Lapeer County Criminal Records and Background Check

Lapeer County background check records are available through the 40th Circuit Court, the 71A District Court, the county clerk, and the sheriff's office, all located in Lapeer. This page explains how to search criminal records, court case files, and related public records for individuals connected to Lapeer County, Michigan.

Start with ICHAT for Criminal History

For a comprehensive Lapeer County background check, the Michigan State Police ICHAT system is the first tool to use. ICHAT is a name-based search of Michigan's statewide criminal history database. It covers all 83 counties and costs $10 per name. You pay by credit card and get results instantly at apps.michigan.gov/ichat.

ICHAT shows felonies and serious misdemeanors punishable by over 93 days. It does not include local misdemeanors, traffic violations, juvenile records, suppressed records, or records from federal and tribal courts. If the person you are searching has used more than one name, you need a separate search for each. Combine ICHAT with direct Lapeer County court records for a more complete view.

Lapeer County Court Complex

All three of Lapeer County's main courts are in the same building at 255 Clay St. in Lapeer. The 40th Circuit Court is on the 2nd floor. The 71A District Court is also in the building. The County Clerk's vital records office is on the 1st floor. The Probate Court is also on site.

The 40th Circuit Court handles felony criminal cases, civil matters over $25,000, and family court. Per MCL 600.1571(a), the County Clerk serves as Clerk of the Circuit Court. The circuit court clerk, Theresa M. Spencer, can be reached at (810) 667-0358 or by email at TSPENCER@LAPEERCOUNTY.ORG. The chief judge is Hon. Nick O. Holowka.

The 71A District Court handles misdemeanors, civil matters under $25,000, traffic cases, and preliminary felony proceedings. The district court number is (810) 667-0314. The Probate Court handles estates and guardianships at (810) 667-0261.

The screenshot below is from the Michigan Legal Help website, which provides guidance on court records access and how to navigate the public records system in Michigan.

Visit Michigan Legal Help for free guides on court records, FOIA requests, and understanding your rights under Michigan public records law.

Michigan Legal Help also has tools to help you fill out records request forms and understand which office handles the type of record you need.

Vital Records and Special Hours

The vital records office in Lapeer County has unusual hours. On Wednesdays, it is only open from 8 a.m. to noon. Other days run the standard 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. schedule. If you need birth, death, or marriage certificates, confirm the schedule before you go. The office is on the 1st floor of the courthouse complex at 255 Clay St.

Copy fees are $1.00 per page for standard documents. Certified copies cost more. For vital records, the fee schedule is set at the state level and the clerk can tell you the current cost when you call. The fax for the vital records office is (810) 667-0362.

Sheriff Records and FOIA Requests

The Lapeer County Sheriff's Records Division is located at 3231 John Conley Drive, which is separate from the main courthouse. The phone is (810) 667-0440. This office handles arrest records, incident reports, and police report requests. Fees for police reports vary, so call ahead to confirm the current schedule.

FOIA requests to the sheriff go directly to that office. Michigan law requires a response within 5 business days. For state-level records, use the Michigan State Police FOIA portal. County records are separate and each agency handles its own requests.

Note: MiCOURT provides basic case information for free. For full document copies, contact the 40th Circuit Court clerk directly at (810) 667-0358.

Corrections and Sex Offender Searches

The Michigan Department of Corrections OTIS system is free and shows active supervision status for parolees, probationers, and prisoners. It covers people discharged within the last 3 years. The Michigan Public Sex Offender Registry lets you search by name, county, or location. Both are available without an account.

For court case searches, the statewide MiCOURT portal covers Lapeer County records. You can search by name or case number and see case status and docket entries. Online daily court dockets are also available through the county's website for current schedules.

Nearby Counties

Lapeer County is in eastern Michigan. Neighboring counties may hold relevant records for people with activity across this part of the state.