Eaton County Criminal Records
Eaton County criminal records are available through the Eaton County Sheriff's Office in Charlotte and through the Michigan State Police ICHAT system. The county's Circuit Court, District Court, and Probate Court each maintain separate sets of case files. This page covers how to find criminal records in Eaton County, what sources to use, and how to get copies of the documents you need.
Eaton County Overview
Eaton County Sheriff and Circuit Court
Sheriff Tom Reich leads the Eaton County Sheriff's Office, which has about 146 employees and runs one of the larger county jails in the region with a capacity of 374 inmates. The office was recognized in 2019 when Sheriff Reich received the Michigan Sheriffs' Association Sheriff of the Year award. The ECSO provides road patrol, corrections, and contractual police services to Delta Township, Oneida Township, and the Village of Vermontville.
Eaton County has three courts. The Circuit Court in Charlotte handles all felony criminal cases. The District Court covers misdemeanors, traffic violations, and small claims. The Probate Court handles estates, guardianships, and conservatorships. Each court maintains its own set of records, so if you are looking for a specific case type, you will need to contact the right court. The County Clerk at 517-543-6420 can help direct you to the right office.
| Sheriff | Tom Reich |
|---|---|
| Address | 1025 Independence Blvd, Charlotte, MI 48813 |
| Phone | 517-543-3512 |
| Jail Capacity | 374 inmates |
| Sheriff Website | eatoncounty.org |
| County Government | eatoncounty.org |
| County Clerk | 517-543-6420 |
The Eaton County Sheriff's Office website lists available services, patrol areas, and contact details for each division including corrections and investigations.
The Eaton County Government website provides links to all county departments, court offices, and the records request process for residents and researchers.
How to Find Criminal Records in Eaton County
The fastest online option for Eaton County criminal records is ICHAT, the Internet Criminal History Access Tool run by the Michigan State Police. Search by name at apps.michigan.gov/ichat to get conviction records and some non-conviction data for Michigan residents, including those with ties to Eaton County. ICHAT pulls from statewide court and law enforcement records and is updated regularly. There is a small per-search fee.
For court case details, use MiCOURT Case Search at micourt.courts.michigan.gov. This system covers the Eaton County Circuit Court, District Court, and Probate Court. Search by party name or case number. The system shows case status, hearing dates, charges, and docket entries. It is free to search. You do not need a login. If you find the case you need, you can then request documents from the clerk.
Eaton County does not run its own separate online criminal record database. All online searches go through state systems. Under MCL 15.231, Michigan's Freedom of Information Act, you have the right to request copies of most criminal records from the Sheriff's Office or the court clerks. Some records may be withheld under exemptions listed in MCL 15.243, such as records related to open investigations.
The Michigan Sheriffs' Association lists the Eaton County Sheriff's Office contact details and services, useful as a secondary reference if the county site is unavailable.
The Michigan Courts portal connects you to MiCOURT and other court services that cover Eaton County's circuit, district, and probate courts.
Requesting Eaton County Records by FOIA
To get a copy of a police report, arrest record, or other law enforcement document from Eaton County, you need to file a Freedom of Information Act request. Send your written request to the appropriate office. If the record comes from a Sheriff's Office investigation, send it there. If it is a court document, contact the clerk for the relevant court. The County Administration office can also accept requests for general county records.
Standard Michigan FOIA rules apply. The office has five business days to respond. It can grant, deny, or ask for more time. Labor costs are billed in 15-minute increments at the rate of the lowest-paid employee capable of doing the work. Copying fees are charged per sheet. The office may ask for a deposit if the cost estimate is high. Fee waivers are possible under certain conditions, such as indigence or public interest. Contact the County Administration at 517-543-7500 or the Sheriff's Office at 517-543-3512 for details.
The Michigan State Police handles its own FOIA requests separately. Use the MSP FOIA portal for any records held at the state level. This is separate from what the county has, so you may need to request records from both if you want the full picture on a case that involved both local and state agencies.
Criminal Record Copy Fees in Eaton County
Eaton County FOIA fees follow Michigan law. Paper copies are charged at a standard per-sheet rate. Labor fees apply when locating records takes time. If your request is estimated to cost more than $50, the office can ask for a 50% deposit upfront. The County Clerk's number is 517-543-6420. Call ahead to ask about the current fee schedule before you visit or mail a request.
Court certified copy fees are set separately by the Michigan Supreme Court and apply to all circuit, district, and probate courts. ICHAT background check fees are set by the Michigan State Police and are paid at the time of your online search. These fees are separate from any local copy fees.
Note: Eaton County residents seeking expungement of old criminal records should review eligibility rules under MCL 780.621, which was significantly expanded in 2021.
Michigan State Tools for Eaton County Records
Several free Michigan state tools are useful for Eaton County criminal record research. The Michigan Department of Corrections operates the OTIS system, which stands for Offender Tracking Information System. If someone from Eaton County is currently in a state prison or on parole, you can find their information at mdocweb.state.mi.us/otis2. The search is free and shows offense, facility, and release date information.
The Michigan Sex Offender Registry at michigan.gov/psor is the public database of registered sex offenders in Michigan. Eaton County residents who are required to register appear here. You can search by name, address, or zip code. Under state law, offenders must keep their registration current. Failure to register is a separate criminal offense. The registry is maintained by the Michigan State Police.
For court records and legal filings, courts.michigan.gov is the official state courts portal. It links to MiCOURT, which covers Eaton County's courts, as well as forms, rules, and information on legal processes like expungement. Criminal history expungement is governed by MCL 780.621, and Eaton County residents can petition the circuit court to have eligible records set aside.
The Michigan Sex Offender Registry covers all 83 counties, including Eaton. Search for registered offenders in the Charlotte area or anywhere in the county.
Communities in Eaton County
Charlotte is the county seat of Eaton County and home to the main courthouse. Other communities include Grand Ledge, Eaton Rapids, and Olivet. The Sheriff's Office also provides contracted services to Delta and Oneida Townships and the Village of Vermontville. None of the communities in Eaton County meet the threshold for a dedicated city page, but all criminal filings for county residents go through the Circuit Court in Charlotte.
Nearby Counties
Eaton County sits in Michigan's Lower Peninsula near Lansing. If you are not certain which county holds the records you need, check the address where the incident occurred.