Find Criminal Records in Emmet County
Emmet County criminal records are filed with the 57th Circuit Court and managed by the Emmet County Sheriff's Office in Petoskey. Residents and researchers can search criminal history through the Michigan State Police ICHAT system, request records directly from the Sheriff, or look up court cases using MiCOURT. This page explains each option and gives you the contact details you need to get started.
Emmet County Overview
Emmet County Sheriff and 57th Circuit Court
Sheriff Matt Leirstein leads the Emmet County Sheriff's Office, with Undersheriff Rich Bankey and Lieutenant Fuller Cowell. The main office and jail are at the Jeffrey P. Bodzick Administrative Office and Correctional Facility, 450 Bay Street in Petoskey. Road patrol is based at the Richard L. Zink Law Enforcement Center at 3460 M-119, Harbor Springs. There is also a satellite office at Pellston Regional Airport. Office hours are Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., closed on holidays.
The 57th Circuit Court handles major civil and criminal cases in Emmet County. The 90th District Court covers misdemeanors, small claims, and traffic matters. The 7th Probate Court deals with estates, wills, and mental health proceedings. The Friend of the Court provides family law services. The Prosecuting Attorney can be reached at (231) 348-0678. All of these offices may hold records relevant to a criminal case, depending on how far it progressed through the system.
| Sheriff | Matt Leirstein |
|---|---|
| Main Office Address | 450 Bay Street, Petoskey, MI 49770 |
| Main Phone | (231) 347-2036 |
| Road Patrol Office | 3460 M-119, Harbor Springs, MI 49740 |
| Road Patrol Phone | (231) 439-8900 |
| ecsd@emmetcounty.org | |
| Office Hours | Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM |
| Courts Overview | emmetcounty.org/courts |
The Emmet County courts page lists each court division, contact details, and links to services including the Prosecuting Attorney and Friend of the Court.
The Michigan Sheriffs' Association directory confirms current contact information for the Emmet County Sheriff's Office and provides an independent reference point.
Searching Emmet County Criminal Records Online
ICHAT is the main online tool for criminal record searches in Emmet County. Run by the Michigan State Police, ICHAT compiles criminal history data from courts and law enforcement agencies statewide. You can search at apps.michigan.gov/ichat by name for felony and misdemeanor convictions, and in some cases pending charges. The fee is small and paid online at the time of your search. Results reflect records from agencies across Michigan, including the 57th Circuit Court in Petoskey.
The MiCOURT Case Search system at micourt.courts.michigan.gov lets you look up individual court cases in Emmet County's circuit, district, and probate courts. Search by party name or case number. The system shows hearing dates, case status, docket entries, and basic charge information. It does not show document images, but it tells you what was filed and when. From there, you can request physical copies from the court clerk in Petoskey.
Emmet County also offers a mobile app through the Sheriff's Office for local alerts and information. Online FOIA requests are available through the county's website. Under MCL 15.231, you have a right to request most public records held by the county. Some exemptions apply under MCL 15.243, including records that could compromise an active investigation.
FOIA Process for Emmet County Records
The Emmet County FOIA Coordinator is Priscilla Meyer. Her office is at the Emmet County Building, 200 Division Street, Suite G70, Petoskey, MI 49770. You can reach her by phone at (231) 348-0678, by fax at (231) 348-1790, or by email at foia@emmetcounty.org. The county also accepts FOIA requests through its online system at emmetcounty.org/foia.
To submit a request, fill out the FOIA Request Form. Include your name, address, phone number, and email. Write "FOIA" clearly on the request or in the subject line if you send it by email. Describe the record as specifically as you can. Vague requests take longer to process and may cost more. The county has five business days to respond. They can approve, deny, or ask for an extension if the request is complex. Michigan FOIA rules are set under MCL 15.231.
You can also request accident reports and police reports directly through the Sheriff's Office. Fingerprinting is available by appointment only at the Correctional Facility on Bay Street. Pistol sales records can be dropped off in person or mailed to 450 Bay Street. The office also operates a prescription drug drop-off box (POD Box) and handles pistol purchase permits.
The Emmet County FOIA page explains the full process for requesting public records, including forms, fees, and contact details for FOIA Coordinator Priscilla Meyer.
Fees for Emmet County Criminal Records
Police reports in Emmet County are available through a FOIA request. Accident report forms are available online. Fingerprinting services require an appointment at the Correctional Facility and are provided on a fee basis. Standard Michigan FOIA fees apply to copies of records, which are charged per sheet plus labor for locating records. Contact the FOIA Coordinator's office at (231) 348-0678 for current pricing before you submit your request.
Court copy fees are set by the state for all Michigan circuit, district, and probate courts. Call the 57th Circuit Court Clerk in Petoskey to ask about current copy and certification fees. ICHAT searches through the Michigan State Police are paid online at the time of your search. Each search covers one name and returns available state criminal history records for that person.
Note: Fingerprinting at the Emmet County Correctional Facility is by appointment only. Call (231) 347-2036 ahead of your visit to schedule a time.
Statewide Resources for Emmet County Records
Michigan offers several statewide tools that are useful for Emmet County criminal record research. The Offender Tracking Information System, or OTIS, is run by the Michigan Department of Corrections. You can search for anyone currently in a Michigan state prison or on parole at mdocweb.state.mi.us/otis2. The search is free and returns offense information, facility location, and projected release dates.
The Michigan Sex Offender Registry is public and searchable at michigan.gov/psor. Emmet County offenders who are required to register appear in this statewide database. You can search by name, address, or zip code. The registry is maintained by the Michigan State Police and is updated regularly. Registration requirements vary by offense type and are governed by state law.
For court records, the Michigan Courts portal at courts.michigan.gov is the central hub. It links to MiCOURT for case searches, forms, and information on processes like record expungement. Expungement in Michigan is governed by MCL 780.621, which was expanded significantly in 2021 to allow more people to apply. Emmet County residents can petition the 57th Circuit Court to have eligible records set aside.
The Michigan State Police FOIA portal handles requests for state-held records. Use this for any Emmet County incident that involved the MSP directly.
Communities in Emmet County
Petoskey is the county seat and main city in Emmet County. Other communities include Harbor Springs, Alanson, Mackinaw City, and Pellston. None meet the population threshold for a dedicated city page. All criminal court filings for Emmet County go through the 57th Circuit Court in Petoskey, regardless of which community the case originated in.
Nearby Counties
Emmet County is in northern Lower Michigan. These neighboring counties each have their own courts and sheriff offices handling criminal records.