Eaton County Public Records /Eaton County Inmate Search

Eaton County Inmate Search

What Is Inmate Records In Eaton County?

Inmate records in Eaton County are official government documents maintained by the Eaton County Sheriff's Office that contain comprehensive information about individuals who are currently or were previously incarcerated within the county's correctional facilities. These records document an individual's entire custody history from initial booking through release and are distinct from court records maintained by the judicial system.

Pursuant to Michigan Compiled Laws § 791.230a, correctional facilities are required to maintain accurate and complete records of all persons committed to their custody. These records serve multiple administrative and public safety functions:

Documentation of an individual's identity and demographic information
Tracking of custody status and location within the facility
Recording of criminal charges and case progression
Documentation of court appearances and judicial proceedings
Monitoring of sentence completion and release eligibility

Inmate records are created at the time of booking when an individual is first processed into the Eaton County Jail. The booking process includes fingerprinting, photographing, collection of personal information, and documentation of charges. Throughout incarceration, these records are continuously updated to reflect changes in custody status, court proceedings, disciplinary actions, and eventually release information.

The Eaton County Sheriff's Office maintains these records in accordance with state retention schedules and information management protocols established by the Michigan Department of Corrections.

Are Inmate Records Public In Eaton County?

Inmate records in Eaton County are generally considered public information under the Michigan Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), specifically MCL 15.231-15.246. This statute establishes the public's right to access government records, including those related to incarcerated individuals, with certain exceptions for privacy and security concerns.

The following inmate information is typically available to the public:

Full name and booking photograph (mugshot)
Current custody status and housing location
Booking date and time
Charges filed and case numbers
Bond/bail amount and status
Scheduled court dates
Expected release date (for sentenced inmates)

However, pursuant to Michigan Compiled Laws § 791.230a, certain information within inmate records is exempt from public disclosure, including:

Medical and mental health information
Social Security numbers and other personal identifiers
Victim information
Disciplinary reports containing security-sensitive details
Information that could compromise facility security

The Eaton County Sheriff's Office currently maintains an online inmate lookup system that provides basic custody information to the public while protecting sensitive information in accordance with state law. More comprehensive records may be requested through formal FOIA procedures.

What's Included Inmate Records in Eaton County

Inmate records in Eaton County contain comprehensive information organized into several categories:

Basic Identifying Information:

Full legal name and any known aliases
Date of birth and age
Gender and race
Height, weight, and identifying marks (tattoos, scars)
Booking photograph (mugshot)
Fingerprints and other biometric data
Last known address

Custody Information:

Booking date and time
Arresting agency and officer
Current housing assignment
Custody classification level
Previous incarceration history in Eaton County
Disciplinary incidents and sanctions
Participation in jail programs or work assignments

Charge Information:

Current charges (felony/misdemeanor designation)
Warrant information
Case numbers for all pending cases
Charge status (pending, convicted, dismissed)
Arresting agency

Bond/Bail Information:

Bond type (personal recognizance, cash, surety)
Bond amount
Bond status (posted, denied, pending)
Bond conditions

Court Information:

Court of jurisdiction
Judge assigned to case
Attorney information
Scheduled court appearances
Court orders affecting custody

Sentence Information (if convicted and serving sentence):

Conviction date and charges
Sentence length and terms
Credit for time served
Projected release date
Parole eligibility date
Special conditions of sentence

Release Information:

Release date and time
Type of release (bond, sentence completion, transfer)
Release conditions
Post-release supervision requirements

These records are maintained in accordance with Michigan Department of Corrections Policy Directive 01.04.130 regarding records management and retention.

Eaton County Prison System

The Eaton County correctional system operates under the authority of the Eaton County Sheriff's Office, which maintains the county jail facility for pre-trial detention and sentences of up to one year. It is important to distinguish between the county jail system and the state prison system in Michigan.

The Eaton County Jail houses:

Individuals awaiting trial who have not posted bail
Those serving sentences for misdemeanors (typically under one year)
Individuals awaiting transfer to state prison facilities
Those held on probation or parole violations
Individuals temporarily housed for court appearances

By contrast, the Michigan Department of Corrections operates state prisons that house individuals convicted of felonies with sentences exceeding one year. Eaton County does not operate any state prison facilities within its boundaries.

The Eaton County correctional system falls under the direct supervision of the elected Sheriff and operates according to standards established by the Michigan Sheriff's Association and the Michigan Department of Corrections.

Eaton County Sheriff's Office
1025 Independence Blvd
Charlotte, MI 48813
Phone: (517) 543-3512
Eaton County Sheriff's Office

Types of Correctional Facilities In Eaton County

Eaton County maintains a single primary correctional facility operated by the Sheriff's Office:

Eaton County Jail
1025 Independence Blvd
Charlotte, MI 48813
Phone: (517) 543-3510
Eaton County Jail

The Eaton County Jail is a medium-security facility with a rated capacity of approximately 190 inmates. The facility includes:

General population housing units (male and female)
Administrative segregation units
Medical observation cells
Intake/booking area
Visitation areas
Program spaces for rehabilitation services

The jail is staffed by certified corrections officers and support personnel under the direction of the Jail Administrator, who reports directly to the Eaton County Sheriff.

In addition to the main jail facility, Eaton County operates:

Eaton County Work Release Center
1025 Independence Blvd
Charlotte, MI 48813
Phone: (517) 543-3510
Eaton County Work Release Program

The Work Release Center allows qualifying low-risk inmates to maintain employment while serving their sentences. Participants report to the facility when not at approved work sites.

Eaton County does not operate juvenile detention facilities. Juvenile offenders are typically housed at:

Ingham County Youth Center
700 E. Jolly Road
Lansing, MI 48910
Phone: (517) 676-8202
Ingham County Youth Center

Who's in Prison In Eaton County

The Eaton County Jail houses several categories of individuals under various legal statuses:

Pre-trial Detainees:

Individuals who have been arrested and charged but not yet convicted
Those who have not posted bail or were denied bail
Approximately 60-70% of the jail population at any given time

Sentenced Inmates:

Individuals serving sentences for misdemeanor convictions (up to one year)
Those serving short felony sentences at the discretion of the court
Individuals serving time for probation violations

Temporary Holds:

Individuals awaiting transfer to state prison facilities
Those held on behalf of other jurisdictions (courtesy holds)
Individuals detained for immigration authorities

According to data from the Michigan Department of Corrections, the demographic profile of Eaton County's incarcerated population generally reflects the following:

Gender distribution: Approximately 80-85% male, 15-20% female
Average age: 32 years
Average length of stay: 45 days for pre-trial detainees, 120 days for sentenced inmates

The most common offenses resulting in incarceration in Eaton County include:

Driving under the influence
Drug possession
Retail fraud/theft
Domestic violence
Probation violations

Pursuant to Michigan Compiled Laws § 801.4b, the Sheriff must maintain daily records of all persons committed to the county jail, including their legal status and reason for confinement.

How To Search for Inmate Records In Eaton County in 2026

Members of the public seeking inmate records in Eaton County may utilize several methods to access this information:

Online Inmate Lookup System:

Visit the Eaton County Sheriff's Office website
Navigate to the "Inmate Search" or "Jail Information" section
Enter the inmate's name (last name, first name) or booking number if known
Review the results, which typically include current custody status, charges, and bond information
Note that the online system provides limited information and is updated daily

In-Person Records Request:

Visit the Eaton County Sheriff's Office during regular business hours (Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM)
Complete an inmate information request form at the front desk
Provide the inmate's full name and date of birth if known
Present valid government-issued photo identification
Pay any applicable fees for record copies (currently $5.00 for the first page, $0.25 for each additional page)

Written FOIA Request:

Prepare a written request clearly identifying the records sought
Include the inmate's full name, date of birth, and approximate dates of incarceration
Submit the request to:

Eaton County FOIA Coordinator
1045 Independence Blvd
Charlotte, MI 48813
Phone: (517) 543-7500
Eaton County FOIA

Allow up to 5 business days for an initial response (extensions may apply)
Be prepared to pay reasonable fees for search, retrieval, and copying of records

Telephone Inquiry:

Call the Eaton County Jail at (517) 543-3510
Provide the inmate's full name and date of birth
Note that basic custody status information may be provided by phone, but detailed records typically require written requests

Under the Michigan Freedom of Information Act, the county must respond to records requests within 5 business days, though an extension of up to 10 additional business days may be invoked for complex requests.

How To Find an Inmate in Eaton County for Free?

Locating an inmate in Eaton County without incurring fees can be accomplished through several publicly available resources:

Eaton County Sheriff's Office Online Inmate Lookup:

Access the Eaton County Sheriff's Office website
Navigate to the "Inmate Search" section
Enter the individual's last name and first name
No registration or payment is required to use this basic search function
Results typically display current inmates only and include name, booking date, charges, and bond information

Michigan Offender Tracking Information System (OTIS):

Visit the Michigan Department of Corrections OTIS website
Enter the individual's name in the search fields
This free database includes all individuals currently under MDOC supervision, including those who may have been transferred from Eaton County to state facilities
Information includes current location, earliest release date, and offense information

Telephone Verification:

Call the Eaton County Jail directly at (517) 543-3510
Provide the full name and date of birth of the person you're inquiring about
Basic custody status information (whether the person is currently in custody) is typically provided at no charge
Available during regular business hours (8:00 AM - 5:00 PM, Monday-Friday)

Court Records Search:

Access the Eaton County Courts website
Use the public access terminal at the courthouse to search for criminal cases
Case records may indicate if a defendant is in custody and where they are being held
This service is available during regular court hours at:

Eaton County Courthouse
1045 Independence Blvd
Charlotte, MI 48813
Phone: (517) 543-4335
Eaton County Courts

When using these free resources, be prepared to provide as much identifying information as possible, including the individual's full legal name, any known aliases, and date of birth. Spelling variations or common names may yield multiple results requiring additional verification.

How To Visit an Inmate In Eaton County

Visitation at the Eaton County Jail is structured to maintain security while allowing inmates to maintain community connections. All visits must comply with facility regulations established pursuant to Michigan Compiled Laws § 801.3.

Visit Rules and Procedures:

All visitors must be on the inmate's approved visitor list
Inmates may submit visitor request forms for up to 5 individuals
Visitors must be 18 years of age or accompanied by a parent/guardian
All visitors must present valid government-issued photo identification
Visitors with outstanding warrants or criminal histories may be denied entry
Pre-registration is required at least 24 hours before the intended visit

Visit Schedule:

General Population: Wednesday-Sunday, 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM, 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM, 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Maximum Security: Tuesday and Thursday, 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM
Work Release: Saturday and Sunday, 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Visits are limited to 30 minutes per session
Inmates are allowed two visits per week

What to Bring:

Valid government-issued photo identification (driver's license, state ID, passport)
Vehicle information (make, model, license plate) for parking registration
Locker key deposit ($5.00, returned after visit)
Medical necessities with prior approval (medications, mobility devices)

What NOT to Bring:

Cell phones or electronic devices
Cameras or recording equipment
Weapons of any kind
Food or beverages
Tobacco products
Purses, bags, or backpacks
Excessive jewelry or accessories
Cash exceeding $20.00

Dress Code:

Conservative attire required
No revealing clothing (shorts above mid-thigh, tank tops, low-cut tops)
No clothing with offensive language or images
No gang-related colors or symbols
No uniforms resembling law enforcement or corrections attire
Shoes and shirts required at all times

Visit Types:

On-site video visitation (primary method)
Professional visits (attorneys, clergy, social workers)
Contact visits (special circumstances with prior approval)
Remote video visitation available through third-party provider

Visit Restrictions:

Former inmates must wait 90 days after release before visiting
Individuals on probation or parole must have written permission from their supervising officer
Visitors appearing to be under the influence of alcohol or drugs will be denied entry
Disruptive behavior will result in immediate termination of the visit
Three visit rule violations may result in permanent visitation suspension

For additional information or to schedule a visit, contact:

Eaton County Jail Visitation Office
1025 Independence Blvd
Charlotte, MI 48813
Phone: (517) 543-3510
Eaton County Jail Visitation

How To Send Money to a Eaton County Inmate

The Eaton County Sheriff's Office provides several methods for depositing funds into an inmate's commissary account:

Online Deposits:

Visit the Eaton County Inmate Trust Fund website
Create an account with the third-party provider
Enter the inmate's full name and booking number
Select the deposit amount
Complete payment using credit/debit card or electronic check
Funds are typically available within 24 hours
Service fees apply (currently 5% of deposit amount)

Kiosk Deposits:

Visit the lobby kiosk at the Eaton County Sheriff's Office
Available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
Follow on-screen instructions to locate the inmate
Insert cash or credit/debit card
Obtain and retain receipt
Funds are typically available within 1-2 hours
Service fees apply for credit/debit transactions (currently $2.50 per transaction)

Mail-In Money Orders:

Purchase a money order payable to "Eaton County Inmate Trust Fund"
Write the inmate's full name and booking number on the money order
Do not send cash, personal checks, or traveler's checks
Mail to:

Eaton County Jail - Inmate Accounts
1025 Independence Blvd
Charlotte, MI 48813

Funds are typically available within 3-5 business days
No service fees for money orders

Amount Limits:

Minimum deposit: $5.00
Maximum single deposit: $300.00
Maximum weekly deposit: $500.00
Maximum account balance: $1,000.00

Deposit Fees:

Online deposits: 5% of total amount
Kiosk credit/debit card: $2.50 per transaction
Money orders: No fee
Cash deposits at kiosk: No fee

Prohibited Funding Sources:

Funds from other inmates or their families
Proceeds from illegal activities
Money from individuals with active protection orders against the inmate
Funds from unidentified sources

Authorized Expenditures: Inmates may use funds for:

Commissary purchases (hygiene items, snacks, writing materials)
Phone calls and video visitation fees
Medical co-pays
Haircuts
Release funds

Prohibited Expenditures: Funds may not be used for:

Bail or bond payments
Court fines or fees while incarcerated
Transfers to other inmates
Outside purchases or bill payments
Contraband items

All financial transactions are subject to monitoring and review pursuant to Michigan Compiled Laws § 801.4a regarding inmate accounts and commissary operations.

How To Send Jail Mail In Eaton County

Correspondence with inmates at the Eaton County Jail must adhere to specific guidelines to ensure security and proper delivery:

General Mail Guidelines:

All incoming mail must include the sender's full name and return address
Address mail exactly as follows:

Inmate's Full Name, Booking Number
Eaton County Jail
1025 Independence Blvd
Charlotte, MI 48813

Mail without proper addressing will be returned to sender
All incoming mail is opened, inspected, and screened before delivery
Legal mail from attorneys will be opened in the inmate's presence

Acceptable Mail Items:

Letters (maximum 10 pages per envelope)
Greeting cards (plain cards only, no musical or oversized cards)
Up to 5 photographs per envelope (4x6 maximum size, no Polaroids)
Money orders (see previous section on sending money)
Legal documents from attorneys or courts
Religious materials (subject to review)
Paperback books sent directly from publisher or approved vendor

Prohibited Mail Items:

Packages of any kind
Hardcover books
Personal checks or cash
Stamps or envelopes
Stickers or adhesive labels
Crayon, marker, or colored pencil writings
Perfumed or scented items
Polaroid photographs
Sexually explicit materials
Gang-related content
Items larger than 8.5" x 11"
Laminated or plastic-coated items

Mail Restrictions:

Correspondence containing threats, blackmail, extortion, or criminal conspiracy will be rejected
Mail promoting escape plans or containing contraband will be confiscated
Communications in code or cipher are prohibited
Mail between inmates at different facilities requires prior approval
Excessive mail (more than 10 letters per week from a single sender) may be limited

E-Messages:

Visit the Eaton County Jail's approved messaging vendor
Create an account and purchase credits
Compose message (maximum 2,000 characters)
Messages are subject to the same screening as physical mail
Fees apply (currently $0.50 per message)
Delivery typically occurs within 24 hours

Publications and Subscriptions:

Must be sent directly from publisher or approved vendor
Paperback books only
Magazines must have subscriber's name (inmate) on label
Publications containing prohibited content will be rejected
Maximum of 3 books and 5 magazines in possession at one time

All mail procedures comply with Michigan Department of Corrections Policy Directive 05.03.118 regarding prisoner mail. Questions regarding mail policies may be directed to the Eaton County Jail at (517) 543-3510.