Clare County Criminal Records
Clare County criminal records are managed by the Clare County Sheriff's Office and the County Clerk in Harrison. This central Michigan county does not have a dedicated online criminal records portal, but several statewide tools and local contacts provide access to criminal history, court filings, and inmate information. This page explains how to request Clare County criminal records, use Michigan's statewide search tools, and submit FOIA requests to the right department.
Clare County Overview
Clare County Sheriff and County Clerk
The Clare County Sheriff's Office is at 255 West Main Street, Harrison, MI 48625. Sheriff John S. Wilson runs the department. The main line is 989-539-7166. For records specifically, use extension 4220. For the control room, use extension 4238. The Jail Administrator is Lt. Bryan Dunn, reachable at extension 4249 or by email at dunnb@clareco.net. The Assistant Jail Administrator is Sgt. Aaron Houle at extension 4244 or houlea@clareco.net.
The County Clerk handles court records at 225 West Main Street, Harrison, MI 48625. The clerk's phone number is 989-539-7131. The Clerk's Office manages filings for criminal cases in the 55th Circuit Court, which serves Clare County for felony matters. District court misdemeanor records are also handled through the courthouse. For specific case documents, contact the clerk with the case number or the name and year of filing.
Clare County does not have its own online criminal record search portal. Use statewide tools for online searches, or contact the Sheriff's Office and Clerk directly for specific records.
| Sheriff's Office | 255 West Main Street, Harrison, MI 48625 |
|---|---|
| Sheriff Phone | 989-539-7166 |
| Records Extension | Ext. 4220 |
| Jail Administrator | Lt. Bryan Dunn - dunnb@clareco.net - Ext. 4249 |
| County Clerk | 225 West Main Street, Harrison, MI 48625 |
| Clerk Phone | 989-539-7131 |
Searching Clare County Criminal Records
The Michigan State Police ICHAT system at apps.michigan.gov/ichat is the main online tool for criminal history checks in Clare County. A search costs $10 per person. ICHAT pulls data from the statewide criminal history repository maintained under MCL 28.241. This covers Michigan-wide convictions and is the most reliable source when you need a complete criminal background check.
For court case lookups, use MiCOURT Case Search. It is free and covers circuit and district courts in Clare County. Search by full name or case number to find docket entries, hearing dates, and case status. For full documents or certified copies of specific cases, contact the County Clerk at 989-539-7131.
For inmate lookups, use the Clare County Inmate Lookup tool to check who is currently in the local jail. For arrest record data, michiganarrestrecords.org/clare-county provides additional public information on arrests in Clare County.
For accident reports, Clare County uses the online portal at www.buycrash.lexisnexisrisk.com. That is separate from criminal records and covers motor vehicle incident reports filed by the Sheriff's Office.
The Clare County Sheriff's Office in Harrison is the primary contact for law enforcement records, police reports, and jail inquiries in Clare County.
FOIA Requests in Clare County
Michigan's Freedom of Information Act, MCL 15.231, lets the public request government records. In Clare County, send FOIA requests by email to vanwagnerl@clareco.net. A paper FOIA Request for Public Records Form must be completed. Make sure your description of the records is clear and includes name, date, and any case number you have. The county will respond within 5 business days.
Some records are exempt under MCL 15.243, including active investigations, personal privacy data, and protected law enforcement files. Records that have been expunged under MCL 780.621 will not appear in public searches. Juvenile records and sealed court files are also off-limits. If you submit a request and the county denies it, they must give you a written reason.
Note: FOIA requests for Sheriff's Office records in Clare County go to vanwagnerl@clareco.net. Include "FOIA Request" in your subject line.
Clare County Record Fees and Services
Clare County charges fees for various services through the Sheriff's Office. Civil process fees include $40 for evictions, $26 for summons and complaints, $26 for subpoenas, and $50 for sheriff's sales. Personal protection orders cost $25 and require pre-payment. Mileage is billed at $1.005 per mile for service of process. Fingerprint services are also available, with costs that vary depending on the type. Call the Sheriff's Office at 989-539-7166 before coming in to confirm fees and availability.
Live scan fingerprinting is available Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 3:30 PM. Bring a Michigan Driver's License or state ID along with any required paperwork. Call the office ahead of time to confirm current fees for the type of fingerprint service you need. ICHAT searches through the Michigan State Police cost $10 per person separately. MiCOURT case lookups are free online.
The Michigan Arrest Records page for Clare County provides public information on recent arrest activity in Clare County.
Clare County Criminal Record Resources
The Michigan Department of Corrections OTIS system at mdocweb.state.mi.us/otis2/otis2.html is free. It shows state prison records for Clare County residents. Search by name to find current custody status and facility information. For county jail population, use the inmate lookup or call the jail at extension 4249.
The Michigan Sex Offender Registry at michigan.gov/psor is free and searchable by zip code or name. Use it to find registered offenders in Harrison, Clare, Farwell, or other Clare County communities. The registry is maintained by the Michigan State Police.
For state-level MSP records tied to Clare County investigations, submit a request through michigan.gov/msp/services/foia. For electronic access to court filings, the state e-filing portal is at mifile.courts.michigan.gov. Additional court information for Michigan is at courts.michigan.gov.
The Clare County Cleaver covers local news and public affairs in Clare County, which can include court news and local law enforcement activity.
Communities in Clare County
Clare County includes Harrison, Clare, Farwell, and Lake, along with several townships. None of these communities meet the population threshold for a dedicated city page. All criminal records for Clare County are handled through the Sheriff's Office and County Clerk at 255 and 225 West Main Street in Harrison.
Nearby Counties
Clare County is in central Michigan. These nearby counties each have separate courts and criminal records offices.