Criminal History in Hillsdale County
Hillsdale County criminal history records go through the county clerk's office and the courts in the city of Hillsdale. The 1st Circuit Court handles felony cases while the district court covers misdemeanors and preliminary hearings. Hillsdale County sits in south-central Michigan near the Ohio and Indiana borders. You can search criminal records here through the free MiCOURT tool online, or visit the courthouse on Howell St for in-person help. This page covers the main ways to find Hillsdale County criminal history records and what you should know about fees, laws, and search tools.
Hillsdale County Criminal History Overview
Hillsdale County Clerk Criminal Records
Marney L. Kast is the Hillsdale County Clerk. The office is at 29 N Howell St, Hillsdale, MI 49242. Call 517-437-3391 for questions about criminal history records. The clerk maintains records for the 1st Circuit Court and is the primary point of contact for all circuit-level criminal case files.
Copies of Hillsdale County criminal history records cost $1 per page for standard copies and $10 plus $1 per additional page for certified copies. Name searches run $1 per name. Mail requests should include the full name, any case numbers, a note describing the records you need, and payment by check or money order payable to the Hillsdale County Clerk. Processing takes a few business days for simple requests. Older records from before the mid-1990s may be on paper and take longer. In-person visitors should bring a valid photo ID. Public terminals are available for self-service searching.
The 1st Circuit Court can also be reached directly at 517-437-4321. The Hillsdale County Probate Court is at 517-437-4183 and handles a separate set of cases that rarely intersect with criminal history.
1st Circuit Court Criminal Cases
The 1st Circuit Court handles all felony cases in Hillsdale County. It is the oldest numbered circuit court in Michigan. The court hears serious criminal cases including drug offenses, assault, weapons charges, and theft crimes. It sits at the Hillsdale County Courthouse.
Search Hillsdale County criminal history from the 1st Circuit Court through MiCOURT. This free statewide tool lets you look up cases by name, case number, or date range. Results show the charges, hearing schedule, register of actions, and case status. MiCOURT does not display the full text of filings, orders, or sentencing documents. For those, you must contact the clerk. MiCOURT is the fastest free way to check for felony cases in Hillsdale County.
Because Hillsdale County borders Ohio and Indiana, cross-border criminal activity sometimes results in cases filed in multiple jurisdictions. MiCOURT only covers Michigan courts. For out-of-state records, you would need to check with those states directly. The ICHAT system from Michigan State Police covers Hillsdale County as part of its statewide database. ICHAT costs $10 per search plus a $2.50 card fee and returns felony convictions and serious misdemeanors.
Note: Expunged records under MCL 780.621 will not appear in ICHAT or MiCOURT results.
Hillsdale County District Court
The district court in Hillsdale County handles all misdemeanor cases. It also does preliminary exams on felony charges before they move to circuit court. Misdemeanors are part of criminal history. Drunk driving, simple assault, minor theft, and trespassing are common charges at this level.
District court records are searchable through MiCOURT. Select the Hillsdale County district court when you search. Results include charges, case type, hearing dates, and final disposition. If you need copies from the district court, contact them directly. Fees are typically the same as circuit court rates.
The Michigan State Police track criminal history records statewide, including those from Hillsdale County. The MSP criminal history page below explains the full scope of what they cover.
The MSP Criminal History Records division handles fingerprint-based and name-based checks. It also oversees the ICHAT online tool. If you need a comprehensive check that goes beyond Hillsdale County court records alone, this is the right place to start.
Criminal Records Laws in Hillsdale County
Criminal history records in Hillsdale County are governed by Michigan state law. MCL 28.241a defines these records as arrest data, convictions, and case dispositions from courts and law enforcement. They are public records. You can request them without giving a reason.
The Clean Slate law has changed what shows up in Hillsdale County criminal history searches. MCL 780.621 provides for automatic set-aside of certain misdemeanors after seven years and certain felonies after ten. The Michigan State Police handle the process. Violent crimes, sex offenses, and crimes carrying ten or more years in prison are excluded. The Clean Slate information page explains which offenses qualify. Records that are set aside no longer appear in public searches.
Juvenile records are sealed under MCL 712A.28. They will not appear in Hillsdale County criminal history searches. Only the individual, law enforcement, and certain court officials can access them.
Hillsdale County FOIA Requests
Some Hillsdale County criminal history records can be obtained through FOIA. Under MCL 15.231, you can request police reports, arrest logs, and incident records from law enforcement agencies. FOIA does not cover court records. Those are handled under Michigan Court Rule 8.119 and go through the clerk.
Submit your request to the agency that holds the records. Include your name, contact info, and a clear description. Agencies have five business days to respond. Copy costs are about $0.10 per page. Under MCL 15.234, fees up to $20 can be waived for indigent requestors. The MSP FOIA portal handles state police requests. Local agencies like the Hillsdale County Sheriff and city police handle their own FOIA requests.
The OTIS system tracks offenders from Hillsdale County who are in state prison or on parole. The Michigan Sex Offender Registry covers registered offenders in the county and statewide. Both tools are free.