Cass County Arrest Records

In Cass County, arrests are made when law enforcement officials have probable cause or a warrant issued by a court to believe that an individual has committed a crime. This could result from criminal activity observed directly by officers or based on credible evidence. Arrests may occur on the spot or following an investigation. When a person is arrested, they are taken into custody, and the arrest is processed through booking, where personal details such as fingerprints, mugshots, and charges are officially recorded.

Inmates arrested in Cass County are typically held at the Cass County Jail, which is operated by the Cass County Sheriff's Office. This facility is the main detention center in the county, and it handles inmates awaiting trial, sentencing, or transfer to a state prison.

The Cass County Sheriff's Office is responsible for generating and maintaining arrest records in Cass County. These records are very important to the criminal justice process and are linked to other public records, such as Cass County Court Records, which provide detailed information on the legal proceedings that follow an arrest. Other agencies involved include the Michigan State Police, which manages criminal history databases, and the Department of Corrections, which handles incarceration records.

Are Arrest Records Public in Cass County?

Under Michigan’s Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), arrest records in Cass County are generally considered public records. This means that citizens may have the right to access these records upon request. However, certain exemptions apply, and the following types of information may be restricted from public disclosure:

• Arrest records of individuals under 18 are generally confidential under the Michigan Juvenile Code (MCL 712A.28)
• Information that could interfere with an active investigation may be withheld under Michigan Compiled Law(MCL 15.243)
• Arrest records that have been sealed or expunged by a court of law are not accessible to the public.
• Sensitive Personal information such as social security numbers and home addresses are not accessible to the general public.

Members of the public may request arrest records through the Cass County Sheriff's Office or submit a FOIA request to the relevant agency. However, if the arrest record contains sensitive information, not all parts may be released.

What Do Public Arrest Records Contain?

A public arrest record in Cass County typically includes the following information:

• The arrested individual’s full name, date of birth, and personal identifiers.
• Date, time, and location of the arrest.
• The charges filed, including misdemeanors or felonies
• Arresting officer or agency involved
• Booking details such as mugshots and Fingerprint records
• Bail or bond information
• Case number and any court dates related to the charges.

Cass County Arrest Statistics

Cass County’s arrest and incarceration statistics are compiled by local law enforcement agencies and shared with the Federal Bureau of Investigation(FBI) as part of the Uniform Crime Reporting (UCR) program. The FBI UCR data reveals that Cass County has reported approximately 1000 arrests in 2022, with the majority being related to property crimes, drug offenses, and violent crimes. The Cass County jail houses an average of 100 inmates daily, with a significant number being pre-trial detainees. The county has also seen an increase in arrests for drug-related offenses over the last few years.

Find Cass County Arrest Records

Individuals may use state and federal resources to locate arrest records in Cass County.

• The Cass County Sheriff's Office provides access to arrest records and Jail rosters.
• Additionally, the Michigan Department of Corrections offers an online inmate locator system known as the Offender Tracking Information System(OTIS), which allows users to search for individuals currently incarcerated in Michigan correctional facilities.
• FBI’s National Crime Information Center(NCIC) also stores arrest records, although this may be available only to law enforcement agencies

Free Arrest Record Search in Cass County

Residents may access certain arrest information free of charge through the Cass County Sheriff's Office or by submitting a FOIA request. Some third-party websites also offer free searches of arrest records, although those records may not be updated.

Cass County Arrest Records Vs. Criminal Records

The terms arrest and criminal records are often used interchangeably, but they mean different things.

• Arrest records document the circumstances surrounding a person’s arrest, including charges and booking information. An arrest does not mean the individual was convicted of a crime.
• Criminal records, on the other hand, are more comprehensive and include a full history of an individual’s criminal justice interactions, including arrest records, probation, parole, conviction, and sentencing records.

Both arrest and criminal records are maintained by the Cass County Sheriff's office, the Michigan Department of Corrections and the Michigan State Police.

How Long Do Arrests Stay on Your Record?

Arrest records remain permanent unless expunged or sealed. In Michigan, arrest records typically remain on an individual’s record indefinitely unless they are expunged or sealed by the court. Under Michigan’s Clean Slate Law (MCL 780.621), individuals may be eligible to have certain arrests or convictions expunged after a specified, depending on the nature of the offense. Individuals may request the court to remove the arrest from their record for arrests that do not result in conviction.

Expunge Cass County Arrest Records

Under Michigan Clean Slate law, Individuals may be able to expunge or set aside their arrest records if they meet specific eligibility requirements. The Law provides that individuals with arrests that did not result in a conviction can petition for an expungement after a five-year waiting period.

To expunge an arrest record in Cass County, the following steps are generally required:

• File a petition to set aside with the Cass County Circuit Court.
• Submit fingerprints and undergo a criminal background check
• Provide documentation proving that the arrest did not result in a conviction or that the conviction is eligible for expungement.
• Attend a hearing before a judge who will determine whether to grant the request for expungement.
• If granted, the arrest record is sealed and no longer accessible to the public, though law enforcement agencies may still retain access.

Cass County Arrest Warrants

In Cass County, arrest warrants are typically issued after law enforcement presents evidence or probable cause that a crime has been committed. An arrest warrant is a court order issued by a judge or magistrate authorizing the arrest of an individual.

In Cass County, arrest warrants are issued under Michigan Court Rules(MCR 6.102), which governs the procedure for obtaining and executing warrants. The warrant must include the following:

• The name of the individual to be arrested
• The charges or crime committed
• The date and time the warrant was issued
• The signature of the issuing judge or magistrate.

Once an arrest warrant is issued, it is entered into local and international databases, thereby making it accessible to law enforcement agencies across the country.

Do Cass County Arrest Warrants Expire?

In Cass County, arrest warrants do not generally expire. Once issued, a warrant remains active until the individual is arrested or the warrant is withdrawn by the court. However, factors such as the severity of the crime and the law enforcement agency’s efforts to execute the warrant may affect how aggressively it is pursued. Although law enforcement may not actively seek to arrest individuals with minor offenses, the warrant remains valid.