Lapeer County Public Records / Lapeer County Arrest Records

Lapeer County Arrest Records

Are Arrest Records Public in Lapeer County

Arrest records in Lapeer County are considered public information under Michigan's Freedom of Information Act (MCL 15.231-15.246). This statute establishes that most government records, including arrest records, are accessible to the public unless specifically exempted by law. The Michigan FOIA provides that all persons, except those 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.

It is important to distinguish between arrest records and conviction records. An arrest record documents that an individual was taken into custody by law enforcement on suspicion of criminal activity, while a conviction record indicates that the individual was found guilty of a crime through legal proceedings. Under MCL 15.243, certain information in law enforcement records may be exempt from disclosure, particularly if release would interfere with law enforcement proceedings or constitute an unwarranted invasion of personal privacy.

The Lapeer County Sheriff's Office maintains arrest records in accordance with the Michigan Law Enforcement Information Network (LEIN) policies and state regulations governing records retention and public access.

What's in Lapeer County Arrest Records

Lapeer County arrest records typically contain comprehensive information about individuals who have been taken into custody. These records are maintained by the Lapeer County Sheriff's Office Records Division and include the following standard elements:

Arrestee Identifying Information:

Full legal name (including aliases or known nicknames)
Date of birth
Gender
Race/ethnicity
Physical description (height, weight, eye color, hair color)
Identifying marks (tattoos, scars, etc.)
Address at time of arrest
Fingerprints
Photograph (mugshot)

Arrest Details:

Date and time of arrest
Location of arrest
Arresting agency and officer(s)
Arrest method (warrant, probable cause, etc.)
Use of force information (if applicable)

Charge Information:

Criminal charges filed
Charge classification (felony, misdemeanor)
Michigan criminal code citations
Charge descriptions

Warrant Information (if applicable):

Warrant number
Issuing court
Date issued
Judge who signed the warrant

Booking Information:

Booking date and time
Booking number/case number
Processing officer information

Bond/Bail Information:

Bond amount
Bond type (cash, surety, personal recognizance)
Bond status (posted, denied)
Conditions of release (if applicable)

Court Information:

Court of jurisdiction
Case number
Scheduled court appearances
Judge assigned

Custody Status:

Current detention status
Expected release date (if applicable)
Facility housing the individual

Additional Information May Include:

Prior arrest history
Probation/parole status
Vehicle information (if relevant to arrest)
Property seized during arrest
Medical information relevant to custody

The specific content of arrest records may vary based on the nature of the arrest, the arresting agency's protocols, and the requirements of the Lapeer County Sheriff's Office Records Division.

How To Look Up Arrest Records in Lapeer County in 2026

Members of the public seeking arrest records in Lapeer County may utilize several methods to access this information. The primary resource for obtaining official arrest records is the Lapeer County Sheriff's Office Records Division.

In-Person Requests:

Visit the Lapeer County Sheriff's Office Records Division during regular business hours.
Complete a public records request form, specifying the information sought.
Provide proper identification (government-issued photo ID).
Pay applicable fees for record retrieval and copying.

Lapeer County Sheriff's Office Records Division
3231 John Conley Drive
Lapeer, MI 48446
(810) 245-1321
Lapeer County Sheriff's Office Records Division

Operating Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM (excluding holidays)

Written Requests:

Submit a written FOIA request to the Lapeer County Sheriff's Office.
Include specific details about the records sought (full name of individual, date of birth, approximate date of arrest).
Provide contact information for response.
Mail or deliver the request to the Sheriff's Office address.

Electronic Requests: The Lapeer County Sheriff's Office accepts FOIA requests via email. Requestors should:

Download and complete the FOIA request form from the county website.
Email the completed form to the designated FOIA coordinator.
Include "FOIA Request" in the subject line.

Pursuant to Michigan's FOIA (MCL 15.235), the Sheriff's Office must respond to requests within 5 business days, though this period may be extended by an additional 10 business days if necessary.

Fees may apply for searching, retrieving, and copying records. The fee schedule is established in accordance with Michigan FOIA provisions and is available on the Lapeer County website.

How To Find Lapeer County Arrest Records Online

Lapeer County provides several digital resources for accessing arrest records and inmate information online. These electronic systems offer convenient alternatives to in-person requests.

Lapeer County Inmate Search:

Visit the Lapeer County Sheriff's Office Corrections Division website.
Navigate to the inmate information section.
Enter the required search criteria (name, booking number, etc.).
Review the results for current inmates and recent arrests.

The Lapeer County Sheriff's Corrections Division maintains information about individuals currently in custody at the Lapeer County Jail.

Michigan Offender Tracking Information System (OTIS):

Access the Michigan Department of Corrections OTIS website.
Enter the individual's name or identification number.
Review results for current and former state prisoners, parolees, and probationers.

The Michigan OTIS database provides information about offenders under the jurisdiction of the Michigan Department of Corrections, including those from Lapeer County who have been sentenced to state prison.

Michigan State Police ICHAT:

Visit the Michigan State Police Internet Criminal History Access Tool (ICHAT) website.
Create a user account or log in.
Pay the required fee ($10 per search).
Enter the individual's name and date of birth.
Review the criminal history record information.

The Michigan State Police Criminal History Records system provides access to public criminal history information, including arrests and convictions, for individuals throughout Michigan.

Court Records:

Access the Lapeer County Courts website.
Navigate to the case search function.
Enter the individual's name or case number.
Review court records related to criminal cases.

Online access to arrest records may be limited by privacy protections and system limitations. For comprehensive arrest record information, direct contact with the Lapeer County Sheriff's Office Records Division remains the most reliable method.

How To Search Lapeer County Arrest Records for Free?

Members of the public have several options for accessing Lapeer County arrest records without incurring fees, though some limitations may apply to free searches.

Lapeer County Jail Inmate Lookup: The Lapeer County Sheriff's Office provides a free online inmate lookup service that includes information about current inmates and recent arrests.

Visit the Lapeer County Sheriff's Office Corrections Division website.
Use the inmate search function to look up individuals currently in custody.
Search by name to view booking information and charges.

This resource is limited to current inmates and may not include historical arrest records.

Public Access Terminals:

Visit the Lapeer County Sheriff's Office in person.
Request to use the public access terminal for searching basic arrest information.
Follow staff instructions for conducting searches.

Lapeer County Sheriff's Office
3231 John Conley Drive
Lapeer, MI 48446
(810) 245-1321

Court Records Public Access:

Visit the Lapeer County Courthouse during regular business hours.
Request to view public criminal case files related to arrests.
Provide the name of the individual or case number if available.

Lapeer County Circuit Court
255 Clay Street
Lapeer, MI 48446
(810) 667-0356

Local Newspaper Archives:

Visit the Lapeer County Library.
Access digital or microfilm archives of local newspapers.
Search for published arrest reports and police blotters.

Lapeer District Library
201 Village West Drive South
Lapeer, MI 48446
(810) 664-9521

While basic searches may be conducted without cost, fees may apply for copies of records or more comprehensive searches. Additionally, pursuant to MCL 15.234, the first $20 of a FOIA request fee must be waived for individuals who submit an affidavit stating they are receiving public assistance or can demonstrate inability to pay due to indigence.

How To Delete Arrest Records in Lapeer County

In Michigan, including Lapeer County, arrest records cannot be deleted in the conventional sense, but they may be eligible for expungement (legal erasure) or sealing (restricting public access) under specific circumstances as provided by state law.

Expungement vs. Sealing:

Expungement legally removes the conviction from public records and allows the individual to legally state they have not been convicted of that crime.
Sealing restricts public access to records but maintains them for law enforcement and court purposes.

Eligibility for Expungement in Michigan: Under the Michigan Clean Slate Act (Public Acts 193-195 of 2020), certain arrest and conviction records may be eligible for expungement:

Automatic Expungement:
- Non-violent misdemeanors: automatically expunged after 7 years
- Non-violent felonies: automatically expunged after 10 years
- No more than 2 felony convictions or 4 misdemeanor convictions total
Petition-Based Expungement:
- Up to 3 felonies (with limitations on violent offenses)
- Unlimited misdemeanors (with certain exceptions)
- Waiting periods range from 3-7 years depending on offense severity

Expungement Process in Lapeer County:

Obtain a certified copy of conviction record from the Lapeer County Clerk.
Request a certified copy of criminal history from Michigan State Police.
Complete the Application to Set Aside Conviction form (MC 227).
File the application with the Lapeer County Circuit Court.
Pay the required filing fee (approximately $50).
Serve copies of the application on the Michigan Attorney General, Lapeer County Prosecutor, and arresting agency.
Attend the scheduled court hearing.

Lapeer County Circuit Court
255 Clay Street
Lapeer, MI 48446
(810) 667-0356

Arrests Without Conviction: If an arrest did not result in charges or conviction, individuals may petition for removal from public records under MCL 28.243, which provides for the return of fingerprints and arrest cards when:

No charges were filed
Charges were dismissed
The individual was acquitted

Certain offenses are ineligible for expungement, including most sexual offenses, serious violent crimes, and traffic violations such as DUI offenses. Legal assistance is strongly recommended when seeking expungement of arrest records in Lapeer County.

What Happens After Arrest in Lapeer County?

Following an arrest in Lapeer County, individuals enter a structured criminal justice process governed by Michigan law and local court procedures.

Booking Process:

Transportation to the Lapeer County Jail
Personal information collection and documentation
Fingerprinting and photographing
Personal property inventory and storage
Medical screening
Placement in appropriate holding facility

Lapeer County Jail
3231 John Conley Drive
Lapeer, MI 48446
(810) 245-1350

Initial Court Proceedings:

Arraignment: Usually within 24-72 hours of arrest
- Formal reading of charges
- Advisement of constitutional rights
- Determination of bail/bond
- Assignment of counsel if defendant qualifies for public defender
- Entry of initial plea
Pretrial Proceedings:
- Probable cause hearing (for felonies)
- Preliminary examination (for felonies)
- Pretrial conferences
- Motion hearings
- Discovery exchange
Case Resolution Options:
- Plea agreement
- Dismissal of charges
- Diversion programs (for eligible offenses)
- Trial (bench or jury)

Trial Process: If the case proceeds to trial, the following stages occur:

Jury selection (for jury trials)
Opening statements
Prosecution case presentation
Defense case presentation
Closing arguments
Jury instructions (for jury trials)
Deliberation and verdict

Post-Conviction Proceedings: Following a guilty verdict or plea:

Pre-sentence investigation
Sentencing hearing
Imposition of sentence (may include incarceration, probation, fines, community service)
Appeal rights notification

Throughout this process, defendants have constitutional rights including the right to counsel, the right to remain silent, the right to a speedy trial, and protection against unreasonable searches and seizures. The Lapeer County criminal justice system operates under the presumption of innocence until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

How Long Are Arrest Records Kept in Lapeer County?

Arrest records in Lapeer County are maintained according to Michigan's record retention requirements, which are established by the Michigan Department of Technology, Management and Budget and the Michigan Law Enforcement Information Network (LEIN) policies.

Standard Retention Periods:

Arrest records for adults: Typically maintained permanently in the law enforcement agency's records management system
Fingerprint records: Retained permanently by the Michigan State Police
Booking photographs: Maintained indefinitely by the arresting agency
Incident reports: Generally retained for a minimum of 7 years

The specific retention periods may vary based on several factors:

Case Disposition:
- Cases resulting in conviction: Records maintained permanently
- Cases resulting in acquittal: Records may be eligible for expungement but are typically maintained by law enforcement
- Cases dismissed without prosecution: Records maintained but may be eligible for expungement
Offense Severity:
- Felony arrests: Permanent retention
- Misdemeanor arrests: Minimum 7-year retention, often permanent
- Juvenile arrests: Special retention rules apply under MCL 712A.18e
Agency Policies:
- Lapeer County Sheriff's Office: Follows state guidelines with potential local variations
- Michigan State Police: Maintains criminal history records permanently
- Court records: Subject to separate retention schedules

The Michigan State Police maintains the central repository for all criminal history record information in the state, including arrests made in Lapeer County. These records are retained permanently unless expunged by court order.

Digital transformation has significantly impacted record retention practices, with most modern arrest records being maintained in electronic formats indefinitely. This practice ensures the availability of complete criminal history information for law enforcement purposes, background checks, and public safety.

How to Find Mugshots in Lapeer County

What Mugshots Are

Mugshots, also known as booking photographs, are official photographs taken during the booking process following an arrest. These images serve as visual identification records of individuals processed into the criminal justice system in Lapeer County. Typically, mugshots include front-facing and profile (side) views of the arrested individual.

Where Mugshots Are Maintained

In Lapeer County, mugshots are primarily maintained by:

The Lapeer County Sheriff's Office Records Division
The Michigan State Police central records repository
The arresting agency's records management system

Lapeer County Sheriff's Office
3231 John Conley Drive
Lapeer, MI 48446
(810) 245-1321
Lapeer County Sheriff's Office Records Division

Finding Mugshots

To obtain official copies of mugshots in Lapeer County, individuals may:

Submit a FOIA request to the Lapeer County Sheriff's Office specifically requesting booking photographs
Include the full name of the individual, date of birth, and approximate date of arrest
Pay applicable fees for record retrieval and reproduction
Provide proper identification when picking up requested records

Can Mugshots Be Found Online

Limited mugshot information may be available through:

The Lapeer County Jail inmate information system for currently incarcerated individuals
Third-party websites that aggregate public records (note: these sites may contain outdated or inaccurate information)

The Lapeer County Sheriff's Office does not maintain a public-facing database of all historical mugshots. Recent legislative changes in Michigan have restricted the commercial publication of mugshots before conviction.

Obtaining Mugshots Officially

The most reliable method for obtaining accurate mugshot records is through an official request to the Lapeer County Sheriff's Office Records Division. Requests should:

Be submitted in writing using the county's FOIA request form
Clearly specify that booking photographs are being requested
Include all available identifying information about the subject
Explain the purpose of the request (though this is not legally required)

Restrictions on Mugshot Access

Access to mugshots in Lapeer County is subject to certain limitations:

Privacy exemptions under Michigan's FOIA may apply in certain cases
Juvenile mugshots are generally not publicly available
Expunged arrest records and associated mugshots are not accessible to the public
Commercial use restrictions may apply under Michigan law

Michigan has enacted legislation (Public Act 174 of 2013) that regulates websites publishing mugshots and charging fees for removal, reflecting growing concerns about the impact of online mugshot publication on individuals' reputations and rehabilitation prospects.