Genesee County Criminal Records
What Is Genesee County Criminal Records
Criminal records in Genesee County encompass official documentation of an individual's interactions with the criminal justice system within the county's jurisdiction. These records are maintained pursuant to Michigan Compiled Laws § 15.231, which establishes the framework for public records maintenance and access.
Criminal records in Genesee County include several distinct categories:
- Arrest Records: Documentation of apprehensions by law enforcement agencies, which may not necessarily result in charges or convictions
- Conviction Records: Official records of guilty verdicts or pleas in criminal cases
- Felony Records: Documentation of serious crimes punishable by imprisonment of more than one year
- Misdemeanor Records: Records of less serious offenses typically punishable by less than one year of incarceration
- Adult Records: Criminal proceedings for individuals 18 and older, which are generally public
- Juvenile Records: Proceedings for individuals under 18, which are typically sealed under Michigan Court Rule 3.925
- Warrant Information: Active warrants for arrest versus historical warrant records
Multiple agencies maintain these records within Genesee County's criminal justice system:
Genesee County Sheriff's Office
1002 S. Saginaw Street
Flint, MI 48502
(810) 257-3407
Genesee County Sheriff's Office
The Sheriff's Office maintains arrest records, booking information, and jail records for the county.
Genesee County Clerk - Legal Division
900 S. Saginaw Street, Room 101
Flint, MI 48502
(810) 257-3225
Genesee County Circuit Court Records
The Clerk's Office maintains records for the 7th Circuit Court, including criminal case files, dispositions, and sentencing information.
Michigan State Police
Criminal Justice Information Center
P.O. Box 30634
Lansing, MI 48909
(517) 241-0606
Criminal History Records
The Michigan State Police maintain the central repository for criminal history information statewide, including Genesee County records.
Criminal records typically document the entire criminal justice process, including charges filed, arraignments, plea information, trial proceedings, verdicts, sentencing details, and probation or parole information.
Are Criminal Records Public In Genesee County
Criminal records in Genesee County are generally accessible to the public under Michigan's Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), MCL § 15.231 et seq., which establishes the public's right to inspect, copy, or receive public records maintained by government agencies. The statute specifically states that "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 officials and public employees."
However, not all criminal records are publicly accessible. Michigan law establishes several important distinctions:
Publicly Available Records:
- Adult conviction records
- Court proceedings and case dispositions
- Sentencing information
- Sex offender registry information
- Incarceration records
Restricted or Limited Access Records:
- Ongoing criminal investigations (exempt under MCL § 15.243(1)(b))
- Juvenile records (sealed under Michigan Court Rule 3.925)
- Records sealed through expungement proceedings
- Records protected by court order
- Information that would constitute an unwarranted invasion of privacy
The Michigan Court Rules further govern access to court records, with MCR 8.119(H) stating that "court records are public records, except as otherwise provided in this rule or by statute or court order." This establishes the presumption of openness while acknowledging statutory limitations.
Law enforcement agencies in Genesee County may withhold certain investigative records if disclosure would interfere with law enforcement proceedings, deprive a person of a fair trial, constitute an unwarranted invasion of personal privacy, or endanger an individual's safety.
It is important to note that while conviction records are generally public, arrest records that did not result in conviction may have restricted access under certain circumstances, particularly if the charges were dismissed or the individual was acquitted.
How To Look Up Criminal Records In Genesee County in 2026
Members of the public seeking criminal records in Genesee County may utilize several methods to access this information. The county maintains multiple access points for criminal record searches, each with specific procedures.
In-Person Requests at the Clerk's Office:
- Visit the Genesee County Clerk's Legal Division during regular business hours (Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM).
- Complete a record request form, providing the subject's full name and, if possible, date of birth or case number.
- Present valid government-issued photo identification.
- Pay applicable search and copy fees (currently $10-$20 for searches, $1-$2 per page for copies).
- For certified copies, additional fees apply (currently $10-$15 per document).
Genesee County Clerk - Legal Division
900 S. Saginaw Street, Room 101
Flint, MI 48502
(810) 257-3225
Genesee County Circuit Court Records
Mail Requests:
- Download and complete the record request form from the Genesee County Clerk's website.
- Include a self-addressed stamped envelope.
- Enclose a check or money order for applicable fees.
- Mail the request to the Genesee County Clerk's Office at the address listed above.
- Allow 5-10 business days for processing.
Online Case Searches:
- Access the MiCOURT Case Search portal.
- Create a user account if required.
- Select Genesee County from the jurisdiction dropdown.
- Enter the subject's name or case number.
- Review search results, which include case numbers, filing dates, charges, and disposition information.
- Note that some detailed case documents may require in-person requests.
State-Level Criminal History Checks:
- Visit the Michigan State Police Internet Criminal History Access Tool (ICHAT).
- Create an account and log in.
- Enter the subject's name and date of birth.
- Pay the required fee (currently $10 per search).
- Receive instant results showing public criminal history information.
For comprehensive criminal history information, requestors may need to check multiple sources, as records may be distributed across different agencies and court levels within Genesee County.
How To Find Criminal Records in Genesee County Online?
Genesee County offers several online resources for accessing criminal records electronically. These digital portals provide varying levels of information and require different search parameters.
The primary online resources include:
MiCOURT Case Search Portal: This statewide portal provides access to Genesee County court cases, including criminal proceedings. Users can:
- Search by name, case number, or citation number
- View case status, scheduled hearings, and basic disposition information
- Access the portal through the Michigan Courts Case Search website
- Note that registration is required for full access
- Understand that document images are generally not available online
Genesee County Jail Inmate Search: The Sheriff's Office maintains an online roster of current inmates:
- Search by name to find current incarceration status
- View booking date, charges, and bond information
- Access through the Genesee County Sheriff's website
- Note that historical incarceration records require a formal request
Michigan Offender Tracking Information System (OTIS): For information on individuals currently under Michigan Department of Corrections supervision:
- Search by name or offender number
- View conviction information, sentence details, and parole/probation status
- Access through the OTIS portal
- Note that this system only includes felony offenders sentenced to state supervision
Michigan Public Sex Offender Registry: For registered sex offenders residing in Genesee County:
- Search by name, location, or zip code
- View offense information, registration requirements, and address information
- Access through the Michigan State Police website
- Note that this registry only includes individuals convicted of qualifying sex offenses
When using online resources, users should be aware of several limitations:
- Not all criminal records are available online
- Older records may only be accessible through in-person requests
- Case details are often limited to basic information
- Document images typically require in-person requests
- Some online systems require registration and/or fees
For the most comprehensive criminal record information, users may need to supplement online searches with formal requests to the appropriate agencies.
Can You Search Genesee County Criminal Records for Free?
Michigan law provides for public inspection of criminal records at minimal cost. Pursuant to MCL § 15.234, public bodies may charge reasonable fees for providing copies of public records, but must permit in-person inspection at no charge beyond actual costs of search and retrieval.
Free In-Person Inspection Options:
Members of the public may inspect criminal records at no cost at the following locations:
Genesee County Clerk's Office - Legal Division
900 S. Saginaw Street, Room 101
Flint, MI 48502
(810) 257-3225
Genesee County Circuit Court Records
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM
- Public terminals are available for searching court cases
- Staff assistance for locating physical records
- Viewing of non-confidential court files permitted on-site
- Note that copy fees apply if printed records are requested
Genesee County Law Library
900 S. Saginaw Street, 3rd Floor
Flint, MI 48502
(810) 257-3240
Genesee County Law Library
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM
- Public access computers for legal research
- Access to court opinions and case law
- Reference assistance available
Free Online Resources:
Several online portals provide free access to basic criminal record information:
- Cases, Opinions & Orders - The Michigan Courts website offers free basic case information, including Genesee County cases
- Genesee County Sheriff's Inmate Lookup - Free access to current jail population information
- Michigan Public Sex Offender Registry - Free searchable database of registered sex offenders
Fee-Based Services:
While basic inspection is free, certain services do require payment:
- Certified copies of court records ($10-$15 per document)
- Extensive searches requiring staff time (fees vary)
- Michigan State Police ICHAT searches ($10 per name)
- Complete background checks ($30-$50)
- Expedited service fees (varies by request type)
It is important to note that while free options exist, they may require more time and effort than fee-based services, which often provide more comprehensive and convenient access to criminal record information.
What's Included in a Genesee County Criminal Record?
Criminal records in Genesee County typically contain comprehensive information about an individual's interactions with the criminal justice system. The content of these records is standardized pursuant to Michigan Court Rule 1.109, which governs court record content and format.
Identifying Information:
- Full legal name and any known aliases
- Date of birth and age at time of offense
- Physical description (height, weight, eye/hair color)
- Booking photograph (mugshot) if applicable
- Last known address
- State Identification Number (SID)
- FBI number (if applicable for federal cases)
Arrest Information:
- Date and time of arrest
- Arresting agency and officer information
- Booking number and facility
- Initial charges filed by law enforcement
- Bail or bond information
- Detention facility and status
Court Case Information:
- Case number and court of jurisdiction
- Filing date and case type
- Formal charges filed by prosecutor with Michigan statute citations
- Classification of charges (felony or misdemeanor)
- Plea information
- Attorney of record
- Judge assigned to the case
- Hearing dates and proceedings
Disposition and Sentencing:
- Verdict or case outcome
- Conviction date (if applicable)
- Sentencing details, including:
- Incarceration terms and location
- Probation conditions and duration
- Fines, costs, and restitution ordered
- Community service requirements
- Treatment or program mandates
- Appeal information (if applicable)
- Probation/parole status and violations
Additional Information:
- Active warrants or pending charges
- Protective or restraining orders
- Sex offender registration requirements
- Specialized court participation (drug court, veterans court, etc.)
- Driving-related offenses (DUI/OWI)
- Traffic violations connected to criminal charges
- Probation or parole status reports
The comprehensiveness of criminal records may vary based on the age of the case, the maintaining agency, and the specific nature of the offense. More recent records typically contain more detailed information due to improved record-keeping systems and digital documentation.
How Long Does Genesee County Keep Criminal Records?
Genesee County maintains criminal records according to retention schedules established by the Michigan State Court Administrative Office under authority granted by MCL § 399.811. These schedules determine how long different types of criminal records must be preserved before they may be destroyed or archived.
The retention periods for various criminal records in Genesee County are as follows:
Felony Case Records:
- Capital/Life Offenses: Permanent retention
- Other Felonies: 50 years after case closure
- Case Indices: Permanent retention
- Sentencing Information: 75 years after sentencing
Misdemeanor Case Records:
- Drunk Driving Offenses: 50 years after case closure
- Domestic Violence: 25 years after case closure
- Other Misdemeanors: 10 years after case closure
- Case Indices: Permanent retention
Juvenile Criminal Records:
- Delinquency Proceedings: Until age 30 or 30 years after case closure, whichever is later
- Traffic Offenses: 7 years after case closure
- Status Offenses: Until age 25 or 5 years after case closure, whichever is later
Arrest Records (Law Enforcement):
- Felony Arrests: 50 years from date of arrest
- Misdemeanor Arrests: 7 years from date of arrest
- Arrest Logs: 20 years
Jail Records:
- Booking Information: 7 years after release
- Inmate Medical Records: 7 years after release
- Jail Logs: 20 years
Probation and Parole Records:
- Felony Probation: 10 years after discharge
- Misdemeanor Probation: 5 years after discharge
- Presentence Investigation Reports: 25 years
It is important to note that while physical records may be destroyed according to these schedules, electronic indices and basic case information are often retained permanently. Additionally, records that have been microfilmed or digitized may be maintained longer than their physical counterparts.
Criminal history information maintained by the Michigan State Police in the statewide criminal history repository is generally retained for the lifetime of the individual, with limited exceptions for expunged records under Michigan's Clean Slate legislation.
Lookup Criminal Records in Genesee County
Genesee County Circuit Court Records
Michigan Courts Case Search System
Michigan Offender Tracking Information System
Michigan Attorney General Expungement Resources