Mason County Public Records / Mason County Arrest Records

Mason County Arrest Records

How To Look Up Arrest Records in Mason County in 2026

MasonRecords.org provides access to publicly available information related to arrest records in Mason County, Michigan. Members of the public may find booking details, charge information, custody status, and related court case data through this resource. Record categories available through official and third-party sources include arrest logs, booking records, criminal court case filings, inmate rosters, and criminal history summaries. The completeness and currency of any record depends on the originating agency and the nature of the underlying case.

Members of the public may search arrest records through official resources, clerk offices, public access terminals, and online tools. The following methods are available at present.

Online Methods:

1. County Sheriff's Office Arrest Records

The Mason County Sheriff's Office maintains booking records and an inmate roster for individuals held at the Mason County Jail. The roster is accessible through the Mason County official website and is updated on a regular basis. Information available includes the arrestee's name, booking date, charges, and current custody status. The roster reflects individuals currently in custody and may not include historical booking data beyond a rolling window.

2. Local Police Departments

The Ludington Police Department serves as the primary municipal law enforcement agency within Mason County. The department periodically publishes press releases and arrest logs through the city's official communications channels. Members of the public seeking arrest information from city-level agencies may contact the Ludington Police Department directly or submit a written public records request under the Michigan Freedom of Information Act.

Ludington Police Department
210 N. Rath Ave.
Ludington, MI 49431
Phone: (231) 843-3425
City of Ludington

3. County Clerk of Court Case Search

Court cases arising from arrests in Mason County are filed in the 51st Circuit Court or the 79th District Court. Members of the public may search case records by defendant name through the MiCOURT Case Search portal maintained by the Michigan Supreme Court. As noted on the portal, "the information available here is presented on-line for informational use only and does not replace the official record on file with the court." Case search results include case numbers, charge descriptions, hearing dates, and disposition information.

4. State Law Enforcement Database

The Michigan State Police maintains the Internet Criminal History Access Tool (ICHAT), which allows members of the public to search public criminal history record information. According to the Criminal History Records division of the Michigan State Police, "ICHAT allows the search of public criminal history record information maintained by the Michigan State Police, Criminal Justice Information Center." A fee of $10.00 per name search is assessed for public ICHAT requests. The database includes felony convictions, misdemeanor convictions punishable by 92 days or more, and certain other qualifying offenses reported by agencies statewide.

In-Person Access:

Sheriff's Office:

Mason County Sheriff's Office
302 N. Mason St.
Ludington, MI 49431
Phone: (231) 843-3475
Mason County Sheriff

Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
Members of the public should bring a valid government-issued photo ID and any known booking information, including the arrestee's full name and approximate date of arrest.
Copy fees are assessed pursuant to the Michigan Freedom of Information Act, MCL § 15.234, at a rate of $0.10 per page for standard paper copies.

Clerk of Court:

Mason County Clerk's Office
304 E. Ludington Ave.
Ludington, MI 49431
Phone: (231) 843-8202
Mason County Clerk

Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
Criminal case files are available for inspection at the clerk's office. Copy fees are assessed at $1.00 per page for certified copies and $0.25 per page for standard copies.

By Mail:

Written public records requests may be submitted to the Mason County Sheriff's Office at 302 N. Mason St., Ludington, MI 49431. Requests should include the following:

Full legal name of the arrestee
Date of arrest, if known
Booking number, if known
Requestor's full name and mailing address
Payment for applicable copy fees

Processing time for mailed requests is subject to the five-business-day response requirement established under MCL § 15.235.

By Phone:

Mason County Sheriff's Office: (231) 843-3475
Telephone inquiries are limited to general information about custody status and may not yield detailed arrest record data.
Staff may direct callers to the online inmate roster or advise submission of a written FOIA request for more detailed records.

Through Legal Channels:

Attorneys of record may obtain arrest records, police reports, and related investigative materials through the formal discovery process in pending criminal proceedings. Subpoenas may be issued for records not otherwise available through public access channels. Detailed investigative files, witness statements, and evidence inventories are not subject to routine public disclosure and are accessible primarily through legal proceedings.

Information Needed for Search:

Full legal name (first and last at minimum)
Date of birth or approximate age
Approximate date of arrest
Booking number, if known
Jurisdiction of arrest (Sheriff's Office, Ludington PD, or Michigan State Police)

Are Arrest Records Public in Mason County

Arrest records in Mason County are public records subject to disclosure under the Michigan Freedom of Information Act, MCL § 15.231 et seq. The Act establishes that all persons are entitled to full and complete information regarding the affairs of government and the official acts of those who represent them as public servants. Arrest records serve the public interest by promoting government transparency, enabling community awareness of law enforcement activity, supporting journalism and academic research, facilitating background screening processes, and providing essential documentation in legal proceedings.

What Arrest Information Is Public:

Arrestee name and known aliases
Date and time of arrest
Location of arrest
Arresting agency
Charges filed at the time of arrest
Booking number
Booking photograph (mugshot)
Bond and bail information
Current custody status
Basic demographic information, including age and physical description

Limitations on Public Access:

Juvenile arrest records are restricted or sealed under Michigan law
Expunged arrest records are removed from public access following a court order
Sealed records are subject to court-ordered confidentiality
Information pertaining to active investigations may be withheld
Undercover officer identities are exempt from disclosure
Confidential informant information is protected
Victim identifying information is restricted in certain offense categories
Participants in witness protection programs are not identified in public records

Constitutional and Legal Basis:

Michigan's public records framework reflects a balance between the constitutional principles of government transparency and individual privacy. The First Amendment to the United States Constitution supports press access to arrest information as a matter of public concern. Due process considerations require that arrest records accurately reflect the status of charges, including dismissals and acquittals, to prevent undue prejudice to individuals whose cases did not result in conviction.

Who Can Access Arrest Records:

Members of the general public
Media organizations and journalists
Employers, subject to restrictions under the federal Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA)
Landlords, subject to applicable fair housing restrictions
Licensing agencies conducting fitness determinations
Background check companies operating under FCRA compliance obligations
Attorneys and legal professionals
Academic researchers

Restrictions on Use:

The FCRA governs the use of arrest records in employment and housing screening contexts. Employers subject to the FCRA may not report arrests that did not result in conviction beyond a seven-year lookback period in certain circumstances. Michigan does not currently have a statewide "ban the box" law applicable to private employers, though individual municipalities may have adopted local ordinances. The distinction between an arrest and a conviction is legally significant: an arrest record does not establish guilt and may not be used as conclusive evidence of criminal conduct.

What's in Mason County Arrest Records

Personal Identification Information:

Full legal name and any aliases or "also known as" designations
Date of birth and age at time of arrest
Sex and gender
Race and ethnicity
Height and weight
Eye color and hair color
Identifying marks, including scars and tattoos
Address at time of arrest, which may be partially redacted

Arrest Details:

Date and time of arrest
Location of arrest, including street address or general area
Arresting agency (Mason County Sheriff's Office, Ludington Police Department, or Michigan State Police)
Arresting officer name and badge number, where available
Booking date and time
Booking number or arrest number
Warrant information, if the arrest was warrant-based

Charges Information:

Specific criminal charges as filed
Michigan Compiled Laws statute numbers violated
Charge descriptions and classifications (felony degree or misdemeanor class)
Number of counts for each charge
Domestic violence designation, where applicable
Gang-related designation, where applicable

Booking Information:

Booking facility name and location (Mason County Jail)
Intake process timestamp
Booking photograph (mugshot)
Fingerprints are collected during booking but are not included in public-facing records

Custody and Bond Information:

Current custody status (in custody, released, or bonded out)
Bond amount as set by the court
Bond type, which may include cash bond, surety bond, personal recognizance bond, or no bond
Release date and time, if the individual has been released
Release conditions, where publicly available

Court Information:

Court case number assigned upon filing
Court jurisdiction (51st Circuit Court or 79th District Court)
Scheduled arraignment date
Court location
Judge assignment, where available

What's Typically NOT in Public Arrest Records:

Detailed narrative of the arrest as contained in the police report
Witness statements
Victim identifying information
Evidence collected during the investigation
Investigative techniques and methods
Medical or mental health information
Social Security number (redacted by law)
Financial account information

Difference Between Arrest Records and Related Documents:

Police reports contain detailed incident narratives and investigative findings not included in booking records
Court records document legal proceedings initiated after the arrest
Criminal records reflect convictions and sentences imposed by a court
Background checks aggregate information from multiple sources, including court records, state repositories, and federal databases

How Much Does It Cost to Get Arrest Records in Mason County?

The cost to obtain arrest records in Mason County is governed by the Michigan Freedom of Information Act. Under current law, agencies may charge for the actual cost of labor, duplication, and mailing associated with fulfilling a public records request.

Record Type	Standard Fee
Paper copies (standard)	$0.10 per page
Certified court copies	$1.00 per page
ICHAT criminal history search	$10.00 per name
Electronic records (where available)	Actual cost of duplication
Inspection of records (in-person)	No charge

Accepted payment methods at the Mason County Clerk's Office and Sheriff's Office include cash, check, and money order payable to the respective agency. Electronic payment options may be available for online requests.

Fee waivers are available under limited circumstances. Pursuant to the Michigan Freedom of Information Act, a public body may reduce or waive fees if the requester demonstrates that the public interest in disclosure is greater than the public interest in charging the fee. Indigent requesters may also qualify for a fee waiver upon submission of a written waiver request.

Members of the public may inspect records in person at no charge. Fees apply only when copies are requested.

How To Delete Arrest Records in Mason County

Michigan law provides two primary mechanisms for removing or restricting public access to arrest records: expungement (legal erasure) and sealing (restricting public access). Expungement results in the setting aside of a conviction or arrest record, effectively removing it from public criminal history databases. Sealing restricts access to a record without destroying it, limiting visibility to law enforcement and certain authorized agencies.

Under Michigan's Clean Slate Act, which took effect in 2021, individuals may be eligible to have certain convictions automatically expunged after a specified waiting period, or may petition the court for expungement of qualifying offenses. Arrests that did not result in conviction, including dismissed charges and acquittals, are eligible for expungement under MCL § 780.621. Individuals whose charges were dismissed or who were acquitted may petition the sentencing court for expungement of the arrest record.

Eligibility for Expungement:

Arrests with no charges filed
Charges that were dismissed by the prosecutor or the court
Acquittals following trial
Certain misdemeanor and felony convictions after applicable waiting periods
Convictions for offenses that have been decriminalized

Steps to Petition for Expungement:

Obtain a copy of the arrest record and any associated court case records from the Mason County Clerk's Office.
Complete the Michigan Application to Set Aside Conviction (form MC 227), available through the Michigan courts system.
File the completed petition with the 51st Circuit Court or 79th District Court, depending on the level of the offense.
Serve copies of the petition on the Michigan Attorney General's Office and the arresting law enforcement agency.
Attend the scheduled expungement hearing.
If the petition is granted, the court issues an order directing all relevant agencies to update their records.

Mason County Circuit Court
304 E. Ludington Ave.
Ludington, MI 49431
Phone: (231) 843-8202
Mason County

Following a successful expungement, the Michigan State Police updates the state criminal history repository, and the record is removed from public ICHAT searches. Federal databases, including FBI records, may retain a notation of the expungement but restrict public access to the underlying record. Third-party background check companies are not automatically notified and may retain outdated information; individuals may need to contact those companies separately to request record updates.

What Happens After Arrest in Mason County?

Immediate Post-Arrest Process:

1. Transport to Jail

Following an arrest, the individual is transported to the Mason County Jail located at 302 N. Mason St., Ludington, MI 49431. Transport time varies based on the location of the arrest within the county. The individual remains in restraints during transport and may be held briefly at the scene if the investigation requires immediate follow-up.

2. Booking Process

Upon arrival at the Mason County Jail, the booking process is initiated. The process typically takes between one and four hours depending on facility volume. Steps include:

Recording of personal identifying information
Advisement of Miranda rights, if not previously administered
Booking photograph (mugshot) taken
Fingerprints collected and submitted to the state repository
Criminal history check conducted through ICHAT and NCIC
Outstanding warrants check
Personal property inventoried and secured
Issuance of jail clothing
Medical screening
Brief mental health screening
Housing classification determination

3. First Appearance/Initial Hearing

Under Michigan law, an arrested individual must be brought before a magistrate or judge without unnecessary delay, and in no event later than 48 hours after arrest absent extraordinary circumstances. At the initial appearance:

The individual is formally notified of the charges
The right to appointed counsel is addressed for indigent defendants
Bond or bail is determined
Rights are reviewed

Hearings may be conducted via video conference from the jail facility. Court schedules for the 79th District Court are available through the MiCOURT Case Search portal.

Bond/Bail Process:

Cash Bond: The full bond amount must be paid in cash. The amount is refunded upon conclusion of the case, minus applicable fees, provided all court appearances are made.

Surety Bond: A licensed bail bondsman posts the full bond amount in exchange for a non-refundable premium, which is set by Michigan law at 10% of the bond amount.

Personal Recognizance (PR Bond): The individual is released on a written promise to appear. No monetary payment is required. Eligibility is based on community ties, employment status, criminal history, the nature of the charges, and an assessment of flight risk.

No Bond: The individual is held without bond in cases involving serious violent offenses, demonstrated flight risk, danger to the community, probation or parole violations, immigration holds, or active out-of-state warrants.

Conditions of Release may include regular check-in requirements, travel restrictions, no-contact orders, drug and alcohol testing, GPS monitoring, and pretrial supervision.

4. Release or Continued Detention

If bond is posted, processing for release typically takes between one and eight hours. The individual receives their personal property, a written notice of court dates, and written conditions of release. Failure to appear at any scheduled court date results in bond forfeiture and issuance of a bench warrant.

If bond is not posted, the individual remains in custody, receives a housing assignment, and is oriented to jail rules, commissary procedures, phone privileges, and visitation schedules.

Accessing Legal Representation:

Mason County Public Defender's Office
304 E. Ludington Ave.
Ludington, MI 49431
Phone: (231) 843-8202
Mason County

Eligibility for appointed counsel is based on financial need. Private attorneys may be retained at any stage of the proceedings and are permitted confidential consultations at the jail facility. The State Bar of Michigan provides a lawyer referral service for individuals seeking private counsel.

Charging Decision:

The Mason County Prosecutor's Office reviews the arrest and determines whether to file formal charges, request additional investigation, decline prosecution, or file different charges. For felony offenses, a preliminary examination is held in district court to determine whether probable cause exists to bind the case over to circuit court. Arraignment on the formal information follows, at which point the defendant enters a plea.

Court Process Overview:

The pretrial phase includes discovery, pretrial motions, pretrial conferences, and plea negotiations. Case resolution may occur through dismissal, diversion programs (including drug court or mental health court), a negotiated plea agreement, or trial. If convicted, sentencing options include incarceration, probation, fines, restitution, community service, treatment programs, or a combination thereof.

Timeline Overview:

Arrest to first appearance: within 48 hours
First appearance to arraignment: days to several weeks depending on charge level
Arraignment to trial or resolution: several months for misdemeanors; six months to over one year for felonies
Michigan's constitutional speedy trial requirement applies to all criminal proceedings

Important Contacts:

Mason County Sheriff's Office (Jail)
302 N. Mason St.
Ludington, MI 49431
Phone: (231) 843-3475
Mason County

Mason County Clerk of Court
304 E. Ludington Ave.
Ludington, MI 49431
Phone: (231) 843-8202
Mason County

Mason County Prosecutor's Office
304 E. Ludington Ave., Suite 2
Ludington, MI 49431
Phone: (231) 843-8645
Mason County

What to Do If You're Arrested:

Remain calm and cooperative with law enforcement officers.
Do not physically resist arrest under any circumstances.
Politely invoke the right to remain silent.
Request an attorney immediately and do not answer questions until counsel is present.
Do not discuss the facts of the case with anyone other than your attorney.
Contact family members or trusted individuals who may assist with bail.
Attend all scheduled court dates without exception.
Comply with all conditions of release as ordered by the court.

How Long Are Arrest Records Kept in Mason County?

Records Retention Overview:

Retention of arrest records in Mason County is governed by Michigan state law, local agency policies, and the Michigan Department of Technology, Management and Budget records retention schedules. The Michigan State Police maintains the state criminal history repository and establishes retention standards for criminal history data submitted by local agencies.

Arrest Records Retention by Type:

Felony Convictions:

Retained permanently by the Sheriff's Office, Clerk of Court, and the Michigan State Police criminal history repository
Submitted to the FBI's Interstate Identification Index (III) and retained at the federal level indefinitely

Misdemeanor Convictions:

Retained permanently in most cases by local law enforcement and the state repository
Court records for misdemeanor cases are retained for a minimum of several years and, in many instances, permanently in electronic format

Dismissed Charges:

May remain in local law enforcement databases and the state repository unless expunged
Court records are retained according to the applicable retention schedule and may persist indefinitely in electronic systems
Eligible for expungement under Michigan law

Acquittals:

Court records are retained permanently in most electronic systems
Local law enforcement records may be retained for several years
Eligible for expungement upon petition

Charges Not Filed:

Booking records are subject to local retention schedules, which may provide for purging after a defined period
Eligible for expungement in many circumstances

Digital vs. Physical Records:

Digital records maintained in records management systems and court electronic filing platforms are retained indefinitely in most cases. Physical booking paperwork, fingerprint cards, and photographs are subject to the applicable retention schedule, which may provide for destruction after a defined period following case closure. Evidence retention varies based on case outcome and offense classification.

Third-Party Databases:

Commercial background check companies and mugshot aggregation websites may retain arrest records indefinitely and are not subject to the same update obligations as law enforcement agencies. The FCRA requires that consumer reporting agencies maintain reasonable procedures to ensure maximum possible accuracy of reported information, but third-party websites operating outside the FCRA framework are not bound by the same standards. Individuals whose records have been expunged may need to contact third-party operators directly to request removal.

Effect of Disposition on Retention:

A conviction results in permanent retention across all law enforcement and court databases. A dismissal or acquittal may remain in databases unless the individual obtains an expungement order. Following expungement, the Michigan State Police updates the state repository, and the record is removed from public ICHAT results. The FBI database retains a notation of the expungement but restricts public access. Local law enforcement agencies are directed by the expungement order to update or seal their records accordingly.

Impact on Background Checks:

Under the FCRA, most employment background checks are limited to a seven-year lookback period for arrests that did not result in conviction. Convictions may be reported indefinitely. Michigan does not currently impose a statewide restriction on reporting convictions beyond the FCRA framework. Arrests without conviction are not considered evidence of criminal conduct and may not be used as the sole basis for adverse employment or housing decisions in jurisdictions with applicable fair chance ordinances.

How to Check Retention Status:

Members of the public may contact the Mason County Sheriff's Records Division at (231) 843-3475 to inquire about the retention status of a specific arrest record. A written public records request submitted under the Michigan Freedom of Information Act may be required to obtain confirmation of whether a record exists and its current status. Applicable copy fees may apply.