Branch County Arrest Records

Branch County, Michigan, arrest records are documents created by the Branch County Sheriff’s Office, municipal police departments, Michigan State Police (MSP), and other law enforcement agencies operating in Branch County as evidence of arrests and detentions within the county. These documents contain processing details, personal information, and the conditions for the release of arrestees.

Under Michigan Compiled Laws (MCL) 764.15, law officers can make arrests with or without warrants if they witness or have reason to believe that a suspect committed a felony, misdemeanor, domestic violence, or DUI offense. An arrest becomes necessary if a warrant is issued by any of the courts within Branch County.

After processing, Branch County law enforcement agencies detain arrestees at local police holding cells or the Branch County Jail. However, convicts on long-term incarceration may serve their prison terms at the Michigan Department of Corrections (MDOC) prison facilities.

Branch County arrest records are law enforcement documents. However, they will become part of Branch County court records if they provide information during trials within the Branch County circuit or District Court.

Are Arrest Records Public in Branch County?

Yes, Branch County arrest records are publicly accessible. Chapter 15, Section 15.231 - 15.246 of the Michigan Compiled Laws stipulates that all interested persons are entitled to complete information about government and the official acts of public employees unless the requester is an inmate of a correctional facility. However, for privacy and security reasons, the following Branch County arrest records and information are exempt from public disclosure:

• Juvenile arrest records
• Arrest records relating to active law enforcement investigations
• Sealed or expunged arrest records
• Victim or witness information
• Confidential informant details
• Arrest records relating to domestic violence or sexual abuse
• Records relating to public safety.

Access to exempted records is limited to their subjects and legally authorized entities. Individuals seeking access to Branch County arrest records should call the Branch County Jail at (517) 278-2325 or visit the sheriff's office at:

Branch County Sheriff's Office
379 Keith Wilhelm Drive
Coldwater, MI 49036
Phone: (517) 278-2325
Fax: (517) 278-5698
Email: Sheriffbc@countyofbranch.com

Branch County Arrest Statistics

Branch County arrest statistics show that law enforcement agencies arrested more than 2,600 people between 2020 and 2023. In 200, there were 837 arrests for various incidents within Branch County. By comparison, the same agencies reported 615, 540, and 664 arrests in 2021, 2022, and 2023. During this period, there were 2,014 male and 629 female arrestees. As shown by the table below, drug-related offenses, simple assaults, and DUIs were the most prevalent arrest incidents.

Branch County Arrest Statistics 2020 to 2023

Data Source: FBI Crime Data Explorer.

Find Branch County Arrest Records

Individuals seeking access to Branch County arrest records should call, mail, email, fax, or visit the Branch County Sheriff's Office. Record seekers can register and search for Branch County arrest information through the MDOC’s Offender Tracking Information System (OTIS). It provides information about inmates, parolees, and probationers currently under supervision or discharged within three years of their supervision discharge date. For information about offenders who have been off supervision for over three years, use the Michigan State Police Internet Criminal History Access Tool (ICHAT).

Also, Branch County arrest records may be accessible through Branch County court records. Inquirers should call or visit the Branch County 3-A District Court (for misdemeanor cases) or the 15th Circuit Court (for felonies) at the following addresses:

3-A District Court
31 Division Street,
Coldwater, MI 49036
Phone: (517) 279-4328
Fax: (517) 279-4333

15th Circuit Court
Second Floor Courthouse
31 Division Street,
Coldwater, MI 49036
Phone: (517) 279-4304
Fax: (517) 279-5110
Email: circuitcourt@countyofbranch.com.

Branch County Arrest Records Vs. Criminal Records

Branch County arrests and criminal records differ in several ways. While both documents provide information for criminal investigations, their content, legal implications, and impacts on their owners are distinct.

Branch County arrest records

Branch County arrest records are law enforcement documentation on the arrest and detention of individuals for arrestable offenses. These documents provide official reasons for arrests.

Arrest records contain personal information, processing details, and bail/bond conditions. However, having arrest records does not signify guilt or innocence of an offense. An arrest record may not significantly impact if it does not result in a conviction. Also, the court may seal or remove arrest information if there are no charges or if it leads to a dismissal or an acquittal.

Branch County criminal records

Branch County criminal records are compilations of criminal case prosecutions within the Branch County Circuit and District Courts. They provide comprehensive details of criminal acts and their trials under the Branch County criminal justice system.

Branch County criminal records contain Branch County arrest records and other documents relating to the trial, conviction, sentencing, and incarceration of criminal offenders within the county. Unlike arrest records, criminal records legally confirm convictions for crimes. These documents may have negative life-changing impacts on their owners.

How Long Do Arrests Stay on Your Record?

Arrest information stays on records indefinitely unless the court seals or removes it. Section 780.621 of the Michigan Compiled Laws grants owners of arrest records the right to petition the courts to set aside up to three eligible felonies and an unlimited number of misdemeanor arrest records if there were no charges, the court dismisses the cases, or the individuals are acquitted. Also, there is a three-year waiting period for misdemeanors and five years for felonies.

Branch County Arrest Warrants

Branch County arrest warrants are documents issued by the Branch County Circuit and District Courts to empower law officers to apprehend, summon, or detain individuals for felony, misdemeanor, or traffic violation offenses. The courts issue arrest warrants if law enforcement provides evidence that suspects committed arrestable offenses. Judges/magistrates may also issue warrants for several other reasons.

Generally, an arrest warrant contains the following information:

• Identifying information of the subject - full name, any known aliases, last known address, and physical description
• Warrant information - date of issuance of the warrant, name and signature of the issuing judge/magistrate, name and location of the authorizing court, and the geographical area where the warrant is valid
• Legal basis for the warrant - an affidavit or a statement of probable cause from law enforcement, charges against the subject, and specific sections of the MCL allegedly violated
• Directives to law enforcement to take the subject/defendant into custody and instructions on executing the warrant.

Do Branch County Arrest Warrants Expire?

Branch County arrest warrants do not expire over time. These documents will remain active until law enforcement apprehends and detains the subjects, the courts recall them or resolve the underlying cases, or the subjects die.

Nonetheless, arrest warrants may become unenforceable if the underlying crimes have statutes of limitations and no charges were filed within these periods. The courts may also review Branch County arrest warrants to ascertain whether they are valid, necessary, or appropriate.