Berrien County Public Records / Berrien County Arrest Records

Berrien County Arrest Records

Are Arrest Records Public in Berrien County

Arrest records in Berrien County are considered public information under Michigan law. Pursuant to the Michigan Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), MCL § 15.231 et seq., members of the public have the legal right to request and access arrest records maintained by law enforcement agencies within the county. This statute establishes the presumption that all government records, including arrest records, should be accessible to the public unless specifically exempted by law.

It is important to note the distinction between arrest records and conviction records. An arrest record documents that an individual was taken into custody by law enforcement on suspicion of criminal activity, while a conviction record indicates that the individual was found guilty of a crime through the judicial process. Under Michigan law, both types of records are generally accessible to the public, though certain exemptions may apply to protect ongoing investigations, juvenile records, or other sensitive information as outlined in MCL § 15.243.

The Berrien County Sheriff's Office maintains arrest records for the county and processes public requests for these documents in accordance with state law. While most arrest record information is public, certain details may be redacted to protect privacy interests or sensitive information pursuant to statutory exemptions.

Berrien County Sheriff's Office
919 Port Street
St. Joseph, MI 49085
(269) 983-7141
Berrien County Sheriff's Office

What's in Berrien County Arrest Records

Arrest records maintained by Berrien County law enforcement agencies typically contain comprehensive information about individuals who have been taken into custody. These records serve as official documentation of arrests and include several standard categories of information:

Arrestee Identifying Information:

Full legal name
Date of birth
Gender
Race/ethnicity
Physical description (height, weight, eye color, hair color)
Home address
Identifying marks (tattoos, scars, etc.)
Fingerprints
Photograph (mugshot)

Arrest Details:

Date and time of arrest
Location of arrest
Arresting agency
Arresting officer's name and badge number
Circumstances leading to arrest

Charge Information:

Criminal charges filed
Statute or ordinance citations
Charge classification (felony, misdemeanor)
Charge severity level

Warrant Information (if applicable):

Warrant number
Issuing court
Date issued
Type of warrant

Booking Information:

Booking date and time
Booking number
Processing officer information
Property inventory

Bond/Bail Information:

Bond amount
Bond type
Bond status (posted, denied)
Release conditions

Court Information:

Court of jurisdiction
Case number
Scheduled court appearances
Judge assigned

Custody Status:

Current detention status
Facility of incarceration (if applicable)
Expected release date (if applicable)

Additional Information May Include:

Prior arrest history
Criminal history summary
Known aliases
Vehicle information
Emergency contact information

The Berrien County Records Division maintains these records in accordance with Michigan law and county policies. The specific content of arrest records may vary depending on the circumstances of the arrest and the policies of the arresting agency.

How To Look Up Arrest Records in Berrien County in 2026

Members of the public seeking arrest records in Berrien County may utilize several methods to obtain this information. The county provides multiple avenues for accessing these public records:

Submit a FOIA Request: Individuals may submit a formal Freedom of Information Act request to the Berrien County Sheriff's Office Records Division. Requests must be submitted in writing and should include:
- Requestor's complete contact information
- Specific description of records being sought
- Time period covered by the request
- Format in which records are requested (paper copies, electronic files)
Visit the Records Division in Person: The public may visit the Records Division during regular business hours to submit requests and potentially receive records the same day for simple requests.

Berrien County Sheriff's Office Records Division
919 Port Street
St. Joseph, MI 49085
(269) 983-7141, ext. 7219
Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Mail a Written Request: Written requests may be mailed to the Records Division at the address above. Include a self-addressed stamped envelope for return correspondence.
Email a Request: FOIA requests may be submitted via email to the designated FOIA coordinator. Include "FOIA Request" in the subject line.
Use the Online Portal: Berrien County offers an online public records portal where certain records can be requested electronically.

When requesting arrest records, be prepared to provide:

Full name of the subject
Date of birth or approximate age
Date or approximate date of arrest
Any other identifying information that may assist in locating the correct record

Pursuant to MCL § 15.234, fees may be charged for searching, retrieving, examining, reviewing, and copying records. The county may request a deposit before processing requests that will require significant time to fulfill. Fee waivers may be available for indigent requestors as provided by law.

How To Find Berrien County Arrest Records Online

Berrien County provides several online resources for accessing arrest records and related information electronically. These digital tools offer convenient access to certain public records without requiring an in-person visit to county offices:

Berrien County Inmate Search: The Berrien County Sheriff's Office maintains an online inmate lookup tool that provides information about individuals currently incarcerated in the county jail. This searchable database includes:
- Inmate name
- Booking date
- Charges
- Bond information
- Scheduled court dates
- Expected release date (when applicable)
Public Records Portal: The county's public records portal allows users to submit electronic requests for various records, including arrest records. The system enables users to:
- Submit detailed requests
- Track the status of pending requests
- Receive electronic copies of approved records
- Pay any applicable fees online
Court Records Search: The Michigan Courts website offers a case lookup system that provides information about criminal cases resulting from arrests. While not arrest records themselves, these court records often contain information about the underlying arrest.
Michigan State Police ICHAT: The Internet Criminal History Access Tool (ICHAT) provides criminal history record information for individuals arrested in Michigan, including Berrien County. This is a fee-based service that requires registration.

When using online systems to access arrest records, users should note that:

Some information may be redacted in accordance with privacy laws
Recent arrests may not appear immediately in online systems
Complete arrest records may require a formal FOIA request
Fees may apply for certain searches or document retrieval

For technical assistance with online record searches, contact the Berrien County IT Department at (269) 983-7111 ext. 8350 during regular business hours.

How To Search Berrien County Arrest Records for Free?

Berrien County residents and other interested parties have several options for accessing arrest records without incurring fees. While some comprehensive searches may involve costs, the following methods provide free or low-cost access to basic arrest information:

Jail Inmate Search: The Berrien County Jail Inmate Search is a free online tool that provides information about currently incarcerated individuals. This resource includes:
- Basic identifying information
- Current charges
- Booking date
- Bond status
- Scheduled court dates
Public Access Terminals: The Berrien County Sheriff's Office and County Clerk's Office provide public access computer terminals where visitors can search certain public records at no charge. These terminals are available during regular business hours:

Berrien County Administration Center
701 Main Street
St. Joseph, MI 49085
Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Public Court Hearings: Criminal court proceedings are open to the public in most cases. Attending arraignments, preliminary hearings, or trials provides access to information about arrests and charges without cost.
FOIA Fee Waivers: Under MCL § 15.234(2), individuals may request a fee waiver for FOIA requests if they can demonstrate that:
- The request is in the public interest
- The requestor is indigent
- The information will not be used for commercial purposes
Law Library Resources: The Berrien County Law Library provides public access to legal resources that may include arrest record information:

Berrien County Law Library
811 Port Street
St. Joseph, MI 49085
Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM

When utilizing free search methods, be aware that:

Information may be limited compared to formal record requests
Some searches may only show current incarcerations, not historical arrest data
Certain sensitive information will be redacted even in free searches
Complex searches may still require formal requests with associated fees

For assistance with free record searches, contact the Berrien County Sheriff's Records Division at (269) 983-7141, ext. 7219.

How To Delete Arrest Records in Berrien County

Michigan law provides specific mechanisms for the removal or restriction of arrest records under certain circumstances. The process, commonly referred to as expungement or setting aside a conviction, is governed by Michigan's Clean Slate legislation and MCL § 780.621. It is important to understand the distinction between record expungement (legal erasure) and record sealing (restricting public access):

Eligibility for Expungement in Berrien County:

Arrests Without Charges: If an individual was arrested but never charged with a crime, they may petition for expungement of the arrest record after a waiting period, typically one year from the date of arrest.
Dismissed Charges: If charges were filed but later dismissed, the individual may petition for expungement after the case is closed.
Convictions: Under Michigan's expanded expungement law, individuals may be eligible to have certain convictions set aside if:
- The required waiting period has passed (3-7 years depending on offense type)
- They have no more than the maximum number of allowable convictions
- The offense is not excluded from eligibility under MCL § 780.621

Process for Expungement in Berrien County:

Obtain Criminal History: Request a certified copy of criminal history from the Michigan State Police.
Obtain Court Records: Secure certified copies of court documents related to the arrest/conviction from the Berrien County Clerk.

Berrien County Clerk's Office
811 Port Street
St. Joseph, MI 49085
(269) 983-7111, ext. 8234
Complete Application: File an Application to Set Aside Conviction or Application for Expungement of Arrest Record with the court where the case was handled.
Fingerprinting: Submit fingerprints to the Michigan State Police for verification.
Pay Filing Fee: Submit the required filing fee (approximately $50, though fee waivers may be available).
Attend Hearing: If scheduled, attend the court hearing where a judge will consider the application.

For arrests that resulted in convictions, automatic expungement may be available under Michigan's Clean Slate legislation for certain eligible offenses after the applicable waiting period without requiring application. However, this automatic process does not apply to all offenses.

Legal assistance for expungement is available through:

Berrien County Legal Aid
Michigan Legal Help website
Berrien County Bar Association referral service

It is important to note that expunged records may still be accessible to law enforcement agencies and certain employers as permitted by law, even though they are removed from public view.

What Happens After Arrest in Berrien County?

Following an arrest in Berrien County, individuals enter a structured criminal justice process governed by Michigan law and local court procedures. This process typically follows these sequential steps:

Booking Process: Upon arrest, individuals are transported to the Berrien County Jail where they undergo:
- Photographing and fingerprinting
- Personal property inventory
- Medical screening
- Background check
- Assignment to appropriate housing
Initial Appearance/Arraignment: Within 24-48 hours of arrest, the individual appears before a judge or magistrate where:
- Charges are formally read
- Constitutional rights are explained
- Bond/bail determination is made
- Future court dates are scheduled
- Legal representation is addressed (appointed if necessary)
Pretrial Proceedings: Following arraignment, several pretrial events occur:
- Discovery exchange between prosecution and defense
- Pretrial conferences to discuss case status
- Motion hearings to address legal issues
- Plea negotiations between parties
Preliminary Examination: For felony cases, a preliminary examination is held where:
- Prosecution must demonstrate probable cause
- Judge determines if case proceeds to Circuit Court
- Charges may be modified, dismissed, or bound over
Trial: If no plea agreement is reached, the case proceeds to trial:
- Jury selection (unless jury is waived)
- Opening statements
- Presentation of evidence
- Closing arguments
- Jury deliberation and verdict
Sentencing: Following conviction (by plea or trial):
- Pre-sentence investigation report is prepared
- Sentencing hearing is conducted
- Judge imposes sentence (may include incarceration, probation, fines)
Post-Conviction: After sentencing, individuals may:
- Appeal the conviction or sentence
- Serve jail/prison time
- Complete probation requirements
- Pay ordered fines and costs
- Fulfill restitution obligations

Throughout this process, cases may be resolved through diversion programs, plea agreements, or dismissal of charges. The Berrien County Prosecutor's Office and courts may offer specialty court programs for eligible defendants, including drug court, mental health court, and veterans court.

For information about a specific case, contact:

Berrien County Courts
811 Port Street
St. Joseph, MI 49085
(269) 983-7111

How Long Are Arrest Records Kept in Berrien County?

Arrest records in Berrien County are maintained according to Michigan's record retention requirements as established by the Michigan Department of Technology, Management and Budget and MCL § 750.491, which governs public records retention. These requirements establish minimum retention periods for various categories of law enforcement records:

Standard Retention Periods:

Arrest Records: Generally maintained for a minimum of 7 years from the date of arrest. However, records related to certain offenses have longer retention requirements:
- Felony arrests: Minimum 25 years
- Sex offenses: Permanent retention
- Homicide cases: Permanent retention
Booking Information: Typically retained for 7 years from the date of booking.
Fingerprint Records: Maintained permanently in both local and state databases.
Mugshot Photographs: Retained for a minimum of 7 years, though digital formats may be kept longer.
Investigation Reports: Retention varies based on case type:
- Misdemeanor investigations: 7 years
- Felony investigations: 25 years to permanent
- Unsolved cases: Retained indefinitely

It is important to note that different agencies within Berrien County may have different retention schedules:

The Berrien County Sheriff's Office maintains arrest records according to county policy and state law
Municipal police departments within the county may have their own retention schedules
The Michigan State Police maintains a separate database of arrest records

Digital records management systems have extended the practical retention of many records beyond the minimum required periods. Even after physical records may be destroyed according to retention schedules, digital fingerprints and arrest information often remain in law enforcement databases indefinitely.

The retention of arrest records serves several important purposes:

Preserves evidence for potential future legal proceedings
Provides historical data for law enforcement investigations
Maintains accountability and transparency in the criminal justice system
Supports statistical analysis and crime trend monitoring

For specific information about record retention for a particular arrest, contact the Berrien County Sheriff's Records Division at (269) 983-7141, ext. 7219.

How to Find Mugshots in Berrien County

Mugshot photographs, officially known as booking photographs, are taken during the arrest booking process and serve as visual identification records of individuals processed into the criminal justice system. In Berrien County, access to these photographs is governed by Michigan's Freedom of Information Act and county policies.

What Mugshots Are: Mugshots are standardized photographs taken by law enforcement during the booking process. They typically include:

Front-facing (portrait) view
Profile (side) view
Identifying information board or number
Date of booking

Where Mugshots Are Maintained: In Berrien County, booking photographs are primarily maintained by:

Berrien County Sheriff's Office Records Division
Municipal police departments within the county
Michigan State Police (for arrests by state troopers)

Finding Mugshots: To locate a mugshot in Berrien County, individuals may:

Submit a FOIA Request: File a formal request with the law enforcement agency that made the arrest. Requests should include:
- Full name of the individual
- Date of birth
- Approximate date of arrest
- Case number (if known)
Contact the Records Division: The Sheriff's Office Records Division processes requests for booking photographs:

Berrien County Sheriff's Records Division
919 Port Street
St. Joseph, MI 49085
(269) 983-7141, ext. 7219
Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Check the Inmate Database: Current inmates' booking photos may be visible through the Berrien County Inmate Search system.

Can Mugshots Be Found Online: While some counties publish booking photos online, Berrien County limits online access to mugshots. Currently:

The county does not maintain a public mugshot gallery
Recent booking photos may be visible in the inmate search system while individuals are in custody
Third-party websites may publish mugshots obtained through public records requests

Obtaining Mugshots Officially: To officially obtain a mugshot, submit a written request to the Records Division with:

Specific information about the individual
Purpose of the request
Payment of applicable fees (typically $5-15 per photograph)

Restrictions on Mugshot Access: Access to mugshots may be restricted in certain circumstances:

Juvenile arrest records (under 17 years of age)
Sealed or expunged records
Ongoing investigations
Privacy concerns as determined by law enforcement

It is important to note that while mugshots are generally considered public records, their publication and use may be subject to legal and ethical considerations. Recent Michigan legislation has placed limitations on commercial mugshot websites and their practices.