Barry County Arrest Records

Arrests in Barry County stem from law enforcement efforts to maintain law and order in the region. An arrest can happen because of an existing warrant or when reasonable grounds are present to justify a person's loss of freedom. People arrested in Barry County are typically taken to the local detention facility, the Barry County Jail.

The Barry County Sheriff's Office and other police departments within the county develop and maintain arrest records. These records include information about the crime committed and the suspect. Although primarily law enforcement documents, they are also relevant to other records created within the criminal justice system, such as the Barry County court records. Moreover, arrest records are integral for background checks and aid the police in identifying offenders.

Are Arrest Records Public in Barry County?

Yes, arrest records in Barry County are public records per the Michigan Freedom of Information Act. Per the FOIA, any member of the public is entitled to obtain an arrest record, except when specific exemptions apply.

Arrest records that may not be available to members of the public include:

• Records related to an active criminal investigation
• Identifying information on victims of sexual assault, domestic violence, or child abuse
• Arrest records belonging to minors
• Arrest records that have been sealed or expunged by the court

What Do Public Arrest Records Contain?

Public arrest records in Barry County carry releasable information about a person under arrest, such as:

• The arrested person's name, date of birth, sex, and address
• The arrest date, time, and location
• The arresting agency
• The charges, including their description, corresponding statute, and degree, whether felony or misdemeanor
• Booking information, including the booking number, mugshot or photo, and facility.
• Bail/bond information, such as bond amount and status
• Arrest disposition, such as whether the suspect was released or remained in custody
• Next court date and case number

Barry County Arrest Statistics

According to the 2022 Annual Arrest Report released by the Michigan State Police, Barry County law enforcement agencies recorded 604 arrests in 2022. Of this number, 58 were for Part 1 crimes and 546 for Part II crimes. The most common Part 1 offenses recorded in the county were retail fraud theft, with 17 incidents, and aggravated assault, with 11 incidents.

Find Barry County Arrest Records

People can find arrest records in Barry County by contacting the police agency that executed an arrest. Each law enforcement office maintains its unique methods for accessing such records. Hence, individuals will have to check official websites or visit/call an office regarding arrests made by its officers. The Barry County Sheriff's Office also provides a resource for people who wish to find out who is confined at the local jail.

Note that when seeking the whereabouts of offenders currently serving their sentences within the correctional facilities, one may approach the Michigan Department of Corrections (MDOC). The MDOC agency maintains an online Offender Tracking Information System (OTIS) for inmate lookups, which can be searched with an individual's name or MDOC number.

Furthermore, the BOP provides an online utility called the Federal Inmate Locator, where the general public can trace the whereabouts of federal government prisoners. A search can be initiated with a prisoner's full name or identification number.

Free Arrest Record Search in Barry County

One of the primary sources for obtaining information on arrested persons in Barry County is the Barry County Sheriff's Office. One may call the office at (269) 948-4801 or visit during working hours to get information on recent arrests at no cost.

The municipal police department operating within the area where an arrest occurred in Barry can also provide arrest information to interested parties under the FOIA. Available information may be provided at no charge or for a nominal copying fee. However, specific information about a record must be furnished, such as the arrested individual's name or the arrest date.

Moreover, third-party websites may be pertinent sources for obtaining free arrest record searches. These databases compile public arrest information and other public records in a central repository and offer some information for free.

How Long Do Arrests Stay on Your Record?

Arrests are not removed from a person's record in Barry County unless by expungement. Under Michigan State Law, an arrest may automatically be removed (expunged) from an individual's criminal history after some time has passed or under certain conditions, like a dismissal of charges before trial (MCL 764.26a). Without an expungement, such information remains in criminal justice files and may be accessible during background checks or other inquiries

Expunge Barry County Arrest Records

Under Michigan's Clean Slate law, it is possible to expunge or set aside arrest records in Barry County to remove them from public access. Cases where expungement may be available include arrests that did not result in a conviction and certain convictions, provided the specific eligibility requirements are met. Automatic expungement of a record may also be applicable in some instances.

To apply for expungement (where the arrest led to a conviction), applicants must find out if they are eligible for such an application under MCL 780.621 and obtain the necessary forms required for this request, including the Application to Set Aside Conviction (Form MC 227). Fingerprinting is also required as part of the application process. Applicants must submit a fingerprint card (RI-008) and get fingerprinted at a nearby arresting agency. A $50 filing fee applies for such petitions, with the application needing to be filed in the court where the conviction occurred. Copies of the application must also be served on the Michigan Attorney General's Office, the Barry County Prosecutor's Office, and the Michigan State Police.

Once a petition is filed, the court will hold a hearing, during which the applicant may argue their case for expungement. If the judge approves the petition, they will issue an order for expungement, after which the respective law enforcement agencies will be notified to record the expungement. An expunged record does not appear in criminal background checks but remains available for law enforcement and courts for specific legal purposes.

Barry County Arrest Warrants

A Barry County arrest warrant is an official document that gives the police legal permission to detain a suspect. It is issued by a judge or magistrate when law enforcement establishes a reasonable belief that a specific crime has happened and that the person named on the warrant is the offender. Typically, the judge will consider the complaint and evidence/witnesses presented, and if reasonable grounds exist, they will issue an arrest warrant. In this way, arrests on probable cause are effected, and citizens are protected against illegal detention.

Arrest warrants in Barry typically name or describe the suspect and the crime. They also list the warrant's issue date and the signature of the issuing judge.

Do Barry County Arrest Warrants Expire?

No, arrest warrants issued in Barry County do not expire. Such warrants remain in effect until executed (i.e., the named person has been arrested) or the court formally cancels them. However, a judge is entitled to squash a warrant on particular grounds, such as the dismissal of charges by the prosecutor's office.