Monroe County Criminal Records
How To Look Up Criminal Records In Monroe County in 2026
Members of the public seeking criminal records in Monroe County, Michigan may access publicly available information through a combination of official government portals, court offices, and third-party aggregators such as MonroeMIRecords.us. Monroe County maintains criminal record data across several agencies, and the type of information accessible depends on the source consulted and the nature of the record requested.
Records that may be found through these resources include:
- Arrest records and booking information
- Court case filings, dispositions, and sentencing records
- Felony and misdemeanor conviction records
- Active and historical warrant information
- Sex offender registration data
- Jail roster and inmate records
Records can be searched through official resources, clerk offices, public access terminals, and online tools. The following five methods outline the primary channels available to the public.
1. County Court Records
The Monroe County Circuit Court and District Court maintain case files for criminal proceedings within the county. Members of the public may inspect records in person at the courthouse during business hours.
Monroe County Circuit Court
106 E. First St.
Monroe, MI 48161
Phone: (734) 240-7020
Monroe County Circuit Court
Public access terminals are available in the clerk's office. Requestors should bring the full name of the subject and, if known, the case number. Photo identification may be required for certain record types.
2. Sheriff's Office
The Monroe County Sheriff's Office maintains arrest logs, booking records, and current inmate information. The public may submit records requests directly to the Sheriff's Office.
Monroe County Sheriff's Office
100 E. Second St.
Monroe, MI 48161
Phone: (734) 240-7530
Monroe County Sheriff's Office
Arrest logs and jail rosters are available upon request. Fees may apply for copies of records. The Sheriff's Office processes requests pursuant to the Michigan Freedom of Information Act.
3. Online Court Search
The Michigan One Court of Justice provides a statewide case search tool through the Michigan Courts Case Search portal. Users may search by name, case number, or date of birth. The portal includes district, circuit, and appellate court records. Note that not all historical records are digitized, and some case details may require an in-person visit.
4. State Criminal History Repository
The Michigan State Police maintains the state's criminal history repository. Individuals and authorized entities may request criminal history records through the Michigan State Police ICHAT system.
Michigan State Police — Criminal Justice Information Center
7150 Harris Dr.
Dimondale, MI 48821
Phone: (517) 241-0606
Michigan State Police
Fingerprint-based background checks are available for employment and licensing purposes. Processing times and fees vary; at present, the fee for an internet-based name search through ICHAT is $10.00 per subject.
5. Written/Mail Requests
Written requests for court records may be submitted to the Monroe County Clerk's Office. Requests should include the subject's full name, date of birth, and the approximate date of the case. Under Michigan Court Rule 8.119, courts are required to respond to public records requests within a reasonable timeframe.
Monroe County Clerk's Office
Monroe County Courthouse, 106 E. First St.
Monroe, MI 48161
Phone: (734) 240-7020
Monroe County Clerk
What Is Monroe County Criminal Records
A criminal record in Monroe County is an official documentation of an individual's interactions with the criminal justice system, including arrests, charges, court proceedings, convictions, and sentencing outcomes. Under Michigan law, criminal records are created and maintained by multiple agencies throughout the justice process.
The distinction between record types is significant:
- Arrest records vs. conviction records: An arrest record documents that an individual was taken into custody; it does not indicate guilt. A conviction record reflects a formal finding of guilt by a court.
- Felony vs. misdemeanor records: Felonies are more serious offenses carrying potential imprisonment of more than one year; misdemeanors carry lesser penalties. Both are documented in the criminal record system.
- Adult vs. juvenile records: Adult records are subject to public access under state law. Juvenile records are confidential and are sealed pursuant to MCL § 712A.28.
- Active warrants vs. historical records: Active warrants reflect current court orders for arrest; historical records document past proceedings regardless of current status.
The agencies responsible for maintaining criminal records in Monroe County include:
- Monroe County Sheriff's Office — arrest records, jail records, booking information
- Monroe County Circuit and District Courts — court case files, dispositions, sentencing records
- Michigan State Police — statewide criminal history repository
- Local police departments — incident and arrest reports at the municipal level
Records are created at the point of arrest and updated as cases progress through arraignment, plea, trial, sentencing, and any subsequent appeals or probation proceedings. The Monroe County Circuit Court serves as the primary repository for felony case records within the county.
Are Criminal Records Public In Monroe County
Criminal records in Monroe County are public records under Michigan law. The Michigan Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), MCL § 15.231 et seq., establishes the public's right to inspect and obtain copies of public records held by state and local government agencies. As stated in the Act, "all persons…are entitled to full and complete information regarding the affairs of government and the official acts of those who represent them as public servants."
Records that are accessible to the public include:
- Adult conviction records
- Court case filings and dispositions
- Arrest records (subject to agency policy)
- Sentencing information
- Sex offender registry data
Records that are restricted or exempt from public disclosure include:
- Juvenile records (sealed under MCL § 712A.28)
- Expunged or set-aside convictions
- Records sealed by court order
- Ongoing investigation files
- Victim and witness identifying information in certain cases
- Records subject to federal privacy protections
The Michigan Attorney General's office provides guidance on FOIA compliance and public records access through the Michigan Attorney General's office. Federal records maintained by agencies such as the FBI operate under separate federal statutes and are not subject to Michigan FOIA.
How To Find Criminal Records in Monroe County Online
Official County Resources
The primary online resources for Monroe County criminal records include:
- Michigan Courts Case Search — Provides access to circuit, district, and appellate court case information statewide, including Monroe County. Users may search by party name, case number, or attorney name.
- Monroe County Sheriff's Office — Current inmate and jail roster information may be available through the Sheriff's Office website.
- Monroe County Clerk — Provides access to court filing information and public records requests.
State-Level Resources
- Michigan State Police ICHAT — The Internet Criminal History Access Tool allows name-based searches of the state criminal history repository for a fee.
- Michigan Sex Offender Registry — Maintained by the Michigan State Police, this registry is searchable by name, address, or zip code at no cost.
Search Tips
- Search using the subject's full legal name and any known aliases.
- Case number searches return the most precise results.
- Cross-reference multiple databases, as records may be held by different agencies.
- Be aware that records older than approximately 1990 may not be fully digitized.
- Expunged or sealed records will not appear in public online searches.
Limitations
Online databases may reflect a data lag of several days to weeks. Older records that predate electronic filing systems may require an in-person request. Online searches do not substitute for certified background checks required for employment, licensing, or housing purposes.
Can You Search Monroe County Criminal Records for Free?
Free Options
1. In-Person Inspection
Michigan law mandates that public records be available for inspection at no charge. Under MCL § 15.234, agencies may charge only for the actual cost of duplication, not for inspection. Members of the public may inspect criminal records at:
- Monroe County Clerk's Office, 106 E. First St., Monroe, MI 48161
- Monroe County Circuit Court, same address
- Monroe County Sheriff's Office, 100 E. Second St., Monroe, MI 48161
2. Free Online Databases
- Michigan Courts Case Search — Free name-based court case search
- Michigan Sex Offender Registry — Free public search
- Monroe County Sheriff's Office jail roster — Available at no cost on the agency website
3. Sheriff's Logs
Daily arrest and booking reports are available from the Monroe County Sheriff's Office at no charge for inspection purposes.
What Costs Money
| Service | Estimated Fee |
|---|---|
| Certified copy of court record | $1.00–$10.00 per document |
| ICHAT name-based background check | $10.00 per subject |
| Fingerprint-based background check | $30.00+ |
| Staff-assisted record searches | Varies by agency |
| Expedited processing | Varies |
Fee waivers may be available in limited circumstances. Indigent requestors and certain nonprofit organizations may petition for reduced or waived fees under agency-specific policies.
What's Included in a Monroe County Criminal Record
Identifying Information
A criminal record includes the subject's full legal name and known aliases, date of birth, physical description, photograph (mugshot), last known address, State Identification Number (SID), and FBI number where applicable.
Arrest Information
Arrest records document the date and time of arrest, the arresting agency, booking number, charges filed at the time of arrest, bail or bond information, and the jail facility where the individual was held.
Court Case Information
Court records include the case number, court and jurisdiction, filing date, charges and applicable statutes (including felony or misdemeanor classification), plea entered, and attorney of record.
Disposition
Disposition records reflect the verdict or outcome, conviction date if applicable, sentencing details (type, length, fines, restitution, and conditions of supervision), any appeals filed, and probation or parole status.
Additional Record Types
- Active or recalled warrants
- Protective and restraining orders
- Sex offender registration status
- DUI/OWI convictions
- Traffic-related criminal offenses
- Pending charges
NOT Included in Public Records
- Juvenile adjudications (sealed under state law)
- Expunged or set-aside convictions
- Records from other states or federal jurisdictions
- Completed diversion program records
- Confidential victim and witness information
Accuracy Note
Individuals who identify errors in their criminal record may submit a correction request to the Michigan State Police through the ICHAT correction process. Maintaining accurate records is essential for employment, licensing, and housing determinations.
How Long Does Monroe County Keep Criminal Records
Legal Requirements
Michigan courts and agencies are required to retain records in accordance with the Michigan Supreme Court Records Retention and Disposal Schedule. State law mandates minimum retention periods for all categories of criminal records.
Retention by Record Type
- Felony convictions: Retained permanently by courts and the state repository
- Misdemeanor convictions: Retained permanently in most cases; some minor offenses may have shorter schedules
- Arrest records (no conviction): Retained for a minimum period; may be eligible for expungement under MCL § 780.621
- Dismissed or acquitted cases: Retained permanently to show disposition; charges do not reflect conviction
- Juvenile records: Sealed at age 17 or upon case closure; destruction timelines vary by offense type under MCL § 712A.28
- Pending cases: Retained until final resolution
Agency Differences
- County courts: Permanent retention for felony records per the Michigan Supreme Court retention schedule
- Sheriff and jail records: Booking records retained for a minimum of several years; specific schedules vary
- Michigan State Police repository: Permanent retention for all conviction records; accessible through ICHAT
Physical vs. Electronic Records
Electronic records are retained for longer periods than paper records. Paper documents may be destroyed after scanning and digitization, but the electronic record remains accessible.
Destruction vs. Sealing vs. Expungement
- Destruction refers to the physical elimination of a record after the retention period expires.
- Sealing restricts public access to a record without destroying it; the record remains accessible to law enforcement.
- Expungement (set-aside in Michigan) removes a conviction from the public record under MCL § 780.621. Michigan expanded eligibility for expungement under the Clean Slate Act. Expunged records may still be accessible to law enforcement and certain licensing agencies.
Old Records Access
Records predating electronic filing systems may require special in-person requests at the Monroe County Clerk's Office or through the Michigan State Archives.
Federal Records
The FBI maintains its own criminal history database independently of state systems. Federal records are subject to separate retention rules and are not affected by Michigan expungement orders.
Practical Implications
Convictions that have not been expunged appear on background checks regardless of age. Employment background checks conducted under the Fair Credit Reporting Act are subject to a seven-year reporting limit for certain offenses, though this limit does not apply to positions with salaries above a defined threshold. Professional licensing boards may require full disclosure of all criminal history.
Even if Monroe County destroys physical records after the applicable retention period, electronic copies may exist in state databases unless the record has been legally expunged pursuant to Michigan law.