Cass County Arrest Records
How To Look Up Arrest Records in Cass County in 2026
CassMIRecords.us provides access to publicly available information related to arrest records in Cass County, Michigan. Members of the public may find booking records, charge information, custody status, mugshots, and related court case data. Available record categories include arrest logs, jail rosters, criminal case filings, bond information, and disposition records. Access and completeness of records may vary depending on the requesting agency and the nature of the case.
Records may be searched through official resources, clerk offices, public access terminals, and online tools. The following methods are available to members of the public seeking arrest record information.
Online Methods:
1. County Sheriff's Office Arrest Records
The Cass County Sheriff's Office maintains booking records and a current jail roster accessible to the public. The roster is updated regularly and includes the arrestee's name, charges, booking date, and custody status. Members of the public may search by name through the online portal. The roster reflects individuals currently held at the Cass County Jail and is updated on a daily basis.
2. Local Police Departments
The Dowagiac Police Department and Cassopolis Village Police are among the local law enforcement agencies operating within Cass County. Press releases containing arrest information are periodically published on agency websites and through local media outlets. Members of the public seeking arrest logs from municipal departments may submit a written public records request directly to the relevant agency.
Dowagiac Police Department
200 Riverside Dr, Dowagiac, MI 49047
Phone: (269) 782-9743
Dowagiac Police Department
3. County Clerk of Court Case Search
The Michigan One Court of Justice case search allows members of the public to search criminal case records by name. Arrest-related court cases, including arraignment dates, charge information, and case dispositions, are accessible through this portal. Searching by the arrestee's full legal name returns associated case filings in the Cass County Trial Court.
4. State Law Enforcement Database
The Michigan State Police Criminal Justice Information Center maintains a statewide criminal history repository. Members of the public may request a criminal history record through the ICHAT (Internet Criminal History Access Tool) system. The standard fee for a public ICHAT search is currently $10.00 per subject. The database includes arrests, charges, and dispositions reported by law enforcement agencies statewide.
In-Person Access:
Sheriff's Office:
Cass County Sheriff's Office
321 M-62 N, Cassopolis, MI 49031
Phone: (269) 445-2481
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM–5:00 PM
Cass County Sheriff's Office
Members of the public visiting in person should bring a valid government-issued photo ID and, where available, the subject's full legal name, date of birth, and approximate arrest date. Copy fees apply per page as described in the fees section below.
Police Departments:
Dowagiac Police Department
200 Riverside Dr, Dowagiac, MI 49047
Phone: (269) 782-9743
Dowagiac Police Department
Records requests at municipal police departments are processed pursuant to the Michigan Freedom of Information Act. Requestors should submit a written request identifying the record sought with sufficient specificity.
Clerk of Court:
Cass County Trial Court – Clerk's Office
60296 M-62, Cassopolis, MI 49031
Phone: (269) 445-4464
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM–4:30 PM
Cass County Trial Court
Criminal case files are available for inspection at the clerk's office. Copy fees are assessed per page. Certified copies carry an additional certification fee.
By Mail:
Written requests may be submitted to the Cass County Sheriff's Office at 321 M-62 N, Cassopolis, MI 49031. The request should include the subject's full legal name, date of birth, date of arrest if known, booking number if known, and the requestor's contact information. Payment for applicable copy fees should be included with the request. Processing time for mailed requests is typically 5–10 business days.
By Phone:
The Cass County Sheriff's Office may be reached at (269) 445-2481 for general arrest inquiries. Limited information is available by phone; callers may be directed to the online jail roster or advised to submit an in-person or written request. Callers should have the subject's full name, date of birth, and approximate arrest date available.
Through Legal Channels:
Attorneys may request records through formal discovery in criminal proceedings. Subpoenas may be issued for detailed arrest documentation not available through standard public access channels. Records obtained through legal proceedings may include materials not otherwise accessible to the general public.
Information Needed for Search:
- Full legal name (first and last at minimum)
- Date of birth or approximate age
- Approximate date of arrest
- Booking number (if known)
- Jurisdiction of arrest (Sheriff, municipal police, or state agency)
Are Arrest Records Public in Cass County
Arrest records in Cass County are public records under Michigan law. Pursuant to the Michigan Freedom of Information Act, MCL § 15.231 et seq., members of the public have the right to inspect and obtain copies of public records held by government agencies, including law enforcement. Arrest records are made public to promote government transparency, support public safety awareness, facilitate journalism and research, enable background screening, and serve the needs of legal proceedings.
What Arrest Information Is Public:
- Arrestee name and aliases
- Date and time of arrest
- Location of arrest
- Arresting agency
- Charges filed at time of arrest
- Booking number
- Mugshot/booking photograph
- Bond and bail information
- Custody status
- Basic demographic information (age, physical description)
Limitations on Public Access:
- Juvenile arrest records (restricted or sealed under Michigan law)
- Expunged arrest records (removed from public access following court order)
- Sealed records (subject to court-ordered confidentiality)
- Active investigation information
- Undercover officer identities
- Confidential informant information
- Victim identifying information in certain cases
- Witness protection participants
Constitutional and Legal Basis:
The Michigan Constitution and the Freedom of Information Act establish the framework for public access to government records. The First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution supports press access to arrest information. Courts have consistently recognized the balance between transparency in government operations and individual privacy interests, particularly where charges have not resulted in conviction.
Who Can Access Arrest Records:
- General public
- Media organizations
- Employers (subject to restrictions under the federal Fair Credit Reporting Act)
- Landlords (subject to applicable restrictions)
- Licensing agencies
- Background check companies
- Attorneys and legal professionals
- Academic researchers
Restrictions on Use:
The Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA), 15 U.S.C. § 1681 governs the use of arrest records in employment and housing decisions. Employers and landlords using arrest records obtained through consumer reporting agencies must comply with FCRA requirements. Michigan does not currently have a statewide "ban the box" law applicable to private employers, though certain municipalities may have local ordinances. A critical distinction exists between an arrest record and a conviction record; an arrest alone does not establish guilt.
What's in Cass County Arrest Records
Personal Identification Information:
- Full legal name
- Aliases or "also known as" names
- Date of birth and age at time of arrest
- Sex/gender
- Race/ethnicity
- Height and weight
- Eye color and hair color
- Identifying marks such as scars or tattoos
- Address at time of arrest (may be limited in disclosure)
Arrest Details:
- Arrest date and time
- Location of arrest (street address or general area)
- Arresting agency (Sheriff's Office, Police Department, Michigan State Police, etc.)
- Arresting officer name and badge number (in some records)
- Booking date and time
- Booking number or arrest number
- Warrant information, if applicable
Charges Information:
- Specific criminal charges
- Michigan statute numbers violated
- Charge descriptions
- Classification (felony degree or misdemeanor class)
- Number of counts per charge
- Domestic violence designation, if applicable
Booking Information:
- Booking facility name and location
- Intake process timestamp
- Booking photograph (mugshot)
- Fingerprints (collected but not typically included in public records)
- Personal property inventory
Custody and Bond Information:
- Current custody status (in custody, released, or bonded out)
- Bond amount set by the court
- Bond type: cash bond, surety bond, personal recognizance, or no bond
- Release date and time, if released
- Release conditions, where public
Court Information:
- Court case number assigned
- Court jurisdiction (Cass County Trial Court)
- Scheduled arraignment date
- Judge assignment, if available
What's Typically NOT in Public Arrest Records:
- Detailed narrative of the arrest (police report details)
- Witness statements
- Victim information
- Evidence collected
- Investigative techniques
- Medical or mental health information
- Social Security number (redacted)
- Bank account or financial information
Difference Between Arrest Records and Related Documents:
- Police reports: Contain more detailed incident narratives and are subject to separate FOIA review
- Court records: Document legal proceedings following arrest
- Criminal records: Reflect convictions and sentences
- Background checks: Comprehensive screenings drawing from multiple sources
How Much Does It Cost to Get Arrest Records in Cass County?
Fees for arrest records in Cass County are governed by the Michigan Freedom of Information Act, MCL § 15.234, which permits agencies to charge for the labor, duplication, and mailing costs associated with fulfilling a records request.
Standard Fee Structure:
| Record Type | Fee |
|---|---|
| Paper copies | $0.10–$0.25 per page (varies by agency) |
| Certified copies | Additional $1.00–$5.00 per document |
| Electronic records | Labor and duplication costs may apply |
| ICHAT criminal history search | $10.00 per subject (state system) |
| In-person inspection | No charge for inspection only |
- Inspection of public records at the Sheriff's Office or Clerk of Court is available at no charge.
- Copy fees are assessed per page and vary by agency.
- Certification fees apply when a certified copy is requested.
- Electronic format requests may incur labor costs for staff time to compile and transmit records.
- Accepted payment methods at the Cass County Sheriff's Office and Clerk of Court include cash, check, and money order payable to the respective agency.
- Fee waivers may be available for indigent requestors or members of the media under certain circumstances; requestors should submit a written waiver request with their FOIA submission.
- The ICHAT online criminal history search through the Michigan State Police requires a $10.00 fee payable by credit or debit card.
How To Delete Arrest Records in Cass County
Michigan law provides two primary mechanisms for removing or restricting public access to arrest records: expungement (legal erasure of the record) and sealing (restricting public access while preserving the record for law enforcement purposes). Under Michigan's Clean Slate Act, MCL § 780.621, individuals may petition the court to set aside certain convictions and arrest records, effectively removing them from public view.
Expungement eligibility in Michigan includes:
- Arrests that did not result in conviction (charges dismissed or not filed)
- Certain misdemeanor convictions after a waiting period
- Certain felony convictions after a waiting period
- Convictions for offenses that have been decriminalized
- Juvenile adjudications in some circumstances
Arrests that are NOT eligible for expungement include:
- Criminal sexual conduct convictions (first or second degree)
- Felonies punishable by life imprisonment
- Certain traffic offenses
- Domestic violence convictions with prior domestic violence history
Steps to Petition for Expungement:
- Obtain a certified copy of the arrest record or conviction from the Cass County Trial Court Clerk.
- Complete the Michigan Application to Set Aside Conviction (form MC 227), available through the Michigan Courts self-help center.
- File the completed petition with the Cass County Trial Court.
- Serve copies on the Michigan Attorney General's Office and the arresting law enforcement agency.
- Attend the scheduled hearing before a Cass County Circuit Court judge.
- If granted, the court issues an order to set aside the conviction or arrest record, which is transmitted to the Michigan State Police for update of the state criminal history repository.
Automatic Expungement:
Michigan's Clean Slate Act provides for automatic expungement of certain misdemeanor and felony convictions after applicable waiting periods, without requiring a petition. The Michigan State Police administers the automatic expungement process. Members of the public may verify the status of an automatic expungement through the ICHAT system.
Cass County Trial Court – Criminal Division
60296 M-62, Cassopolis, MI 49031
Phone: (269) 445-4464
Cass County Trial Court
Michigan Attorney General's Office
P.O. Box 30212, Lansing, MI 48909
Phone: (517) 335-7622
Michigan Attorney General
What Happens After Arrest in Cass County?
Immediate Post-Arrest Process:
1. Transport to Jail
Following arrest, the individual is transported to the Cass County Jail located at 321 M-62 N, Cassopolis, MI 49031. Transport time varies based on the location of the arrest within the county. The individual remains handcuffed during transport and may be held briefly at the scene if investigation requires.
2. Booking Process
Upon arrival at the Cass County Jail, the booking process is initiated. The process typically takes 1–4 hours depending on facility volume. Steps include:
- Recording of personal information
- Advisement of Miranda rights if not previously given
- Booking photograph (mugshot) taken
- Fingerprints collected and submitted to state and federal databases
- Criminal history and outstanding warrants check
- Personal property inventoried and stored
- Clothing exchanged for jail uniform
- Medical and brief mental health screening
- Housing classification assignment
3. First Appearance/Initial Hearing
Michigan law requires that an arrested individual be brought before a magistrate or judge for arraignment within a reasonable time, at present interpreted as within 48 hours of a warrantless arrest pursuant to constitutional standards. At the initial appearance:
- Formal charges are read
- The right to appointed counsel is addressed for indigent defendants
- Bond or bail is determined
- Rights are explained
- Proceedings may be conducted via video conference
Bond/Bail Process:
Cash Bond: The full bond amount must be paid in cash. The amount is refunded at case conclusion, minus applicable fees, and is set by the magistrate or judge.
Surety Bond: A licensed bail bondsman posts the full amount in exchange for a non-refundable premium, at present set at 10% of the bond amount in Michigan. The Michigan Department of Insurance and Financial Services licenses bail agents operating in the state.
Personal Recognizance (PR Bond): The individual is released on a written promise to appear. No monetary payment is required. Eligibility is based on community ties, employment, criminal history, nature of charges, and flight risk assessment.
No Bond: The individual is held without bond in cases involving serious violent offenses, demonstrated flight risk, danger to the community, probation or parole violations, immigration holds, or out-of-state warrants.
Conditions of Release may include check-in requirements, travel restrictions, no-contact orders, drug and alcohol testing, GPS monitoring, and pretrial supervision.
4. Release or Continued Detention
If bond is posted, processing for release typically takes 1–8 hours. The individual receives their personal property, a written court date, and written conditions of release. Failure to appear results in bond forfeiture and issuance of a bench warrant. If bond is not posted, the individual remains in custody, receives a housing assignment, and is oriented to jail rules, commissary, phone privileges, and visitation schedules.
Accessing Legal Representation:
Cass County Public Defender's Office
60296 M-62, Cassopolis, MI 49031
Phone: (269) 445-4464
Cass County Trial Court
Eligibility for appointed counsel is based on financial need. Private counsel may be retained at any stage of proceedings and may visit the jail for confidential consultations.
State Bar of Michigan Lawyer Referral Service
Phone: (800) 968-0738
State Bar of Michigan
Charging Decision:
The Cass County Prosecutor's Office reviews the arrest and determines whether to file formal charges, request additional investigation, decline prosecution, or file different charges. For felony offenses, a preliminary examination is held in district court to determine probable cause before the case proceeds to circuit court. Arraignment in circuit court follows, at which the defendant enters a formal plea.
Court Process Overview:
The pretrial phase includes discovery, pretrial motions (including motions to suppress evidence or dismiss charges), pretrial conferences, and plea negotiations. Case resolution options include dismissal, diversion programs (such as drug court or mental health court), plea agreements, or trial. Michigan provides the right to a jury trial for most criminal charges. If convicted, sentencing options include incarceration, probation, fines, restitution, community service, and treatment programs.
Cass County Prosecutor's Office
60296 M-62, Cassopolis, MI 49031
Phone: (269) 445-4464
Cass County Government
Cass County Sheriff's Office (Jail)
321 M-62 N, Cassopolis, MI 49031
Phone: (269) 445-2481
Cass County Sheriff's Office
Rights Throughout the Process:
- Right to remain silent
- Right to an attorney
- Right to a speedy trial
- Right to confront witnesses
- Right to present a defense
- Right against self-incrimination
- Right to appeal a conviction
What to Do If Arrested:
- Remain calm and cooperative with law enforcement
- Do not physically resist arrest
- Politely invoke the right to remain silent
- Request an attorney immediately and do not waive that right
- Do not discuss the case with anyone other than an attorney
- Contact family or friends for bail assistance
- Attend all scheduled court dates without exception
- Comply with all conditions of bond or release
How Long Are Arrest Records Kept in Cass County?
Records Retention Overview:
Retention of arrest records in Cass County is governed by Michigan law and the policies of the Michigan Department of Technology, Management and Budget. The Michigan Records Management Services publishes retention schedules applicable to local government agencies. Under current law, retention periods vary based on the type of record and the outcome of the case.
Arrest Records Retention by Type:
Active Arrest Records (Conviction Resulted):
Felony Convictions:
- Retained permanently by the Sheriff's Office, Clerk of Court, Michigan State Police criminal history repository, and the FBI's National Crime Information Center (NCIC).
Misdemeanor Convictions:
- Retained permanently or for a minimum of several decades by local law enforcement and the state repository. Court records for misdemeanor convictions are retained for a minimum of several years and in many cases permanently in electronic systems.
Arrest Records (No Conviction):
Dismissed Charges:
- Local law enforcement retains booking records for a minimum of several years. Court records may be retained permanently in electronic case management systems. Records may remain accessible unless expunged.
Acquittals:
- Court records are retained permanently in most electronic systems. Local law enforcement retains arrest records for a defined period. Records may be eligible for expungement under Michigan's Clean Slate Act.
Charges Not Filed:
- Booking records are retained for a minimum period by the Sheriff's Office. These records are among the most eligible for expungement or early removal.
Digital vs. Physical Records:
Physical Records:
- Booking paperwork, fingerprint cards, and photographs are retained according to the applicable Michigan local government records retention schedule, at present requiring retention for a minimum of several years depending on case outcome.
Digital Records:
- Records management systems and court electronic records are retained indefinitely in most cases. Computer-aided dispatch (CAD) records are retained for shorter periods. Mugshot databases maintained by third-party commercial entities are not subject to law enforcement retention schedules.
Third-Party Databases:
- Commercial background check companies and mugshot websites may retain arrest records indefinitely and are not required to update records when expungement is granted. The FCRA requires that consumer reporting agencies maintain accurate records, but enforcement is the responsibility of the individual or their attorney.
Retention by Agency:
Sheriff's Office:
321 M-62 N, Cassopolis, MI 49031
Phone: (269) 445-2481
Cass County Sheriff's Office
Booking records and arrest reports are retained according to the Michigan local government records retention schedule. Investigative files are retained based on case outcome and offense classification.
Clerk of Court:
60296 M-62, Cassopolis, MI 49031
Phone: (269) 445-4464
Cass County Trial Court
Felony case files are retained permanently. Misdemeanor case files are retained for a minimum of several years. Electronic records are retained indefinitely in the state court case management system.
State Repository:
The Michigan State Police Criminal Justice Information Center maintains the state criminal history repository, which includes arrests reported by all law enforcement agencies in Michigan. The repository is accessible through the ICHAT system. Retention policy follows state law and federal standards.
FBI Database:
The National Crime Information Center (NCIC) and the Interstate Identification Index (III) retain federal records on a permanent basis. These databases are accessible to law enforcement agencies nationwide and are used in employment background checks for positions requiring federal clearance, firearms purchases, and other federally regulated purposes.
Effect of Disposition on Retention:
- Conviction: Permanent retention in all major databases; appears on background checks indefinitely.
- Dismissal: May remain in databases unless expungement is obtained; not always reported on standard background checks.
- Expungement: Local records are sealed or destroyed; the state repository updates its records; the FBI database may retain a notation accessible only to law enforcement; removal from third-party databases is not guaranteed and may require separate legal action.
- No Charges Filed: Shortest retention period; may be purged automatically after the applicable retention period or may be eligible for immediate expungement petition.
Impact on Background Checks:
Under the FCRA, most employment background checks report criminal history for a period of seven years for positions paying under a certain salary threshold, though convictions may be reported indefinitely. Michigan does not currently impose a statewide limit shorter than the FCRA standard for private employers. Arrests without conviction may not be reported by compliant consumer reporting agencies, though non-compliant third-party websites may continue to display such records.
How to Check Retention Status:
Members of the public seeking information about the retention status of a specific arrest record may contact the Cass County Sheriff's Records Division at (269) 445-2481 or submit a written FOIA request to the Sheriff's Office at 321 M-62 N, Cassopolis, MI 49031. Fees may apply for copies of responsive records.