Berrien County Criminal Records
Berrien County criminal records are managed by the 2nd Circuit Court and the Berrien County Sheriff's Office in St. Joseph. This page explains how to find and request criminal case records, inmate information, and court filings in Berrien County. Whether you need a records check, certified court documents, or an inmate lookup, the options below cover the main ways to access public criminal records in this southwest Michigan county.
Berrien County Overview
Berrien County Sheriff and Circuit Court
The Berrien County Sheriff's Office handles arrests, jail records, and police reports for unincorporated areas of the county. The main office sits at 919 Port Street in St. Joseph. There is also a Niles Substation at 1205 North Front Street in Niles. For records from the Sheriff's Office, call 269-983-7141. The Records Division can point you to the right form or process for the type of criminal record you need.
The 2nd Circuit Court and 5th District Court handle criminal case filings for Berrien County. Both courts are at the Berrien County Courthouse, 811 Port Street, Room 123, St. Joseph. The phone number for court records is 269-983-7111, extension 8368. The Court Records Request page on the county website explains the process for getting copies of criminal filings, judgments, and case documents.
The county also maintains a Criminal Division page with additional detail on how criminal cases move through the court system locally. Checking that page first can save time before you contact the clerk.
| Sheriff's Office | 919 Port Street, St. Joseph, MI 49085 |
|---|---|
| Niles Substation | 1205 North Front Street, Niles, MI 49085 |
| Sheriff Phone | 269-983-7141 |
| Circuit Court | 811 Port Street, Room 123, St. Joseph, MI 49085 |
| Court Phone | 269-983-7111, Ext. 8368 |
| Courts | 2nd Circuit Court, 5th District Court |
How to Search Berrien County Criminal Records
You have several ways to search criminal records in Berrien County. The county's own Public Records portal is a good starting point. It lists what records are available and which department handles each type. Court case records can be searched through MiCOURT Case Search, the statewide online system that covers the 2nd Circuit and 5th District courts.
The Michigan State Police runs ICHAT, the Internet Criminal History Access Tool. This statewide database holds criminal history records from across Michigan. A search costs $10 per person. ICHAT is useful if you need a broader check that goes beyond just Berrien County cases. Under MCL 28.241, the Michigan State Police maintains the central criminal history repository for the state, so ICHAT pulls from that official source.
The Berrien County Sheriff's Office also provides an Inmate Search tool on the county website. You can use it to look up people currently held in the Berrien County Jail. It is free to use and updated regularly.
The county's Court Records Request page walks through the steps for requesting specific documents. You can submit requests by mail or in person at the courthouse. Bring as much identifying information as you can, such as the full name, date of birth, and approximate case year.
Note: For broad background checks on Michigan residents, ICHAT at apps.michigan.gov/ichat is the most complete statewide source and costs $10 per search.
The county's Civil-Criminal Cases page also provides case information and can help you determine which court handled a specific matter. This is handy if you are not sure whether a case was filed in circuit court or district court.
The Berrien County Court Records Request page lists submission options and what information to include when asking for criminal case documents.
The Public Records Portal for Berrien County covers all county departments, including which FOIA coordinator to contact for each office.
Berrien County FOIA Requests
Michigan's Freedom of Information Act, MCL 15.231, gives the public the right to access government records. Berrien County has FOIA coordinators assigned to specific departments. For court records, contact the County Clerk at 269-983-7111, extension 8233. For sheriff's records, use extension 7224 at the same number. The Register of Deeds uses extension 8570.
Submit your FOIA request in writing. You can send it by mail or deliver it in person. The county must respond within 5 business days, though they can extend that by 10 more days with written notice. Not all records are open. Under MCL 15.243, certain records are exempt, including those tied to ongoing investigations and records that would harm personal privacy. Sealed, expunged, and juvenile records are also not available.
Fees for Berrien County Criminal Records
Berrien County charges set fees for different types of criminal record requests. A records check costs $10 per person. Certified copies of court documents are $11 for the first page and $1 for each additional page. Regular (non-certified) copies cost $1 per page. If you just need to look at a file without taking copies, in-person inspection during business hours is free.
ICHAT searches through the Michigan State Police cost $10 per person regardless of county. MiCOURT case lookups are free for basic case information online. If you need certified copies mailed to you, budget for both copy fees and any postage the clerk's office charges. Payment methods vary by department, so call ahead to confirm what forms of payment they accept before you send a request by mail.
The Berrien County Inmate Search tool is free to use and shows current jail population information without requiring a formal records request.
The Criminal Division page explains how criminal cases are handled locally, which can help you understand what records exist and where to request them.
Other Criminal Record Resources for Berrien County
Beyond court and sheriff records, several statewide tools apply to Berrien County residents. The Michigan Department of Corrections runs OTIS, the Offender Tracking Information System. OTIS is free and shows current and past state prison information. It does not cover county jail holds, only state-level incarceration.
The Michigan Sex Offender Registry at michigan.gov/psor is another free resource. It shows registered sex offenders by name, address, or location. You can search by city or zip code to see who is registered in any part of Berrien County, from St. Joseph to Niles to Benton Harbor.
If you need to file a document with the court or submit materials electronically, MiFILE is the state's e-filing system. It handles electronic submissions for cases in the 2nd Circuit Court. Michigan's Clean Slate law, under MCL 780.621, allows some people to petition for expungement of certain criminal convictions. If a record has been expunged, it will not appear in public searches.
Communities in Berrien County
Berrien County includes St. Joseph, Benton Harbor, Niles, Benton Township, and St. Joseph Township, among others. None of these communities currently meet the population threshold for a dedicated city page. All criminal records for Berrien County communities are handled through the 2nd Circuit Court and Sheriff's Office in St. Joseph.
Nearby Counties
Berrien County sits in the southwest corner of Michigan. These neighboring counties each have their own court systems and criminal records offices.