Find Felony Records in Leelanau County

Leelanau County felony records are filed with the 13th Circuit Court, which serves Leelanau, Grand Traverse, and Antrim counties. The circuit court is located in Suttons Bay, the Leelanau County seat. You can search for Leelanau County felony cases using Michigan's online case tools or by contacting the county clerk at (231) 256-9824. Records are public under Michigan law and available to anyone who asks.

13th Circuit Court - Leelanau County

Leelanau County is part of the 13th Judicial Circuit, which also covers Grand Traverse and Antrim counties. Felony cases originating in Leelanau County are heard in Suttons Bay. When a felony charge is filed, the case first goes through the district court for a preliminary examination. If probable cause is found, the case moves up to the circuit court, which handles arraignments, pretrial motions, trials or pleas, and sentencing.

The Leelanau County Clerk manages the public record and can be reached at (231) 256-9824. The office holds felony case files and can provide copies. Given the small population of Leelanau County, the caseload is lighter than in larger circuits, but the same process and public access rules apply. Call ahead before visiting to confirm hours and copying fees.

How to Search Leelanau County Felony Records

Use MiCOURT to search Leelanau County felony cases for free. This statewide tool covers the 13th Circuit and lets you look up cases by name or case number. The system returns results showing charges, hearing dates, and case status. No registration is required.

For a background check that documents Michigan criminal history, the Michigan State Police offers ICHAT. This costs $10 per search and requires a name and date of birth. ICHAT pulls from the statewide criminal history database and is accepted for many licensing and legal purposes. You can complete the search online with a credit card.

The Michigan Department of Corrections runs the free OTIS system, which shows whether a person is currently under MDOC supervision. This is a quick way to check for active sentences without filing any request. For complete file review, contact the Leelanau County Clerk at (231) 256-9824 to arrange an in-person visit or mail request for copies.

Contents of Leelanau County Felony Records

Leelanau County felony records include the full case file from initial charge to final judgment. These are public records under MCL 15.231. The file typically includes the complaint or information, warrant, register of actions, motions, hearing transcripts, plea or verdict records, presentence report, and the sentencing judgment.

The register of actions is a case-by-case log of every filing and court event. It tells you what happened, when, and what orders were entered. This document is usually the first thing you request because it serves as an index to the entire file. The sentencing judgment is the key document if you need proof of conviction or the terms imposed by the court.

Records show the defendant's name and case number, the charges with statute citations, court dates, and the names of the judge and prosecuting attorney. Sentencing details include the prison or probation term, fines, costs, and any registration requirements under MCL 28.241. Sealed records and juvenile records are not part of the public file.

The Michigan Courts website connects you to MiCOURT and other tools for searching Leelanau County felony records online.

This is the main online entry point for searching felony case information across all Michigan circuit courts, including those in Leelanau County.

Expungement in Leelanau County

Michigan's expungement law at MCL 780.621 allows some felony convictions to be set aside. A set-aside removes the conviction from the public record, though law enforcement agencies can still access it. Leelanau County convictions that qualify must be petitioned through the 13th Circuit Court in Suttons Bay.

The Clean Slate Act under MCL 780.621g provides for automatic expungement of certain offenses. If your offense qualifies, the set-aside may happen automatically without any action on your part. For convictions that do not qualify automatically, petition using form MC 227. The usual waiting period is five years from completing your sentence, probation, or parole.

Serious felonies including murder, criminal sexual conduct, and offenses against children are not eligible. Too many prior convictions can also block eligibility. Check whether your conviction qualifies before spending time on the petition. Michigan Legal Help has a free eligibility tool and step-by-step guides. Forms and instructions are on the Michigan Courts website.

FOIA and Records Access in Leelanau County

Michigan's Freedom of Information Act, MCL 15.231, applies to all Leelanau County government agencies. You can request records from the clerk, sheriff, or prosecutor. Agencies must respond within five business days. Responses may grant the request, deny it with reasons, or request more time for complex requests.

Court records already in the public file do not need a formal FOIA request. Ask the clerk for the case file and request copies at the counter. For sheriff or prosecutor records like incident reports, a written FOIA request may be required. Submit the request in writing, describing the records you want clearly enough for staff to find them. Most agencies post their FOIA procedures and contact information online.

The OTIS offender database is free and available without a formal request for checking MDOC custody status. For Leelanaw County FOIA questions, call the county clerk at (231) 256-9824.

Cities in Leelanau County

Leelanau County has no cities meeting the qualifying population threshold for individual city pages. Suttons Bay is the county seat. All felony cases are heard at the 13th Circuit Court.

Nearby Counties

Leelanau County borders these counties. Felony cases are filed in the county where the offense occurred.