Criminal Records in Iosco County
Iosco County criminal records are maintained by the Sheriff's Office and County Clerk in Tawas City, along the shore of Lake Huron in northeastern Michigan. The 23rd Circuit Court handles felony cases, and the 81st District Court covers misdemeanors and traffic matters. You can search these records in person at the courthouse, through state tools like ICHAT, or by downloading and submitting a FOIA request form from the county's website. This page covers the key contacts, portals, and rules that apply.
Iosco County Overview
Iosco County Sheriff and Circuit Court
The Iosco County Sheriff's Office is at 428 W. Lake Street in Tawas City and can be reached at 989-362-6164. The fax number is 989-984-1103. This office handles arrests, jail operations, and local law enforcement records. It is the first point of contact for incident reports, arrest logs, and other law enforcement documents tied to activity in Iosco County. For emergencies, always call 911.
Court records in Iosco County run through the 23rd Circuit Court and the 81st District Court, both based in Tawas City. The circuit court handles felony criminal cases, and the district court covers misdemeanors and civil matters. To access court records or get certified copies, contact the County Clerk's office in Tawas City. Staff can help locate case files and assist with records requests during normal business hours.
Iosco County also shares the 23rd Circuit Court with Alcona County, so some circuit court records may involve both counties depending on where a case originated.
| Sheriff's Office | Iosco County Sheriff |
|---|---|
| Address | 428 W. Lake St., Tawas City, MI 48763 |
| Phone | 989-362-6164 |
| Fax | 989-984-1103 |
| Circuit Court | 23rd Circuit Court |
| District Court | 81st District Court |
How to Search Iosco County Criminal Records
The primary statewide tool for criminal history in Iosco County is ICHAT, operated by the Michigan State Police. ICHAT searches felony and serious misdemeanor convictions from all 83 counties. Each name search costs $10. The database is built on reporting requirements under MCL 28.241, which mandates that law enforcement agencies report criminal history data to the state. Results come back quickly and cover convictions, not just arrests.
For court case data from the 23rd Circuit Court and 81st District Court, use MiCOURT, the free state case lookup portal. You can search by name, case number, or date. Most public criminal cases are indexed there. If you can't find what you need online, go to the courthouse in person or call the County Clerk for help.
This resource provides additional information on contacting the Iosco County Sheriff's Office and what records are available through the department. Use it as a reference for understanding what types of documents can be requested and how to do so.
FOIA Requests in Iosco County
Michigan's Freedom of Information Act under MCL 15.231 gives the public the right to request government records, including criminal records held by the Sheriff's Office and the courts. You must submit a written request to the agency that holds the records. The office has 5 business days to respond, with a possible 10-day extension for larger or more complex requests.
Iosco County provides downloadable FOIA forms online. The Iosco County Sheriff's Office FOIA Request Form is available as a PDF. You can also find the Iosco County FOIA page for guidance on submitting requests to other county departments, including the Prosecutor's Office. Fill out the form and submit it to the appropriate department by mail or in person. Under MCL 15.243, some records may be withheld if releasing them would harm an active investigation or violate personal privacy. Denials can be appealed in writing.
Note: Iosco County FOIA forms are available for download from iosco.net, making it easy to prepare your request before submitting it to the Sheriff's Office or Prosecutor.
Record Copy Fees in Iosco County
Iosco County follows Michigan's standard FOIA fee schedule for records requests. Plain copies cost $0.10 per page. Certified copies add a $10.00 fee per document. Larger requests that require significant staff time may include a labor charge. ICHAT searches through the Michigan State Police cost $10.00 per name. Call the Sheriff's Office at 989-362-6164 or the County Clerk to confirm current fees before submitting your request.
Additional Resources for Iosco County Records
The Michigan Department of Corrections offers the Offender Tracking Information System (OTIS) as a free public tool. OTIS shows current and former state prison inmates, parolees, and those on probation. It does not cover records from local county jails. For local jail information, call the Iosco County Sheriff directly at 989-362-6164.
The Michigan Sex Offender Registry is searchable by name, address, or zip code. It is free and covers all registered offenders in Michigan, including those in Iosco County. The registry is managed by the Michigan State Police and updated on a rolling basis. Under MCL 780.621, Michigan's Clean Slate law allows some people to have their criminal records automatically expunged after a set waiting period. This may explain why some searches return no results for people with known criminal histories.
Communities in Iosco County
Iosco County sits along the Lake Huron shoreline in northeastern Michigan. Communities include Tawas City, East Tawas, Oscoda, Au Sable, and Hale. None of these communities meet the population threshold for a dedicated city page. All criminal cases from across the county are handled through the 23rd Circuit Court and 81st District Court in Tawas City.
Nearby Counties
Iosco County borders several northeastern Michigan counties. If you are not sure which county holds the records you need, check where the incident or case was filed.