Delta County Background Check Records

Delta County background check records are managed by the County Clerk in Escanaba and cover all criminal, civil, and court case filings processed through the 47th Circuit Court. Whether you need to search by name or case number, this guide explains how to access public records in Delta County.

Delta County Clerk and Circuit Court

The Delta County Clerk's Office handles all criminal and civil court records for the 47th Circuit Court. Clerk Nancy Przewrocki also serves as the Clerk of the Circuit Court, so one office handles both county and court record requests. You can visit in person, submit a written mail request, or search cases online through the state's MiCOURT system.

The office is at 310 Ludington Street in Escanaba. Hours run Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. The phone number is (906) 789-5100. Fax is (906) 789-5196. Walk-in requests are welcome during business hours. Bring a valid government-issued photo ID when you come in person.

The clerk's official web page is at deltacountymi.gov/clerk. That page links to forms, fee info, and external court portals. Some fee transactions route through a state-level payment portal. Check the site before your visit to confirm current hours and any closures.

The screenshot below shows the Delta County Clerk's records page, which is the starting point for in-person requests and online access links.

The clerk's page provides direct links to the forms and court systems you need for a Delta County background check.

Michigan ICHAT: Criminal History Search

The fastest way to run a background check in Delta County is through the Michigan State Police Internet Criminal History Access Tool, known as ICHAT. This state system holds felony and serious misdemeanor records from all 83 Michigan counties, including Delta. Results come back right away. The fee is $10 per name search, paid by credit card.

ICHAT is a name-based search. You enter the subject's full legal name and date of birth. The system checks the Michigan State Police criminal history database maintained by the Criminal Justice Information Center. It shows arrests, charges, and dispositions for offenses punishable by more than 93 days. Each alias or prior name counts as a separate search at the same fee. Go to apps.michigan.gov/ichat to start a search, or access it through the Michigan State Police records page.

ICHAT does not include minor local misdemeanors, traffic records, juvenile records, federal cases, or tribal court records. For a more complete picture, combine an ICHAT search with the MiCOURT case search and an in-person request at the Delta County Clerk's Office.

If a fingerprint-based check is needed (for licensing, immigration, or adoption), use Form RI-030 through an approved Livescan vendor. The state fee is $30 by money order or check. Processing takes 3 to 5 weeks for personal requests. Contact the MSP Criminal Justice Information Center at (517) 241-0606 for more information.

Note: ICHAT results do not include records that have been suppressed or set aside under Michigan's Clean Slate laws.

Searching Court Cases in Delta County

Michigan Courts operates a free online case search at micourt.courts.michigan.gov. You can search Delta County 47th Circuit Court cases by name, case number, or attorney. The system shows party names, filing dates, case type, docket entries, and case status. No account is needed to view basic case information.

To search, go to the MiCOURT portal and select Delta County from the county filter. Then enter the name of the person you are searching for. Use the full last name for the best results. If you have a case number, that gives the most direct result. The system covers criminal, civil, family, and probate cases filed in Delta County's 47th Circuit.

In-person case lookups at the clerk's office may show details not visible online. Staff can search by party name or case number. Ask about the full docket and any sealed or restricted portions. Under Michigan Court Rule 8.119(J), members of the public have the right to inspect court records at no charge at the courthouse.

Mail requests are accepted. Write a letter describing the case by name, case number, or approximate date. Include a self-addressed stamped envelope. Enclose a check or money order for the estimated copy cost. Regular copies run $2.00 per page. Certified copies are $10.00 for the first page plus $1.00 for each additional page.

FOIA Requests and Public Records Access

Michigan's Freedom of Information Act, 1976 PA 442, gives the public the right to request records held by government agencies in Delta County. This covers sheriff's reports, county administrative records, and records not already in the court system. The county must respond within 5 business days, though it can extend that period by up to 15 more days with written notice.

To file a FOIA request with Delta County, send a written request describing the records you want in enough detail for the office to find them. Include your name, contact info, and preferred format (paper or electronic). Under MCL 15.234, agencies may charge reasonable fees for copying and mailing. They cannot charge for the time spent deciding whether to release records.

For Michigan State Police records, use the MSP FOIA portal. Email requests to MSPRecords@Michigan.gov or fax to (517) 241-1935. Online submissions let you track the status of your request. A $2.00 processing fee applies to online payments.

Michigan's Clean Slate law, passed in 2021 with 2023 amendments, allows automatic sealing of certain non-violent misdemeanor convictions after 7 years and certain felonies after 10 years. Set-aside records will not appear on ICHAT results or standard public searches. If a record seems to be missing, it may have been sealed under these provisions.

Note: FOIA does not cover court records, which fall under Michigan Court Rules rather than FOIA. Use the MiCOURT system or the clerk's office for those.

Other Public Records in Delta County

Several other state databases provide records relevant to Delta County. The Michigan Public Sex Offender Registry at mipsor.state.mi.us lets you search by name, county, or address. It shows compliance status, conviction details, and current location for registered offenders. This search is free.

The Michigan Department of Corrections runs the Offender Tracking Information System (OTIS) at michigan.gov/corrections. OTIS lists current and recently discharged prisoners, parolees, and probationers under state supervision. Records stay in OTIS for about 3 years after the end of supervision. OTIS is free to search.

Driving records are handled by the Michigan Department of State, not the courts. Contact the Commercial Look-up Unit at 7064 Crowner Drive, Lansing, MI 48918, or call (517) 322-1624. Driving records are separate from criminal history and are not available through ICHAT or MiCOURT.

For legal help understanding your rights or how to access records, Michigan Legal Help provides free guides and resources. The site covers how to request records, how to respond to background check errors, and how to petition for expungement under Michigan's Clean Slate laws.

Nearby Counties

Delta County is located in Michigan's Upper Peninsula. These neighboring counties also maintain their own criminal history and court records.