Search Lansing Criminal Records
Lansing criminal records are held by the Lansing Police Department, the 54-A District Court, and the Ingham County 30th Circuit Court. As Michigan's state capital, Lansing has about 112,000 residents. You can search local court records through MiCOURT, request police records through the department's FOIA process, or run a statewide background check through the Michigan State Police ICHAT system. This guide covers every way to find criminal records tied to Lansing cases and residents.
Lansing Overview
Ingham County Court Records for Lansing
Lansing is the county seat of Ingham County, and felony criminal cases from the city go through the 30th Circuit Court. This is the primary trial court for serious criminal matters, including felony charges and appeals from district court decisions. Misdemeanor and ordinance cases are handled by the 54-A District Court, which is located inside Lansing City Hall. Both courts create records that are part of the public record under MCL 15.231, and most can be accessed online through MiCOURT.
| Circuit Court | Ingham County 30th Circuit Court |
|---|---|
| District Court | 54-A District Court |
| District Court Site | lansingmi.gov - 54-A District Court |
| Case Search | MiCOURT Case Search |
| Ingham County Clerk | 517-676-7201 |
The 54-A District Court serves Lansing and the surrounding area for misdemeanor criminal matters, civil infractions, and small claims. You can find information about the court, its location, hours, and services directly at lansingmi.gov/181/54-A-District-Court. For felony matters handled at the 30th Circuit Court, the Ingham County Clerk maintains the official case files. Use MiCOURT to look up both courts in a single search. You can search by full name or case number at no cost. Results show charges, hearing dates, and case status.
Certified copies of court records require a written request to the appropriate clerk's office. The Ingham County Clerk can be reached at 517-676-7201. Keep in mind that some records may be sealed or restricted by court order, particularly those involving juveniles or certain sensitive matters under MCL 15.243.
Lansing Police Department Records
The Lansing Police Department handles all requests for police reports, arrest records, and incident documentation. Their Central Records unit is the point of contact for FOIA requests. You can reach them by phone at 517-483-4680. The FOIA coordinator is Angelica Lira, Central Records Supervisor, reachable at 517-483-4320. The department is located at 120 West Michigan Avenue, Lansing, MI 48933. You can submit requests by email, fax, mail, or in person.
The City of Lansing's main website at lansingmi.gov is the starting point for finding police department contacts and records request information.
To submit a FOIA request with the Lansing Police Department, include your complete name, mailing address (formatted to USPS standards), a valid phone number or email, and a specific description of the records you need. The more detail you provide, the faster staff can locate the record. The department has five business days to respond to your request. If the records are not ready, they can extend the deadline by 10 days with written notice. They may grant your request fully, partially, or deny it. Any denial must include a written explanation citing the specific exemption under MCL 15.243.
The Lansing City Clerk's office at City Hall manages certain city-level public records and can assist with FOIA requests that fall outside police department jurisdiction.
City Clerk Chris Swope runs the Lansing City Clerk's office at 124 W Michigan Avenue, 9th Floor of City Hall, Lansing, MI 48933. Phone is 517-483-4133. The clerk's office handles records not held by the police department, including ordinance violations and city administrative records. Visit lansingmi.gov/185/City-Clerk for more details on what records the clerk maintains.
The 54-A District Court page on the city's website has hours, contact details, and information on accessing district court criminal records in Lansing.
How to Search Lansing Criminal Records
The Michigan State Police ICHAT system is the best tool for a full statewide criminal history search that covers Lansing cases. Go to apps.michigan.gov/ichat to run a name-based search. Each search costs $10 and returns conviction data from courts across Michigan, including Ingham County. The results include felony and misdemeanor convictions. Because it is name-based, it is possible to get results for others who share the same name. For a fingerprint-based check, contact MSP Central Records at 517-241-0606.
For court-specific records, use MiCOURT to search the 54-A District Court and the 30th Circuit Court at no cost. MiCOURT shows case dockets, party names, charge descriptions, and case outcomes. It does not include sealed records or expunged cases. The Michigan Sex Offender Registry at michigan.gov/psor is searchable by name and zip code and covers registered offenders in Lansing. OTIS, the MDOC offender tracking system at mdocweb.state.mi.us, shows current and past state prison inmates from Lansing felony cases.
MSP FOIA requests for state police records related to Lansing go through the Michigan State Police FOIA portal. This covers records held by MSP, not the Lansing Police Department. Use each resource for what it covers to get the most complete picture.
FOIA Process for Lansing Records
Michigan's Freedom of Information Act under MCL 15.231 gives the public the right to inspect and copy most government records. The Lansing Police Department follows this law for all public records requests. You do not need a lawyer to file a FOIA request. Anyone can submit one. The request must be in writing and describe the specific record you want with enough detail to locate it.
Fees for Lansing police FOIA requests are based on the actual cost of labor, at the rate of the lowest-paid employee capable of doing the work, plus per-page copy costs. If the estimated total tops $50, the department may require a deposit before work begins. If you have a low income, you can submit an Affidavit of Indigency to ask for a fee waiver or reduction. Electronic format is available if you ask for it, and there is generally no extra charge for sending records digitally. If your request is denied, you will get a written explanation. You can appeal to the head of the department or take the matter to circuit court.
Note: FOIA requests to the Lansing Police Department must be specific enough to allow staff to locate the record within five business days.
Legal Resources in Lansing
Lansing residents dealing with criminal records or expungement have access to several legal aid and self-help resources. Michigan's Clean Slate Act under MCL 780.621 expanded eligibility for setting aside convictions. Many Lansing residents now qualify who did not before the 2021 changes. The process is handled through the Ingham County Circuit Court.
Michigan Legal Help at michiganlegalhelp.org provides free guides on expungement, FOIA requests, and criminal records. The Ingham County 30th Circuit Court self-help center can assist people who want to file without a lawyer. The State Bar of Michigan Lawyer Referral Service connects residents with local attorneys. Call 2-1-1 for a referral to legal aid organizations serving Lansing and Ingham County. Legal Services of South Central Michigan also serves the area and offers free civil legal help to income-qualified residents.
Ingham County Criminal Records
Lansing is the county seat of Ingham County. All felony cases from the city go through the Ingham County 30th Circuit Court. For full county-level resources, court contacts, and the complete Ingham County guide, visit the page below.
Other Michigan Cities
These nearby Michigan cities also have criminal records pages with local court and law enforcement information.