.

Copies cost $1 per page for standard records. Certified copies are $10 plus $1 per additional page. Mail requests need the person's full name, any case numbers, and a check or money order payable to the Clare County Clerk. The clerk can search by name or case number. Under MCL 28.241a, criminal history records include arrest information, convictions, and case dispositions from the court system. These are the records available through the clerk's office.

Clare County Court Records

The circuit court handles felony cases in Clare County. Drug charges, assault, burglary, and other serious offenses go through this court. The 80-1 District Court processes misdemeanors, traffic violations, and the first stages of felony cases. Call 989-539-7173 for district court records. The probate court handles juvenile matters at 989-539-7109. Under MCL 712A.28, juvenile records are sealed.

Search Clare County court records online through MiCOURT. This free tool covers both circuit and district court records. Look up cases by name or case number. MiCOURT shows charges, hearing dates, and case disposition. It does not show sealed or expunged records. For the full text of court orders, contact the clerk's office in Harrison.

Clare County has a smaller caseload than metro-area counties. This means searches are straightforward and the clerk's office can often process requests faster than in larger counties.

Online Criminal History Checks for Clare County

The ICHAT system checks criminal history statewide for $10 per search. Run by Michigan State Police, it covers felonies and serious misdemeanors from all Michigan counties, Clare included. ICHAT does not show minor misdemeanors or traffic cases. You need a name and date of birth.

The OTIS offender tracking system is free and shows people in state prison or on parole. Search by name to check on someone sentenced from Clare County. OTIS shows offense type, sentence details, and current facility location.

The Michigan State Police criminal history page explains all the background check options available to the public.

The Sex Offender Registry covers registered offenders in Clare County. Search by name, address, or zip code. It is free and shows photos, addresses, offense details, and tier level.

Clare County FOIA Process

Police reports and law enforcement records from Clare County can be obtained through FOIA. Under MCL 15.231, public agencies must provide records upon written request. Write to the Clare County Sheriff or local MSP post. Include your name, address, and a description of the records you need. The agency has five business days to respond, with a possible ten-day extension.

Copy fees are about $0.10 per page. Under MCL 15.234, the first $20 in fees may be waived if you are indigent. FOIA does not apply to court records. Request those from the clerk under Michigan Court Rule 8.119. For state police records, use the MSP FOIA portal.

Expungement in Clare County

Michigan's Clean Slate law affects Clare County criminal history records. Under MCL 780.621, certain misdemeanors are automatically expunged after seven years. Certain felonies clear after ten. The Michigan State Police manage the automatic process. Not all crimes qualify. MCL 780.621g excludes assaultive crimes, sex offenses, and crimes carrying ten or more years.

Visit the Clean Slate page for full details on eligibility. Clare County residents can petition the circuit court in Harrison for early expungement of eligible records. Once a record is expunged, it no longer appears in any public search.

Nearby Counties

Counties bordering Clare County in central Michigan.