What are Gratiot County Public Records?
Gratiot County public records include documents and media produced by public agencies. Examples of public records in Gratiot County are court records, criminal records, vital records, etc. These public records are used as proof to show transparency in government administration. According to the Michigan FOIA, applicants can obtain these records online in digital and physical copies. Exemptions to the FOIA are typically documents containing information considered confidential according to state and federal laws - such as driver's license, social security numbers, trade secrets, and financial transactions.
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.
Gratiot County Crime Statistics
In the 2019 report published by the Michigan Incident Crime Reporting Program, Gratiot County law enforcement agencies recorded 2,736 offenses. There were 792 property-related crimes, 571 crimes against persons, 306 larceny thefts, 21 motor vehicle thefts, 3 robberies, 2 arsons, 74 sex-related offenses, and 64 burglaries. In comparison to the 2018 statistics, criminal activities in the county appeared to have reduced by 3.73% year on year.
Are Gratiot County Criminal Records Public?
Yes, Criminal records in Gratiot County are one of the public records listed under FOIA. As such, county residents and other interested persons can obtain copies of Gratiot County criminal records at the Sheriff's Office.
Gratiot County Sheriff
226 East Center Street
Ithaca, MI 48847
Phone: (989) 875-5211
An alternative method of accessing public criminal records is to use the statewide repository maintained by the Michigan State Police. The state police allow requestors to access criminal records by using the online platform known as the Internet Criminal History Access Tool (ICHAT). Note that only registered users are allowed to search for name-based criminal records on ICHAT.
How to Obtain Gratiot County Police Reports and Arrest Records?
Gratiot County police reports and arrest records are both available at local law enforcement agency offices. The Gratiot County Sheriff is the central custodian for these records, but police reports are typically obtained by contacting the police department that has jurisdiction over that municipality.
Requestors will be required to provide the necessary information to facilitate a search, including the arrestees' names, arrest or incident date, and address. Providing the names of the officers at the scene can also help expedite record retrieval.
Gratiot County Sheriff
226 East Center Street
Ithaca, MI 48847
Phone: (989) 875-5211
The contact information of police departments in Gratiot County are listed below:
Alma City Police Department
525 East Superior Street
Alma, MI
Breckenridge Police Department
104 East Saginaw Street
Breckenridge, MI
Ithaca Police Department
122 North Maple Street
Ithaca, MI
Saint Louis Police Department
108 West Saginaw Street
St. Louis, MI
How to Find Sex Offender Information in Gratiot County
Gratiot County sex offender information is open to county residents online via the Michigan Sex Offender Registry. The search tool can be used to look up records of sex offenders by entering the offender's full name, city, zip code, or compliance status.
How to Find Gratiot County Inmate Records
Parties interested in obtaining Gratiot County inmate records can do so in person by contacting the Gratiot County Sheriff's Office:
Gratiot County Sheriff
226 East Center Street
Ithaca, MI 48847
Phone: (989) 875-5211
Meanwhile, the Michigan Department of Corrections maintains the Offender Tracking Information System (OTIS) for finding information about inmates booked into state prisons. Note that the state's database does not provide information on inmates serving time in the county jail.
How Do I Visit an Inmate in Gratiot County Jail?
County residents with relatives that are committed to Gratiot County jail can visit the jail facility. Intending visitors must schedule a visit at least 24 hours ahead and by calling the admin desk on (989) 875-5211. On the visitation day, the visitor must dress formally and bring a picture ID along to the facility.
Gratiot County Jail
226 East Center Street
Ithaca, MI 48847
Phone: (989) 875-5211
Visiting times are only on Mondays and Thursdays between 3:30 pm and 9:30 pm. It is important to call the jail division before visiting. The jail administrator has the right to terminate visiting privileges of visitors who fail to obey the rules and regulations of the jail.
Gratiot County Court Records
Gratiot County court records are part of the public records accessible to county residents under FOIA. Court records of all judicial proceedings at the County Courts are obtainable at the Gratiot County Clerk's Office.
Gratiot County court records are typically divided into two: civil and criminal court records. Civil court records reveal civil cases involving disputes and settlements between two parties, while criminal court records reveal criminal cases involving suspects who may have violated Michigan state laws.
Locations of Courts in Gratiot County
The list below contains the contact information of Gratiot County Circuit Court, the District Court, and the Probate Court.
29th Circuit Court - Gratiot
214 East Center Street
P.O. Box 437
Ithaca, MI 48847
Phone: (989) 875-5215
Fax: (989) 875-5254
65th District Court - Gratiot
245 East Newark Street
Ithaca, MI 48847
Phone: (989) 875-5240
Fax: (989) 875-5290
Gratiot County Probate Court
214 East Center Street
P.O. Box 217
Ithaca, MI 48847
Phone: (989) 875-5231
Fax: (989) 875-5331
Are Gratiot County Court Records Public?
Yes, Gratiot County court records are open to the public. Interested persons can access these records at the County Court Clerk's Office or the state's central repository. However, court records containing private information are restricted from public view.
How to Obtain Gratiot County Civil Court Case Records
The Gratiot County Clerk serves as the principal record custodian for court records. Civil court records are typically available to the public at the Clerk's Office. Record seekers must provide a written request showing the parties' names, filing date, as well as the requestors' daytime contact information. Contact the Clerk's Office ahead to obtain an estimate of the requested records. An alternative way to find civil court records in Gratiot County is to look up the Case Search System maintained by the Michigan Judiciary.
Gratiot County Clerk
214 East Center Street
Suite 16
Ithaca, MI 48847
Phone: (989) 875-5215
Fax: (989) 875-5254
How to Obtain Gratiot County Criminal Court Records
Typically, the requestor must prepare a written request showing the parties' names, case filing date, as well as the requestor's contact details. Then, the individual may submit or mail the request letter to the Gratiot County Clerk's Office. Contact the Office for an estimated cost of the documents sought.
Gratiot County Clerk
214 East Center Street
Suite 16
Ithaca, MI 48847
Phone: (989) 875-5215
Fax: (989) 875-5254
What are Gratiot County Vital Records?
Vital records in Gratiot County contain details of individuals' key life events like birth, adoption, marriage, divorce, and death. These government-issued documents are typically available for record holders and their relatives. Other interested individuals may not be offered full access to Gratiot County vital records. Vital records are available to eligible requestors at the County Clerk's Office or the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS).
Where and How to Obtain Gratiot County Divorce Records
In Gratiot County, divorce records are part of public court records available to all persons interested in the documents. However, only divorced couples and other related persons can obtain certified copies. To get divorce records, requestors must download and complete the Vital Records Form.
Alternatively, prepare and send written requests to the County Clerk, including the names of the divorced parties, date of divorce, requestor's name, phone number, and address In-person requestors should bring a valid ID to the Office located at:
Gratiot County Clerk
214 East Center Street
Suite 16
Ithaca, MI 48847
Phone: (989) 875-5215
Fax: (989) 875-5254
Meanwhile, divorce certificates are also available at the MDHHS Division for Vital Records. Requestors should schedule an appointment for in-person requests or submit a divorce record application form. The MDHHS charges $34 per copy. Direct requests and additional inquiries to:
Vital Records Request
P.O. Box 30721
Lansing, MI 48909
Phone: (517) 335-8666
Where and How to Get Public Gratiot County Marriage Records
Marriage records in Gratiot County are accessible to all interested persons. Married couples and their relatives can obtain full certified copies, while other persons can only get limited marriage records. To obtain marriage records, requestors must download and complete the aforementioned Vital Records Form. Direct requests and additional inquiries to:
Gratiot County Clerk
214 East Center Street
Suite 16
Ithaca, MI 48847
Phone: (989) 875-5215
Fax: (989) 875-5254
Meanwhile, obtaining marriage records from the MDHHS involves scheduling an appointment for in-person requests or mailing a marriage record application form to the agency. The MDHHS charges $34 per copy. Direct requests and additional inquiries to:
Vital Records Request
P.O. Box 30721
Lansing, MI 48909
Phone: (517) 335-8666
Where and How to Obtain Confidential Marriage Records in Gratiot County
Marriage records in Gratiot County and other communities in Michigan are available to all individuals. As such, there are no confidential marriage records in the county.
Where and How to Find Gratiot County Birth Records
Birth records in Gratiot County are open to the record holder (name of the person on the record), their immediate kin, and their attorney. Eligible requestors must download and complete the aforementioned Vital Records Form and submit it with a valid ID to the Clerk's Office.
Gratiot County Clerk
214 East Center Street
Suite 16
Ithaca, MI 48847
Phone: (989) 875-5215
Fax: (989) 875-5254
Alternatively, an individual may schedule an appointment to obtain birth records in-person or mail in a birth record application form. The MDHHS charges $34 per copy. Direct requests and additional inquiries to:
Vital Records Request
P.O. Box 30721
Lansing, MI 48909
Phone: (517) 335-8666
Where and How to Find Gratiot County Death Records
In Gratiot County, certified copies of death records are open to the deceased's kin and authorized third parties. To obtain these records, requestors must download and complete the aforementioned Vital Records Form, attach a valid ID, and send the request to:
Gratiot County Clerk
214 East Center Street
Suite 16
Ithaca, MI 48847
Phone: (989) 875-5215
Fax: (989) 875-5254
Alternatively, an individual may schedule an appointment to obtain birth records in-person or mail in a death record application form. The MDHHS charges $34 per copy. Direct requests and additional inquiries to:
Vital Records Request
P.O. Box 30721
Lansing, MI 48909
Phone: (517) 335-8666
