Mason County Felony Records
Mason County felony records are maintained by the circuit court in Ludington, the county seat on Michigan's west coast. All felony cases in Mason County go through this court from arraignment to final judgment. The Mason County Clerk can be reached at (231) 843-8202 to request records or ask about case access procedures. You can also search using MiCOURT, the state's free online case lookup tool, which covers Mason County circuit court cases.
Mason County Overview
Mason County Circuit Court
The Mason County Circuit Court in Ludington handles all felony prosecutions in the county. Felony cases move from the district court to the circuit court after a preliminary examination. Once bound over, the circuit court takes over for arraignment on the information, pretrial hearings, plea or trial, and sentencing. The clerk's office holds the complete public record of each case.
Mason County is on the Lake Michigan shore, bordered by Manistee, Lake, Oceana, and Newaygo counties. The clerk's office can be reached at (231) 843-8202. Staff can look up cases by name or case number and provide copies at a fee. Mail-in requests are also accepted. Call ahead before visiting to confirm hours and procedures.
| Court | Mason County Circuit Court |
|---|---|
| County Seat | Ludington, MI |
| Clerk Phone | (231) 843-8202 |
| Online Case Search | MiCOURT |
| Michigan Courts | courts.michigan.gov |
How to Find Mason County Felony Records
The free online option for searching Mason County felony cases is MiCOURT. This Michigan Courts system covers the Mason County Circuit Court. Search by party name or case number. MiCOURT shows charges, case status, and hearing information. No account or fee is required.
For a certified background report, use the Michigan State Police ICHAT service. ICHAT costs $10 per search and uses fingerprint-linked state criminal history records. Provide a name and date of birth, pay online by credit card, and get a documented report. This is the most complete method for background check purposes.
The Michigan Department of Corrections runs the free OTIS offender tracking system. Search by name or MDOC number to check whether someone is currently in state prison or under supervision. No request is needed. For in-person case file access in Mason County, call the clerk at (231) 843-8202 before making the trip to Ludington.
What Mason County Felony Records Contain
Mason County felony records are public under MCL 15.231. The case file starts with the charging document and ends with the sentencing judgment and any post-conviction filings. Each case file includes the complaint or information, warrant, bond order, register of actions, motions, hearing transcripts, plea or trial records, presentence investigation report, and the judgment of sentence.
The register of actions is the case log. It lists every event in the case from start to finish, with dates and descriptions of each filing and order. Reading the register first helps you understand the case and identify which documents to ask for. Copies of individual documents are available at the clerk's counter for a fee.
Sentencing records show the prison or jail term, probation terms, fines, court costs, and any special conditions. Sex offender registration requirements under MCL 28.241 appear in the judgment when they apply. Post-conviction motions and any appeals are also part of the public file. Juvenile records and sealed court orders are not accessible through standard requests.
The Michigan Courts website provides MiCOURT and other tools for searching Mason County felony records online.
This state portal is the main online resource for searching Mason County felony case information before contacting the county clerk in Ludington.
Expungement of Mason County Felony Records
Michigan allows eligible felony convictions to be set aside under MCL 780.621. A set-aside removes the conviction from public records. Law enforcement retains access, but most background checks will not show it. Mason County petitions must be filed at the circuit court in Ludington.
The Clean Slate Act at MCL 780.621g provides automatic expungement for certain convictions after a waiting period. Qualifying convictions are set aside without filing a petition. For convictions that do not qualify automatically, file form MC 227. The standard waiting period is five years from the end of your sentence, including probation and parole.
Murder, criminal sexual conduct, and crimes against minors are permanently excluded. Multiple prior felonies may also disqualify you. Before you file, check your eligibility at Michigan Legal Help. The MC 227 form and instructions are available from the Michigan Courts website.
Public Records Access in Mason County
Michigan's Freedom of Information Act at MCL 15.231 applies to all Mason County government agencies. You can request records from the county clerk, sheriff, or prosecutor. Agencies must respond within five business days. They can grant your request, deny it with reasons, or ask for more time.
Public court records already in the case file do not need a formal FOIA request. Ask the clerk at the counter or by mail for what you need. For records held by the county sheriff, like incident or arrest reports, a written FOIA request to the sheriff's office is usually required. Describe the records you want clearly and include dates and names to help staff locate them. Copying fees may apply.
The free OTIS offender database shows current MDOC custody status without any formal request. For Mason County records questions, call the clerk at (231) 843-8202.
Cities in Mason County
Mason County has no cities meeting the qualifying population threshold for individual city pages. Ludington is the county seat. All felony cases in the county are handled by the Mason County Circuit Court in Ludington.
Nearby Counties
Mason County borders these counties. Felony cases are filed where the offense occurred.