What are Clinton County Public Records?
According to the Michigan FOIA, Clinton County public records are written documents that are used, retained, owned, or prepared by public bodies during the execution of an official duty. Documents highlighted under section 13 of the Michigan FOIA and computer software are exempt from public inspection. Generally, Clinton County public records include court records, criminal records, marriage records, and death records.
In addition to government agencies, county public records may also be obtained from third-party websites. These non-government platforms come with intuitive tools that allow for expansive searches. Record seekers may either opt to use these tools to search for a specific record or multiple records. Users are able to search third-party websites remotely for multiple records at a time with just the name of the record subject and their last known location, including the city, county, or state. Third-party sites are not sponsored by government agencies. Because of this, record availability and results may vary.
Clinton County Crime Statistics
Clinton County's 2020 crime statistics from the Michigan Criminal Justice Information Center shows 548 index crimes and 1588 petty crimes, making 2,136 total offenses reported. In 2019, the law enforcement reported 505 index crimes and 2309 petty crimes, making 2,814 total offenses reported. A year-on-year comparison with the 2019 crime statistics shows that crime in Clinton County has decreased by 24%. Although index crimes increased by 8.5% year-on-year, petty crimes have declined by over 31% in the reported period.
Are Clinton County Criminal Records Public?
Yes. Clinton County criminal records are available to the public through the Internet Criminal History Access Tool (iCHAT). Each name-based search using iCHAT costs $10.00. Non-profit organizations may use the service for free if the subjects of the criminal history check are individuals who will work with vulnerable persons such as senior citizens and children.
How to Obtain Clinton County Police Reports and Arrest Records?
Concerned persons can obtain Clinton County police reports and arrest records from the Clinton County Sheriff's Office. Requestors must complete a FOIA Request Form with details on the record they wish to obtain. Furthermore, the requestor must pay applicable fees and submit the necessary documentation to obtain copies of police reports and arrest records.
Police reports contain a description of the incident, crime scene photos, and witness statements. Arrest records contain information on the incarcerated individual arrested at the crime scene. Persons who obtain arrest records can expect to see the reason for the arrest, date of arrest, personal information of the incarcerated individual (sex, age, race, height).
1347 East Townsend Road
St. Johns, MI 48879
Phone: (989) 224-1382
Fax: (989) 224-1382
Email: sheriff@clinton-county.org
How to Find Sex Offender Information in Clinton County
Members of the public can access the Michigan Sex Offender Registry for Clinton County sex offender information. The database has a list of published sex offenders, incarcerated sex offenders, and non-compliant sex offenders in the state. The registry provides a description of identifying physical features of registered sex offenders such as scars and tattoos. It also has information on the status of the sex offender, the last verification date, and the county of residence. People can search the registry using the sex offender's registration number, name of the sex offender, and street address. The registry offers personal information on the sex offenders registered on the site, such as race, sex, age, and height.
How to Find Clinton County Inmate Records
The Clinton County Sheriff's Office maintains the county's inmate records. Interested parties can obtain the records by submitting a complete FOIA Request Form. The office may charge a fee and require necessary documentation before releasing the record. Inmate records typically contain the name of the inmate, the reason for incarceration, bond if applicable, mugshot, duration of the sentence, personal information (sex, height, race, and age). Record checkers can contact the Sheriff's Office on ((989) 224-5200) for more information on how to obtain inmate records. Interested parties should also call the toll-free number (866) 932-6506 for information on inmates at the Clinton County jail.
How Do I Visit an Inmate in Clinton County Jail?
Prospective visitors who wish to visit an inmate in Clinton County jail may contact the jail administrative desk on (866) 932-6506 to schedule a session or inquire about specific visitation rules and visiting hours. Generally, all visitors to the jail must dress formally and present a valid government-issued photo ID upon entry. Furthermore, an intending visitor must be on the inmate's visitor's list - usually restricted to family members and friends whom the inmate already listed during processing. Visitors who are not on this list may contact the jail administrative desk for instructions. The same applies to members of the public who wish to make a request to visit an inmate.
Clinton County Court Records
Clinton County court records are documents recorded during court proceedings conducted at Clinton County courts. The judicial system in Clinton County is governed by the District Court, the Circuit Court, and the Probate Court. These courts handle various cases that include civil cases, criminal cases, juvenile cases, adoption cases, and property disputes. To obtain Clinton County court records, citizens should contact the court where the case was filed by using the following contact information:
65A District Court
100 East State Street
Suite 3400
St. Johns, MI 48879
Phone: (989) 224-5150
Fax: (989) 224-5154
Circuit Court
100 East State Street
Suite 4500
St. Johns, MI 48879
Probate Court
100 East State Street
Suite 4300
St. Johns, MI 48879
Phone: (989) 224-5190
Are Clinton County Court Records Public?
Clinton County court records are publicly accessible. Interested parties can obtain them in person at the County Clerk's Office, by mail, or through an online database provided by the Michigan Courts. Members of the public must provide necessary documentation before the Clerk can release the record to the requestor. The documentation typically includes a government-issued photo ID, a formal application for a public record request, and payment of the applicable fees.
How to Obtain Clinton County Civil Court Case Records
Members of the public can obtain Clinton County civil court case records documented at the Circuit Court from the County Clerk. Individuals can obtain the court records online, in person, and by mail. There is no charge for record searches before July 1996, which may be done at the Clerk's Office. However, the office will charge $10.00 per name for a 10-year search for requests sent by mail. Certified copies cost $10.00, while copies of documents are $1.00 per page for the first 10 pages and 50 cents for pages that follow.
It is advised that individuals should contact the County Clerk's Office on (989) 224-5257 to inquire about the number of pages in a document. To obtain civil court case records filed at the District Court Civil Division, contact the civil division on (989) 224-5152 or send an email to DCCivil@clinton-county.org. The District Court charges $1.00 per page for a copy, while certified copies cost $10.00.
How to Obtain Clinton County Criminal Court Records
Public access to Clinton County criminal court records is available from the County Clerk. Access to court records is available online, in person, and by mail. The Clerk's Office does not charge for records searches prior to July 1996. For mail-in requests, the office will charge $10.00 per name for a 10-year search. The fee for certified copies of documents is $10.00, while copies of documents cost $1.00 per page for the first ten pages and 50 cents for each additional page.
When requesting records by mail, record checkers should include a money order or check payable to the Clinton County Clerk. Results are typically available within 24 hours. To determine the number of pages in a document, individuals should contact the County Clerk's Office at (989) 224-5257. For information on criminal court records filed at the District Court, contact the criminal division on (989) 224-5153 or send an email to DCCriminal@clinton-county.org.
What are Clinton County Vital Records?
Clinton County vital records are documents that register life events that have occurred in the county. The vital records are birth records, marriage records, and death records. The Office of the Clinton County Clerk is the repository for Clinton County vital records. It is the responsibility of the office to maintain and issue the records, provided all eligibility requirements are met. Record checkers can contact the County Clerk during office hours (Monday to Friday from 8:00 A.M. to 12:00 P.M. and 1:00 P.M. to 5:00 P.M.) for further inquiries, using the contact information below:
100 East State Street
Suite 2600
St. Johns, MI 48879
Phone: (989) 224-5140
Fax: (989) 224-5102
Email: clerk@clinton-county.org
Where and How to Obtain Clinton County Divorce Records
Clinton County divorce records are filed at the Circuit Court. The Clinton County Clerk's Office maintains the county's divorce records. Interested parties can obtain divorce records before July 1996 at the Clerk's Office for free. It costs $10.00 per name for a request by mail for a 10-year search. Records after July 1996 are available online or for $10.00 per name for a 10-year search through a mail request.
Record checkers who wish to make a request by mail, should send a written request and include a check, or money payable to the Clinton County Clerk and a self-addressed stamped envelope. Certified copies of a divorce record cost $10.00. A copy of the records is $1.00 per page for the first 10 pages per case, and 50 cents for every page thereafter. Members of the public should contact the County Clerk's Office on (989) 224-5257 to ask about the number of pages in the divorce record of interest.
Where and How to Get Public Clinton County Marriage Records
Record checkers can obtain Clinton County marriage records from the County Clerk's Office. Clinton County marriage records after the 1st day of January 1927 are available at the Marriage Record Search database. It costs $13.00 for the first certified copy and $5.00 for additional copies requested at the same time.
Cash, check, or money order are acceptable payment options. The office will not refund the fee if the record is not found. To retrieve Clinton County marriage records, the requestor should make a request via mail or online. The requestor can request the record by mail by completing the Request for Marriage Record Form and submitting it to the County Clerk along with the applicable fees. The date of marriage and names of both parties is required.
Where and How to Get Confidential Marriage Records in Clinton County
Confidential marriage records are not recognized in Clinton County. All marriage records are publicly accessible and are maintained by the County Clerk's Office. The records are available online and by sending a request via mail. Interested parties should contact the County Clerk's Office to retrieve the records or follow the instructions available on the internet to obtain them online.
Where and How to Find Clinton County Birth Records
Clinton County birth records are public records when they are 100 years old or older. Eligible people who can obtain certified Clinton County birth records include the person named on the record and their kin. Requests for birth records typically go to the Office of the County Clerk.
A certified copy costs $13.00, while additional copies purchased at the same time cost $5.00. A requestor who is 65 years and above pays $7.00 for the first certified copy of the record and is charged $5.00 for additional copies purchased at once. Requestors can pay in cash, check, or money order.
A person can obtain a birth record in person and must provide documentation for identification. To obtain the record through the mail, the individual must complete a Request For Birth Record Form and send it to the County Clerk along with the stipulated fees. Other requirements include a return address, a daytime phone number, parents' names including mother's maiden name, signature, date of birth, name, and an identifying document.
100 East State Street
Suite 2600
St. Johns, MI 48879
Phone: (989) 224-5140
Fax: (989) 224-5102
Email: clerk@clinton-county.org
Where and How to Find Clinton County Death Records
Interested parties can obtain death records from 1867 to the present from the County Clerk's Office. The Death Records Search database contains records from 1934 to the present. Record checkers will pay $13.00 for the first certified copy of the record and $5.00 for additional copies purchased at the same time.
The payment is accepted as a check, money order (made payable to the County Clerk), or cash. The office will retain the fee even if the record is not found. Requests made by mail require the full name of the deceased, a complete Application for a Death Record Form to be sent to the County Clerk, and the date of death.
100 East State Street
Suite 2600
St. Johns, MI 48879
Phone: (989) 224-5140
Fax: (989) 224-5102
Email: clerk@clinton-county.org
