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  1. Ingham County Court
  2. Ingham County Arrest Records

Ingham County, Michigan Arrest Records

An arrest in Ingham County occurs when an individual is physically restrained or taken into custody for an alleged offense. Arrest records are documents generated when a law enforcement agent books an offender at the local police station or sheriff's office for the alleged crime. Arrest records serve public interest and are important to the general public because they enhance public safety by ensuring that the activities of local law enforcement agencies are transparent and criminal histories can be verified. 

Arrest records are generally considered to be public records under MCL 28.242a and the Michigan Freedom of Information Act. Ingham County arrest records are typically maintained by law enforcement agencies or the police departments operating like the Ingham County Sheriff's Office and the  Lansing Police Department, which operate within the county.

Are Arrest Records Public Information in Ingham, Michigan?

Yes. Ingham County arrest records may be accessed by the general public. This is in line with the Michigan Freedom of Information Act (MCL 15.231 et seq.). Interested persons may not need to provide a physical ID or reside in Ingham County to access public arrest records. However, in accordance with MCL Section 333.20173a, individuals who wish to obtain or review a criminal history record may be required to provide an ID along with the required fees.

What Do Public County Arrest Records Contain?

Under Michigan law, arrest records in Ingham County typically include elements such as the offender’s personal information, booking and detention details, offense details, and others. Typical details found in an arrest record include:

  • Offender’s full name
  • Offender’s age, race, height, weight, and hair/eye color
  • Date of arrest
  • Time of arrest
  • Arresting agency and detention facility
  • Specific charges
  • Date of incident
  • Offense tracking number
  • Bond/bail information
  • Mugshot (if available)

It is important to note that not all arrest records are immediately available to the general public. For instance, sealed or expunged information, information involving current law enforcement investigations, and information protected by privacy laws may all be exempt from public disclosure.

Ingham County,  Michigan Arrest Search

Members of the public may locate federal and state arrest records through several pathways. Interested persons may obtain criminal history records from the Michigan State Police via two methods. One may conduct a name-based search through the Internet Criminal History Access Tool (ICHAT) or a fingerprint-based search. Information provided includes a description of the offender and information regarding the offender’s misdemeanor or felony arrests and convictions.

Furthermore, the Michigan Department of Corrections (MDOC) provides the general public with an Offender Tracking Information System (OTIS). This system provides the arrest information of individuals who have been convicted of misdemeanors or felonies within the state. Alternatively, individuals may use the MiCOURT Case Search portal to look up arrest-related information from Michigan court cases.

Federal arrest records may be obtained through the Public Access to Court Electronic Records (PACER) maintained by the US Federal Courts. Registered users may search for arrest-related information in federal criminal case records. 

Ingham County Inmate Locator

Arrest records in Ingham County are primarily maintained by the Ingham County Sheriff’s Office, which handles the operation of the county jail. Interested persons may search for arrest records via the Ingham County Inmate Locator by inmate name or inmate number. Results show information about recent arrests that led to local booking. One may need to visit the Sheriff’s Office in person for official or certified copies of arrest records at

Ingham County Sheriff's Office

Central Records Division

630 North Cedar Street

Mason, MI 48854

Phone: (517)-676-8224 

Individuals may also search for court cases that are related to arrests via the county’s Court Record Search. Searches for criminal records require the offender’s date of birth, along with the offender’s name. 

Active Warrant Search in Ingham County

Per MCL- Section 764.1a, an Ingham County arrest warrant is a legal document issued by a court magistrate that gives law enforcement agents the authority to take a particular individual into custody. An arrest warrant is typically issued when a magistrate is presented with a proper complaint that alleges an offense has been committed and that there is reasonable cause to believe that the accused person committed the offense. It is issued after a complaint regarding criminal activity is filed, when an individual fails to appear in court, or in connection with ongoing investigations. An arrest warrant typically contains the following information, according to the District Court Magistrate Manual. 

  • The accused's name, if known, or an identifying description or name
  • The offense charged in the complaint
  • A statement ordering a peace officer or other authorized law enforcement agents to arrest and bring the accused person before the judicial officer in the district where the offense was allegedly committed
  • Court signature

The Ingham County Sheriff’s Office is responsible for serving warrants within the county, but does not typically provide information regarding arrest warrants to members of the public. However, the 55th District Court provides the general public with Ingham County arrest warrant information. Interested persons may download a list of active warrants from the court’s website.

How to Find Arrest Records for Free in Ingham County

Members of the public who wish to look up arrest records for free may utilize the Ingham County Inmate Locator. To search, simply input the name or inmate number of the offender. Furthermore, the county offers a Court Record Search to individuals who wish to carry out a free records search. To search arrest-related records, input the first and last name of the offender, along with the offender’s date of birth. One may also search a record by case number. 

Alternatively, interested persons may visit the statewide MiCOURT online portal to search criminal case filings that have arrest-related information. Requesters are not required to register or provide an ID to search. However, the information typically shown is current or recent. Results generated from these searches are typically for information purposes, as they are not official or complete. Record seekers may need to visit these agencies in person to formally request certified copies, comprehensive, or historical records.

Ingham County Arrest Report

Arrest records are essentially different from arrest reports. An arrest record is an official summary showing the dates, charges, and case outcomes in relation to an individual’s detention, while an arrest report is a detailed document created by a law enforcement officer, narrating the investigation outline, observations, witness statements, and circumstances surrounding the arrest. The Central Records Division of the Ingham County Sheriff’s Office maintains arrest reports within the county. Interested persons may submit a Freedom of Information Act request to obtain arrest reports in Ingham County.

How to Get an Arrest Record Expunged in Ingham County

Expungement, also referred to as a “set aside” in Michigan, is a process where a record is no longer accessible to the general public, so employers and others cannot locate it. However, expunged records are still accessible in non-public records and are available to law enforcement agencies. Under the Michigan Clean Slate Act and MCL- Section 780.621, records of individuals who have been convicted of some criminal offenses may be expunged or set aside if certain preconditions are met, and under certain circumstances. 

Per MCL- Section 780.26a, arrest records where charges were dismissed before trial are typically eligible for automatic expungement, unless a judge or prosecutor objects within 60 days. This record, along with biometric data and fingerprints, is then removed or set aside from public view and from the internet criminal history access tool (ICHAT). Furthermore, any entry relating to the charge will be removed from the Law Enforcement Information Network. Also, individuals who were arrested but never charged may submit a request to the arresting agency to have their records sealed or destroyed. 

How Do You Remove Ingham County Arrest Records From the Internet?

Interested persons who wish to remove an Ingham County arrest record from public view on the internet may begin by obtaining an official expungement or an automatic clearance under state law. Expungement in Ingham County follows statewide rules and is managed by the Michigan State Police and the relevant court. When an arrest is dismissed before trial or set aside, the record is automatically removed from public access. All information regarding the arrest is removed from the ICHAT database, court records online, and other official state systems. To remove arrest records:

  • Verify your eligibility and status via ICHAT
  • Use the Clean Slate automatic process if you are eligible. One may also file a petition in the court where the case was filed. The public record is updated by the Michigan state police if the court approves an expungement
  • Check the expungement progress after processing

It is important to note that while official government sites reflect the change, the complete removal from broader websites is not guaranteed by law.