Calhoun County Arrest Records

Arrest records contain information about the history of an individual's detainment or incarceration within county limits. In Calhoun County, Michigan, these records can be accessed by contacting local law enforcement agencies, including the Calhoun County Sheriff's Office and other local police departments—typically those tasked with conducting arrests. These records may also be found in the Calhoun County court system, and inquirers may find arrest information within Calhoun County court records if an arrestee has been presented before a circuit or district court judge.

Calhoun County arrest records can help inquirers learn the basis for an arrest, the conditions of the arrestee's release, and where they are being detained. Lawyers use these records to represent their clients, while prosecutors rely on them to decide on the charges to file, especially when a person is arrested without a warrant. Arrest records are also useful to law enforcement agencies, employers, and regulators, especially when reviewing the suitability of individuals for employment or licensing.

Are Arrest Records Public in Calhoun County?

Yes, arrest records in Calhoun County are generally public information under the Michigan Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), MCL § 15.231 et seq. This act mandates that publicly funded agencies, excluding courts and certain other entities, must release official records to the public upon request. As a result, any member of the public can inspect or obtain an arrest record from a law enforcement agency as long as the records are not confidential under specific legal protections.

However, certain records remain exempt from public access under Michigan law, including:

• Records that have been set aside under the Michigan Clean Slate Act (MCL § 780.621 et seq.)
• Arrest records removed from public access after successful petitions to expunge criminal data
• Most juvenile arrest records
• Information related to active criminal investigations
• Other legally protected records, including those related to victim privacy or ongoing judicial matters

What Do Public Arrest Records Contain?

Under Michigan law, public arrest information generally includes:

• The arrestee's personal information
• Charges filed and the basis for these charges/the arrest
• Date and time of the arrest
• The agency responsible for the arrest
• Bond type and amount, if applicable
• Court information, including the presiding judge and arraignment date
• Warrant details, if the arrest was made pursuant to a warrant

Calhoun County Crime Rate

The Michigan State Police (MSP) publishes annual reports on crime trends, including county-specific data. According to the 2022 Michigan Incident Crime Reporting (MICR) report, Calhoun County recorded a total of 12,655 reported crimes, with 4,623 classified as index crimes (Part I offenses) and 8,032 as non-index crimes (Part II offenses). Among the most common crimes reported were aggravated assault, burglary, and larceny.

In that year, there were 832 incidents of aggravated assault in Calhoun County, 660 incidents of burglary, and 2,654 incidents of larceny. There were also 248 reports of motor vehicle theft, 151 rapes, 45 robbery reports, and 10 reported murders.

Calhoun County Arrest Statistics

According to the 2022 Michigan State Police Arrest Publication, Calhoun County recorded 3,121 arrests during that year. Of these, 524 arrests were for index crimes (Part I offenses), while the remaining 2,597 arrests were for non-index crimes (Part II offenses).

Significant arrest categories in Calhoun County include:

• Aggravated/felonious assault: 251 arrests
• Retail fraud theft: 110 arrests
• Burglary (forced entry): 66 arrests
• Lacerny (Other) 17 arrests
• Larceny (theft from building): 15 arrests
• Motor Vehicle Theft: 14 arrests

Find Calhoun County Arrest Records

In Calhoun County, Michigan, arrest records can be accessed through local law enforcement agencies such as the Calhoun County Sheriff's Office or the police department in the municipality where the arrest occurred. For arrests related to federal crimes, however, the records may be maintained by the arresting federal agency, such as the FBI or the U.S. Marshals.

To access Calhoun County arrest records through the county sheriff's office, inquirers may make in-person requests to the office or send a written request containing the personal information of the arrestee and details of the arrest (if known). Both in-person and mail queries may be addressed to:

Calhoun County Sheriff's Office
161 East Michigan Avenue
Battle Creek, MI 49014
Phone: (269) 969-6450
(269) 969-6428

In some cases, records relating to state-level crimes and sentenced individuals are accessible through the Michigan Department of Corrections (MDOC). MDOC maintains an Offender Tracking Information System (OTIS), which allows the public to search for information on current inmates, parolees, probationers, and recently discharged individuals. OTIS displays biographical data, sentencing details, current location, and incarceration status. However, OTIS does not include records for individuals who are awaiting sentencing or whose supervision ended more than 3 years ago.

Free Arrest Record Search in Calhoun County

Inquirers may obtain arrest record information for free by making verbal requests to the Calhoun County Sheriff's Office. However, requesters should be prepared to cover the cost of production if they require physical copies of the record. The MDOC Offender Tracking Information System (OTIS) and the Federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP) Federal Inmate Locator, may also be used to search for Michigan inmate, inmate information and arrest records at no cost.

Several third-party websites also offer free arrest information sourced from various Michigan law enforcement agencies, including the Calhoun County Sheriff's Office. However, most aggregate sites reserve full information for paying users and will only provide basic information for free.

Get Calhoun County Criminal Records

Criminal records in Calhoun County encompass information on arrests, charges, court proceedings, and convictions. These records are usually maintained by law enforcement agencies and the courts. The process for obtaining Calhoun County criminal records may vary with the type of crimes concerned, as various courts hear specific types of cases. In Michigan, circuit courts typically handle felony cases, which are punishable by more than one year in prison. On the other hand, district courts handle misdemeanors, punishable by fines and/or imprisonment for up to one year, along with traffic offenses and preliminary hearings for felonies.

Members of the public can access criminal case information, including charges, case numbers,

However, both the Calhoun County Circuit Court and the Calhoun County District Court host their case information on the MiCourt Case Search Tool, where inquirers can search for relevant case information. Inquirers will be required to enter the court of interest, but in either case, they will be able to perform a name search or case number search.

Mail requests to either office may be addressed thus:

Circuit Court Clerk
161 East Michigan Avenue
Battle Creek, MI 49014
Phone: (269) 969-6518

District Court Clerk
161 East Michigan Avenue
Battle Creek, MI 49014
Phone: (269) 969-6666

For more comprehensive background checks, the Michigan State Police (MSP) provides statewide criminal history searches through its Internet Criminal History Access Tool (ICHAT). The database contains information on arrests, charges, and convictions but excludes records set aside under the Michigan Clean Slate Act (MCL § 780.621 et seq.), juvenile records, and certain minor misdemeanor offenses.

Calhoun County Arrest Records Vs. Criminal Records

Arrest records document the details of an individual's apprehension but do not include trial outcomes or sentencing information. Arrest records only verify that someone was taken into custody; they do not imply guilt. If an individual was arrested but not charged, these records are often restricted from public access under Michigan law.

On the other hand, criminal records provide a comprehensive account of an individual's criminal history, including arrests, trials, convictions, and sentencing.

How Long Do Arrests Stay on Your Record?

In Calhoun County, as in most parts of Michigan, arrest records can remain on your record indefinitely. While Michigan law generally limits public access to records without conviction, these records may still appear during background checks, including those conducted through the Michigan State Police's Internet Criminal History Access Tool (ICHAT) system.

Where a record holder qualifies to remove their arrest records from public view, law enforcement agencies and specific entities with statutory permission, such as courts, prosecutors' offices, and the Michigan Department of Corrections, can still access restricted or sealed records.

Expunge Calhoun County Arrest Records

Michigan's Clean Slate Act (MCL § 780.621g) provides a process for setting aside criminal records for those convicted of a crime. Some convictions may be automatically set aside, as outlined in Michigan State Police's Automatic Set-Aside Checklist. However, individuals can also apply to have their records set aside through the courts if they meet the criteria set forth in MCL § 780.621.

Individuals can check their criminal records through the MSP's ICHAT platform to determine eligibility. If eligible, the set-aside process includes filling out an Application to Set Aside Adult Conviction, after which they may proceed to submit the application to the court where the conviction was issued and send their fingerprint card, a copy of the conviction and the requisite $50 payment to the Michigan State Police.

Typically, once the application is filed, the court clerk will schedule a hearing. Petitioners should prepare to present evidence supporting their eligibility for record expungement, such as personal statements, testimonies, or other documentation. This information should be provided to the prosecutor and the Attorney General's offices in advance.

A set-aside record is closed to the public but may still be accessed when:

• The record holder is applying for a professional license, particularly within law enforcement or the judiciary.
• The Governor of Michigan is reviewing a pardon request.
• A judge is determining sentencing in a new criminal case.
• Another conviction set aside is being requested.

Calhoun County Arrest Warrants

An arrest warrant in Calhoun County is a legal document that authorizes law enforcement to take an individual into custody and bring them before a court. Under Michigan Compiled Laws (MCL) § 764.1, judges and district court magistrates can issue arrest warrants upon receiving a complaint from law enforcement, which must provide reasonable grounds to believe that the individual has committed a crime.

In addition to standard arrest warrants, bench warrants can be issued for individuals who fail to comply with court orders, such as failure to appear in court, complete community service, or comply with probation terms.

An arrest warrant typically includes:

• The name of the suspect
• The alleged offense
• Instructions directing law enforcement to apprehend the individual and bring them before a judge without delay

Calhoun County Arrest Warrant Search

Individuals seeking information about active arrest warrants in Calhoun County can contact the Sheriff's Office or local police departments. Alternatively, inquirers may query the court where the warrant was likely issued. The District and Circuit Courts' case search portals also allow individuals to track case events and verify whether an arrest warrant has been issued or executed.

Do Calhoun County Arrest Warrants Expire?

No, arrest warrants in Calhoun County do not have expiration dates. These warrants remain active until they are resolved by law enforcement, either through the arrest of the individual or the court recalling or invalidating the warrant. A judge may dismiss or recall an arrest warrant if it is proven that the individual named in the warrant is not guilty or the complaint lacks merit.