Find Criminal Records in Keweenaw County

Keweenaw County criminal court records are maintained by the County Clerk at the courthouse in Eagle River. The 12th Circuit Court and the 97-3 District Court both operate from this location. This guide covers how to request records, who to contact, and how to search online.

Keweenaw County Clerk's Office

The Keweenaw County Clerk serves as both the county clerk and register of deeds. Julie Carlson holds the office. All criminal court records for both the 12th Circuit Court and the 97-3 District Court are filed and stored here. The office handles in-person requests, mail requests, and email inquiries.

Keweenaw is the smallest county in Michigan by population. It sits on the tip of the Keweenaw Peninsula in the Upper Peninsula. The courthouse in Eagle River is the only court location in the county. Both the circuit court and the district court share the same phone number through the clerk's office. This makes the process straightforward if you know to start with the clerk.

The county website gives you clerk contact details and basic court information. Below you can see what it looks like when you visit the site.

The Keweenaw County website is a good place to start before you call or email. Check the clerk's page for any updates to office hours or procedures.

Keweenaw County Criminal Records Search

Keweenaw County is remote. It does not have a county-specific online case search tool. Your main options are to contact the clerk by phone or email, visit in person, or use the statewide MiCOURT system. The clerk responds to email at clerk@keweenawcountymi.gov. This is often the fastest way to get a quick answer about whether a record exists.

For mail requests, send a written request to Keweenaw County Clerk, 5095 Fourth St., Eagle River, MI 49950. Include the full name of the person, approximate date of the case, and your contact information. The clerk will follow up with any fees before sending copies. Allow extra time for mail given the county's remote location.

Michigan's MiCOURT case search covers courts across the state, including some cases in Keweenaw County. Search by name or case number to find basic information. This is free and available 24 hours a day. Not every case shows up online, especially older ones. For confirmed records, always contact the clerk directly.

The clerk page at keweenawcountyonline.org has additional contact details. The screenshot below shows that page.

Use this page to confirm current hours and find the right contact. Hours are Monday through Friday, 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM. Plan your visit or call around those times.

Record Request Fees

Keweenaw County follows Michigan's standard fee schedule for court record copies. Fees are paid to the clerk's office. Checks or money orders are standard for mail requests. Ask about acceptable payment when you submit your request.

Standard fees for court records include copies at $1.00 per page and certified copies at $10.00 for the first page. Additional pages of a certified document cost $5.00 each. If you need a criminal history check, the ICHAT tool from the Michigan State Police costs $10 per name search. It covers statewide arrest and conviction data.

Under MCL 15.234, fee waivers are available for people who qualify as indigent. Ask the clerk for the right form if you need to request a waiver. The first $20 of fees may be covered under that statute.

Online Access Options

Because Keweenaw County is small and remote, online options are limited compared to larger counties. The statewide tools from Michigan Courts and the Michigan State Police are your best resources. These tools are free or low-cost and available without going to the courthouse.

The Michigan Courts website has information on court structure, local court contacts, and forms. It covers the 12th Circuit Court, which serves Keweenaw and Houghton counties. The MiFILE system handles electronic case filing for participating courts. If you are a party or attorney in a current case, you may be able to access filings through MiFILE. The Michigan Legal Help site offers free guides on how to request records and understand the court process in Michigan. These are written for non-lawyers and cover common questions about criminal records.

Note: If you are doing a background check or need proof of conviction for employment or licensing, use ICHAT or request a certified copy from the clerk. Online case lookups give you basic data only.

FOIA and Court Records: What to Know

Court records in Keweenaw County are not subject to the Michigan Freedom of Information Act. Under MCR 8.119, court records have their own access rules. You request them from the clerk of the court, not through a FOIA form.

FOIA under MCL 15.231 covers records held by government agencies, like the county sheriff's office or local police. If you want an incident report, arrest report, or investigative file from a law enforcement agency in Keweenaw County, you submit a FOIA request to that agency. The standard response time is 5 business days. The MSP FOIA portal at michigan.gov/msp/services/foia handles requests for Michigan State Police records.

Criminal history records defined under MCL 28.241a include arrest records, charges, and convictions. These are considered public unless a specific exemption applies. Sealed records, juvenile records, and certain investigative materials may be restricted.

Legal Help in the Keweenaw Area

Legal resources in Keweenaw County are limited given the county's small size. The closest legal aid office is in the Houghton area. Upper Peninsula Legal Services serves residents of Keweenaw and surrounding UP counties. Call their main line for availability and eligibility. Michigan Legal Help is available online for self-help legal guides and forms. For anything complex, consider hiring an attorney. The State Bar of Michigan's referral service can connect you with a licensed lawyer. Many take remote clients and can help with record requests, expungements, or court matters by phone or video.

Cities in Keweenaw County

Keweenaw County has no cities that meet the population threshold for a dedicated page. Eagle River is the county seat. All criminal cases in Keweenaw County are filed with the County Clerk in Eagle River.

Nearby Counties

Keweenaw County is surrounded by other Upper Peninsula counties. If your case involves another area, check the clerk's office in the right county.