Access Chippewa County Criminal Records
Chippewa County criminal records are held by the County Clerk and the 50th Circuit Court in Sault Ste. Marie. The Chippewa County Sheriff's Office handles arrests and jail records for this Upper Peninsula county. Residents can search criminal records using a public access computer at the Clerk's Office, request clerk-assisted searches, or use statewide Michigan tools. This page covers every method for accessing Chippewa County criminal records, including fees, contacts, and online resources.
Chippewa County Overview
Chippewa County Sheriff and Circuit Court
The Chippewa County Sheriff's Office is at 325 Court Street, Sault Ste. Marie, MI 49783. Sheriff Mike Bitnar leads the department, with Undersheriff Ryan Hering as second in command. Administration hours are 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM, Monday through Friday. Call 906-635-6355 for general inquiries. The Corrections and Jail division has a separate line at 906-635-7620. Central Dispatch is at 906-495-3312. In emergencies, dial 911.
The 50th Circuit Court records are maintained by the County Clerk at 325 Court Street. The Clerk's main phone number is 906-635-6300. The 91st District Court also operates in Chippewa County. For district court record searches specifically, contact Kim Forsythe at 906-635-7613 or kforsythe@chippewacountymi.gov. The 91st District Court handles misdemeanor criminal cases and lower-level matters for Chippewa County.
| Sheriff's Office | 325 Court Street, Sault Ste. Marie, MI 49783 |
|---|---|
| Sheriff Phone | 906-635-6355 |
| Jail / Corrections | 906-635-7620 |
| County Clerk | 325 Court Street, Sault Ste. Marie, MI 49783 |
| Clerk Phone | 906-635-6300 |
| 91st District Court Contact | Kim Forsythe - 906-635-7613 |
| Hours | 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM, Monday through Friday |
How to Search Chippewa County Criminal Records
Chippewa County offers a public access computer at the Clerk's Office during business hours. This is a free option for searching criminal case records on your own. You can look up cases by name and view basic docket information at no cost. If you need help or want the clerk to do the research for you, a nominal fee applies for clerk-assisted searches. To use either option, visit the office at 325 Court Street during regular hours.
For court document requests, use the county's Court Document Request process. Contact the Clerk's Office first to get the case number and the page count. Once you have that information, complete the request form and submit payment. The county accepts various payment types, so call ahead to confirm what they take before sending a request by mail.
The 91st District Court Record Search is a separate contact for district-level cases. Call Kim Forsythe at 906-635-7613 or send an email to kforsythe@chippewacountymi.gov to search for misdemeanor records in Chippewa County.
For full statewide criminal history checks, use ICHAT through the Michigan State Police. The fee is $10 per person. ICHAT returns records from the statewide criminal history repository managed under MCL 28.241. It covers all Michigan counties, not just Chippewa, and is the most thorough option for a broad background review.
The Chippewa County Sheriff's Office page lists contact information for law enforcement records, jail matters, and other criminal record requests in the Upper Peninsula.
FOIA Requests in Chippewa County
Under Michigan's Freedom of Information Act, MCL 15.231, the public can request access to government records in Chippewa County. Submit FOIA requests in writing to the appropriate department. For court records, contact the Clerk at 906-635-6300. For Sheriff's Office records, contact the Sheriff's Office at 906-635-6355. Clearly describe the records you need and provide as much identifying information as possible, including the name, date of birth, and time period.
The response window is 5 business days, with an optional 10-day extension available by written notice. Records protected under MCL 15.243 are not available through FOIA. This includes active investigation files, personal privacy records, and law enforcement confidentiality protections. Juvenile records, sealed court files, and records expunged under MCL 780.621 are withheld from public access.
Fees for Chippewa County Criminal Records
Chippewa County has a clear fee schedule for criminal record copies. Regular photocopies cost $1.00 per page. Certified copies are $10.00 for the first page and $1.00 for each additional page. Clerk-assisted research beyond self-service use carries a nominal fee, while using the public access computer in the office is free. Contact the Clerk's Office at 906-635-6300 to get a cost estimate before submitting your request.
Statewide tools have separate costs. ICHAT through the Michigan State Police is $10 per search. MiCOURT online case lookups are free for basic docket information. OTIS at the Michigan Department of Corrections is free. The Michigan Sex Offender Registry is also free. For a full search that covers both county and state records, budget for the ICHAT fee plus any copying charges from the local clerk.
Note: Call the Clerk's Office at 906-635-6300 to get the case number and page count before sending payment. This avoids underpayment delays.
Chippewa County Criminal Record Resources
The Michigan Department of Corrections OTIS database at mdocweb.state.mi.us/otis2/otis2.html is free. It covers state prison sentences. Search by name to find Chippewa County residents who are or have been in state custody. OTIS does not include county jail data. For county jail inquiries, contact the Chippewa County Jail at 906-635-7620.
The Michigan Sex Offender Registry at michigan.gov/psor is free and searchable by name or zip code. You can look up registered sex offenders in Sault Ste. Marie, Kinross, Pickford, or anywhere else in Chippewa County. The registry is updated by the Michigan State Police and is open to the public.
For MSP-specific records related to Chippewa County cases, the FOIA portal at michigan.gov/msp/services/foia handles those requests. For electronic filing and document access in the 50th Circuit Court, use mifile.courts.michigan.gov. The Michigan Sheriffs' Association maintains additional information about Chippewa County on their website.
Communities in Chippewa County
Chippewa County includes Sault Ste. Marie, Kinross, Pickford, Brimley, and Rudyard, among others. None of these communities currently qualify for a dedicated city page by population. All criminal case records for Chippewa County are maintained by the County Clerk and the 50th Circuit Court at 325 Court Street in Sault Ste. Marie.
Nearby Counties
Chippewa County sits in Michigan's Upper Peninsula at the eastern tip. These neighboring Upper Peninsula counties also maintain criminal records through their own clerks and courts.