Montcalm County Public Records / Montcalm County Arrest Records

Montcalm County Arrest Records

Are Arrest Records Public in Montcalm County

Arrest records in Montcalm County are considered public information under Michigan law. Pursuant to the Michigan Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), MCL § 15.231 et seq., most arrest records maintained by law enforcement agencies are accessible to the public upon request. This statute establishes the public's right to inspect, copy, or receive public records maintained by government agencies, including the Montcalm County Sheriff's Office.

It is important to distinguish between arrest records and conviction records. An arrest record documents that an individual was taken into custody by law enforcement based on probable cause that they committed a crime. A conviction record, by contrast, indicates that the individual was found guilty of a criminal offense through the judicial process. Under Michigan law, both types of records are generally considered public, though certain exceptions apply.

The Michigan State Police Records Policy governs the dissemination of criminal history record information at the state level, while local policies may apply to records maintained by the Montcalm County Sheriff's Office. Certain records may be exempt from disclosure under MCL § 15.243, particularly if they would:

Interfere with law enforcement proceedings
Deprive a person of the right to a fair trial
Constitute an unwarranted invasion of personal privacy
Disclose the identity of a confidential source
Endanger law enforcement personnel

Juvenile arrest records are generally not public information and are subject to stricter confidentiality requirements under Michigan law.

What's in Montcalm County Arrest Records

Montcalm County arrest records typically contain comprehensive information about individuals who have been taken into custody by law enforcement agencies within the county. These records are maintained by the Montcalm County Sheriff's Office Records Division and may include the following components:

Arrestee Identifying Information:

Full legal name and any known aliases
Date of birth and age at time of arrest
Physical description (height, weight, eye color, hair color)
Identifying marks such as tattoos or scars
Home address and contact information
Driver's license or state ID number
Fingerprints and, in most cases, photographs (mugshots)

Arrest Details:

Date, time, and location of arrest
Arresting agency and officer identification
Circumstances leading to the arrest
Whether force was used during the arrest
Whether the arrestee was armed

Charge Information:

Criminal charges filed
Statutory citations for alleged violations
Classification of charges (misdemeanor or felony)
Description of the alleged criminal activity

Warrant Information (if applicable):

Warrant number and issuing court
Date warrant was issued
Judge who signed the warrant

Booking Information:

Date and time of booking
Booking number or identification
Processing officer information
Property inventory taken during booking

Bond/Bail Information:

Bond amount set
Bond type (cash, surety, personal recognizance)
Whether bond was posted
Conditions of release, if applicable

Court Information:

Court of jurisdiction
Case number
Scheduled court appearances
Name of assigned judge

Custody Status:

Current detention status
Facility where individual is being held
Expected release date, if applicable

Additional Information May Include:

Prior criminal history
Known associates
Gang affiliations, if documented
Probation or parole status
Risk assessment scores
Medical or mental health alerts

The specific content of arrest records may vary depending on the nature of the arrest, the policies of the arresting agency, and the information systems used to document the arrest.

How To Look Up Arrest Records in Montcalm County in 2026

Members of the public seeking arrest records in Montcalm County may utilize several methods to obtain this information. The primary custodian of arrest records in the county is the Montcalm County Sheriff's Office. Individuals may request these records through the following procedures:

Submit a FOIA Request: Under the Michigan Freedom of Information Act, individuals may submit a written request to the Montcalm County Sheriff's Office Records Division. The request should include:
- The requestor's complete name and contact information
- A detailed description of the records being sought
- The specific date range for the requested records
- The name and identifying information of the subject of the records
Visit the Sheriff's Office in Person: Individuals may visit the Sheriff's Office during regular business hours to submit a records request in person.

Montcalm County Sheriff's Office
659 N. State Street
Stanton, MI 48888
(989) 831-7590
Montcalm County Sheriff

Public Counter Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM (excluding holidays)
Mail a Written Request: Written requests may be mailed to the Sheriff's Office at the address provided above.
Email a Request: FOIA requests may be submitted via email to the designated FOIA coordinator.
Check Online Resources: Some basic arrest information may be available through the county's online resources, including the Montcalm County Jail Services webpage.

Pursuant to MCL § 15.234, the Sheriff's Office may charge reasonable fees for searching, examining, reviewing, and copying requested records. Fee schedules are established by the county and may include:

Copying costs (per page)
Staff time for searching and retrieving records
Mailing costs

The Sheriff's Office is required to respond to FOIA requests within 5 business days, though this period may be extended by an additional 10 business days if necessary. Requestors should be prepared to provide identification when picking up requested records.

How To Find Montcalm County Arrest Records Online

Montcalm County provides several online resources for accessing arrest records and related information. These digital platforms offer convenient alternatives to in-person requests. Members of the public may utilize the following online methods:

Montcalm County Sheriff's Office Website: The Sheriff's Office Records Division maintains an online portal where certain public records may be accessed. This resource provides information about how to request records electronically.
Montcalm County Jail Inmate Search: The county maintains a current roster of individuals in custody at the Montcalm County Jail. This information is accessible through the Jail Services section of the county website. The inmate search function typically provides:
- Inmate name and booking number
- Current charges
- Bond information
- Scheduled court dates
- Expected release date
Michigan Courts Case Search: For information about criminal cases resulting from arrests, the MiCOURT Case Search system provides access to public court records. Users can search by:
- Defendant name
- Case number
- Filing date
- Case type
Michigan Offender Tracking Information System (OTIS): For individuals who have been convicted and sentenced to the custody of the Michigan Department of Corrections, the OTIS database provides information about:
- Current custody status
- Location of incarceration
- Offense information
- Sentence details
- Earliest release date
Michigan State Police ICHAT: The Internet Criminal History Access Tool (ICHAT) provides criminal history record information for a fee. This statewide database includes arrest and conviction data from all Michigan jurisdictions, including Montcalm County.

When using online resources, users should note that:

Some systems may require registration or the creation of a user account
Fees may apply for certain searches or detailed reports
Not all arrest record information is available online due to privacy restrictions
The most current and complete information may still require a formal FOIA request

Online access to arrest records is subject to the same legal restrictions and exemptions that apply to physical records under MCL § 15.243.

How To Search Montcalm County Arrest Records for Free?

Members of the public have several options for accessing Montcalm County arrest records without incurring fees. While comprehensive records may require payment of processing fees, the following methods provide free access to basic arrest information:

Montcalm County Jail Inmate Lookup: The Montcalm County Jail Services website offers a free inmate lookup tool that provides information about individuals currently in custody, including:
- Name and booking information
- Charges
- Bond status
- Next court date
Public Access Terminals: The Montcalm County Sheriff's Office and County Clerk's Office maintain public access terminals where visitors can search certain public records at no cost. These terminals are available during regular business hours at:

Montcalm County Sheriff's Office
659 N. State Street
Stanton, MI 48888
(989) 831-7590

Montcalm County Clerk's Office
211 W. Main Street
Stanton, MI 48888
(989) 831-7339
Court Records Search: Basic case information is available through the MiCOURT Case Search system without charge. This resource provides information about criminal cases resulting from arrests, including:
- Case status
- Scheduled hearings
- Case disposition
- Judgment information
Michigan OTIS Database: The Offender Tracking Information System provides free access to information about individuals under the supervision of the Michigan Department of Corrections.
Local Newspaper Archives: Local libraries maintain archives of newspapers that may contain information about significant arrests and criminal proceedings. The Montcalm Area Reading Council and local public libraries offer free access to these resources.

While these methods provide free access to basic information, users should be aware of certain limitations:

Information may not be comprehensive or include historical records
Some details may be redacted for privacy or security reasons
Records for ongoing investigations may be restricted
Juvenile records are generally not publicly accessible

For more detailed or historical arrest records, a formal FOIA request may be necessary, which may incur reasonable fees as permitted under MCL § 15.234.

How To Delete Arrest Records in Montcalm County

Michigan law provides specific mechanisms for the removal or restriction of arrest records under certain circumstances. It is important to distinguish between expungement (legal erasure) and sealing (restricting public access) of records. In Montcalm County, the following provisions apply:

Expungement (Setting Aside a Conviction)

Pursuant to Michigan's Clean Slate legislation and MCL § 780.621, eligible individuals may petition to have certain criminal records expunged. The process involves:

Determining eligibility based on:
- Type and number of convictions
- Time elapsed since completion of sentence
- Absence of pending charges
Filing a petition with the court where the conviction occurred:

8th Circuit Court - Montcalm County
619 N. State Street
Stanton, MI 48888
(989) 831-7337

64B District Court
619 N. State Street
Stanton, MI 48888
(989) 831-7341
Submitting fingerprints to the Michigan State Police for a background check
Attending a hearing where a judge will consider:
- Circumstances and severity of the offense
- Criminal record as a whole
- Rehabilitation evidence
- Impact on public safety

Automatic Expungement

As of April 2023, Michigan's Clean Slate law provides for automatic expungement of certain non-violent misdemeanors after seven years and eligible non-violent felonies after ten years, without requiring a petition. This process is administered by the Michigan State Police.

Sealing of Records

For arrest records that did not result in conviction, individuals may request sealing under MCL § 28.243. This applies when:

Charges were dismissed
The individual was acquitted
No charges were filed after the arrest

Non-Public Juvenile Records

Juvenile records in Montcalm County are generally not public and are automatically sealed. Under MCL § 712A.18e, individuals with juvenile adjudications may apply to have these records set aside after a waiting period.

Process for Arrest-Only Records

For arrests that did not lead to charges or convictions, individuals may:

Submit a request to the arresting agency (Montcalm County Sheriff's Office)
Provide documentation showing the case was dismissed or no charges were filed
Request removal from public-facing databases

It is advisable to consult with an attorney when seeking expungement or sealing of records, as the legal requirements are complex and subject to change. The Michigan Legal Help website provides resources for individuals who cannot afford an attorney.

What Happens After Arrest in Montcalm County?

Following an arrest in Montcalm County, individuals enter a structured criminal justice process governed by Michigan law and local procedures. This process typically includes the following sequential steps:

Booking and Processing: Upon arrival at the Montcalm County Jail, arrestees undergo:
- Photographing and fingerprinting
- Personal property inventory
- Medical screening
- Background check
- Initial custody classification
Arraignment: Within 24-48 hours of arrest (excluding weekends and holidays), arrestees appear before a judge or magistrate at the 64B District Court, where:
- Formal charges are read
- Constitutional rights are explained
- Bond decisions are made
- Future court dates are scheduled
- Legal representation is addressed
Pretrial Release Determination: The court considers:
- Nature and circumstances of the offense
- Weight of evidence against the defendant
- Community ties and flight risk
- Criminal history
- Public safety concerns
Preliminary Examination: For felony cases, a hearing is held within 14 days of arraignment to:
- Determine if probable cause exists
- Bind the case over to Circuit Court if sufficient evidence exists
- Dismiss charges if evidence is insufficient
Pretrial Proceedings: May include:
- Discovery exchanges
- Motion hearings
- Plea negotiations
- Pretrial conferences
Trial: If no plea agreement is reached, the case proceeds to trial:
- Misdemeanor trials occur in 64B District Court
- Felony trials take place in the 8th Circuit Court
- Defendants have the right to a jury trial or bench trial
Sentencing: Following conviction (by plea or trial), sentencing occurs where:
- Judges consider Michigan Sentencing Guidelines
- Victim impact statements may be presented
- Defendants have the right to address the court
- Sentences may include incarceration, probation, fines, or alternative sanctions
Post-Conviction: Options include:
- Appeal to a higher court
- Motion for relief from judgment
- Application for commutation or pardon
- Eventual expungement (if eligible)

Throughout this process, defendants maintain constitutional rights including:

Right to counsel
Right against self-incrimination
Right to confront witnesses
Right to a speedy and public trial
Right to due process

The Montcalm County criminal justice system operates in accordance with Michigan Court Rules and the Michigan Code of Criminal Procedure, ensuring standardized procedures throughout the county.

How Long Are Arrest Records Kept in Montcalm County?

Arrest records in Montcalm County are maintained according to retention schedules established by Michigan law and administrative policies. The Michigan Records Management Services oversees these retention requirements through General Schedule #11, which governs law enforcement records retention.

Pursuant to MCL § 28.243, fingerprints, arrest cards, and other identifying information must be retained by law enforcement agencies for specific periods based on the nature of the offense and case disposition:

Felony Arrests: Records for felony arrests are typically maintained permanently, regardless of case outcome. This includes:
- Fingerprint cards and digital fingerprint records
- Booking photographs
- Arrest reports and narratives
- Investigation files
Misdemeanor Arrests: Records for misdemeanor arrests resulting in conviction are generally retained for at least 7 years after the date of arrest or until the statute of limitations for the offense expires, whichever is longer.
Arrests Without Conviction: When arrests do not result in conviction (dismissal, acquittal, no charges filed), fingerprints and arrest records may be returned or destroyed upon request after case conclusion. However, the arrest event may still be documented in agency records.
Juvenile Records: Arrest records for juveniles are subject to different retention requirements and confidentiality provisions under MCL § 712A.18e.

Different agencies within Montcalm County maintain separate record systems with varying retention periods:

The Montcalm County Sheriff's Office maintains arrest records according to state law enforcement retention schedules.
The 64B District Court and 8th Circuit Court maintain case records according to the Michigan Supreme Court's record retention schedules.
The Montcalm County Prosecutor's Office maintains case files according to prosecutorial record retention requirements.

These retention periods serve several important purposes:

Preservation of evidence for potential appeals or post-conviction proceedings
Documentation for background checks and security clearances
Statistical analysis and crime pattern recognition
Accountability and transparency in law enforcement operations
Historical documentation of law enforcement activities

It is important to note that even when physical records are eligible for destruction, digital records or database entries may be maintained for longer periods in accordance with agency policies and technological capabilities.

How to Find Mugshots in Montcalm County

What Mugshots Are

Mugshots, also known as booking photographs, are official photographs taken during the booking process following an arrest. In Montcalm County, these photographs serve as visual identification records of individuals processed through the county jail system. Typically, mugshots include:

Front-facing (portrait) view of the arrestee
Side profile view (in some cases)
Booking information board showing the date and case number
Height measurement markers in the background

Where Mugshots Are Maintained

In Montcalm County, booking photographs are primarily maintained by:

Montcalm County Sheriff's Office
659 N. State Street
Stanton, MI 48888
(989) 831-7590
Montcalm County Sheriff

As official arrest records, mugshots are stored in the Sheriff's Office records management system and are associated with the corresponding arrest report and booking information.

Finding Mugshots

Individuals seeking mugshots in Montcalm County may:

Submit a FOIA request to the Montcalm County Sheriff's Office Records Division specifically requesting booking photographs. The request should include:
- Full name of the individual in the photograph
- Approximate date of arrest
- Case number (if known)
- Requestor's contact information
Visit the Sheriff's Office in person during regular business hours to submit a records request.
Mail a written request to the Sheriff's Office Records Division at the address provided above.

Can Mugshots Be Found Online

Unlike some jurisdictions, Montcalm County does not maintain a public-facing online database of mugshots. The Montcalm County Jail Services website provides inmate information but does not typically include booking photographs. However, mugshots may appear online through:

Local news media websites that publish arrest information
Third-party websites that aggregate mugshots from public records
Court records that may include booking photographs as exhibits

It is important to note that Michigan's FOIA law does not prohibit the release of mugshots, but individual law enforcement agencies have discretion regarding how these images are disseminated.

Obtaining Mugshots Officially

The most reliable method for obtaining official mugshots is through a formal FOIA request to the Montcalm County Sheriff's Office. Pursuant to MCL § 15.234, reasonable fees may be charged for:

Staff time to search for and retrieve the photographs
Reproduction costs
Digital media or printing expenses

Restrictions on Mugshot Access

Access to mugshots may be restricted in certain circumstances, including:

Ongoing investigations where release could compromise case integrity
Juvenile arrests (protected under confidentiality laws)
Cases where charges were dismissed or the individual was acquitted
Situations where privacy concerns outweigh public interest

Individuals concerned about their own mugshots appearing in public records may have limited recourse under Michigan's expungement laws as previously discussed.