Jackson County Arrest Records

A notification is usually sent to local enforcement when a felony crime is committed in Jackson County, Michigan. These agencies typically commence an investigation after receiving the notification, following which they may file a complaint with the court or request a warrant to aid the apprehension of suspects allegedly involved in a crime. The judge will issue an arrest warrant if they find probable cause to believe a crime has been committed and the defendant is responsible. The officer may then proceed to execute the warrant by arresting the defendant. The arrested person will be brought to the police station and held in custody or released by bail. They may appear before a judge for arraignment, where they can enter a plea of guilty or not guilty and be referred for a pre-sentence investigation if they plead guilty or for pre-trial if they plead not guilty. The court will dismiss a defendant's charges if found not guilty during the trial. However, they will be sentenced if found guilty.

The Jackson County Sheriff's Office typically records all information regarding an arrest. This record becomes public after a few hours or days. They may be accessed by querying the arresting agency or reviewing related Jackson County court records.

Are Arrest Records Public in Jackson County?

Yes. The Michigan Freedom of Information Act (MFOIA) approves public access to arrest records. Therefore, anyone in Jackson County can examine, inspect, or copy arrest records in the custody of the Sheriff's Office or any city police department. The MFOIA exempts some Jackson County arrest records from public disclosure. Some examples of such records are:

• Juvenile arrest records
• An arrested person's medical, counseling, or psychological records
• Records of law enforcement communication codes or plans for deployment of law enforcement personnel
• Records an arrested person's personal information whose disclosure would result in an unwarranted invasion of their privacy

Investigating records collected for law enforcement purposes whose disclosure would:

• Interfere with law enforcement proceedings.
• Disclose a sexual misconduct victim's identity.
• Constitute an unwarranted invasion of personal privacy.
• Endanger law enforcement personnel's lives or physical safety.
• Expose a law enforcement agency's investigative techniques.
• Reveal the identity of a confidential source or information such a source provides.
• Deprive the arrested person of the right to a fair trial or impartial administrative adjudication.

What Do Public Arrest Records Contain?

A typical arrest record contains the following information:

• Biographical information (MDOC number, SID number, name, racial identification, gender, hair and eye color, height, weight, and date of birth)
• MDOC status (current status, assigned location, security level, and supervision begin and discharge dates)
• Aliases, marks, scars, and tattoos
• Probation sentences (offense, MCL number, court file number, county, conviction type, sentence and offense dates, and minimum and maximum sentences)

Jackson County Crime Rate

Jackson County residents can find crime rates on the Michigan Incident Crime Reporting (MICR) website. The MICR's 2022 annual report shows that about 11,961 crimes occurred in Jackson County, including 3,64 index crimes and 8,267 non-index crimes. The most frequently recurring crimes committed that year were Larceny other (831), retail fraud theft (735), and aggravated/felonious assault (439). The 2022 report was an increase compared to the 2021 report, with 11,798 total crimes, 3456 Part I crimes, and 8,329 Part II crimes

Jackson County Arrest Statistics

The Michigan Incident Crime Reporting (MICR) shows Jackson County arrest statistics. The 2022 annual report showed 2,653 total arrests in Jackson County, including 376 Part I and 2,277 Part II arrests. Most of the arrested persons were brought into custody for aggravated assault (141), retail fraud theft (73), and burglary and forced entry (52). The arrest statistics for 2022 are a decrease compared to 2021, with a total arrest of about 2,942, including 431 for Part I and 2,511 for Part II crimes.

Find Jackson County Arrest Records

Jackson County residents can view or obtain copies of arrest records from the Michigan Department of Corrections (MDOC). The MDOC has an Offender Search Portal that issues arrest records electronically. The search parameters are last name or MDOC number. Users can narrow their searches by providing a first name, sex, race, age, or offender status. The MDOC also permits in-person arrest record searches at their state prisons during business hours. In-person requesters must provide basic information relating to the record to facilitate the search.

Individuals can search arrest records of Jackson County offenders at federal law enforcement agencies. Most federal agencies have online portals where members of the public can view arrest records for free. However, mail and in-person requests are also possible. For example:

The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) provides access to arrest records online, by mail, or through authorized channelers for $18. This fee can be paid by money order, certified check, or credit card using the Credit Card Payment Form. Online requesters must submit fingerprints electronically at participating U.S. Post Office locations. The turnabout time for online requests is 15 days, and 20 days for mail requests. Mail applicants must submit a completed Applicant Information Form to:

FBI CJIS Division – Summary Request
1000 Custer Hollow Road
Clarksburg, WV 26306

The United States Capitol Police (USCP) provides arrest summary reports to the public online. Users can filter the search by CFN number, crime date, crime summary, and crime type. The USCP also issues arrest summary reports by mail. The requester has to submit a Request Form to:

United States Capitol Police
Reports Processing Section
119 D Street, Ne
Washington, DC 20510

The Federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP) disseminates arrest records online through the Inmate Locator. A search can be conducted by number (BOP register number, DCDC number, FBI number, or INS number) or by name (first, middle, or last). Alternatively, requesters can obtain copies of arrest records in person at any BOP facility during business hours. The record staff will need a name or number to process the request.

Individuals can find arrest records at the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Requests can be made online through the Online Detainee Locator System or in person at the ICE's field offices or detention facilities. Searches on the online portal can be performed using an A-Number or biographical details. In-person requests should be made during business hours.

Free Arrest Record Search in Jackson County

Individuals might be able to get free arrest records at the Jackson County Sheriff's Department by phone or in person. All calls should be forwarded to the Jackson County Jail at (5(170) 768-7912. In-person requesters should only ask to view arrest records because copies of records attract a small fee. Another easy way of finding free arrest records is through third-party websites. A name is required to access the desired records. Unfortunately, most third-party sites only return basic arrest information for free. Users must pay a fee for comprehensive searches.

Get Jackson County Criminal Records

The Jackson County Sheriff's Office provides limited criminal records, including only booking information. Individuals who want a comprehensive criminal record must contact the Michigan State Police (MSP). The MSP disseminates Jackson County criminal records to the public. A search can be conducted by name and fingerprints.

Record seekers can conduct a name-based search online through the Internet Criminal History Access Tool (ICHAT). The search criteria are first name, last name, and date of birth. Users can streamline the search using a race, middle initial, alias or nickname, sex, and/or maiden or previous name. The desired criminal records will be accessible online immediately a fee of $10 per search is paid and approved. Payments can be made by credit or debit cards (Visa, MasterCard, and Discover). The criminal record will be available to the user on the searched day and for the next seven days and will be deleted afterward. The MSP does not provide ICHAT search results by mail.

Individuals in need of criminal records for employment and licensing purposes can conduct a fingerprint-based criminal record search. They must obtain an RI-030 Live Scan Fingerprint Background Check Request form from the employer or the licensing agency and complete sections II and IV. Fingerprinting services can be arranged through the Jackson County Sheriff's Department or an MSP-approved Live Scan vendor. The processing time is typically around seven business days or less. Once processed, the Michigan State Police (MSP) will send the results to the employer or licensing agency specified on the form.

Record seekers can also conduct a fingerprint-based search of their personal criminal records by visiting the Jackson County Sheriff's Office Records Division. They must ask to be printed on Michigan Applicant Fingerprint Cards (RI-008). The Division provides fingerprint services from Monday to Thursday, 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Applicants outside Michigan can conduct a fingerprint-based criminal record check by visiting any law enforcement agency in their states. The law enforcement agency must take their fingerprints on an FBI Applicant Fingerprint card (FD-258). They must submit the fingerprints, a cover letter explaining the reason for the fingerprint submission, and a $30 processing fee (payable by money order or check) to:

Michigan State Police
CJIC
P.O. Box 30266
Lansing, MI 48909-7766

The requester will receive an original certified or notarized copy of the criminal records. The MSP charges extra fees for multiple original copies. Processing time is between 3 and 5 weeks.

Jackson County Arrest Records Vs. Criminal Records

Arrest records contain information on a person's apprehension and detention. On the other hand, the MCL-Section 3.1053(d) defines criminal records as a document containing information on a person's identifiable descriptions and details of arrests, detentions, indictments, criminal charges, and dispositions such as acquittal, sentencing, correctional supervision, or release.

How Long Do Arrests Stay on Your Record?

Jackson County arrests stay on a person's criminal record permanently. However, arrested persons can restrict access to their records through expungement or sealing. The Michigan Department of Technology, Management & Budget (DTMB) provides General Retention Schedules for some arrest records in Jackson County. Below are some examples:

• Warrants are kept until they become inactive
• An inmate's social security information is destroyed after ten (10) years.
• Inmate receipts are kept until the calendar year ends with one (1) year.
• Jail visitor logs are retained until the calendar year ends with two (2) years
• Inmate request forms are kept until the calendar year ends, including one (1) year
• Juvenile arrest records & fingerprint cards are kept until the juvenile's 17th birthday
• Inmate trust fund records are retained until the calendar year ends, including six (6) years.
• Arrest/detention log data will be kept until the calendar year ends, including five (5) years.
• Jail records (inmate jackets) are retained until the inmate is released, including ten (10) years.
• Jail annual inspection records are retained until the calendar year ends, including one (1) year.
• Incident files that are non-criminal are retained until the case is closed, including three (3) years.
• Inmate property intake/release records are kept until the calendar year ends, including one (1) year.
• Jail transmittal of booking fees records are retained until the inmate is released, including six (6) years
• Jail Population Information System (JPIS) reports are retained until the calendar year ends, including two (2) years.
• Incident files for felonies are retained until the case is closed and there are no open warrants, including 20 years.
• Incident files for misdemeanors are retained until the case is closed and there are no open warrants, including seven (7) years.
• Incident files for homicides and criminal sexual conduct are retained, the case is closed, and there are no open warrants, including 110 years.
• Inmate medical records are retained until the calendar year ends, including seven (7) years, unless the inmate grants permission to destroy them earlier.

Expunge Jackson County Arrest Records

In Jackson County, expungement is also referred to as setting aside a conviction. Individuals who have been arrested can have their records expunged either automatically or by filing an application. Michigan introduced automatic expungement on April 11, 2023, allowing certain adult convictions to be removed from arrest records without needing an application. However, the Michigan State Police (MSP) limits automatic expungement to specific individuals and convictions. Eligible persons can expunge up to two felonies, four misdemeanors with penalties of 93 days or more in jail, and an unlimited number of misdemeanors with penalties of 92 days or less. The waiting period for expungement is ten years from the date of sentencing for felonies and seven years for misdemeanors.

Those applying for expungement must first obtain copies of their conviction records from the Jackson County court where they were convicted. They will then need to complete an Application to Set Aside Conviction Form, have it notarized, and provide fingerprints at an MSP post or the Jackson County Sheriff's Office. The application, along with the certified conviction record, a $50 fee, and fingerprints, must be submitted to the MSP. Copies of the application and conviction record should also be sent to the Michigan Attorney General and the prosecutor involved in the case. The MSP will then process the application, and if approved, a judge will sign the Order on Application to Set Aside Conviction Form. This order will be sent to both the MSP and the arresting agency.

Once the expungement order is issued, the MSP will keep a copy and remove the conviction from its online database within one month. Although the expunged record will be sealed from public view, it will remain accessible to law enforcement agencies. If an expungement request is denied, the applicant has the option to request a rehearing, appeal the decision, or wait three years before reapplying.

Jackson County Arrest Warrants

Under Mich. Ct. R. 6.102, Jackson County judges can issue arrest warrants only when law enforcement officers file complaints. The judge must also establish probable cause to believe that the individual named in the complaint has committed the alleged crime. In Jackson County, arrest warrants are issued solely to peace officers or other authorized individuals for execution. The officer executing the warrant must return it to the court, where the arrested individual will appear. An arrest warrant must include the signature of the issuing judge, the defendant's name or an identifying description, and a directive to arrest the defendant and bring them before the issuing or designated judge or court.

Jackson County Arrest Warrant Search

Jackson County residents can find out if a warrant has been issued in their name by visiting the Sheriff's Department with proper identification. The Office is open Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The record staff will need a name to process the request. The Office is located at:

Jackson County Sheriff's Department
212 W Wesley Street
Jackson, MI 49201

Do Jackson County Arrest Warrants Expire?

No, Jackson County arrest warrants do not expire. They do not have expiry dates and only become inactive when executed. The issuing judge can cancel a returned unexecuted arrest warrant at the prosecutor's request.