How to Find, Access and Obtain Michigan Arrest Records

Michigan arrest records are a vital part of the state's criminal records. All criminal records are stored in the state repository, including all criminal charges, records and arrest records. In the State of Michigan, the Michigan State Criminal Justice Information Center (CJIS) is the wing of the state government which holds all these records under their supervision. The law enforcement agencies collate these documents and records. Thus, these records can be accessed by the general public of the State of Michigan.

How to Find Michigan Arrest Records

Through the state repository you can search for criminal records by two methods. The common search is done by using the specific name of the person you're researching. Another type of search that can be done is a fingerprint search, which is only allowable by an executive order. In cases which are classified as high profile, where a fingerprint is evidence, this type of search becomes useful.

One should take into consideration those criminal offenses that carry a punishment of more than 92 days are recorded by CJIS. The cases which are minor like breaking traffic rules are not. However, serious cases like arson, murders and misdemeanors are collected and stored here.

You can begin your search by visiting the public record center and start searching by name. Some websites will only provide you with basic search records because they are free of cost. If you want complete and comprehensive criminal arrest records in the State of Michigan, you need to spend a certain amount of money to get a detailed report.

Arrest Records Online

One of the most important websites which you can access to get detailed and authentic information is the Michigan State Police records at http://www.michigan.gov/msp/.

The Criminal Justice Information Center, which falls under the Michigan State Police, is an official government vault which houses all the information like arrests, charges and convictions of crimes that took place in Michigan. All the law enforcement agencies, courts and prosecutors send information to the Center that are collated to form this criminal record database.

Information in Arrest Records

The arrest records are basically used by different authorities as a part of their background checking process. It is done either by searching the name of the person or by using his fingerprints. A criminal record contains all the personal descriptors regarding the offender and information regarding convictions, misdemeanor, felonies and arrests. The information which is gathered from different law enforcement agencies, prosecutors, courts and prison are the building blocks of this report.

The law enforcement agencies of Michigan are directed as per the federal law to provide fingerprints and arrest information like the other states in the U.S. This information are only provided when the offender is charged, convicted and sent to jail for more than 92 days. Other offenses like misdemeanors are recorded with fingerprints if the offender is charged, convicted and the sentence specifies imprisonment with fines more than $100.00.

These convictions and arrest data are public records and anyone can request them as a part of criminal history search. These searches are state-specific and do not provide criminal arrest records of other states or national record.

Searching for Michigan Arrest Records

The Michigan State Police’s Criminal Justice Information Center was created for the sole purpose of providing comprehensive, accurate and timely analysis and information for public safety and criminal justice. Some of the services that are provided by the CJIS include the crime analysis, which helps to produce and publish the “Crime in Michigan” reports and sex offender registry. If you want to know more about the criminal arrest records from the Michigan State Police, you can contact them directly at this address:

Michigan State Police Headquarters
714 S. Harrison Road
East Lansing, Michigan 48823
(517) 332-2521

You can also search arrest data at various sites where you can get all the personal information of the offender such as financial data, driving records, medical records, insurance records, Social Security records, employment records and other information. This type of criminal check report can be helpful in providing useful information. A positive result does not guarantee the existence or nature of a person’s criminal record.

Criminal checks are a tool which will protect you from becoming a victim of fraudulent activities. These criminal records will include a large pool of information, and uncover criminal offenses, sex offender information, address of the offender's workplace and legal names. However, this information will not be available if the records are expunged or sealed. The records of offenders may also not be accessible if he/she is pardoned by the Governor.