Find Keweenaw County Background Check Records
Keweenaw County background check records are available through the county clerk in Eagle River, the 12th Circuit Court, the 97th District Court, and the statewide ICHAT system. As Michigan's northernmost and least populated county, Keweenaw has limited online options, so in-person visits and statewide tools are especially important here.
Keweenaw County Overview
Michigan ICHAT: The Best Starting Point
Because Keweenaw County has limited online court records, the Michigan State Police ICHAT system is the most practical tool for a background check here. ICHAT is a name-based search of the state's criminal history database. It covers all 83 Michigan counties, including Keweenaw. The fee is $10 per name and you pay by credit card. Results appear right away at apps.michigan.gov/ichat.
ICHAT includes felonies and serious misdemeanors punishable by over 93 days. It does not show juvenile records, traffic offenses, federal or tribal cases, suppressed records, or local misdemeanors under the 93-day threshold. If the subject has used multiple names, each name is a separate $10 search.
The screenshot below is from the Michigan State Police criminal records page, which is the starting point for ICHAT searches.
Visit michigan.gov/msp/services/chr to access ICHAT and learn about other criminal record request options from the Michigan State Police.
The Michigan State Police manages ICHAT and the statewide fingerprint-based background check system. Both are accessible through the MSP criminal records page.
Keweenaw County Clerk and Courthouse
The Keweenaw County Clerk's Office is located at 5095 4th Street in Eagle River, MI 49950. The clerk also serves as the Register of Deeds. Phone is (906) 337-2229. The office is open Monday through Friday. The deputy clerk is Roxanne Billing, who also serves as the court clerk for the 97th District Court.
The county does not offer research services. Staff will help you find your way to materials, but the actual research is your responsibility. Computer-indexed images begin from October 2010. Older records are being added as resources allow. Vital records date back to 1867, and land records go back to 1848. These are among the oldest local records available in the Upper Peninsula.
Land record searches are free in person at the courthouse. If you need remote access, Laredo offers a monthly subscription for 24-hour access. Tapestry is available for occasional users at $8.75 per search plus $1 per page printed.
For vital records, the fee is $20 for the first certified copy and $10 for each additional copy. Bring a valid photo ID for all requests.
| County Clerk | 5095 4th Street, Eagle River, MI 49950 |
|---|---|
| Phone | (906) 337-2229 |
| Deputy Clerk | Roxanne Billing |
| Online Case Search | MiCOURT Statewide Portal |
Court System in Keweenaw County
The 97th District Court handles misdemeanors, preliminary felony proceedings, and civil cases under $25,000. Judge Hon. Nicholas J. Daavettila presides, and Roxanne Billing serves as court clerk. The court uses the same address as the county courthouse at 5095 4th Street in Eagle River.
Felony cases go to the 12th Circuit Court, which serves both Houghton and Keweenaw counties. The circuit court handles felony criminal cases, civil matters over $25,000, and family court proceedings. Because the 12th Circuit spans two counties, some records or hearings may take place in Houghton County. Contact the 12th Circuit Court to confirm which location handles a specific case.
Court records can be searched through the statewide MiCOURT portal. This free system covers most Michigan courts and shows case status and docket entries by name or case number. For actual documents, contact the clerk directly.
Corrections and Sex Offender Records
Two free statewide databases cover offender status for Keweenaw County residents. The Michigan Department of Corrections OTIS system tracks current prisoners, parolees, and probationers. It also shows people who left state supervision within the past 3 years. After 3 years, OTIS no longer shows the record. Search is free with no account needed.
The screenshot below is from the Michigan Department of Corrections offender search page, which shows current supervision status for individuals in the state corrections system.
The MDOC offender search can be useful when a statewide criminal history check turns up a past conviction and you want to see if the person is currently under supervision.
The Michigan Public Sex Offender Registry at mipsor.state.mi.us lets you search by name or address. It shows compliance status and the convictions that triggered the registration requirement. Both tools are free and do not require a login.
How to Request Keweenaw County Records
In person is the most reliable way to get Keweenaw County records. Visit the courthouse at 5095 4th Street in Eagle River. Bring a photo ID and the case details you need. Staff will point you to the right materials, but you do the research yourself. Copies are available at standard per-page fees.
By mail, send a written request with the subject's name, date of birth if you have it, and a description of the records you need. Include a check or money order for fees and a self-addressed stamped envelope. Mail to the County Clerk at 5095 4th Street, Eagle River, MI 49950.
For legal guidance, Michigan Legal Help has free self-help materials on records access and public records law. FOIA requests for state-level records go through the Michigan State Police FOIA portal.
Note: Keweenaw County is one of Michigan's smallest counties by population. Response times may be slower than larger counties, and it is worth calling ahead to confirm office hours before making an in-person trip.
Nearby Counties
Keweenaw County is at the northern tip of Michigan's Upper Peninsula. The only land border is with Houghton County, which also shares the 12th Circuit Court.