Benzie County Felony Records

Benzie County felony records are maintained at the circuit court in Beulah, the county seat. All felony criminal cases filed in Benzie County go through this court. The county clerk's office at 448 Court Place handles document requests, certified copies, and FOIA submissions. MiCOURT provides free online access to Benzie County case records for anyone searching from outside the county.

Benzie County Circuit Court Felony Cases

The Benzie County Circuit Court is located at 448 Court Place in Beulah. This court handles all felony criminal matters filed in the county. Felony proceedings here run from arraignment and bond setting through preliminary examinations, trials or plea agreements, and sentencing. Every step in the process generates a court record that becomes part of the official case file.

County Clerk Dorothy Olney manages the records office at the same address. You can reach the clerk at (231) 882-9671 or by fax at (231) 882-5941. Email contact is available at dolney@benzieco.net. The clerk's office handles requests for copies of court documents, certified copies of judgments and orders, and written FOIA requests. If you need to confirm the outcome of a felony case in Benzie County, the clerk is the right point of contact.

Benzie County is a smaller county in northwestern lower Michigan. The courthouse in Beulah is modest in size compared to urban court complexes, but it maintains complete records on all felony cases filed here. For records predating electronic filing, a call to the clerk's office is the best way to check availability before visiting in person.

How to Search Benzie County Criminal Records

The statewide MiCOURT tool is the most accessible way to search Benzie County felony records online. You can enter a name or case number to pull up case information. MiCOURT shows the register of actions, which lists every court event and filing by date. The system is free and runs around the clock. It covers circuit and district courts across all Michigan counties, so Benzie County cases are part of the database.

For a statewide background check, use ICHAT from the Michigan State Police. The fee is $10 per search. The report gives a summary of all Michigan convictions for a specific person, including any from Benzie County. ICHAT is useful when you want a single-page summary instead of navigating a full case file. Conviction type, offense date, and sentence summary are all included.

In-person requests at the clerk's office in Beulah are the best route for full case files and older records. Staff can pull paper records and make copies. Certified copies cost a per-page fee plus a certification charge. If you are searching for an old case, calling ahead is a good idea so staff can pull the record before your visit.

What You Find in Benzie County Felony Files

A felony case file at the Benzie County Circuit Court is the complete record of a criminal proceeding. It begins with the charging document and runs through every motion, hearing, and court order. The register of actions at the top of the file lists every event in order. This makes it easy to find specific documents like the arraignment order, plea agreement, or sentencing judgment.

Sentencing documents are what most people need from felony records. The judgment of sentence names the offense, the penalty, and any terms of probation or restitution. Presentence investigation reports under MCL 771.14 are prepared before sentencing and are generally not public. The judgment itself is an open record under MCL 15.231. Certified copies are available for a fee from the clerk's office.

Michigan Courts Felony Records Gateway

The Michigan Courts website is the statewide portal for court resources, including case search tools and forms that cover Benzie County and all other Michigan counties.

Use the courts website to access MiCOURT, find SCAO standard forms, and locate contact details for Benzie County court offices.

Expungement for Benzie County Convictions

You can petition the Benzie County Circuit Court to expunge a felony conviction under MCL 780.621. Fill out form MC 227, pay the $50 Michigan State Police fee, and serve the county prosecutor with your petition. After you file, the court sets a hearing date. The judge reviews the nature of the offense, your behavior since conviction, and the effect on public safety before making a decision.

Automatic expungement under MCL 780.621g applies to certain eligible felony convictions after 10 years from sentence completion. This requires no petition. Violent offenses, crimes against minors, and sex crimes do not qualify. Check your eligibility and get step-by-step help at Michigan Legal Help, which is a free online resource.

FOIA and Records Requests in Benzie County

Under MCL 15.231, you have the right to request government records from the Benzie County Clerk and Sheriff. Written requests go to whichever office holds the records you need. Agencies must respond within 5 business days, extendable by 10 days with written notice. Copy fees are set by law and must be reasonable. If a request is denied, the agency must cite the specific exemption. For MSP criminal history records, send requests to MSPRecords@Michigan.gov.

Cities in Benzie County

Beulah is the county seat of Benzie County. No cities in Benzie County meet the population threshold for a dedicated felony records page on this site. All felony cases filed in the county are processed at the Benzie County Circuit Court in Beulah.

Nearby Counties

These counties are adjacent to Benzie County in northwestern lower Michigan. Each county has its own circuit court for felony matters.