Saginaw County Criminal Records
What Is Saginaw County Criminal Records
Criminal records in Saginaw County encompass official documentation of an individual's interactions with the criminal justice system within the county's jurisdiction. These records are maintained pursuant to Michigan Compiled Laws § 15.231, which establishes the framework for public records maintenance and access throughout the state.
Criminal records in Saginaw County typically fall into several distinct categories:
- Arrest Records: Documentation of detentions and arrests made by law enforcement agencies, which may not necessarily result in charges or convictions
- Court Records: Official documentation of criminal proceedings, including arraignments, hearings, trials, and sentencing
- Conviction Records: Final judgments resulting in guilty verdicts or pleas
- Incarceration Records: Documentation of time served in the Saginaw County Jail or state correctional facilities
The distinction between arrest and conviction records is particularly significant. Arrest records document instances where individuals were taken into custody by law enforcement, while conviction records indicate that legal proceedings resulted in a finding of guilt. Under Michigan law, both types of records are generally considered public information, though with varying levels of accessibility.
Criminal offenses in Saginaw County are categorized as either felonies or misdemeanors:
- Felonies: More serious offenses typically punishable by imprisonment exceeding one year
- Misdemeanors: Less serious offenses typically punishable by fines or imprisonment of less than one year
Adult criminal records in Saginaw County are generally accessible to the public, while juvenile records (for individuals under 17 years of age) are typically sealed and not available for public inspection except under specific circumstances outlined in Michigan Compiled Laws § 712A.28.
Several agencies maintain criminal records in Saginaw County:
Saginaw County Sheriff's Office
618 Cass Street
Saginaw, MI 48602
(989) 790-5456
Saginaw County Sheriff's Office
Saginaw County Clerk - Circuit Court Records
111 S. Michigan Avenue
Saginaw, MI 48602
(989) 790-5251
Circuit Court Records
70th District Court - Criminal Division
111 S. Michigan Avenue
Saginaw, MI 48602
(989) 790-5578
District Court Criminal Division
Michigan State Police - Criminal Justice Information Center
7150 Harris Drive
Dimondale, MI 48821
(517) 241-0606
Criminal History Records
Comprehensive criminal records typically include documentation of charges, arraignments, pleas, trials, sentencing, and probation or parole information, providing a complete history of an individual's involvement with the criminal justice system in Saginaw County.
Are Criminal Records Public In Saginaw County
Criminal records in Saginaw County are generally considered public information under the Michigan Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), specifically Michigan Compiled Laws § 15.231-15.246. This statute establishes that all persons are entitled to "full and complete information regarding the affairs of government and the official acts of those who represent them as public officials and public employees."
The Michigan FOIA states in § 15.233(1): "Upon providing a public body's FOIA coordinator with a written request that describes a public record sufficiently to enable the public body to find the public record, a person has a right to inspect, copy, or receive copies of the requested public record of the public body."
In accordance with this legislation, the following criminal record information is typically available to the public in Saginaw County:
- Adult arrest records
- Court proceedings and case files for adult offenders
- Conviction records
- Sentencing information
- Incarceration records
- Sex offender registry information
However, certain criminal records are restricted from public access or require special authorization to obtain:
- Active criminal investigations
- Records sealed by court order
- Juvenile records (with limited exceptions)
- Records expunged under Michigan's Clean Slate legislation
- Information that would constitute an unwarranted invasion of personal privacy
- Records that would disclose the identity of a confidential source or information furnished by a confidential source
- Information that would endanger the safety of law enforcement personnel
The Saginaw County Public Records Policy implements these state requirements at the county level, providing specific procedures for requesting and accessing criminal records maintained by county agencies.
It is important to note that while criminal records are generally public, the method of access and associated fees may vary depending on the specific type of record and the maintaining agency. Some records may be readily available through online portals, while others may require formal written requests or in-person visits to the appropriate county office.
How To Look Up Criminal Records In Saginaw County in 2026
Members of the public seeking criminal records in Saginaw County may utilize several methods to access this information. The county maintains a multi-tiered system for criminal record searches, with options for both in-person and remote access.
For in-person criminal record searches, individuals may visit:
Saginaw County Clerk's Office - Circuit Court Records
111 S. Michigan Avenue
Saginaw, MI 48602
(989) 790-5251
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Circuit Court Records
When conducting an in-person search, requestors should:
- Bring valid government-issued photo identification
- Complete the appropriate request form, available at the service counter
- Provide specific information about the subject of the search, including full name and, if possible, date of birth
- Pay applicable search and copy fees (currently $10.00 for a certified record search)
- Allow time for staff to conduct the search, which may take 1-3 business days depending on the complexity of the request
For written requests by mail, individuals should:
- Draft a formal request letter including:
- Requestor's full name and contact information
- Subject's full name, date of birth (if known), and case number (if known)
- Specific records being requested
- Date range for the search
- Include a self-addressed stamped envelope
- Enclose a check or money order for applicable fees
- Mail the complete package to the appropriate agency address
For criminal history background checks, the Michigan State Police Criminal Justice Information Center maintains the Internet Criminal History Access Tool (ICHAT), which provides access to public criminal history record information for individuals in Michigan. Users must register for an account and pay a fee per search (currently $10.00).
For active warrants and recent arrests, the Saginaw County Sheriff's Office maintains current information. Some limited information may be available by telephone at (989) 790-5456, though comprehensive searches typically require formal written requests.
For court case information, the 70th District Court Criminal Division and 10th Circuit Court maintain records of criminal proceedings within their respective jurisdictions.
Pursuant to Michigan Court Rule 8.119, court records are generally open to the public unless specifically restricted by statute, court rule, or court order. Requestors should be prepared to provide specific case information when possible to facilitate efficient searches.
How To Find Criminal Records in Saginaw County Online?
Saginaw County offers several online resources for accessing criminal records electronically. These digital platforms provide convenient alternatives to in-person visits for many types of criminal record searches.
The primary online resources for criminal records in Saginaw County include:
MiCOURT Case Search
The Michigan Courts provide a centralized case search portal that includes Saginaw County court records. Users can search by:
- Case number
- Party name (first and last name required)
- Business name
- Attorney name or bar number
The system provides access to case information including:
- Case type and filing date
- Charges filed
- Scheduled hearings
- Case status
- Judgment information
- Sentencing details when applicable
No registration is required for basic searches, though some detailed information may require creating a user account.
Michigan Offender Tracking Information System (OTIS)
The Michigan Department of Corrections maintains the OTIS database which provides information on offenders who are currently incarcerated, on parole, or on probation under MDOC supervision. Searchable information includes:
- Current status and location
- Earliest release date
- Offense information
- Supervision conditions
- Photograph (when available)
Michigan Public Sex Offender Registry (PSOR)
The Michigan State Police maintains the Public Sex Offender Registry which includes information on registered sex offenders in Saginaw County. Users can search by:
- Name
- Zip code
- City/township
- County
- Campus name
Saginaw County Jail Inmate Search
The Saginaw County Sheriff's Office provides an online inmate lookup tool that allows users to verify if an individual is currently in custody at the Saginaw County Jail. Information typically includes:
- Booking date
- Charges
- Bond information
- Next court date
When using these online resources, users should note that:
- Not all criminal records are available online; some historical records or sealed cases may require in-person requests
- Information accuracy should be verified through official sources for legal purposes
- Some detailed information may require additional fees or formal requests
- Record availability varies by system, with some databases updated in real-time while others may have delayed reporting
For comprehensive criminal background checks, the Michigan State Police offers the Internet Criminal History Access Tool (ICHAT) which provides access to public criminal history record information for a fee of $10.00 per search.
Can You Search Saginaw County Criminal Records for Free?
Saginaw County provides several options for free access to criminal records, though the scope and depth of freely available information may be limited compared to fee-based services. Michigan's Freedom of Information Act (MCL § 15.234) permits agencies to waive fees when doing so is in the public interest, and also establishes the right to inspect many records without charge.
Free in-person inspection of criminal records is available at:
Saginaw County Clerk's Office - Circuit Court Records
111 S. Michigan Avenue
Saginaw, MI 48602
(989) 790-5251
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Circuit Court Records
Visitors may inspect public court records without charge during regular business hours. While inspection is free, obtaining copies typically incurs fees (currently $1.00 per page for standard copies and $10.00 for certified copies).
70th District Court - Criminal Division
111 S. Michigan Avenue
Saginaw, MI 48602
(989) 790-5578
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
District Court Criminal Division
The District Court provides public access terminals for searching case information at no charge. Basic case information can be viewed without fees, though printed copies and certified records incur standard costs.
Free online resources include:
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MiCOURT Case Search: The Michigan Courts case search portal provides free access to basic case information for Saginaw County courts. Users can search by name or case number without creating an account or paying fees.
-
Michigan Offender Tracking Information System (OTIS): The OTIS database offers free searches for current inmates and individuals under Department of Corrections supervision.
-
Michigan Public Sex Offender Registry: The Michigan Sex Offender Registry provides free access to information about registered sex offenders in Saginaw County.
-
Saginaw County Sheriff's Office Inmate Search: Basic information about current jail inmates is available through the Sheriff's Office website without charge.
It is important to note that while these free resources provide valuable information, they may have limitations:
- Historical records may not be available through online portals
- Detailed case documents typically require formal requests and associated fees
- Some databases may have limited search functionality without registration
- Free resources may not provide comprehensive criminal history reports
For individuals seeking comprehensive criminal background information, fee-based services such as the Michigan State Police's Internet Criminal History Access Tool (ICHAT) provide more detailed reports for $10.00 per search.
What's Included in a Saginaw County Criminal Record?
Criminal records in Saginaw County typically contain comprehensive information about an individual's interactions with the criminal justice system. The specific content may vary depending on the nature of the case and the maintaining agency, but generally includes several key categories of information.
Identifying Information:
- Full legal name and known aliases
- Date of birth
- Physical description (height, weight, eye color, hair color)
- Mugshot or booking photograph when available
- Current and previous addresses
- State Identification Number (SID)
- FBI number (if applicable)
- Fingerprint classification
Arrest Information:
- Date and time of arrest
- Arresting agency
- Booking number
- Charges filed at arrest
- Bail or bond information
- Detention facility
- Arresting officer information
Court Case Information:
- Case number and filing date
- Court of jurisdiction (70th District Court or 10th Circuit Court)
- Judge assigned to the case
- Charges filed by the prosecutor with corresponding Michigan statute citations
- Classification of charges (felony or misdemeanor)
- Plea information
- Defense attorney information
- Prosecution information
- Hearing dates and outcomes
Disposition and Sentencing:
- Final verdict or case outcome
- Conviction date (if applicable)
- Sentencing information, including:
- Incarceration terms
- Probation conditions and duration
- Fines and court costs
- Restitution orders
- Community service requirements
- Treatment program mandates
- Appeal information (if applicable)
- Probation or parole status and conditions
Additional Information:
- Active warrants
- Protective or restraining orders
- Sex offender registration requirements
- DUI/OWI offenses
- Traffic violations connected to criminal cases
- Pending charges in other jurisdictions
- Prior criminal history within Saginaw County
Criminal records maintained by the Saginaw County Sheriff's Office typically focus on arrest, booking, and incarceration details, while court records maintained by the Circuit Court and District Court Criminal Division contain more detailed information about case proceedings, dispositions, and sentencing.
For comprehensive criminal history information, the Michigan State Police Criminal History Records database includes statewide criminal history data, though access is restricted to authorized users and requires payment of established fees.
It is important to note that pursuant to Michigan Court Rule 1.109(D), certain sensitive personal information is redacted from publicly accessible court records, including:
- Social Security numbers
- Driver's license numbers
- Financial account numbers
- Dates of birth (partial redaction)
- Names of minor children
- Victim information in certain cases
How Long Does Saginaw County Keep Criminal Records?
Saginaw County maintains criminal records according to retention schedules established by the Michigan State Court Administrative Office and the Michigan Department of Technology, Management and Budget. These schedules, authorized under Michigan Compiled Laws § 399.811, establish minimum retention periods for various types of criminal records.
The retention periods for common criminal record types in Saginaw County are as follows:
Felony Case Records:
- Case files for capital offenses (life imprisonment): Permanent retention
- Case files for other felonies: 30 years after case closure
- Index to felony cases: Permanent retention
- Probation records: 10 years after discharge from probation
Misdemeanor Case Records:
- Case files: 10 years after case closure
- Index to misdemeanor cases: 30 years
- Probation records: 5 years after discharge from probation
Arrest Records:
- Arrest reports: 5 years after creation
- Booking photographs and fingerprints: 7 years after creation for misdemeanors; permanent for felonies
- Jail records: 7 years after release from custody
Court Proceedings:
- Court recordings and transcripts: 10 years for misdemeanors; 30 years for felonies
- Exhibits: Returned after appeal period expires; if unclaimed, destroyed after 2 years
- Warrants: 7 years after execution or recall
Juvenile Records:
- Juvenile case files: Until age 30 (unless expunged earlier)
- Juvenile traffic offenses: 7 years after case closure
It is important to note that these retention periods represent minimum requirements. In practice, many records—particularly those of significant public interest or historical value—may be retained longer or permanently. Additionally, records that have been digitized may be maintained indefinitely in electronic format even after physical copies have been destroyed.
The Saginaw County Clerk's Office maintains the official court records for the 10th Circuit Court, while the 70th District Court maintains its own records. The Saginaw County Sheriff's Office maintains arrest and jail records according to the applicable retention schedules.
Under Michigan's "Clean Slate" legislation, certain criminal records may become eligible for automatic expungement after specified waiting periods, typically 7-10 years after sentencing or release from incarceration, depending on the offense. Once expunged, these records are sealed from public view, though they remain accessible to law enforcement agencies and courts for limited purposes.
Lookup Criminal Records in Saginaw County
Saginaw County Jail Information