Kalamazoo Public Records /Kalamazoo County Criminal Records

Kalamazoo County Criminal Records

What Is Kalamazoo County Criminal Records

Criminal records in Kalamazoo County constitute official documentation of an individual's interactions with the criminal justice system within the county's jurisdiction. Pursuant to Michigan Compiled Laws § 15.231, these records document the formal criminal history of individuals who have been processed through the county's law enforcement and judicial systems.

Criminal records maintained in Kalamazoo County encompass several distinct categories:

Arrest Records: Documentation of apprehensions by the Kalamazoo County Sheriff's Office or local police departments, which may not necessarily result in charges or convictions
Court Records: Official documentation of criminal proceedings in the 8th District Court and Kalamazoo County Circuit Court
Incarceration Records: Information regarding individuals held in the Kalamazoo County Jail or state correctional facilities
Probation/Parole Records: Documentation of supervision terms and compliance for those serving non-custodial sentences

The distinction between arrest and conviction records is significant. Arrest records document instances where individuals were taken into custody based on probable cause, while conviction records indicate that legal proceedings resulted in a formal finding of guilt. Under Michigan law, both felony and misdemeanor records are maintained, with felonies representing more serious offenses punishable by imprisonment exceeding one year, and misdemeanors constituting lesser offenses typically punishable by up to one year in jail.

Juvenile records in Kalamazoo County receive special protection under Michigan Compiled Laws § 712A.28, which generally restricts public access to criminal proceedings involving individuals under 17 years of age. These records are typically sealed and require court orders for disclosure.

Multiple agencies maintain criminal records in Kalamazoo County:

Kalamazoo County Sheriff's Office
1500 Lamont Avenue
Kalamazoo, MI 49048
Phone: 269-383-8821
Kalamazoo County Sheriff's Office

Kalamazoo County Clerk/Register of Deeds
201 W. Kalamazoo Avenue
Kalamazoo, MI 49007
Phone: 269-383-8840
Kalamazoo County Clerk

8th District Court
150 E. Crosstown Parkway
Kalamazoo, MI 49001
Phone: 269-383-8938
8th District Court

The Criminal Division of the 8th District Court maintains records of criminal proceedings including arraignments, preliminary examinations, pleas, trials, sentencing, and probation information for cases within its jurisdiction.

Are Criminal Records Public In Kalamazoo County

Criminal records in Kalamazoo County are generally accessible to the public in accordance with the Michigan Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), codified under Michigan Compiled Laws § 15.231-15.246. This statute establishes the presumption that government records, including criminal records, shall be disclosed to the public upon request unless specifically exempted by law.

The Michigan FOIA states: "It is the public policy of this state that all persons, except those persons incarcerated in state or local correctional facilities, 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, consistent with this act."

However, not all criminal records are publicly accessible. Specific exemptions and restrictions apply to certain categories of records:

Ongoing Investigations: Records that would interfere with law enforcement proceedings or deprive a person of a fair trial are exempt from disclosure under MCL § 15.243(1)(b)
Juvenile Records: Criminal records pertaining to individuals under 17 years of age are generally sealed and not available to the public pursuant to MCL § 712A.28
Expunged/Sealed Records: Records that have been legally expunged or sealed by court order are not publicly accessible
Diversion Programs: Records of individuals who successfully completed certain diversion programs may be restricted from public view

Adult conviction records are generally public and accessible through the Kalamazoo County courts and the Michigan State Police. Court proceedings in Kalamazoo County are presumptively open to the public, with limited exceptions for certain sensitive cases as determined by judicial discretion.

The Michigan Court Rules (MCR 8.119) further establish that court records are public records, open to inspection by the public, with certain exceptions as provided by statute or court rule. This includes criminal case files maintained by the 8th District Court and Kalamazoo County Circuit Court.

Members of the public seeking access to criminal records in Kalamazoo County should be aware that while the records may be public, certain personal identifying information may be redacted to protect privacy interests, in accordance with MCL § 15.243(1)(a).

How To Look Up Criminal Records In Kalamazoo County in 2026

Members of the public seeking criminal records in Kalamazoo County may utilize several methods to access this information. The county currently maintains multiple access points for criminal record searches, each providing different types of information.

For in-person requests at the Kalamazoo County Courthouse:

Visit the appropriate records custodian based on the type of record sought
Complete the required request form, providing specific information about the subject of the search
Present valid government-issued photo identification
Pay applicable fees for record searches and copies
Receive records immediately if readily available, or await notification when records are prepared

Kalamazoo County Clerk's Office
201 W. Kalamazoo Avenue, Room 104
Kalamazoo, MI 49007
Phone: 269-383-8840
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Kalamazoo County Clerk

For mail requests to the 8th District Court:

Prepare a written request clearly identifying the records sought
Include a self-addressed stamped envelope
Enclose payment for applicable fees (check or money order)
Mail the request to:

8th District Court Records
150 E. Crosstown Parkway
Kalamazoo, MI 49001
Phone: 269-383-8938
8th District Court

For statewide criminal history information:

Access the Michigan State Police Internet Criminal History Access Tool (ICHAT)
Create a user account if not already registered
Enter the required search criteria (full name and date of birth)
Pay the required fee ($10 per search currently)
Receive immediate results for public criminal history information

For comprehensive criminal background checks:

Submit fingerprints through an authorized fingerprinting agency
Complete the appropriate request form based on the purpose of the search
Pay applicable fees
Receive results by mail within 3-5 business days

Pursuant to Michigan Compiled Laws § 28.243, certain criminal justice agencies and qualified organizations may access more comprehensive criminal history information than is available to the general public.

How To Find Criminal Records in Kalamazoo County Online?

Kalamazoo County provides several online resources for accessing criminal records electronically. These digital platforms offer convenient alternatives to in-person requests, though the scope of available information varies by system.

The primary online resources for criminal records in Kalamazoo County include:

Kalamazoo County Courts Case Search
- Provides access to public court records for the 8th District Court and Circuit Court
- Searchable by name, case number, or citation number
- Displays case status, charges, scheduled hearings, and disposition information
- Available at: https://www.kalcounty.com/courts/
Kalamazoo County Jail Inmate Search
- Provides current custody status of individuals held in the Kalamazoo County Jail
- Searchable by name
- Displays booking information, charges, and bond amounts
- Updated daily
- Available through the Sheriff's Office website
Michigan State Police ICHAT (Internet Criminal History Access Tool)
- Provides statewide criminal history information
- Requires user registration and fee payment ($10 per search)
- Returns public criminal history information maintained by the Michigan State Police
- Available at: https://www.michigan.gov/msp/services/chr
Michigan Offender Tracking Information System (OTIS)
- Provides information on offenders currently under the jurisdiction of the Michigan Department of Corrections
- Searchable by name or offender number
- Displays conviction information, sentence details, and current status
- Available at: https://www.michigan.gov/corrections/otis
Kalamazoo County Online Police Report System
- Allows citizens to file certain types of police reports online
- Provides status updates on previously filed reports
- Available through the Kalamazoo County Sheriff's Office website

When using these online systems, users should note that:

Registration requirements vary by platform
Some systems may require the creation of user accounts
Certain sensitive information may be redacted from online records
Not all criminal records are available electronically
Records requiring fingerprint verification cannot be accessed online
Historical records predating digital conversion may require in-person requests

For optimal search results, users should provide complete and accurate information, including full legal name, date of birth, and case numbers when available.

Can You Search Kalamazoo County Criminal Records for Free?

Kalamazoo County provides several options for free access to criminal records, though certain limitations apply. Pursuant to the Michigan Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) and Michigan Court Rules 8.119, members of the public may inspect certain criminal records without charge, though fees may apply for copies or certified documents.

Free criminal record search options in Kalamazoo County include:

In-Person Court Record Inspection
- Members of the public may visit the 8th District Court or Circuit Court clerk's offices during regular business hours to inspect public court records at no charge
- Records must be viewed on-site and may not be removed from the premises
- Staff assistance for locating records is provided without charge
- Available at:

8th District Court
150 E. Crosstown Parkway
Kalamazoo, MI 49001
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
8th District Court Records

Kalamazoo County Jail Inmate Search
- The online inmate search function is provided free of charge
- Updated daily with current custody information
- Accessible through the Kalamazoo County Sheriff's Office website
Michigan Offender Tracking Information System (OTIS)
- Free access to information on offenders under the jurisdiction of the Michigan Department of Corrections
- Includes conviction information, sentence details, and current status
- Available at: Michigan OTIS
Public Access Terminals
- Computer terminals at the courthouse provide free access to the court's case management system
- Available during regular business hours
- May require staff assistance for initial access

While inspection of records is generally free, fees apply for:

Copies of court documents ($1.00 per page currently)
Certified copies of court records ($10.00 per document currently)
Record searches requiring staff research time (varies by complexity)
Complete criminal history reports through Michigan State Police ICHAT ($10.00 per search)
Fingerprint-based background checks (fees vary by purpose)

The Kalamazoo County Clerk's Office and court clerks can provide current fee schedules for record requests. Fee waivers may be available for indigent requesters in certain circumstances, as provided by MCL § 15.234(2).

What's Included in a Kalamazoo County Criminal Record?

Criminal records maintained in Kalamazoo County typically contain comprehensive information about an individual's interactions with the criminal justice system. The content of these records is standardized in accordance with Michigan Compiled Laws § 28.241a, which establishes requirements for criminal record keeping.

A complete Kalamazoo County criminal record generally includes:

Identifying Information:

Full legal name and known aliases
Date of birth and age
Physical description (height, weight, eye color, hair color)
Mugshot photograph (booking photo)
Last known address
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

Court Case Information:

Case number
Court of jurisdiction (8th District Court or Circuit Court)
Filing date
Charges filed with statutory citations
Classification of offenses (felony or misdemeanor)
Plea information
Attorney of record
Judge assigned

Disposition Information:

Verdict or outcome
Conviction date (if applicable)
Sentencing details:
- Incarceration terms
- Probation conditions
- Fines and costs
- Restitution ordered
- Community service
Appeal information (if applicable)
Probation/parole status

Additional Information:

Active warrants
Protective orders
Sex offender registration status
DUI/OWI offenses
Traffic violations
Pending charges
Probation violations

The Criminal Division of the 8th District Court maintains records of misdemeanor cases, while the Circuit Court maintains records of felony proceedings. Both courts document each stage of criminal proceedings from arraignment through final disposition.

Law enforcement agencies, including the Kalamazoo County Sheriff's Office, maintain arrest records and incident reports that may contain additional details about specific criminal events, including witness statements and evidence collected.

It should be noted that certain sensitive information may be redacted from public criminal records, including:

Social Security numbers
Driver's license numbers
Financial account information
Victim identifying information in certain cases
Information related to confidential informants
Medical and mental health information

How Long Does Kalamazoo County Keep Criminal Records?

Kalamazoo County maintains criminal records in accordance with the Michigan Records Retention and Disposal Schedule, as established by the Michigan Department of Technology, Management and Budget. These schedules define the minimum retention periods for various types of criminal records.

The retention periods for criminal records in Kalamazoo County vary by record type:

Court Records:

Felony case files: Minimum 50 years after case closure
Misdemeanor case files: Minimum 20 years after case closure
Traffic violations: Minimum 7 years after case closure
Juvenile records: Until age 30 or 7 years after case closure, whichever is later
Index and docket books: Permanent retention

Law Enforcement Records:

Arrest records: Minimum 25 years
Investigation reports for solved major crimes: Minimum 25 years
Investigation reports for unsolved major crimes: Permanent retention
Investigation reports for minor crimes: Minimum 7 years
Incident reports: Minimum 7 years
Sex offender registration information: Lifetime for Tier III offenders

Corrections Records:

Jail booking and intake records: Minimum 7 years after release
Inmate medical records: Minimum 7 years after release
Jail incident reports: Minimum 7 years

These retention periods represent minimum requirements under Michigan Administrative Code R 18.901-18.910. In practice, many records are retained longer, particularly those with historical or continuing legal significance.

Digital conversion has enabled longer retention of many records that previously might have been destroyed due to storage constraints. The Kalamazoo County Clerk's Office has undertaken digitization efforts to preserve historical court records beyond the required retention periods.

Criminal history information maintained by the Michigan State Police is generally retained for the life of the subject, with limited exceptions for expunged records pursuant to MCL § 28.243. The Michigan State Police Criminal History Records division serves as the central repository for criminal history information statewide.

Individuals seeking to have criminal records expunged may petition the court under Michigan's expanded expungement law, which allows for the removal of certain convictions from public records after specified waiting periods.