Wexford County Criminal Records
How To Look Up Criminal Records In Wexford County in 2026
Members of the public seeking criminal records in Wexford County may access publicly available information through official government repositories, court systems, and third-party aggregators such as WexfordRecords.us. Criminal records maintained by Wexford County agencies may include arrest logs, booking records, court case filings, conviction histories, sentencing data, and active warrant information. The availability and completeness of any given record depends on the originating agency, the nature of the case, and applicable state law governing public disclosure.
Records accessible through official channels may include:
- Arrest and booking records maintained by the Wexford County Sheriff's Office
- Circuit court case filings, dispositions, and sentencing orders
- State criminal history records held by the Michigan State Police
- Sex offender registration data
- Active and recalled warrant information
- Jail roster and inmate lookup data
Records can be searched through official resources, clerk offices, public access terminals, and online tools. The following methods are available to members of the public at present:
1. County Court Records
The 28th Circuit Court for Wexford County handles felony cases, civil matters, and family court proceedings. Members of the public may inspect court records in person at the courthouse during business hours. A valid government-issued photo ID is required for certain requests. Public access terminals are available in the clerk's office for case lookups.
Wexford County 28th Circuit Court / Probate Court
437 Court Street
Cadillac, MI 49601
Phone: (231) 779-9450
Wexford County Courts
2. Sheriff's Office
The Wexford County Sheriff's Office maintains arrest logs, booking records, and jail roster information. Members of the public may submit records requests in person or in writing. Fees may apply for copies of records.
Wexford County Sheriff's Office
401 N. Lake Street
Cadillac, MI 49601
Phone: (231) 779-9210
Wexford County Sheriff
3. Online Court Search
The Michigan One Court of Justice provides a statewide case search portal through which members of the public may search Wexford County court records by party name, case number, or filing date. The portal contains civil and criminal case information for cases filed in Michigan circuit, district, and probate courts. Users should note that not all historical records are available online, and sealed or expunged cases do not appear in search results.
The Michigan Courts Case Search tool is accessible through the Michigan Courts official website.
4. State Criminal History Repository
The Michigan State Police Criminal Justice Information Center (CJIC) serves as the official state repository for criminal history records. Members of the public may request a non-fingerprint-based name search or submit a fingerprint-based background check for more comprehensive results. Fingerprint-based requests require scheduling at an authorized LiveScan location. Processing times and fees vary by request type.
Michigan State Police — Criminal Justice Information Center
7150 Harris Drive
Dimondale, MI 48821
Phone: (517) 241-0606
Michigan State Police ICHAT
5. Written/Mail Requests
Members of the public may submit written requests for criminal records to the Wexford County Clerk's Office or the Sheriff's Office by mail. Requests should include the subject's full legal name, date of birth, and the specific records sought. Under Michigan's Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), MCL § 15.231 et seq., public bodies are required to respond to written requests within five business days of receipt.
Wexford County Clerk's Office
437 Court Street
Cadillac, MI 49601
Phone: (231) 779-9450
Wexford County Clerk
What Is Wexford County Criminal Record
A criminal record in Wexford 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, criminal records are created and maintained by multiple agencies throughout the criminal justice process, beginning at the point of arrest and continuing through sentencing, appeals, and post-conviction supervision.
The distinction between record types is significant for purposes of public access and background checks:
- Arrest records vs. conviction records: An arrest record documents that an individual was taken into custody; it does not indicate guilt. A conviction record reflects a formal finding of guilt by plea or verdict.
- Felony vs. misdemeanor records: Felony records involve more serious offenses and carry longer retention periods. Misdemeanor records document lesser offenses tried in district court.
- Adult vs. juvenile records: Adult criminal records are presumptively public under Michigan law. Juvenile records are confidential and are sealed by operation of law pursuant to MCL § 712A.28.
- Active warrants vs. historical records: Active warrants reflect outstanding judicial orders for arrest. Historical records document resolved matters.
The following agencies maintain criminal records in Wexford County:
- Wexford County Sheriff's Office — arrest records, booking records, jail records
- 28th Circuit Court — felony case files, dispositions, sentencing orders
- 84th District Court — misdemeanor and ordinance violation records
- Michigan State Police CJIC — statewide criminal history repository
- Local police departments — incident reports, arrest records
Records may include charges filed, arraignment proceedings, plea agreements, trial outcomes, sentencing orders, probation and parole status, and any subsequent modifications to those orders.
Are Criminal Records Public In Wexford County
Criminal records in Wexford County are public records under Michigan law. The Michigan Freedom of Information Act, MCL § 15.231, establishes the presumption that all public records are open to inspection and copying by any person unless a specific statutory exemption applies. Court records are additionally governed by the Michigan Court Rules, which provide public access to case filings and proceedings.
As the Michigan Attorney General has noted, "The Freedom of Information Act provides that all persons, except those incarcerated in correctional facilities, are entitled to inspect, copy, or receive copies of public records of a public body."
Records that are presumptively public include adult conviction records, court case filings, sentencing orders, and booking information. The following categories of records are restricted or exempt from public disclosure:
- Juvenile records (sealed pursuant to MCL § 712A.28)
- Expunged records (set aside pursuant to MCL § 780.621)
- Records pertaining to ongoing criminal investigations
- Victim and witness identifying information in certain cases
- Records sealed by court order
Federal criminal records maintained by the FBI are governed by separate federal statutes and are not subject to Michigan's FOIA. Guidance on public records access is available through the Michigan Attorney General's office.
How To Find Criminal Records in Wexford County Online
Official County Resources
The primary online resource for Wexford County court records is the Michigan Courts Case Search portal, which allows users to search by party name, case number, or attorney. The portal contains records from circuit, district, and probate courts statewide, including Wexford County. The Wexford County Sheriff's Office maintains a current jail roster on its official website, accessible through the Wexford County Sheriff's Office page.
State-Level Resources
The Michigan State Police operates the Internet Criminal History Access Tool (ICHAT), which provides name-based criminal history searches for a fee. The Michigan Sex Offender Registry is searchable through the Michigan Public Sex Offender Registry maintained by the Michigan State Police.
Search Tips
- Search using the subject's full legal name and any known aliases
- Case number searches return the most precise results
- Cross-reference multiple databases, as no single portal contains all records
- Note that records predating digital filing systems may not appear online
- Sealed and expunged records do not appear in any public online database
Limitations
Online databases may reflect a data lag of several days to weeks following a court event. Records from proceedings prior to the digitization of court files may require an in-person request. Online searches do not constitute an official background check and are not a substitute for a certified criminal history report from the Michigan State Police.
Can You Search Wexford County Criminal Records for Free
Free Options
1. In-Person Inspection
Michigan law mandates that members of the public may inspect public records at no charge. Under MCL § 15.234, a public body may not charge a fee for the inspection of public records. Copying fees apply when physical or electronic copies are requested. In-person inspection is available at the Wexford County Clerk's Office and the 28th Circuit Court during regular business hours.
2. Free Online Databases
The following resources are available at no cost:
- Michigan Courts Case Search — free name and case number searches
- Wexford County Sheriff's Office — current jail roster
- Michigan Public Sex Offender Registry — free public search
3. Sheriff's Logs
Daily arrest and booking reports may be available through the Wexford County Sheriff's Office. Members of the public may request these logs in person or by written FOIA request.
What Costs Money
| Service | Estimated Fee |
|---|---|
| Certified court record copies | $1.00–$2.00 per page (varies) |
| ICHAT name-based background check | $10.00 per search |
| Fingerprint-based background check | $30.00+ (varies by LiveScan provider) |
| Staff-assisted record searches | Varies by agency |
| Expedited processing | Additional fee may apply |
Fee amounts are subject to change and are set by the applicable agency or statute. Under MCL § 15.234, a public body may provide fee waivers in certain circumstances, including for indigent requestors upon written request.
What's Included in a Wexford County Criminal Record
Identifying Information
A criminal record may include the subject's full legal name and known aliases, date of birth, physical description, photograph (mugshot), last known address, State Identification Number (SID), 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, charges and applicable statutes (including felony or misdemeanor classification), plea entered, and attorney of record.
Disposition
Disposition records reflect the verdict or outcome, conviction date where applicable, sentencing information (type, length, fines, restitution, and conditions of supervision), any appeals filed, and probation or parole status.
Additional Record Categories
- Active or recalled warrants
- Protective and restraining orders
- Sex offender registration status
- DUI/OWI convictions and traffic-related offenses
- Pending charges and open cases
Records NOT Included
- Juvenile adjudications (sealed by law)
- Expunged or set-aside convictions
- Records from other states or federal jurisdictions
- Cases resolved through completed diversion programs
Accuracy Note
Criminal records may contain errors resulting from data entry, name similarities, or incomplete updates following case resolution. Individuals who identify inaccuracies in their Michigan criminal history record may submit a challenge through the Michigan State Police CJIC using the established record challenge process.
How Long Does Wexford County Keep Criminal Records
Legal Requirements
Michigan court records retention is governed by the Michigan Supreme Court's records retention and disposal schedule, which establishes minimum retention periods for all court record types. The Michigan Trial Court Case File Management Standards issued by the State Court Administrative Office provide the authoritative framework for retention.
Retention by Record Type
- Felony convictions: Retained permanently by the circuit court and the Michigan State Police
- Misdemeanor convictions: Retained permanently by the district court; state repository retains 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 by the court (disposition noted in record)
- Juvenile records: Sealed at age 17 or upon case closure; eligible for destruction after the subject reaches age 30 pursuant to MCL § 712A.28
- Pending cases: Retained until final resolution
Agency Differences
- County courts: Permanent retention for most criminal case files per SCAO standards
- Sheriff and jail records: Booking and jail records retained per county policy, at minimum several years
- Michigan State Police CJIC: Permanent retention for conviction records; accessible through ICHAT
Physical vs. Electronic Records
Electronic records are retained for longer periods than paper records. Paper records may be destroyed following scanning and digital preservation, provided the electronic copy meets archival standards.
Destruction vs. Sealing vs. Expungement
Destruction permanently eliminates a record. Sealing restricts public access while preserving the record for law enforcement use. Expungement, referred to in Michigan as "setting aside" a conviction under MCL § 780.621, removes the conviction from public view but does not eliminate the record from law enforcement databases. Eligibility for expungement depends on the nature of the offense, the number of prior convictions, and the time elapsed since sentencing. Forms and eligibility information are 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 are maintained separately from state records. Federal records are not subject to Michigan's expungement statute.
Practical Implications
Felony and misdemeanor convictions that have not been expunged appear on background checks regardless of the age of the conviction. Consumer reporting agencies conducting employment background checks are subject to the Fair Credit Reporting Act, which limits reporting of most criminal records to seven years for certain employment purposes, though no such limitation applies to positions with salaries above applicable thresholds. Professional licensing boards in Michigan may require full disclosure of criminal history regardless of the age of the conviction. Even if a county agency destroys physical records, electronic copies may exist in state databases unless the conviction has been legally set aside pursuant to MCL § 780.621.