What are Grand Traverse County Public Records?
Michigan FOIA describes public records as any document written that is owned, retained, prepared, or used by a public body to perform any official duty. The public records do not include documents under section 13 (exempt from public access) of the Michigan FOIA or any computer software. That said, the most sought Grand Traverse County records typically include death records, marriage records, court records, arrest records, and sex offender information.
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.
Grand Traverse County Crime Statistics
The 2020 crime report for Grand Traverse County categorizes the county's offenses into violent crimes and property crimes. The crimes are under Part I crimes, while lesser crimes are under Part II crimes. There were 9 robberies reported in that year, as well as 72 rape offenses and 172 aggravated assaults. These figures make a total of 253 violent crimes reported in Grand Traverse County in 2020. On the other hand, property crimes were 723 offenses in total. The figures included were 12 arson, 43 motor vehicle thefts, 568 larceny, and 112 burglary offenses. The reported violent crimes and property crimes made up a total of 988 Part I crimes. For that year, Grand Traverse County reported 3,767 Part II crimes, which gave a Grand Total of 4,755 crimes in the county for the year 2020.
Meanwhile, the 2019 crime report shows there was 1,067 Part I crimes. The report shows 255 violent crimes, including 5 murders, 104 rape offenses, 9 robberies, and 137 aggravated assaults. Property crimes in 2019 were 807 in total, including 105 burglaries, 674 larcenies, 28 motor vehicle thefts, and 5 arson cases. Also, Grand Traverse County reported 5,287 Part II crimes, which gave a Grand Total sum of 6,354 crimes for the statistical year. A year-on-year analysis shows that violent crimes decreased by 0.78% from 2019 to 2020, while property crimes decreased by 10.41%.
Are Grand Traverse County Criminal Records Public?
The Michigan State Police provides a criminal record history search which is publicly accessible via the Internet Criminal History Access Tool (ICHAT). Each name-based search costs $10.000, payable with a credit card or debit card. Michigan State Police waives this cost for non-profit organizations conducting checks on employees who work with vulnerable people like children or the elderly.
How to Obtain Grand Traverse County Police Reports and Arrest Records?
Interested persons should complete the FOIA Request Form, describing the police report or arrest record sought. Then, mail the completed form to the Sheriff's Office via fax or email. Interested parties are advised to include details on what is being requested and their daytime contact information as well. Of course, obtaining copies of these records cost a fee. Contact the Records Division on (231) 995-5000 to get an estimate for the associated fees.
Grand Traverse County Sheriff's Office
851 Woodmere Avenue
Traverse City, MI 49686
Fax: (231) 995-5010
Email: sherifffoia@gtsheriff.org
Meanwhile, defendants in criminal cases who wish to obtain a copy of their police report after an arrest can contact the Prosecutor's Office. If represented, an attorney may obtain copies of the document on their behalf by calling (231) 922-4600.
How to Find Sex Offender Information in Grand Traverse County
The Michigan Sex Offender Registry provides information on sex offenders in Michigan State. Concerned citizens can visit the site to search for sex offenders by registration number, street address, and name. The registry discloses personal information on the registered sex offenders, such as sex, race, age, height, scars, and tattoos. The searcher will also be able to identify the status of the offender, county, and the last verification date. The registry contains a list of incarcerated sex offenders, non-compliant sex offenders, and published sex offenders in the state.
How to Find Grand Traverse County Inmate Records
To obtain Grand Traverse County inmate records, submit a FOIA Request for Public Records Form to the Sheriff's Office in person, by email, or regular mail. A typical inmate record contains the personal information of the inmate, the date of the arrest, the reason for incarceration, duration of the sentence, and bond, if applicable.
Grand Traverse County Sheriff's Office
851 Woodmere Avenue
Traverse City, MI 49686
Phone: (231) 995-5000
How Do I Visit an Inmate in Grand Traverse County Jail?
Prospective visitors should sign up on videovisitanywhere to schedule a visit. Video visits are permitted at Grand Traverse County Jail. Visitors can conduct a visit from a phone or computer with a webcam and a good internet connection. The visits must be scheduled 24 hours in advance. Visits occur seven days a week from 8:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M. Prospective visitors will have one free 30 minutes visit per week at the lobby kiosks. A 20-minute visit costs $6.95, while a 40-minute visit costs $13.95. Interested parties can contact the jail administrator on (231) 922-4535. The Grand Traverse County Corrections Division is located at:
320 Washington Street
Traverse City, MI 49684
Grand Traverse Court Records
There are three courts that serve Grand Traverse County. Each court has varying levels of jurisdiction over criminal and civil cases. Documents created or submitted throughout a case history are court records. Grand Traverse County court records are maintained by the County Clerk's Office. The contact information of courts in Grand Traverse County is listed below:
Grand Traverse County 13th Circuit Court
328 Washington Street
Suite 300
Traverse City, MI 49684
Phone: (231) 922-4701
Email: c13court@13thcircuitcourt.org
Grand Traverse County 86th District Court
280 Washington Street
Traverse City, MI 49684
Phone: (231) 922-4580
Email: districtcourt@86thdistrictcourt.org
Grand Traverse County Probate Court
280 Washington Street
Suite 223
Traverse City, MI 49684
Phone: (231) 922-6862
Fax: (231) 922-4458
Email: probate@grandtraverse.org
Are Grand Traverse County Court Records Public?
Members of the public can obtain Grand Traverse County court records through the Office of the County Clerk. The Office has a criminal record and civil record index that is publicly accessible. The database is updated every 24 hours. Visiting the Clerk's Office in person also remains a viable option to obtain court records.
How to Obtain Grand Traverse County Civil Court Case Records
Interested persons can obtain Grand Traverse County civil case records in-person, by mail, or online. In-person and mail requests involve writing a letter listing the document's title, case filing date, case number, and litigants' names. The letter must also contain the requestor's daytime contact information. Furthermore, the requestor must attach a check or money order for the estimated search fees along with the letter. A certified copy of a record typically costs $10.00 plus $1.00 per page. Contact the Clerk's Office for more information.
Grand Traverse County Clerk
400 Boardman Avenue
Suite 101
Traverse City, MI 49684
Phone: (231) 922-4760
Fax: (231) 922-4794
How to Obtain Grand Traverse County Criminal Court Records
The criminal record index is available for the public to search for criminal cases filed at the Grand Traverse County Circuit Court. Alternatively, interested persons may visit the Clerk's Office in person during business hours or send a mail request. Each certified copy of a criminal record costs $10.00 in addition to a $1.00 copying fee per page.
A requestor must include the title and date of the document, the case number, the plaintiff or defendant's name, daytime contact information, and receiving address. For additional information or inquiries, contact the Clerk's Office.
Grand Traverse County Clerk
400 Boardman Avenue
Suite 101
Traverse City, MI 49684
Phone: (231) 922-4760
Fax: (231) 922-4794
What are Grand Traverse County Vital Records?
Grand Traverse County's vital records are documents containing information about marriages, divorces, deaths, and births that happen within the county's jurisdiction. The Grand Traverse County Clerk is the custodian of these records and issues them to eligible persons. These eligible requestors typically include the persons named on the vital record, their immediate family members, and authorized representatives.
Where and How to Obtain Grand Traverse County Divorce Records
The Grand Traverse County Clerk's Office is the custodian for divorce records. To obtain a record, the requestor should prepare a letter naming the divorcees and the divorce date. Next, attach a money order or check for the estimated service fee provided by the Clerk's Office - call the Office to confirm. Furthermore, attach a picture ID with the letter and enclose the application packet in a manila envelope. Submit or mail the request letter to the Clerk's Office.
Grand Traverse County Clerk
400 Boardman Avenue
Suite 101
Traverse City, MI 49684
Phone: (231) 922-4760
Fax: (231) 922-4794
Where and How to Get Public Grand Traverse Marriage Records
The Office of the County Clerk maintains a marriage license index listing married couples in Grand Traverse County. To obtain a marriage record by email or online, complete the online request form. Alternatively, submit or mail in a request letter listing the couple's name and marriage date. Certified copies of marriage licenses cost $15 for the first copy and $5 for additional copies of the same record. The payment can be paid via money order, cash, debit cards, or credit cards.
Where and How to Get Confidential Marriage Records in Grand Traverse County
There are no confidential marriage records in Grand Traverse County. Marriage records are available for public inspection and purchase by visiting the County Clerk in person, as well as by sending an email or request letter via mail. Direct additional inquiries to the Clerk's Office.
Where and How to Find Grand Traverse County Birth Records
The Grand Traverse County Clerk is responsible for maintaining birth records in the county. Grand Traverse County birth records are not public records and are only available to the registrant, parents, or legal guardian (proof is required). Unless a birth record is over 100 years old, valid photo identification is required to establish eligibility to request and receive a birth record.
Requestors are required to submit or mail in a signed Birth Certificate Application Form, along with a valid driver's license or a state-issued photo ID, and payment of the statutory fee (cash, check, or money order).
Generally, the first copy of a certified birth record costs $15.00, and additional copies of the same record cost $5. Payment is accepted in cash, money order, check or credit cards, or debit cards. Registrants who are 65 years and above who wish to obtain their record are charged $7 for a certified copy and $5 for additional copies of the same record. Direct additional inquiries to:
Grand Traverse County Clerk
400 Boardman Avenue
Suite 101
Traverse City, MI 49684
Phone: (231) 922-4760
Fax: (231) 922-4794
Where and How to Find Grand Traverse County Death Records
The Clerk's Office is the custodian for death records. Certified copies of death records in Grand Traverse County are only available to the deceased's relatives. Third parties may obtain informational copies or search the public death index listing the names and dates of death of persons who have died in the county since 1867. Persons who wish to obtain death records in Grand Traverse County must complete the death record request form online. A certified copy of a death record costs $15 for the first copy and $5 for additional copies of the same record. Payment types accepted are cash, check, money order, debit card, or credit card. Direct additional inquiries to:
Grand Traverse County Clerk
400 Boardman Avenue
Suite 101
Traverse City, MI 49684
Phone: (231) 922-4760
Fax: (231) 922-4794
