Allegan County Arrest Records
Are Arrest Records Public in Allegan County
Arrest records in Allegan County are considered public information under Michigan's Freedom of Information Act (MCL 15.231-15.246). This statute establishes the public's right to access government records, including those related to arrests made by law enforcement agencies within the county.
The Michigan State Police maintains that arrest records are public documents subject to disclosure pursuant to MCL 15.243, which outlines specific exemptions to disclosure. However, it is important for requesters to understand the distinction between arrest records and conviction records:
- Arrest records document the apprehension and booking of an individual suspected of committing a crime. These records exist regardless of whether charges were filed or the individual was convicted.
- Conviction records document the final disposition of a case resulting in a guilty verdict or plea.
Under Michigan law, both types of records are generally accessible to the public, though certain information may be redacted to protect privacy interests or ongoing investigations. The Michigan State Police Criminal Justice Information Center administers the state's criminal history record repository in accordance with the C.J.I.S. Policy Council Act 163 of 1974.
Members of the public seeking arrest records in Allegan County should be aware that while these records are public, access may be subject to certain restrictions and fees as permitted by state law.
What's in Allegan County Arrest Records
Arrest records maintained by Allegan County law enforcement agencies typically contain comprehensive information about individuals who have been taken into custody. The content of these records is standardized in accordance with Michigan's criminal procedure laws and includes the following categories of information:
Arrestee Identifying Information:
- Full legal name and any known aliases
- Date of birth
- Physical description (height, weight, eye color, hair color)
- Gender
- Race/ethnicity
- Residential address
- Identifying marks such as tattoos or scars
- Fingerprints and, in most cases, photographs (mugshots)
Arrest Details:
- Date and time of arrest
- Location where the arrest occurred
- Arresting agency and officer identification
- Circumstances leading to the arrest
- Whether force was used during the arrest
Charge Information:
- Criminal offenses charged
- Statutory citations for alleged violations
- Classification of charges (misdemeanor or felony)
- Description of the alleged criminal activity
Warrant Information (if applicable):
- Warrant number and issuing court
- Date warrant was issued
- Judge who signed the warrant
- Probable cause statement
Booking Information:
- Date and time of booking
- Facility where the individual was processed
- Booking officer identification
- Property inventory
Bond/Bail Information:
- Bond amount set
- Type of bond (cash, surety, personal recognizance)
- Whether bond was posted
- Conditions of release, if applicable
Court Information:
- Court of jurisdiction
- Case number
- Scheduled court appearances
- Name of assigned judge
Custody Status:
- Current detention status
- Facility where individual is being held, if applicable
- Expected release date, if known
Additional Information May Include:
- Prior criminal history
- Known associates
- Vehicle information
- Employment information
- Emergency contact details
The specific content of arrest records may vary slightly depending on the arresting agency within Allegan County and the nature of the alleged offense.
How To Look Up Arrest Records in Allegan County in 2026
Members of the public seeking arrest records in Allegan County may utilize several methods to obtain this information. The county maintains systems for both in-person and remote access to these public records. Individuals may pursue the following options:
- Contact the Allegan County Sheriff's Office directly:
Allegan County Sheriff's Office
112 Walnut Street
Allegan, MI 49010
(269) 673-0500
Allegan County Sheriff's Office
Office Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Requesters should complete a public records request form specifying the information sought. The form requires:
- Full name of the subject
- Date of birth (if known)
- Approximate date of arrest (if known)
- Case number (if available)
- Requestor's contact information
- Submit a written FOIA request:
Written requests may be submitted to the Allegan County FOIA Coordinator pursuant to MCL 15.235. Requests should:
- Clearly describe the records sought
- Include sufficient detail to locate the records
- Specify the preferred format for receiving the records
- Include contact information for the requester
- Visit the Allegan County Clerk's Office:
Allegan County Clerk's Office
113 Chestnut Street
Allegan, MI 49010
(269) 673-0450
Allegan County Clerk
Office Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
The Clerk's Office maintains court records that may include information about arrests that led to court proceedings.
- Contact the arresting police department:
If the arrest was made by a municipal police department rather than the Sheriff's Office, requesters should contact that specific agency. For example:
Allegan City Police Department
112 Locust Street
Allegan, MI 49010
(269) 673-2115
Allegan City Police Department
Requesters should be prepared to pay applicable fees for record searches and copies as permitted under Michigan's FOIA law. Fees typically include costs for search time, review, and duplication of records.
How To Find Allegan County Arrest Records Online
Allegan County provides several digital resources for accessing arrest records through official online platforms. These electronic systems offer convenient alternatives to in-person requests. Individuals seeking arrest information may utilize the following online methods:
- Allegan County Inmate Lookup System
The Allegan County Sheriff's Office maintains an online inmate search tool that provides information about currently incarcerated individuals and recent arrests. This database is updated regularly and includes:
- Arrestee name
- Booking date
- Charges
- Bond information
- Scheduled court dates
This resource can be accessed through the Allegan County Sheriff's Office website under the "Inmate Information" section.
- Michigan State Police Internet Criminal History Access Tool (ICHAT)
For comprehensive criminal history information, including arrest records from Allegan County, the Michigan State Police offers the ICHAT system. This statewide database allows users to search for public criminal history records for a fee of $10 per search. ICHAT provides:
- Arrest records
- Charge information
- Case dispositions
- Conviction data
Users must register for an account to access this system through the Michigan State Police Criminal History Records.
- Michigan Courts Case Search
The Michigan Courts maintain an online case search system that includes information about criminal cases in Allegan County. While not specifically an arrest records database, this system provides information about court proceedings resulting from arrests:
- Case numbers
- Charges filed
- Hearing dates
- Case dispositions
- Sentencing information
This resource can be accessed through the Michigan Courts website.
- Allegan County FOIA Request Portal
The county offers an online portal for submitting Freedom of Information Act requests electronically. Through this system, users can:
- Submit specific requests for arrest records
- Track the status of their requests
- Receive electronic copies of responsive documents
- Pay applicable fees online
This portal can be accessed through the Allegan County website.
When using online systems to access arrest records, users should be aware that some information may be redacted in accordance with privacy laws and that the most current information may require direct contact with the Sheriff's Office.
How To Search Allegan County Arrest Records for Free?
Members of the public have several options for accessing Allegan County arrest records without incurring fees. While comprehensive criminal history reports typically involve costs, the following methods provide free access to basic arrest information:
- Allegan County Sheriff's Office Public Terminal
The Sheriff's Office maintains a public access terminal at their main office where individuals can search basic arrest information at no cost:
Allegan County Sheriff's Office
112 Walnut Street
Allegan, MI 49010
(269) 673-0500
Terminal Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM
Users must sign in at the front desk and may be limited to 30-minute sessions during busy periods.
- Allegan County Jail Roster
The Sheriff's Office publishes a daily jail roster that lists currently incarcerated individuals. This information is available:
- On the bulletin board in the Sheriff's Office lobby
- Through the Allegan County Sheriff's Office website under "Current Inmates"
This resource provides basic information about recent arrests without charge.
- Court Docket Review
The public may review criminal court dockets at no cost by visiting:
Allegan County 57th District Court
113 Chestnut Street
Allegan, MI 49010
(269) 673-0300
Allegan County 48th Circuit Court
113 Chestnut Street
Allegan, MI 49010
(269) 673-0310
Court dockets contain information about criminal cases resulting from arrests, including defendant names, charges, and hearing dates.
- Michigan Offender Tracking Information System (OTIS)
The Michigan Department of Corrections maintains the OTIS database, which provides free information about individuals who have been incarcerated in state facilities or are on parole/probation. While not specifically an arrest records database, OTIS can provide information about individuals whose arrests led to state incarceration. This resource is available through the Michigan Department of Corrections OTIS website.
- Local Newspaper Archives
The Allegan County Library system provides free access to local newspaper archives, which often include reports of arrests and criminal proceedings:
Allegan District Library
331 Hubbard Street
Allegan, MI 49010
(269) 673-4625
These free resources typically provide basic information about arrests but may not include the comprehensive details found in official records obtained through formal requests.
How To Delete Arrest Records in Allegan County
Michigan law provides specific mechanisms for the expungement (legal erasure) or sealing (restricting public access) of arrest records under certain circumstances. These processes are governed by the Michigan Set Aside Law (MCL 780.621) and related statutes. Individuals seeking to remove arrest records in Allegan County should understand the following distinctions and procedures:
Expungement vs. Sealing:
- Expungement involves the complete removal of a criminal record from public view. When a record is expunged, it is legally considered to have never occurred, though law enforcement agencies may retain limited access.
- Sealing restricts public access to records but does not completely erase them. Sealed records remain available to law enforcement and may be accessible in certain circumstances.
Eligibility for Expungement:
Under Michigan's Clean Slate legislation, which expanded expungement eligibility in 2021, individuals may qualify for expungement if:
- The arrest did not lead to a conviction
- The conviction was for certain qualifying misdemeanors or felonies
- The required waiting period has elapsed (typically 3-7 years depending on the offense)
- The individual has no more than the maximum number of allowable convictions
Automatic Expungement:
Beginning in 2023, Michigan implemented an automatic expungement system for certain non-violent offenses. This system:
- Automatically clears eligible misdemeanors after 7 years
- Automatically clears eligible felonies after 10 years
- Does not require application by the individual
Application Process for Non-Automatic Expungement:
For records not eligible for automatic expungement, individuals must:
- Obtain a certified copy of their criminal record from the Michigan State Police
- Complete the Application to Set Aside Conviction form (MC 227)
- Obtain fingerprints from an authorized agency
- File the application with the Allegan County Circuit Court:
Allegan County 48th Circuit Court
113 Chestnut Street
Allegan, MI 49010
(269) 673-0310
-
Serve copies of the application on:
- The Michigan Attorney General
- The Allegan County Prosecutor's Office
- The law enforcement agency that made the arrest
-
Attend a hearing before a circuit court judge who will determine whether granting the expungement is consistent with public welfare
Special Provisions:
Michigan law includes special provisions for:
- First-time drug offenses under MCL 333.7411
- Certain offenses committed by individuals under 21 years of age
- Human trafficking victims who committed offenses as a result of being trafficked
Individuals seeking expungement are strongly encouraged to consult with an attorney familiar with Michigan's expungement laws, as the process can be complex and eligibility requirements are subject to specific legal interpretations.
What Happens After Arrest in Allegan County?
Following an arrest in Allegan County, individuals enter a structured criminal justice process governed by Michigan law and local court procedures. This process typically progresses through several distinct phases:
1. Booking and Initial Detention
After physical arrest, individuals are transported to the Allegan County Jail for booking, which includes:
- Photographing and fingerprinting
- Collection of personal information
- Medical screening
- Property inventory
- Initial criminal history check
- Temporary detention in holding cells
2. Arraignment
Within 24-48 hours of arrest (excluding weekends and holidays), arrestees appear before a judge or magistrate for arraignment, where:
- Formal charges are read
- Constitutional rights are explained
- Bond decisions are made
- Plea is entered (typically "not guilty" at this stage)
- Future court dates are scheduled
Arraignments in Allegan County typically occur at:
Allegan County 57th District Court
113 Chestnut Street
Allegan, MI 49010
(269) 673-0300
3. Pretrial Proceedings
Following arraignment, cases proceed through several pretrial phases:
- Probable Cause Conference (within 7-14 days of arraignment): Attorneys discuss potential resolutions and evidence
- Preliminary Examination (within 5-7 days of probable cause conference): Prosecution must demonstrate sufficient evidence to proceed
- Pretrial Conference: Final opportunity to resolve the case before trial
- Discovery: Exchange of evidence between prosecution and defense
- Motion Hearings: Arguments on legal issues such as evidence suppression
4. Trial
If the case is not resolved during pretrial proceedings, it proceeds to trial, which may be:
- A bench trial (decided by a judge)
- A jury trial (decided by 6 jurors for misdemeanors or 12 for felonies)
Trials follow Michigan's Rules of Criminal Procedure and typically include:
- Opening statements
- Presentation of evidence and witnesses
- Cross-examination
- Closing arguments
- Jury deliberation (if applicable)
- Verdict
5. Sentencing
If convicted, sentencing follows, typically 2-6 weeks after conviction. Sentencing may include:
- Incarceration in the Allegan County Jail or Michigan Department of Corrections
- Probation supervision
- Fines and court costs
- Restitution to victims
- Community service
- Treatment programs
6. Post-Conviction
After sentencing, individuals may pursue:
- Appeals to higher courts
- Post-conviction relief
- Probation or parole supervision
- Eventual expungement (if eligible)
Throughout this process, individuals have constitutional rights including the right to counsel. Those unable to afford an attorney may request representation from:
Allegan County Public Defender's Office
113 Chestnut Street, Room 202
Allegan, MI 49010
(269) 673-0516
The timeline for case resolution varies significantly based on case complexity, court schedules, and whether the defendant is in custody or released on bond.
How Long Are Arrest Records Kept in Allegan County?
Arrest records in Allegan County are maintained according to Michigan's record retention requirements, primarily governed by Michigan Records Retention and Disposal Schedule #11 for law enforcement agencies. These retention periods ensure proper documentation while balancing public access and individual privacy concerns.
Standard Retention Periods:
- Arrest Records (Adults): Maintained for a minimum of 7 years from the date of arrest, regardless of case disposition.
- Arrest Records (Juveniles): Generally maintained until the individual reaches 17 years of age, unless the case involved waiver to adult court.
- Serious Felony Arrests: Records for serious felonies (including homicide, criminal sexual conduct, and armed robbery) are maintained for 25 years to permanent retention.
- Booking Photos and Fingerprints: Retained for a minimum of 7 years, with fingerprints submitted to the Michigan State Police central repository for permanent retention.
- Incident Reports: Maintained for a minimum of 7 years from the date of the incident.
Agency-Specific Retention:
Different agencies within Allegan County maintain records according to their specific functions:
-
Allegan County Sheriff's Office: Maintains arrest records according to the state-mandated retention schedule, with some records kept longer for administrative purposes.
-
Municipal Police Departments: Local police departments within Allegan County follow the same state retention schedule but may have supplemental policies for extended retention.
-
Allegan County Prosecutor's Office: Maintains case files related to prosecutions, typically for 7 years after case closure for misdemeanors and 25 years for felonies.
-
Allegan County Courts: Court records related to criminal cases are maintained according to the Michigan Supreme Court Records Management Standards, with many records kept permanently.
-
Michigan State Police: Maintains a central repository of criminal history information, including fingerprints and arrest data from Allegan County, permanently.
Digital vs. Physical Records:
- Physical arrest records are typically converted to digital format after a specified period (usually 2-3 years).
- Digital records are subject to the same retention requirements as physical records.
- Backup systems ensure preservation of digital records throughout the required retention period.
Legal Basis for Retention:
Record retention serves several important purposes:
- Preserves evidence for ongoing and future investigations
- Maintains documentation for potential appeals and post-conviction proceedings
- Ensures accountability of law enforcement agencies
- Provides statistical data for crime analysis and resource allocation
- Complies with state and federal reporting requirements
Individuals seeking information about specific record retention policies may contact the Allegan County Sheriff's Office Records Division at (269) 673-0500 ext. 4236.
How to Find Mugshots in Allegan County
What Mugshots Are
Mugshots, formally known as booking photographs, are official photographs taken during the booking process following an arrest. In Allegan County, these photographs typically include:
- A front-facing (portrait) image
- A profile (side) image
- A placard or digital overlay displaying the arrestee's name, booking number, and date
- Sometimes height markers in the background
These photographs serve as visual identification records within the criminal justice system and are taken pursuant to Michigan law enforcement procedures.
Where Mugshots Are Maintained
In Allegan County, booking photographs are primarily maintained by:
Allegan County Sheriff's Office
112 Walnut Street
Allegan, MI 49010
(269) 673-0500
The Sheriff's Office Records Division is responsible for the storage and management of these photographs as part of the official arrest record. Additionally, municipal police departments within the county maintain mugshots for arrests they process before transferring individuals to county custody.
Finding Mugshots
Members of the public seeking mugshots in Allegan County have several options:
-
Submit a FOIA request to the Allegan County Sheriff's Office specifically requesting booking photographs. Requests should include:
- Full name of the subject
- Date of birth (if known)
- Approximate date of arrest
- Case number (if available)
-
Visit the Sheriff's Office Records Division in person during business hours (Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM) to submit a request.
-
Contact the arresting agency if the arrest was made by a municipal police department rather than the Sheriff's Office.
Can They Be Found Online
Allegan County does not maintain a public-facing database specifically for mugshots. However, limited booking information may be available through:
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Allegan County Inmate Lookup: The Sheriff's Office website provides basic information about current inmates, though mugshots are typically not included.
-
Third-party websites: Various commercial websites aggregate and publish mugshots obtained through public records requests. However, the accuracy and currency of information on these sites vary significantly, and they may charge fees for removal of photographs even after cases are dismissed or expunged.
Obtaining Mugshots Officially
To officially obtain mugshots, individuals should:
- Complete the Allegan County Sheriff's Office FOIA Request Form
- Submit the form in person, by mail, or via email to the Records Division
- Pay applicable fees (typically $5-15 per photograph, depending on format)
- Provide identification if picking up records in person
Processing time typically ranges from 5-15 business days depending on the age and accessibility of the records requested.
Restrictions on Mugshot Access
Access to mugshots in Allegan County is subject to certain restrictions:
- Photographs of juveniles (under 17) are generally not publicly available unless the juvenile was waived to adult court
- Mugshots related to ongoing investigations may be temporarily withheld
- Images may be redacted to protect certain identifying information
- Records that have been expunged or sealed by court order are not available
- Michigan's amended FOIA law (MCL 15.243(1)(y)) allows law enforcement agencies to withhold booking photographs if disclosure would constitute an unwarranted invasion of personal privacy
Requesters should be aware that while mugshots are generally considered public records, their use and publication may be subject to legal restrictions in certain contexts.