Search Eaton County Background Check Records

Eaton County background check records are maintained by County Clerk Diana Bosworth at the courthouse in Charlotte and are available online through both the county's own case search portal and the statewide MiCOURT system. This page covers how to access criminal history, court cases, and public records in Eaton County through the 56th Circuit Court.

Eaton County Circuit Court Clerk

County Clerk Diana Bosworth manages records for the 56th Circuit Court, established in 1991. The office is at 1045 Independence Boulevard in Charlotte. The main phone number is (517) 543-7500. Email the clerk at makingithappen@eatoncounty.org for general questions, or use circuitcourtclerk@eatoncounty.org for court filings. Current hours are Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to noon and 1:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m., effective March 17, 2025.

Eaton County offers one of Michigan's more accessible online systems. The county has its own Circuit Case Search portal at eatoncounty.org/165/Circuit-Case-Search, separate from the statewide MiCOURT system. You can search by defendant or party name, case number, filing date range, and case type. This local portal is a good starting point before going in person.

The county website also allows online payment for copies and filing fees. Click "Purchase Record Copies and Pay Filing Fees" on the clerk's page to pay before you pick up documents. Regular copies are emailed after payment. Certified copies must be mailed. They cannot be emailed.

The Eaton County website provides a direct path to the circuit court case search, online payments, and clerk contact information.

The Circuit Court Clerk page lists current hours, contact details, fee schedules, and links for submitting email filings and paying fees online.

Criminal History Searches for Eaton County

The fastest statewide criminal history check for Eaton County residents goes through the Michigan State Police ICHAT system. This name-based database covers felonies and serious misdemeanors from all 83 Michigan counties. The cost is $10 per name search, paid by credit card. Search at apps.michigan.gov/ichat or start from the MSP criminal history services page.

Enter the full legal name and date of birth. Results come back right away. Each variation of the name counts as a separate search. ICHAT covers convictions and arrests for offenses punishable by more than 93 days. It does not include minor misdemeanors, traffic records, juvenile records, federal cases, or records sealed under Michigan's Clean Slate law.

For a fingerprint-based check (required for adoption, immigration, or certain licensing), use Form RI-030 through an approved Livescan vendor. The state processing fee is $30. Mail requests use Form RI-008. Processing takes 3 to 5 weeks. Contact the MSP Criminal Justice Information Center at (517) 241-0606 with questions.

Eaton County also has a 56A District Court at the same address as the Circuit Court, reachable at (517) 543-7520. District court records cover misdemeanor criminal cases, small claims, and traffic violations. Probate court handles estates and guardianship matters at (517) 543-7500 ext. 1277. These records are searchable through MiCOURT as well.

Copy Fees and How to Request Records

Eaton County uses Michigan's standard fee structure for court record copies. Regular copies cost $2.00 per page. Certified copies are $10.00 for the first page plus $1.00 for each additional page. If you pay online and request regular copies, they are emailed to you. Certified copies will be mailed. You cannot get certified copies by email.

In-person requests at 1045 Independence Boulevard in Charlotte are the most direct option. Bring photo ID. Staff can search by party name or case number. The public may inspect records at no charge at the courthouse under Michigan Court Rule 8.119(J). You only pay if you want copies.

Email filings are accepted at circuitcourtclerk@eatoncounty.org, but there are limits. You cannot submit new case filings or documents over 100 pages by email. All other filings can use email. Check the clerk's page for the current list of accepted filing types before sending.

Mail requests should include the full party name, approximate filing date or date range, and any case numbers. Enclose a check or money order payable to Eaton County. Include a self-addressed stamped envelope. Processing times vary based on volume.

Note: The Friend of the Court office in Eaton County is at 1045 Independence Blvd., Suite 200, Charlotte, MI 48813. Phone: (517) 543-4335. Fax: (517) 543-4475. Friend of the Court handles child support and parenting time enforcement records separately from circuit court filings.

FOIA and Additional Records Sources

Michigan's FOIA law, 1976 PA 442, covers Eaton County government records outside the court system. This includes sheriff's office reports, county commission minutes, and agency records. Submit a written request to the specific office. The county has 5 business days to respond, with a possible 15-day extension. Under MCL 15.234, fees cover actual copy and mailing costs.

For records held by the Michigan State Police, use the MSP FOIA portal online or email MSPRecords@Michigan.gov. A $2.00 online processing fee applies. For non-court public safety records in Eaton County, contact the Eaton County Sheriff's Office directly.

The Michigan Public Sex Offender Registry is free to search at mipsor.state.mi.us. You can search by name or by location within Eaton County. Results show registration status, offense information, and compliance details.

The Michigan Department of Corrections OTIS database at michigan.gov/corrections covers current and recently discharged state prisoners and parolees. Records stay active for 3 years after supervision ends. Both OTIS and MIPSOR are free searches that complement ICHAT for a full background check picture.

Personal protection order (PPO) packets are available at the clerk's office for both domestic and non-domestic situations. The court advocate for PPO matters can be reached at (517) 873-1100. The Circuit Court Clerk's direct line is (517) 543-4335. Michigan Legal Help at michiganlegalhelp.org also has free step-by-step guides on PPOs and other court processes.

Nearby Counties

Eaton County is in mid-Michigan, south of Lansing. These bordering counties also maintain public background check and court records.