Muskegon County Criminal Records
Muskegon County criminal records are managed by the County Clerk, the 14th Circuit Court, and the Sheriff's Office. This page explains how to search case filings, request copies of court documents, look up jail inmates, and submit FOIA requests for police reports and arrest data. Whether you need records for personal review or legal purposes, the county has both online and in-person options to help you get what you need quickly.
Muskegon County Overview
Muskegon County Sheriff and Court Contacts
The Muskegon County Sheriff's Office handles jail records, inmate searches, police reports, and arrest data. The Records Unit at the Sheriff's Office is the right place to start for law enforcement-related criminal records. You can reach them at co.muskegon.mi.us or call (231) 724-6351. The office is open Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM.
Court records for felony and some misdemeanor cases are held at the 14th Circuit Court. The County Clerk's office at 990 Terrace Street manages access to these records. For circuit court matters, call (231) 724-6251. For district court matters handled by the 60th District Court, call (231) 724-6283. The County Clerk can be reached at (231) 724-6221 and is located at the same address, Room 105.
The Records Unit within the Sheriff's Office handles requests for police incident reports and background checks separately from the court system. Walk-in visits are welcome during business hours. Fingerprinting is also available but requires an appointment.
The Muskegon County Sheriff's Services page lists all available records services and contact information for the department.
This page covers inmate search options, FOIA submission, and the Records Unit for law enforcement reports.
| Sheriff's Office | 25 W Walton Ave, Muskegon, MI 49440 |
|---|---|
| Sheriff Phone | (231) 724-6351 |
| County Clerk | 990 Terrace St, Room 105, Muskegon, MI 49442 |
| Clerk Phone | (231) 724-6221 |
| 14th Circuit Court | (231) 724-6251 |
| 60th District Court | (231) 724-6283 |
| Hours | Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM |
| County Clerk Website | co.muskegon.mi.us/407/County-Clerk |
How to Search Muskegon County Criminal Records
Muskegon County offers an online case search portal linked directly from the county website. This tool gives you access to circuit and district court case data without a trip to the courthouse. Go to co.muskegon.mi.us/1523/Online-Case-Search to get started. You can search by name or case number and see docket entries, charges, and case status.
The Muskegon County Online Case Search portal connects directly to circuit and district court case data.
Use this tool to look up case numbers, review docket entries, and check the status of active or closed criminal cases in Muskegon County.
For a statewide criminal history check, the Michigan State Police ICHAT system at apps.michigan.gov/ichat covers convictions across all Michigan counties. This is the official source for background checks under MCL 28.241. ICHAT searches cost a small fee and return results tied to a specific person's name and date of birth.
The statewide MiCOURT system at micourt.courts.michigan.gov also covers Muskegon County courts. It pulls from the same data set as the local portal but gives you a single place to search across all Michigan courts at once. Use it if you are looking for cases that may have been filed in multiple counties.
The Muskegon County Clerk's office page explains in-person record access and provides forms for certified copy requests.
The Clerk handles certified copies of court judgments, sentencing orders, and other official documents from the 14th Circuit Court.
FOIA Requests in Muskegon County
Michigan's Freedom of Information Act, found at MCL 15.231, gives you the right to request public records from county agencies. In Muskegon County, you submit FOIA requests to the specific department that holds the records you need. Sheriff's Office reports go to the Sheriff. Court records go to the Clerk. Each department has its own process.
The Sheriff's Office FOIA portal is available online through the county website. Requests are reviewed and a response is due within 5 business days. If the agency needs more time, they can extend that by 10 business days with written notice. Under MCL 15.243, certain records are exempt from disclosure, including ongoing investigations and records that could identify confidential informants.
The Muskegon County Sheriff's Records Unit page lists how to submit requests for police reports, jail history, and incident data.
This unit processes FOIA requests for law enforcement records and also handles walk-in requests during business hours.
Fees for Muskegon County Criminal Records
The Muskegon County Sheriff's Office charges set fees for certain records requests. A background check from the Sheriff costs $30, with corresponding reports billed at $6 each. Jail history records are $6. Police report copies cost $12. These fees apply to requests made directly to the Sheriff's Office Records Unit.
Fingerprinting is available at the Sheriff's Office for people who need LiveScan digital prints or ink card prints. LiveScan costs $75. Ink card fingerprinting is $18. Walk-in fingerprinting ends at 4:30 PM. Appointments for court-ordered prints should be made by calling (248) 858-0172. This service covers both civil and criminal fingerprint needs.
Court copy fees are separate. Circuit court certified copies follow Michigan's standard fee schedule. Viewing records in person during business hours is free. Copies of court documents cost additional fees set by the court. Check with the County Clerk at (231) 724-6221 for the current copy fee schedule.
Note: In-person inspection of public records at the Muskegon County Clerk is free during regular business hours with no appointment required.
Local Resources for Muskegon County
Several state and county tools support criminal record searches in Muskegon County. The Michigan Department of Corrections OTIS system at mdocweb.state.mi.us/otis2 lets you search for people currently in state prison or on parole. It shows location, sentence length, and release dates. This is separate from the county jail and covers state-level incarceration only.
The Michigan Sex Offender Registry at michigan.gov/psor is a public database of registered sex offenders. You can search by name, zip code, or address. Registrants in Muskegon County are included. This database is updated regularly and is free to use. Under Michigan law, failure to register is a criminal offense, so this list is actively maintained.
For expungement of Muskegon County criminal records, Michigan law under MCL 780.621 allows eligible individuals to petition to set aside certain convictions. The process starts at the court where the conviction happened. Legal aid services in the region can help you determine if your record qualifies and walk you through the petition process.
Cities in Muskegon County
Muskegon County includes the city of Muskegon, Norton Shores, Muskegon Heights, Roosevelt Park, Whitehall, and several townships. Criminal cases from all these communities are filed at the 14th Circuit Court or 60th District Court in Muskegon. None of the cities in Muskegon County currently meet the qualifying threshold for a dedicated page on this site.
Nearby Counties
These counties border Muskegon County. If you are unsure which court has jurisdiction, check the address where the case was filed or where the person lives.