Ottawa County Criminal Records
What Is Ottawa County Criminal Records
Ottawa County criminal records are official documents that chronicle an individual's interactions with the criminal justice system within Ottawa County, Michigan. These records are maintained pursuant to Michigan Compiled Laws § 15.231, which establishes the framework for public records maintenance and access. Criminal records encompass a comprehensive array of documentation related to criminal activity, legal proceedings, and judicial outcomes.
Criminal records in Ottawa County include several distinct categories:
- Arrest Records: Documentation of apprehensions by law enforcement agencies, including the Ottawa County Sheriff's Office and local police departments, which may not necessarily result in charges or convictions
- Court Records: Official documentation of criminal proceedings in the 20th Circuit Court and 58th District Court, including arraignments, preliminary hearings, trials, and sentencing
- Conviction Records: Final judgments resulting in guilty verdicts or pleas, which become permanent parts of an individual's criminal history
- Incarceration Records: Documentation of time served in the Ottawa County Jail or state correctional facilities
The distinction between arrest and conviction records is significant. Arrest records merely indicate that an individual was taken into custody based on probable cause, while conviction records confirm legal guilt established through due process. Additionally, criminal offenses are categorized as either:
- Felonies: Serious crimes punishable by imprisonment exceeding one year
- Misdemeanors: Lesser offenses typically punishable by fines or imprisonment of less than one year
Juvenile records (individuals under 17) are generally sealed and not accessible to the public under Michigan Compiled Laws § 712A.28, which protects the privacy and rehabilitation prospects of minors. Active warrants differ from historical records in that they represent ongoing law enforcement actions rather than past events.
Multiple agencies maintain criminal records in Ottawa County:
Ottawa County Sheriff's Office
12220 Fillmore Street
West Olive, MI 49460
(616) 738-4000
Ottawa County Sheriff's Office
20th Circuit Court
414 Washington Avenue, Room 300
Grand Haven, MI 49417
(616) 846-8320
20th Circuit Court
58th District Court
85 West 8th Street
Holland, MI 49423
(616) 355-0022
58th District Court
Michigan State Police
7119 N. Division
Grand Haven, MI 49417
(616) 842-2100
Michigan State Police
Are Criminal Records Public In Ottawa County
Criminal records in Ottawa County are generally accessible to the public in accordance with the Michigan Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), specifically under Michigan Compiled Laws § 15.231-15.246. This statute establishes the presumption that all government records, including criminal records, are available for public inspection 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."
While many criminal records are publicly accessible, certain categories remain restricted:
- Ongoing Investigations: Records pertaining to active law enforcement investigations are exempt from disclosure under MCL § 15.243(1)(b)(i), which protects information that would "interfere with law enforcement proceedings"
- Juvenile Records: As previously noted, records involving minors are generally sealed under MCL § 712A.28, though exceptions exist for certain serious offenses
- Expunged or Sealed Records: Records that have been legally expunged or sealed by court order are not available to the public
- Certain Personal Information: Information that would constitute an unwarranted invasion of privacy may be redacted, including Social Security numbers, driver's license numbers, and certain medical information
Adult conviction records are consistently public, as are court proceedings, which are presumptively open to public observation under constitutional principles. The Ottawa County Clerk's Office maintains these public records and facilitates access in compliance with state law.
It is important to note that while records may be legally accessible, practical barriers to access may exist, including fees for copies, technological limitations of record systems, and the physical distribution of records across multiple agencies and locations throughout the county.
How To Look Up Criminal Records In Ottawa County in 2026
Members of the public seeking criminal records in Ottawa County may utilize several methods to obtain this information. The county maintains multiple access points for criminal record retrieval, each with specific procedures and limitations.
For in-person requests at the Ottawa County Clerk's Office:
- Visit the County Clerk's Records Division during regular business hours (Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM)
- Complete a public records request form, providing specific information about the records sought
- Present valid government-issued photo identification
- Pay applicable search and copy fees as established by the county fee schedule
- Allow processing time, which varies based on the complexity and age of the requested records
Ottawa County Clerk's Office
12220 Fillmore Street, Room 130
West Olive, MI 49460
(616) 994-4531
Ottawa County Clerk
For mail or email requests:
- Download and complete the official FOIA request form from the Ottawa County website
- Include specific details about the records sought, including names, dates, case numbers if known
- Submit the request via mail or email to the appropriate department
- Include payment for applicable fees or request a fee estimate
- Allow 5-15 business days for processing, as permitted under Michigan FOIA law
For court records specifically:
- Contact the appropriate court where the case was heard (20th Circuit Court for felonies, 58th District Court for misdemeanors)
- Provide the case number if available, or the defendant's name and approximate date of the case
- Request copies of specific documents or review the case file in person
- Pay applicable fees for searches and copies
20th Circuit Court Records
414 Washington Avenue, Room 300
Grand Haven, MI 49417
(616) 846-8320
20th Circuit Court Records
58th District Court Records
85 West 8th Street
Holland, MI 49423
(616) 355-0022
58th District Court Records
For criminal history background checks, individuals may submit requests to the Michigan State Police through the Internet Criminal History Access Tool (ICHAT) or visit the local Michigan State Police post with proper identification.
How To Find Criminal Records in Ottawa County Online?
Ottawa County provides several digital platforms for accessing criminal records online, offering convenience and efficiency for researchers, employers, and members of the general public. These electronic resources vary in scope, content, and user requirements.
The primary online resources for Ottawa County criminal records include:
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Ottawa County Courts Online Records Search: This portal provides access to both Circuit and District Court case information. Users can search by name, case number, or citation number. The system displays case types, filing dates, charges, scheduled hearings, and case dispositions. No registration is required for basic searches, though some document images may require courthouse access.
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Ottawa County Sheriff's Inmate Lookup: The Sheriff's Office maintains a regularly updated database of current jail inmates. This resource includes booking information, charges, bond amounts, and scheduled release dates when available. The system is publicly accessible without registration.
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Michigan Offender Tracking Information System (OTIS): Maintained by the Michigan Department of Corrections, this database contains information on offenders who are currently incarcerated, on parole, or on probation under MDOC supervision. The system includes Ottawa County offenders sentenced to state custody.
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Michigan Public Sex Offender Registry: This statewide database, maintained pursuant to Michigan Compiled Laws § 28.721, includes information on registered sex offenders residing in Ottawa County. The registry provides names, addresses, physical descriptions, and offense information.
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Michigan State Police Internet Criminal History Access Tool (ICHAT): This fee-based service provides official criminal history record information for the entire state, including Ottawa County. ICHAT requires registration and payment for each search.
When using these online systems, researchers should note several important considerations:
- Information may not be comprehensive or reflect very recent activity
- Some case details may be omitted from online versions due to privacy laws
- Official certified copies typically require in-person requests
- Technical limitations may occasionally affect system availability
- Registration and fees may apply to certain detailed searches
For the most comprehensive and current information, combining online research with follow-up inquiries to the appropriate agencies often yields the most complete results.
Can You Search Ottawa County Criminal Records for Free?
Ottawa County residents and other interested parties have several options for accessing criminal records without financial cost, though certain limitations apply to free searches. Michigan law, specifically Michigan Compiled Laws § 15.234(1), permits agencies to waive fees when doing so is in the public interest and can establish reasonable fees for record reproduction.
Free inspection options include:
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In-Person Court File Review: Both the 20th Circuit Court and 58th District Court allow members of the public to examine non-confidential case files at public terminals within the courthouse during regular business hours. While viewing is free, printing or copying documents incurs standard fees.
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Ottawa County Law Library: Located within the Ottawa County Courthouse, this facility provides free access to court records and legal research materials. The library maintains public access terminals for searching court cases.
Ottawa County Law Library
414 Washington Avenue, Room 211
Grand Haven, MI 49417
(616) 846-8119
Ottawa County Law Library
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Basic Online Searches: The Ottawa County Courts online case search system offers limited information at no cost, including case numbers, parties, charges, and hearing dates. However, document images and detailed case information may require fees or in-person visits.
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Sheriff's Inmate Lookup: The Ottawa County Sheriff's Office provides free online access to current jail population information, including inmate names, charges, and booking dates.
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Sex Offender Registry: The Michigan Public Sex Offender Registry is available online at no cost, allowing searches for registered offenders in Ottawa County by name or geographic area.
While these free options provide valuable access points, they have notable limitations:
- Records may not be comprehensive or include historical data
- Staff assistance for complex searches may be limited
- Certified copies always require payment of statutory fees
- Some databases may not include all courts or jurisdictions
- Free access typically does not include document reproduction
For extensive research or official documentation, fees may be unavoidable. However, the county's commitment to transparency ensures that basic criminal record information remains accessible without financial barriers to those willing to conduct in-person research.
What's Included in a Ottawa County Criminal Record?
Ottawa County criminal records contain standardized information categories that document an individual's involvement with the criminal justice system. These records follow Michigan's uniform court record guidelines and typically include comprehensive details about the person, alleged offenses, and case outcomes.
Identifying Information:
- Full legal name and any known aliases or previous names
- Date of birth and age at time of offense
- Physical description including height, weight, eye and hair color
- Photograph (mugshot) taken during booking
- Last known address and contact information
- State Identification (SID) number assigned by Michigan State Police
- FBI number if applicable for federal offenses or interstate cases
Arrest Information:
- Date, time, and location of arrest
- Arresting agency and officer identification
- Booking number and facility information
- Initial charges filed by law enforcement
- Bail or bond amount and conditions
- Detention facility where held after arrest
Court Case Information:
- Court case number and filing date
- Court of jurisdiction (20th Circuit or 58th District)
- Formal charges filed by the prosecutor with Michigan statute citations
- Classification of charges (felony or misdemeanor with class designation)
- Plea information (guilty, not guilty, no contest)
- Attorney information for both prosecution and defense
- Scheduled court appearances and hearing outcomes
- Witness information when publicly available
Disposition and Sentencing:
- Final verdict (guilty, not guilty, dismissed, etc.)
- Conviction date if applicable
- Sentencing details including:
- Incarceration terms and location
- Probation conditions and duration
- Fines, court costs, and restitution ordered
- Community service requirements
- Treatment or educational program mandates
- Appeal information if applicable
- Probation/parole status and compliance records
Additional Information:
- Active warrants if outstanding
- Protective or restraining orders related to criminal cases
- Sex offender registration requirements if applicable
- DUI/OWI history and driver's license sanctions
- Traffic violations connected to criminal cases
- Pending charges in other jurisdictions
- Prior criminal history references
These records are maintained in compliance with Michigan Court Rule 8.119, which governs court records management and access. The comprehensiveness of individual records may vary based on case complexity, age of the record, and the specific maintaining agency.
How Long Does Ottawa County Keep Criminal Records?
Ottawa County adheres to the Michigan Trial Court Records Management Standards for the retention and disposal of criminal records. These standards, established under the authority of the Michigan Supreme Court and in compliance with Michigan Court Rule 8.119(K), provide a structured framework for maintaining criminal justice documentation.
The retention periods for various criminal records in Ottawa County include:
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Felony Case Files: Maintained for a minimum of 50 years from the date of filing. Capital offense records are preserved permanently.
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Misdemeanor Case Files: Retained for a minimum of 20 years from the date of filing.
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Traffic Misdemeanors: Kept for a minimum of 10 years from the date of filing.
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Civil Infractions: Maintained for a minimum of 2 years after case closure.
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Juvenile Criminal Records: Generally maintained until the individual reaches age 30, unless expunged earlier by court order.
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Arrest Records (No Charges Filed): Typically retained for 5 years from the date of arrest.
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Probation Records: Kept for 10 years after discharge from probation or maximum sentence, whichever is longer.
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Court Recordings and Transcripts: Felony proceedings are retained for 50 years; misdemeanor proceedings for 20 years.
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Exhibits: Returned to parties after appeal period expires; documentation of exhibits retained with case file.
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Search Warrants and Related Documents: Sealed warrants are retained for 10 years; executed warrants are maintained with the related case file.
These retention periods represent minimum requirements. In practice, many records are maintained for longer periods, particularly as Ottawa County has transitioned to digital record-keeping systems that facilitate extended storage. Additionally, records of historical significance may be preserved permanently regardless of standard retention schedules.
It is important to note that while records may be officially retained for these periods, practical accessibility may diminish for older records, particularly those that have not been digitized. Records predating electronic systems may require additional processing time for retrieval from archived storage.
The Michigan State Archives provides oversight for the final disposition of court records after their retention period expires, ensuring that historically significant materials are preserved while allowing for the appropriate destruction of routine documentation.