Arrest records are public documents in Calhoun County, Michigan, pursuant to the Michigan Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), MCL 15.231 et seq. This legislation establishes the public's right to access government records maintained by public bodies, including law enforcement agencies. The Michigan FOIA specifically designates arrest records as public information, subject to certain exemptions designed to protect ongoing investigations, privacy rights, and public safety.
Members of the public may request arrest records from the appropriate law enforcement agencies in Calhoun County. The Michigan FOIA requires public bodies to respond to requests within 5 business days, with a possible 10-day extension under certain circumstances as outlined in MCL 15.235. Requesters should be aware that while arrest records are generally public, certain information may be redacted in accordance with statutory exemptions.
Calhoun County provides limited online access to arrest records through various official platforms. The Calhoun County Sheriff's Office maintains certain public safety information on their website, including recent booking information. Additionally, the 37th Circuit Court and 10th District Court provide case information through their respective online portals.
The Michigan State Court Administrative Office has implemented the MiCOURT Case Search system, which allows users to search for case information across participating courts in Michigan, including those in Calhoun County. However, pursuant to Michigan Court Rule 1.109(D)(9)(b), certain case information may be restricted from public view online, even when the physical records remain available at the courthouse.
Online access to arrest records is subject to the following limitations:
Individuals seeking Calhoun County arrest records in 2025 may utilize several official channels to obtain this information:
Calhoun County Sheriff's Office
161 E Michigan Avenue
Battle Creek, MI 49014
Phone: 269-969-6450
Official Website
37th Circuit Court
161 E Michigan Avenue
Battle Creek, MI 49014
Phone: 269-969-6518
Official Website
10th District Court
161 E Michigan Avenue
Battle Creek, MI 49014
Phone: 269-969-6666
Official Website
Search for warrant information through the appropriate court. Outstanding warrants are public records and may be searched by name.
Utilize the MiCOURT Case Search system to access case information electronically. This statewide portal provides access to participating courts' public case records.
Arrest records in Calhoun County typically contain comprehensive information about the arrest event and the individual involved. Pursuant to Michigan law enforcement standards and practices, these records generally include:
The Calhoun County Clerk and Register of Deeds maintains court records that may contain additional information related to criminal proceedings following an arrest. These records may include arraignment details, court appearances, and case outcomes.
Michigan law provides mechanisms for the expungement (setting aside) of certain arrest and conviction records under specific circumstances. The Michigan Clean Slate legislation, which includes Public Acts 187-193 of 2020, has expanded eligibility for expungement in Michigan, including in Calhoun County.
Individuals may petition for expungement of arrest records in Calhoun County under the following circumstances:
The expungement process in Calhoun County requires:
Upon successful expungement, public access to the arrest record is restricted, though law enforcement agencies retain access to the information for official purposes. Expunged records are not displayed in public background checks or court record searches.
Individuals seeking expungement should be aware that the process is governed by strict statutory requirements and may benefit from legal assistance. The Michigan Legal Help website provides self-help tools for individuals seeking expungement.