What are Huron County Public Records?
The Michigan Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) defines public records as “a writing prepared, owned, used, in the possession of, or retained by a public body in the performance of an official function, from the time it is created”. Public records may be typeset or handwritten, photographed, or printed. They could also be in audio or video formats. Computer software, however, is however exempt from this definition.
Not all Huron County public records are available to the public for inspection. Some of the restricted records include:
- Trade secrets.
- Advisory communications with government agencies.
- Attorney-client communications.
- Medical counseling and psychological facts or appraisals.
- Records of campaign committees.
- Certain law enforcement 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.
Huron County Crime Statistics
The Michigan State Police operates using the system known as the Michigan Incident Crime Reporting database to obtain reports of index crimes known to the law enforcement agencies in Michigan, including those committed within Huron County, Michigan.
According to the 2020 data from the Michigan State Police, Huron County, with a population of 31,407 people in 2020, recorded a total of 1,540 recorded crimes including two cases of murder in Huron County, as well as 15 cases of sexual offenses and with no robberies and 26 recorded cases of aggravated assault. Furthermore, in Huron County, there were also 44 recorded incidents of burglary, 140 cases of larceny were reported as well. There were also 16 recorded cases of motor vehicle theft in the county and a single case of arson.
In contrast, the Huron County data from the year 2019 recorded a higher number with 1,865 recorded offenses in Huron county including 25 recorded incidents of sexual offenses, two robberies with 15 recorded cases of aggravated assault. There were also 48 recorded burglaries, 135 incidents of larceny, and six reported motor vehicle thefts. There was also a single case of arson recorded in Huron County. This record shows a reduction of crime by 17.43% between 2019 and 2020.
Are Huron County Criminal Records Public?
Huron County criminal records are considered public information per the Michigan Freedom of Information Act. However, although any interested adult citizen may request Huron County criminal records, the Huron County Sheriff’s Office reserves the right to deny such a request if it is connected to an ongoing investigation, or if they deem it a violation of a person’s privacy. To request Huron County criminal records, record seekers are to fill out a request form and send it to:
The Sheriff’s Office,
120 South Heisterman St.
Bad Axe, MI 48413
Phone: (989) 269-6500
Fax: (989) 269-9811
The Michigan State Police (MSP) also provide search tools on their website to access criminal records. Asides from this feature, requests for criminal records may also be directed to:
Michigan State Police,
Records Resource Section,
P.O. Box 30634,
Lansing, MI 48909
Email: MSPRecords@Michigan.gov
Fax: (517) 241-1935
How to Obtain Huron County Police Reports and Arrest Records?
The Huron County Sheriff’s Office is empowered by law to provide interested members of the public with county police reports and arrest records. The requesting individuals must be adults over the age of 18, must provide a valid government-issued ID, and fill out a request form which should be delivered to the Huron County Sheriff’s office in person or via mail. Further inquiries on Huron County police reports and arrest records should be made to:
The Sheriff’s Office,
120 South Heisterman St.
Bad Axe, MI 48413
Phone: (989) 269-6500
Fax: (989) 269-9811
How to Find Sex Offender Information in Huron County
Members of the public interested in obtaining Huron County sex offender information may do so by querying the Huron County Sheriff’s Office at:
120 South Heisterman St.
Bad Axe, MI 48413
Phone: (989) 269-6500
Fax: (989) 269-9811
Also, pursuant to The Sex Offenders Registration Act, MCL 28.721et seq, the Michigan State Police (MSP) maintains an online sex offender registry that can be accessed by any individual interested in obtaining that information. This registry provides a list of all published, incarcerated, and non-compliant offenders. Requesters may also search for sex offender information by offender name, registration number, and street address.
How to Find Huron County Inmate Records
The Huron County Sheriff’s Office maintains records of all inmates held at the county jail. Individuals interested in obtaining Huron County inmate records may contact the county jail with information about the inmate(s) in question. This information includes names, dates of birth, or inmate ID. Inquiries should be made to:
Huron County Sheriff’s Jail
120 South Heisterman Street,
Bad Axe, MI
48413,
(989) 269-6500
The Michigan State Police also maintains a statewide online booking roster that holds records of all persons incarcerated in Michigan. Requesters may search Huron County inmate records using the inmate’s name, gender ID, and date of birth.
Huron County Court Records
Huron County court records are documents detailing the proceedings of cases held in Huron County courthouses. The type of case heard at a particular court is dependent on the subject matter or offense involved and the jurisdiction of the court. The Huron County Clerk is responsible for maintaining court records in Huron County and can be contacted at:
250 East Huron Avenue,
Room 201,
Bad Axe, MI
Phone: (989) 269-9942
Fax: (989) 269-6160
Members of the public can also obtain court records from courts in Huron County, as long as the records requested are related to matters heard in that particular court. The contact information and addresses of the courthouses in Huron County are:
52nd Judicial Circuit Court
250 East Huron Avenue
Room 207
Bad Axe, MI 48413
Phone: (989) 269-7112
Fax: (989) 269-0005
Email: circuitcourt@co.huron.mi.us
52nd Judicial Circuit Court-Family Division
Juvenile Office
250 East Huron Avenue
Room 211
Bad Axe, MI 48413
Phone: (989) 269-9267
Fax: (989) 269-0009
Email: Juvenilefilings@co.huron.mi.us
Huron County Probate Court
250 East Huron Avenue
Room 206
Bad Axe, MI 48413
Phone: (989) 269-9944
Fax: (989) 269-0004
Huron County Magistrate Court
250 East Huron Avenue
Room 105
Bad Axe, MI 48413
Phone: (989) 269-9987
Fax: (989) 269-6167
Magistrate Phone: (989) 269-7201
Are Huron County Court Records Public?
Yes, Huron County court records are public records. Per the Michigan Freedom of Information Act, Huron County court records are available to interested members of the public for inspection. However, the court reserves the right to restrict access to certain cases if they deem it an invasion of privacy, or harmful to the persons involved. Records of juvenile delinquency or dependency cases are usually restricted to protect the children involved.
How to Obtain Huron County Criminal Court Records
The Huron County Clerk is responsible for maintaining Huron County criminal court records. As stipulated by law, these records are to be made available to interested members of the public as long as they do not harm the persons involved, or get in the way of an ongoing investigation. Asides from the County Clerk, criminal court records may also be obtained from the courthouses where the particular matter was tried. Inquiries and requests for Huron County criminal court records should be directed to the County Clerk at:
Huron County Clerk
250 East Huron Avenue,
Room 201,
Bad Axe, MI
Phone: (989) 269-9942
Fax: (989) 269-6160
How to Obtain Huron County Civil Court Case Records
Huron County civil court case records are maintained and distributed when necessary by the office of the County Clerk. Civil court case records may also be found at the courthouses where the matter was held. Inquiries and requests for Huron County civil court case records should be directed to:
Huron County Clerk
250 East Huron Avenue,
Room 201,
Bad Axe, MI
Phone: (989) 269-9942
Fax: (989) 269-6160
What are Huron County Vital Records?
According to the Michigan Freedom of Information Act, Huron County vital records are mostly open to the public except where restricted by law provisions or a court order. These records are official documents pertaining to vital events that have occurred within the state’s jurisdiction, including a person’s birth, marriage, divorce, and death.
Divorce Records
The Huron County Clerk is responsible for maintaining divorce records in Huron County. To obtain Huron County divorce records, interested parties may contact the office of the Huron County Clerk at:
Huron County Clerk,
250 East Huron Avenue
Room 201
Bad Axe, MI 48413
(989) 269-9942
Requesters may further contact the Michigan Department of Health & Human Services (MDHHS) to confirm their divorce either by mail or online after completing the divorce record request paying the vital records fee of $34.
Marriage Record
Huron County marriage records are regarded as public records and can be accessed by contacting the Huron County Clerk who acts as the repository of all vital records in the county. These records can only be obtained in person and interested parties must fill the request for a certified copy of the marriage certificate application before visiting the clerk’s office. Further inquiries may be directed to the Clerk’s Office at:
Huron County Clerk,
250 East Huron Avenue
Room 201
Bad Axe, MI 48413
(989) 269-9942
The Michigan Department of Health & Human Services (MDHHS) further allows for the verification of marriage records which can be obtained upon filling out the marriage record request paying the vital records fee of $34.
Birth Records
In Michigan, birth records are considered confidential and only a person or parent named on the record or a court-appointed legal guardian of the person named on the record may access these records. However, once a birth record is over 100 years old, state laws open the documents to be freely accessed by the public.
Huron County birth records may be accessed through the office of the Huron County Clerk who acts as the central repository for all vital records in the county. Relevant parties may request either a certified copy of the birth or verification of birth after filling out the required forms. Those requesting by mail are required to include their driver's license as well as a processing fee of $15. Huron County birth certificates may be obtained from the Clerk’s Office via mail order or in person at:
Huron County Clerk,
250 East Huron Avenue
Room 201
Bad Axe, MI 48413
(989) 269-9942
The Michigan Department of Health & Human Services (MDHHS) also keeps records on all births in the state which can be accessed either in person, online or by mail by any interested persons upon filling out the appropriate request form and paying the vital records fee of $34.
Death Records
Huron County death records may be accessed through the office of the Huron County Clerk who acts as the central repository for all vital records in the county. Unless they have been sealed or rendered confidential by statute or a court order, members of the public may access Huron County death records if interested. Record seekers may request a certified death record after filling out the request form and paying a processing fee of $15 to the Huron County Clerk’s Office at:
Huron County Clerk,
250 East Huron Avenue
Room 201
Bad Axe, MI 48413
(989) 269-9942
Furthermore, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) maintains records of all births in the state, and these records can be obtained in person, online, or by mail by a person who has a valid copy or photocopy of an ID card, has paid the $34 fee, and has completed and signed the suitable request form.
