Eaton County Arrest Records
Are Arrest Records Public in Eaton County
Arrest records in Eaton County, Michigan are considered public information under the Michigan Freedom of Information Act (MCL 15.231-15.246). This statute establishes the public's right to access government records, including those related to arrests made by law enforcement agencies within the county. However, access to these records is subject to certain exemptions and limitations as prescribed by law.
The Michigan State Police and local law enforcement agencies in Eaton County maintain arrest records as part of their official duties. While arrest records are generally accessible to the public, it is important to distinguish between arrest records and conviction records. An arrest record documents that an individual was taken into custody by law enforcement based on probable cause that they committed a crime, while a conviction record indicates that the individual was found guilty of a criminal offense through the judicial process.
Pursuant to Michigan law, certain information in arrest records may be withheld if disclosure would:
- Interfere with law enforcement proceedings
- Deprive a person of the right to a fair trial
- Constitute an unwarranted invasion of personal privacy
- Disclose the identity of a confidential source
- Disclose law enforcement investigative techniques or procedures
- Endanger the life or physical safety of law enforcement personnel
The Michigan State Police Criminal Justice Information Center maintains the state's official criminal history records and provides guidance on public access to these records in accordance with MCL 28.242.
What's in Eaton County Arrest Records
Arrest records in Eaton County typically contain comprehensive information about individuals who have been taken into custody by law enforcement agencies. The content of these records is standardized to ensure consistency across jurisdictions and to facilitate information sharing between criminal justice agencies.
Arrestee Identifying Information:
- Full legal name (including aliases or known nicknames)
- Date of birth and age at time of arrest
- Physical description (height, weight, eye color, hair color)
- Gender and race
- Home address
- Identifying marks such as tattoos or scars
- Fingerprints and, in most cases, photographs (mugshots)
- State ID number (SID) and/or FBI number if previously arrested
Arrest Details:
- Date, time, and location of arrest
- Arresting agency and officer identification
- Incident report number
- Circumstances leading to arrest
- Whether force was used during arrest
Charge Information:
- Criminal charges filed
- Statutory citations for alleged violations
- Charge severity (misdemeanor or felony)
- Charge descriptions
Warrant Information (if applicable):
- Warrant number and issuing court
- Date warrant was issued
- Judge who signed the warrant
Booking Information:
- Date and time of booking
- Booking facility
- Booking number
- Property inventory
Bond/Bail Information:
- Bond amount set
- Bond type (cash, surety, personal recognizance)
- Whether bond was posted
- Bond conditions
Court Information:
- Court of jurisdiction
- Case number
- Scheduled court appearances
- Judge assigned to case
Custody Status:
- Current detention status
- Facility where detained (if applicable)
- Release date (if applicable)
Additional Information May Include:
- Prior criminal history
- Risk assessment scores
- Medical screening information (with privacy protections)
- Emergency contact information
- Employment information
- Vehicle information related to arrest
The Eaton County Sheriff's Office maintains these records in accordance with Michigan law and departmental policies.
How To Look Up Arrest Records in Eaton County in 2026
Members of the public seeking arrest records in Eaton County may utilize several methods to obtain this information. The county maintains current systems for processing record requests in compliance with the Michigan Freedom of Information Act.
To request arrest records in person:
- Visit the Eaton County Sheriff's Office Records Division during regular business hours.
Eaton County Sheriff's Office
1025 Independence Blvd
Charlotte, MI 48813
(517) 543-3512
Eaton County Sheriff's Office
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Complete a FOIA request form, which requires:
- Requestor's full name and contact information
- Specific information about the record being requested
- Date range of records sought
- Subject's full name and date of birth (if known)
- Case number (if known)
- Purpose of request (optional)
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Present valid government-issued photo identification.
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Pay applicable fees:
- Search and retrieval fees
- Copying fees (currently $0.10 per page)
- Certified copies may incur additional charges
To request arrest records by mail:
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Download the FOIA request form from the Eaton County website or submit a written request including all required information.
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Mail the completed form with a check or money order for applicable fees to:
Eaton County Sheriff's Office
FOIA Coordinator
1025 Independence Blvd
Charlotte, MI 48813
- Include a self-addressed stamped envelope for return delivery.
For electronic requests:
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Email a completed FOIA request form to the designated FOIA coordinator.
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Provide all required information as specified on the form.
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Electronic payment options may be available for associated fees.
Processing times for arrest record requests typically range from 5-15 business days, depending on the complexity of the request and current departmental workload. The FOIA coordinator may extend this period by an additional 10 business days if necessary, with written notice provided to the requestor.
How To Find Eaton County Arrest Records Online
Eaton County provides several digital resources for accessing arrest records through official online channels. These electronic systems enhance public accessibility while maintaining compliance with Michigan's public records laws.
The primary online resource for Eaton County arrest information is the Eaton County Inmate Lookup system, accessible through the Sheriff's Office website. This database provides current information about individuals currently in custody at the Eaton County Jail, including:
- Inmate name and booking photo
- Booking date
- Charges
- Bond information
- Scheduled court dates
- Expected release date (when available)
To use this system:
- Navigate to the Eaton County Sheriff's Office website
- Locate the "Inmate Lookup" or "Jail Information" section
- Enter search criteria (name, booking number, or date range)
- Review results displayed on screen
For more comprehensive criminal history information, the Michigan Internet Criminal History Access Tool (ICHAT) provides statewide arrest and conviction data. This system is maintained by the Michigan State Police and requires:
- Creation of a user account
- Payment of search fees ($10 per name-based search)
- Subject's full name and date of birth
- Acceptance of terms and conditions regarding proper use of information
Michigan State Police ICHAT
7150 Harris Drive
Dimondale, MI 48821
(517) 241-0606
Michigan State Police ICHAT
Additionally, the Eaton County Clerk's Office maintains court records that may contain information about arrests and subsequent court proceedings through their online case lookup system:
Eaton County Clerk's Office
1045 Independence Blvd
Charlotte, MI 48813
(517) 543-7500
Eaton County Clerk
Users should note that online systems may not contain complete arrest histories, particularly for older records that have not been digitized. Some sensitive information may also be redacted from online records in accordance with privacy laws and exemptions under MCL 15.243.
How To Search Eaton County Arrest Records for Free?
Eaton County residents and other interested parties may access certain arrest record information without payment through several available channels. These no-cost options provide basic information while more detailed records may require payment of statutory fees.
The following free resources are available:
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Eaton County Jail Inmate Lookup - This online database provides current information about individuals currently in custody at no charge. The system is updated regularly and includes basic booking information and charges.
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Public Access Terminals - Computer terminals are available for public use at the following locations:
Eaton County Sheriff's Office Lobby
1025 Independence Blvd
Charlotte, MI 48813
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Eaton County Courthouse
1045 Independence Blvd
Charlotte, MI 48813
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
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Daily Booking Reports - Basic arrest information is compiled in daily booking reports that are available for public inspection at the Sheriff's Office during regular business hours.
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Court Dockets - Public court proceedings, including arraignments and other hearings related to arrests, are listed on court dockets that can be viewed at no cost at:
56th District Court
1045 Independence Blvd
Charlotte, MI 48813
(517) 543-4913
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
56A District Court
400 S. Jefferson St
Mason, MI 48854
(517) 676-8400
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
- Media Reports - Local news outlets often report on significant arrests and may maintain searchable online archives of these reports.
When using free resources, requestors should note several limitations:
- Information may be less comprehensive than official records
- Historical records may not be available through free channels
- Some case details may be omitted from publicly accessible systems
- Records related to ongoing investigations may be restricted
- Juvenile records are generally not available through public access systems
For more comprehensive searches or certified copies of records, standard fees will apply in accordance with the fee schedule established under the Michigan Freedom of Information Act.
How To Delete Arrest Records in Eaton County
Michigan law provides specific mechanisms for the expungement (legal erasure) or sealing (restricting public access) of arrest records under certain circumstances. These processes are governed primarily by the Michigan Set Aside Law, MCL 780.621, which was significantly expanded by the Clean Slate legislation that took effect in April 2021.
Expungement vs. Sealing: Expungement legally erases an arrest record, allowing individuals to truthfully state they have not been arrested for the expunged offense. Sealing restricts public access to records but maintains them for law enforcement purposes. In Michigan, the term "set aside" is commonly used for the expungement process.
Eligibility for Expungement: Individuals may be eligible to have arrest records expunged in Eaton County under the following circumstances:
- Arrests that did not result in charges being filed
- Charges that were dismissed
- Cases resulting in acquittal (not guilty verdict)
- Certain convictions after specified waiting periods:
- Misdemeanors: 3-7 years after sentence completion
- Non-assaultive felonies: 7 years after sentence completion
- Assaultive felonies: 10 years after sentence completion
Automatic Expungement: Under Michigan's Clean Slate legislation, certain non-violent misdemeanor convictions may be automatically expunged after 7 years, and eligible non-violent felonies after 10 years, without requiring application. This system is currently being implemented.
Application Process for Manual Expungement:
- Obtain a certified copy of conviction record from the court where the case was handled
Eaton County Circuit Court
1045 Independence Blvd
Charlotte, MI 48813
(517) 543-7500
Eaton County Courts
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Request a certified criminal history report from the Michigan State Police
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Complete an Application to Set Aside Conviction form (MC 227)
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File the application with the court where the conviction occurred
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Pay the filing fee (currently $50, though fee waivers may be available)
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Submit fingerprints at a law enforcement agency
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Serve copies of the application on:
- Michigan Attorney General
- Eaton County Prosecutor's Office
- Michigan State Police
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Attend the scheduled court hearing
Restrictions on Expungement: Certain offenses cannot be expunged, including:
- Most sexual offenses
- Traffic offenses including DUI
- Felonies carrying potential life sentences
- Domestic violence (if not a first offense)
Legal assistance is strongly recommended for navigating the expungement process. The Michigan Legal Help website provides self-help tools and referrals to legal aid organizations that may assist eligible individuals with limited financial resources.
What Happens After Arrest in Eaton County?
The criminal justice process in Eaton County follows a structured sequence of events from the point of arrest through final disposition. This process adheres to Michigan law and constitutional requirements to ensure due process for all individuals.
Initial Arrest and Booking: Following arrest, individuals are transported to the Eaton County Jail for booking. This process includes:
- Fingerprinting and photographing
- Collection of personal information
- Medical screening
- Property inventory
- Initial criminal history check
Pretrial Detention or Release: Within 24 hours of arrest, individuals appear before a magistrate or judge for arraignment, where:
- Charges are formally read
- Constitutional rights are explained
- Bond decisions are made based on:
- Severity of alleged offense
- Prior criminal history
- Flight risk assessment
- Community ties
- Public safety considerations
Pretrial Proceedings: Several court appearances typically occur before trial:
- Probable Cause Conference - Held within 7-14 days of arraignment, this hearing determines if sufficient evidence exists to proceed with prosecution.
- Preliminary Examination - For felony cases, this hearing determines if probable cause exists to bind the case over to Circuit Court.
- Circuit Court Arraignment - For felony cases bound over, formal charges are read in Circuit Court.
- Pretrial Conference - Attorneys discuss possible plea agreements and trial preparation.
- Evidentiary Hearings - Motions regarding evidence admissibility may be heard.
Case Resolution: Cases may be resolved through:
- Plea Agreement - Defendant pleads guilty, often to reduced charges or with sentencing recommendations.
- Trial - Cases proceed to bench (judge) or jury trial where evidence is presented and guilt or innocence is determined.
- Dismissal - Charges may be dismissed by the prosecutor or court for various reasons including insufficient evidence.
Sentencing: If convicted, sentencing follows based on:
- Michigan sentencing guidelines
- Pre-sentence investigation report
- Victim impact statements
- Defendant's criminal history
- Statements from defense and prosecution
Post-Conviction: Following conviction and sentencing, individuals may:
- Serve jail or prison time
- Complete probation requirements
- Pay fines and court costs
- Participate in court-ordered treatment programs
- File appeals if legal grounds exist
Throughout this process, defendants have constitutional rights including the right to counsel. Those unable to afford an attorney may request court-appointed representation through the Eaton County Public Defender's Office.
How Long Are Arrest Records Kept in Eaton County?
Arrest records in Eaton County are maintained according to retention schedules established by the Michigan Department of Technology, Management and Budget's Records Management Services and the State Archives of Michigan. These retention periods are governed by MCL 399.811, which authorizes the State Archives to establish retention schedules for local government records.
The Michigan Law Enforcement Information Network (LEIN) maintains criminal history information indefinitely unless records are expunged through court order. Local law enforcement agencies in Eaton County follow the General Schedule #11 for Law Enforcement Records, which specifies the following retention periods:
- Arrest Records (Adults) - Maintained permanently by the arresting agency
- Arrest Records (Juveniles) - Maintained until age 17, then reviewed for destruction unless the case involved a serious offense
- Booking Records - Retained for 7 years after the date of booking
- Fingerprint Cards - Maintained permanently unless expunged by court order
- Mugshot Photographs - Maintained permanently unless expunged by court order
- Incident Reports - Retained for 7 years after the case is closed
- Investigation Files - Retained for 7 years after the case is closed for misdemeanors; 25 years for felonies
- Sex Offender Registration Records - Maintained according to the requirements of the Sex Offenders Registration Act
Different agencies within the criminal justice system maintain separate record systems with varying retention requirements:
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Eaton County Sheriff's Office - Maintains arrest records according to the law enforcement retention schedule
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Eaton County Prosecutor's Office - Maintains case files according to General Schedule #19, which requires retention of felony case files for 25 years and misdemeanor case files for 7 years
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Eaton County Courts - Maintain court records according to General Schedule #16, with most criminal case records retained for 25 years after case closure
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Michigan State Police - Maintains criminal history records in the statewide repository indefinitely unless expunged
The purpose of these retention schedules is to:
- Preserve evidence for potential future investigations
- Maintain accountability and transparency in the criminal justice system
- Support statistical analysis and crime pattern recognition
- Provide information for background checks as authorized by law
- Ensure compliance with legal requirements for record preservation
Records that have reached the end of their retention period may be destroyed in accordance with approved disposition procedures, which typically require documentation of the destruction process and approval from designated officials.
How to Find Mugshots in Eaton County
What Mugshots Are
Mugshots, also known as booking photographs, are official photographs taken during the booking process following an arrest. These images serve as visual identification records within the criminal justice system and typically include:
- Front-facing (portrait) view of the arrestee
- Side profile view (in some jurisdictions)
- Booking information board showing name and booking number
- Date of arrest
In Eaton County, these photographs are taken by law enforcement personnel using standardized equipment and procedures to ensure consistency and quality for identification purposes.
Where Mugshots Are Maintained
Mugshots in Eaton County are primarily maintained by:
Eaton County Sheriff's Office
1025 Independence Blvd
Charlotte, MI 48813
(517) 543-3512
Eaton County Sheriff's Office
These records are stored in both physical and digital formats within the department's records management system. Access to these photographs is governed by the Michigan Freedom of Information Act and departmental policies regarding the release of booking photographs.
Finding Mugshots
To obtain mugshots from Eaton County law enforcement agencies, individuals may:
- Submit a FOIA request specifically requesting booking photographs
- Provide the full name and date of birth of the subject
- Include approximate date of arrest if known
- Pay applicable fees for search and reproduction
- Present valid identification when picking up records in person
Can They Be Found Online
Eaton County does not maintain a public-facing database specifically for mugshots. However, limited booking information including photographs may be available through:
- The Eaton County Inmate Lookup system for currently incarcerated individuals
- Third-party websites that aggregate mugshots from public records (note that these sites may charge fees and may not remove outdated information)
- Media websites that may publish mugshots related to newsworthy arrests
Obtaining Mugshots Officially
The most reliable method for obtaining official mugshots is through a formal records request to the Eaton County Sheriff's Office. This ensures the information is accurate, current, and legally obtained. The process typically involves:
- Completing the standard FOIA request form
- Specifying that booking photographs are being requested
- Providing sufficient information to identify the specific record
- Paying established fees for reproduction (typically $5-10 per photograph)
- Allowing 5-15 business days for processing
Restrictions on Mugshot Access
Access to mugshots in Eaton County is subject to several important restrictions:
- Photographs related to ongoing investigations may be withheld
- Juvenile mugshots (under age 17) are generally not public records
- Expunged arrest records and associated mugshots are not available
- Commercial use of mugshots may be restricted under Michigan law
- Privacy exemptions may apply in certain sensitive cases
Michigan has enacted legislation (MCL 445.1711) regulating websites that publish mugshots and charge fees for removal, requiring these sites to remove photographs upon request if the individual was not convicted of the crime.