Cass County Criminal Records
How To Look Up Criminal Records In Cass County in 2026
Members of the public seeking criminal records in Cass County may access publicly available information through CassMIRecords.us, which aggregates data related to arrests, court proceedings, and other criminal justice records. Cass County maintains criminal records through several official channels, including the county circuit court, the Sheriff's Office, and the Michigan State Police. The information available may include arrest logs, booking records, court case dispositions, sentencing data, and warrant information, though completeness and currency of records vary by source and record type.
Relevant record categories that members of the public may encounter include:
- Arrest and booking records
- Circuit and district court case files
- Felony and misdemeanor conviction records
- Warrant information
- Sex offender registry entries
- Jail inmate rosters
- Probation and parole records
Records can be searched through official resources, clerk offices, public access terminals, and online tools. The following five methods outline the primary avenues for accessing criminal records in Cass County.
1. County Court Records
The Cass County Circuit Court maintains case files for felony criminal matters, while the Cass County District Court handles misdemeanors and ordinance violations. Members of the public may inspect court records in person at the courthouse during regular business hours. Requestors should bring a valid government-issued photo ID and, where possible, the full name of the subject and an approximate case filing date or case number.
Cass County Circuit Court / District Court
60296 M-62, Suite 1
Cassopolis, MI 49031
Phone: (269) 445-4464
Cass County Courts
Public access terminals are available in the clerk's office during business hours, Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
2. Sheriff's Office
The Cass County Sheriff's Office maintains arrest logs, booking records, and current inmate rosters. Members of the public may submit records requests directly to the Sheriff's Office. Fees may apply for copies of reports. The jail roster is at times accessible online through the county website.
Cass County Sheriff's Office
321 M-62 North
Cassopolis, MI 49031
Phone: (269) 445-2481
Cass County Sheriff's Office
3. Online Court Search
The Michigan One Court of Justice provides a statewide case search portal through which members of the public may search Cass County court records by party name, case number, or filing date. Users should navigate to the Michigan Trial Court Case Search portal, select Cass County as the jurisdiction, and enter the subject's full legal name or case number. The portal reflects case status, charges, and dispositions but does not include sealed or expunged records.
4. State Criminal History Repository
The Michigan State Police maintains the state's criminal history repository. Members of the public may request a criminal history background check through the Michigan State Police ICHAT system. Requests require the subject's full name and date of birth; fingerprint-based searches are available for more precise results. Processing times and fees vary; at present, the fee for a name-based search through ICHAT is $10.00 per request.
Michigan State Police — Criminal Justice Information Center
7150 Harris Drive
Dimondale, MI 48821
Phone: (517) 241-0606
Michigan State Police
5. Written/Mail Requests
Members of the public may submit written requests for court records to the Cass County Clerk's Office. Requests should include the subject's full legal name, date of birth, approximate case dates, and the requestor's contact information. Under Michigan Court Rule 8.119, courts are required to respond to public records requests within a reasonable timeframe. Written requests should be mailed to:
Cass County Clerk's Office
120 N. Broadway Street
Cassopolis, MI 49031
Phone: (269) 445-4464
Cass County Clerk
What Is Cass County Criminal Record
A criminal record in Cass County is an official compilation of documented interactions between an individual and the criminal justice system, encompassing arrests, charges, court proceedings, and dispositions. Under Michigan law, a criminal record is created at the point of arrest and is updated as a case progresses through arraignment, preliminary examination, trial, sentencing, and any subsequent appellate proceedings.
The distinction between record types is significant for both legal and practical purposes:
- Arrest records vs. conviction records: An arrest record documents that law enforcement took an individual into custody; it does not indicate guilt. A conviction record reflects a formal finding or plea of guilt and a court-imposed sentence.
- Felony vs. misdemeanor records: Felonies are offenses punishable by more than one year of imprisonment and are adjudicated in circuit court. Misdemeanors carry lesser penalties and are handled in district court.
- Adult vs. juvenile records: Adult criminal records are presumptively public. Juvenile records are confidential under MCL § 712A.28 and are sealed from public view in most circumstances.
- Active warrants vs. historical records: Active warrants reflect outstanding judicial orders for arrest and are maintained in real time by the Sheriff's Office and state databases. Historical records document past proceedings regardless of current warrant status.
The agencies responsible for maintaining criminal records in Cass County include the Cass County Sheriff's Office (arrest and jail records), the Cass County Circuit and District Courts (case files and dispositions), the Michigan State Police Criminal Justice Information Center (statewide criminal history repository), and local municipal police departments within the county. Records are created when law enforcement submits arrest data to the court and state repository, and they are updated at each stage of the criminal justice process, including charges filed, plea agreements, trial outcomes, sentencing, and probation or parole status.
Are Criminal Records Public In Cass County
Criminal records in Cass County are presumptively public under Michigan's Freedom of Information Act, MCL § 15.231 et seq., which establishes that all public records are open to inspection and copying unless a specific exemption applies. Adult conviction records, court proceedings, and case dispositions are accessible to any member of the public without requiring a statement of purpose.
As stated in the Michigan FOIA, "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." This principle extends to criminal court records maintained by county clerks and the judiciary.
Certain categories of records are restricted from public disclosure. These include:
- Records pertaining to ongoing criminal investigations, where disclosure would interfere with law enforcement proceedings
- Juvenile court records, which are sealed under MCL § 712A.28
- Expunged records, which are set aside pursuant to Michigan's expungement statute
- Victim and witness identifying information in certain cases
- Records sealed by court order
The Michigan Attorney General's office provides guidance on public access to government records through the Michigan Attorney General FOIA resources. Federal criminal records maintained by the FBI or federal courts are governed by separate federal statutes and are not subject to Michigan FOIA.
How To Find Criminal Records in Cass County Online
Official County Resources
The primary online portal for Cass County court records is the Michigan Trial Court Case Search system, maintained by the Michigan Supreme Court. Users may search by party name, case number, or attorney name. The portal includes case status, charge descriptions, and hearing dates. The Cass County Sheriff's Office may publish a current jail roster on the Cass County government website. No registration is required to access the public case search portal.
State-Level Resources
The Michigan State Police ICHAT system provides name-based criminal history searches statewide. The Michigan Courts One Court of Justice portal offers access to court rules, forms, and case information across all Michigan trial courts.
Search Tips
- Search using the subject's full legal name as well as known aliases or maiden names
- Case number searches yield the most precise results and eliminate false matches
- Cross-reference results across the county court portal and the state ICHAT system
- Be aware that records older than approximately 1990 may not be fully digitized
- Sealed and expunged records will not appear in public search results
Limitations
Online databases may reflect a data lag of several days to weeks following a court event. Historical records predating electronic filing systems may require in-person requests. Online searches do not constitute official background checks for employment or licensing purposes.
Can You Search Cass County Criminal Records for Free
Free Options
1. In-Person Inspection
Michigan law mandates that public records be available for inspection at no charge. Under MCL § 15.234, a public body may charge for copies but may not charge for the inspection of records. Members of the public may inspect court records at the Cass County Clerk's Office and review public access terminals at the courthouse without incurring a fee.
2. Free Online Databases
The following resources are available at no cost:
- Michigan Trial Court Case Search — court case records statewide
- Cass County Sheriff's Office — jail roster (when published)
- Michigan Sex Offender Registry — sex offender registration records
3. Sheriff's Logs
Daily arrest and booking reports may be available through the Cass County Sheriff's Office upon request or through the county website, subject to any applicable exemptions.
What Costs Money
| Service | Estimated Fee |
|---|---|
| Certified copies of court records | $1.00–$10.00 per document |
| ICHAT name-based background check | $10.00 per search |
| Fingerprint-based background check | $30.00+ per search |
| Staff-assisted record searches | Varies by agency |
| Copies of police/arrest reports | $0.10–$0.25 per page |
Fee waivers may be available in limited circumstances. Under Michigan FOIA, a public body may waive fees if disclosure is in the public interest.
What's Included in a Cass County Criminal Record
Identifying Information
A complete criminal record includes the subject's full legal name and known aliases, date of birth, physical description (height, weight, eye and hair color), photograph (mugshot), last known address, State Identification (SID) number, and FBI number where applicable.
Arrest Information
Arrest records document the date and time of arrest, the arresting agency, booking number, charges filed at the time of arrest, bail or bond conditions, and the jail facility where the individual was held.
Court Case Information
Court records include the case number, court and jurisdiction, filing date, charge descriptions and applicable statutes (including felony or misdemeanor classification), plea entered, and attorney of record.
Disposition
Disposition records reflect the verdict or plea outcome, conviction date, sentencing details (type and length of sentence, fines, restitution, and conditions of supervision), any appeals filed, and probation or parole status.
Additional Record Elements
- Outstanding warrants
- Protective or restraining orders
- Sex offender registration status (searchable through the Michigan Sex Offender Registry)
- DUI/OWI convictions
- Pending charges
NOT Included in Public Records
- Juvenile adjudications (sealed under MCL § 712A.28)
- Expunged or set-aside convictions
- Records from other states or federal jurisdictions
- Completed diversion program records where charges were dismissed
Accuracy Note
Members of the public who identify errors in their criminal record may submit a correction request to the Michigan State Police Criminal Justice Information Center or to the originating court. Accurate and complete records are essential for employment, licensing, and housing purposes.
How Long Does Cass County Keep Criminal Records
Legal Requirements
Michigan court record retention is governed by the Michigan Trial Court Records Management Standards, issued by the State Court Administrative Office. These standards establish minimum retention periods for all categories of court records and carry the force of administrative rule.
Retention by Record Type
- Felony convictions: Retained permanently by both the circuit court and the Michigan State Police repository
- Misdemeanor convictions: Retained permanently in court records; the state repository retains conviction data indefinitely
- Arrest records without conviction: Retained for a minimum period; may be eligible for expungement under MCL § 780.621
- Dismissed or acquitted cases: Retained permanently in court records to reflect the full disposition; the record shows the dismissal or acquittal
- Juvenile records: Sealed at age 17 or upon case closure; eligible for destruction after the subject reaches age 30 under applicable court rules
- Pending cases: Retained until final resolution
Agency Differences
County circuit and district courts retain case files permanently in accordance with state records management standards. The Cass County Sheriff's Office retains jail and arrest records for a period consistent with state guidelines, which vary by record type. The Michigan State Police Criminal Justice Information Center retains conviction records permanently in the state repository.
Physical vs. Electronic Records
Electronic records are retained for longer periods than paper records. Physical documents may be destroyed after scanning and digital preservation, but the electronic record remains accessible.
Destruction vs. Sealing vs. Expungement
Destruction permanently eliminates a record. Sealing restricts public access while preserving the record for law enforcement use. Expungement, available under MCL § 780.621, sets aside a conviction and removes it from public view, though law enforcement agencies retain access. Eligible individuals may petition the circuit court for expungement using forms available through the Michigan Courts self-help center.
Federal Records
Criminal records maintained by the FBI through the National Crime Information Center (NCIC) are subject to federal retention rules and exist independently of county or state records. Federal expungement does not automatically remove records from the FBI database.
Practical Implications
Felony and misdemeanor convictions appear on background checks indefinitely unless expunged. Employment background screening services at present report convictions within the past seven to ten years as a standard practice, though no Michigan statute limits the reporting period for convictions. Professional licensing boards may require full disclosure of all criminal history regardless of age. Even if a county destroys physical records, electronic copies may exist in state databases unless the record has been legally expunged.