Alpena County Felony Records Search

Alpena County felony records are kept at the 26th Circuit Court, which serves both Alpena and Montmorency Counties. Located on West Chisholm Street in Alpena, the court processes all felony criminal matters for the county. You can search records online through MiCOURT or request documents in person from the county clerk's office. The Michigan State Police ICHAT system also covers Alpena County convictions for statewide criminal history checks.

26th Circuit Court Felony Records

The 26th Circuit Court covers Alpena and Montmorency Counties. All felony cases filed in Alpena County go through this court. It handles criminal proceedings from arraignment and preliminary hearings through trial, sentencing, and post-conviction motions. Court files include charging documents, motions, transcripts, plea agreements, and sentencing orders.

County Clerk Bonnie Friedrichs manages the official record at 720 West Chisholm Street, Suite 2. Her office issues certified copies of court orders and responds to FOIA requests for court documents. The clerk's number is (989) 354-9520 and her fax is (989) 354-9444. You can also reach the office by email at friedrib@alpenacounty.org. The district court handles preliminary examinations for felonies and is located across the street at 719 W Chisholm St.

Prosecuting Attorney Edward Black, based at the County Building Annex at 719 W Chisholm St, (989) 354-9738, handles all felony prosecutions in Alpena County. His office's records may be relevant if you need information on charging decisions or case outcomes that are not yet in the court file. Sheriff Steven Kieliszewski's office at 320 Johnson Street, (989) 354-9830, holds arrest records.

How to Access Alpena County Criminal Records

The statewide MiCOURT system is the main online tool for searching Alpena County felony records. Enter a name or case number to pull up the register of actions for any case. This free tool is available at any time and covers all Michigan circuit and district courts. It shows case status, party names, and the full list of docket entries.

For a structured background check, use the Michigan State Police ICHAT service. The $10 fee returns a report with statewide conviction data. ICHAT reports show the offense, conviction date, and sentence. They cover Alpena County records alongside any other Michigan county where the person has a conviction history.

In-person requests go to the clerk's office at 720 West Chisholm Street. Bring the name and approximate year of the case, or a case number if available. Certified copies have per-page fees plus a certification charge. The sheriff's office at 320 Johnson Street handles arrest records and FOIA requests for law enforcement materials.

What Is in an Alpena County Felony Record

A felony case file at the 26th Circuit Court covers the full life of a criminal matter. It opens with the complaint or information laying out the charges. Warrant records, arraignment orders, and preliminary exam results follow. As the case proceeds, you find motions, responses, hearing notices, and any plea agreement or trial record. The register of actions is the index that lists everything in date order.

The most important documents for most requesters are the judgment of sentence and the final order. These show what the person was convicted of, the sentence, and any special conditions. Presentence investigation reports prepared under MCL 771.14 are generally withheld from public view. The sentencing judgment itself is public. Under MCL 15.231, court records are presumed public unless a specific exemption applies.

Michigan State Courts Felony Records Access

The Michigan Courts website provides statewide tools and guidance for finding felony records across all 83 Michigan counties including Alpena.

Resources available through this site include MiCOURT case search, SCAO standard forms, and links to individual circuit court websites for counties like Alpena.

Expungement of Alpena County Felony Convictions

You can petition to have a felony conviction from Alpena County set aside under MCL 780.621. File your petition with the 26th Circuit Court in Alpena. You need form MC 227, a $50 fee to the Michigan State Police, and proof that you served the Alpena County prosecutor. A judge holds a hearing and decides whether to grant the set-aside based on the nature of the offense and your conduct since conviction.

For older felonies, check whether automatic expungement applies under MCL 780.621g. Michigan's Clean Slate Act provides automatic set-asides for certain eligible convictions after 10 years. Violent crimes, crimes against minors, and specific other categories do not qualify. The Michigan Legal Help website is free and walks you through both petition and automatic expungement options.

FOIA Requests in Alpena County

Michigan's Freedom of Information Act at MCL 15.231 gives you the right to request public records. For court documents, send a written request to the Alpena County Clerk's office. For arrest records and law enforcement reports, send your request to the Alpena County Sheriff. Both offices must respond within 5 business days, with a possible 10-day extension. Copy fees must be reasonable. Denials require a written explanation citing the specific legal exemption. Michigan State Police records can be requested at MSPRecords@Michigan.gov.

Cities in Alpena County

The city of Alpena serves as the county seat and is the main population center. No cities in Alpena County reach the threshold required for a dedicated felony records page on this site. All felony cases for county residents are handled at the 26th Circuit Court in Alpena.

Nearby Counties

These counties are near Alpena County in northeastern Michigan. Each routes felony cases through its own circuit court.