Clinton County Inmate Search
What Is Inmate Records In Clinton County?
Inmate records in Clinton County, Michigan, are official documents created and maintained by the Clinton County Sheriff's Office and its correctional facilities to document individuals who are or have been held in custody. These records are distinct from court records: the county circuit and district courts maintain case files, dockets, and judicial orders, while the jail maintains custody-specific documentation covering every stage of an individual's detention.
The record lifecycle begins at booking and intake, when a person is first received into custody. At that point, staff collect identifying information, document the alleged offense, and assign a booking number. The record is updated continuously throughout incarceration to reflect changes in housing assignment, disciplinary actions, medical flags, and court appearances. Upon release, the record is closed and archived but remains subject to applicable retention schedules and public-access rules.
Under Michigan's Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), MCL § 15.231 et seq., public bodies—including county sheriff's offices—are required to disclose public records upon request unless a specific statutory exemption applies. Custody records generally fall within the category of disclosable public records, subject to redactions for protected personal data.
Clinton County Sheriff's Office 1347 E. Townsend Road, St. Johns, MI 48879 (989) 224-5200 Clinton County Sheriff's Office
Are Inmate Records Public In Clinton County?
Inmate records in Clinton County are generally accessible to the public under Michigan law. MCL § 15.232 defines "public record" broadly to include any writing prepared, owned, used, or retained by a public body in the performance of an official function. Because the Clinton County Sheriff's Office is a public body, the custody records it maintains are presumptively public unless a specific exemption applies.
The following categories of information are currently accessible to members of the public:
- Current inmate roster — a list of individuals presently held in the Clinton County Jail
- Booking and arrest records — date, time, and location of arrest; arresting agency
- Charges filed — the specific criminal charges associated with each booking
- Mugshots (booking photographs) — generally releasable under Michigan FOIA unless an active investigation exemption applies
- Bond and bail amounts — the amount set by the court and whether bond has been posted
- Expected release dates — projected or scheduled release information where available
- Housing facility — the specific facility or unit within the jail where the individual is housed
Certain information may be withheld, including medical records, mental health evaluations, and information that could endanger an individual's safety or compromise an ongoing investigation, pursuant to exemptions enumerated in MCL § 15.243.
What's Included Inmate Records in Clinton County
Inmate records maintained by the Clinton County Sheriff's Office contain multiple categories of documentation compiled from booking through release.
Basic Identifying Information:
- Full legal name and any known aliases
- Date of birth and age
- Race, sex, height, weight, and physical descriptors
- Booking photograph (mugshot)
- Assigned booking or inmate identification number
Custody Information:
- Date and time of booking
- Arresting agency and arresting officer
- Current housing unit or cell assignment
- Custody status (pre-trial, sentenced, hold for another agency)
Charge Information:
- Specific criminal charges (statute cited)
- Charge level (felony, misdemeanor, civil infraction)
- Warrant numbers associated with each charge
Bond/Bail Information:
- Bond type (personal recognizance, cash, surety)
- Bond amount set by the court
- Whether bond has been posted and by whom
Court Information:
- Next scheduled court date and court location
- Case number(s) associated with pending charges
- Presiding court (Circuit Court, District Court)
Sentence Information (if convicted and serving sentence):
- Sentence length and start date
- Sentence type (straight time, work release, electronic monitoring)
- Good-time or earned-credit calculations where applicable
Release Information:
- Projected release date or actual release date
- Release type (bond posted, sentence completed, transfer, court order)
- Conditions of release if applicable
Clinton County Prison System
Clinton County operates a locally administered jail system designed to house individuals awaiting trial and those serving sentences of up to one year for misdemeanor or lower-level felony convictions. This structure is consistent with Michigan's two-tier correctional model: county jails handle short-term detention and pre-trial custody, while the Michigan Department of Corrections administers state prisons for individuals sentenced to terms exceeding one year.
The Clinton County Sheriff's Office holds statutory authority over the county jail under Michigan law and is responsible for the safe, secure, and humane operation of all county detention facilities. The Sheriff's Office also processes all inmate records, responds to FOIA requests related to custody, and coordinates with the courts and state agencies on transfers and holds.
Clinton County Sheriff's Office 1347 E. Townsend Road, St. Johns, MI 48879 (989) 224-5200 Public Counter Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM–5:00 PM Clinton County Sheriff's Office
Types of Correctional Facilities In Clinton County
Clinton County currently operates one primary detention facility serving the county's pre-trial and sentenced population.
Clinton County Jail The Clinton County Jail is the county's principal detention facility, located adjacent to the Sheriff's Office in St. Johns. It houses adult males and females who are awaiting arraignment, trial, or sentencing, as well as individuals serving sentences of up to one year. The facility also holds individuals on detainers from other jurisdictions and federal immigration holds when applicable.
Clinton County Jail 1347 E. Townsend Road, St. Johns, MI 48879 (989) 224-5200 Clinton County Sheriff's Office
Individuals sentenced to state prison terms are transferred to a Michigan Department of Corrections reception facility following sentencing. The Michigan Department of Corrections maintains a statewide network of correctional facilities and administers all sentences exceeding one year.
Michigan Department of Corrections 206 E. Michigan Avenue, Lansing, MI 48933 (517) 335-1426 Michigan Department of Corrections
Who's in Prison In Clinton County
The Clinton County Jail houses several distinct populations at any given time. Pre-trial detainees represent the largest group — individuals who have been arrested and charged but have not yet been convicted, and who are unable or ineligible to post bond. Sentenced misdemeanants serving terms of up to 93 days or one year, depending on the offense class, are also held at the county jail.
Additional populations include:
- Individuals on holds — persons held at the request of another county, state agency, or federal authority pending transfer
- Probation and parole violators — individuals detained pending a violation hearing
- Civil contempt detainees — persons held by court order for failure to comply with a civil judgment
- Federal detainees — individuals held under an intergovernmental service agreement with a federal agency
Individuals convicted of felonies and sentenced to more than one year are transferred to the Michigan Department of Corrections and are not housed in the county jail beyond the initial post-sentencing period.
How To Search for Inmate Records In Clinton County in 2026
Members of the public may search for inmate records in Clinton County through several official channels. The following steps outline the available methods:
Online Search: The Clinton County Sheriff's Office may maintain an online inmate roster accessible through the county's official website. Members of the public should visit the Clinton County Sheriff's Office website and navigate to the jail or inmate information section to check for a current roster tool.
In-Person FOIA Request: Members of the public may submit a written FOIA request to the Clinton County Sheriff's Office during public counter hours (Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM–5:00 PM). Requests must reasonably describe the record sought and include the requester's contact information. The agency is required to respond within five business days under MCL § 15.235.
By Telephone: General custody status inquiries may be directed to the Clinton County Jail at (989) 224-5200 during business hours. Staff can confirm whether a named individual is currently in custody.
State-Level Search: For individuals who may have been transferred to a state facility, the Michigan Department of Corrections maintains a statewide offender tracking system accessible through the MDOC website.
Clinton County Sheriff's Office — FOIA Coordinator 1347 E. Townsend Road, St. Johns, MI 48879 (989) 224-5200 Clinton County Sheriff's Office
How To Find an Inmate in Clinton County for Free?
Several no-cost methods are available for locating an inmate currently held in Clinton County or transferred to a state facility.
- Clinton County Sheriff's Office website — Members of the public may check the Clinton County Sheriff's Office for any publicly posted inmate roster or lookup tool at no charge.
- Telephone inquiry — Calling the jail directly at (989) 224-5200 during business hours allows members of the public to confirm custody status without cost.
- Michigan OTIS (Offender Tracking Information System) — The Michigan Department of Corrections operates a free online search tool for individuals held in state correctional facilities. Members of the public may use the Michigan offender tracking system to search by name or MDOC number for state prisoners. Note that this system does not include individuals held solely in county jails.
- Court records — The Clinton County Circuit Court and District Court maintain publicly accessible case records that may reflect custody status and scheduled hearings.
Clinton County Circuit Court 100 E. State Street, St. Johns, MI 48879 (989) 224-5140 Clinton County Circuit Court
How To Visit an Inmate In Clinton County
Visitation at the Clinton County Jail is governed by facility rules established by the Sheriff's Office. Members of the public wishing to visit an incarcerated individual must comply with all applicable procedures.
Visit Rules and Procedures: All visitors must be pre-approved by the facility before a visit is permitted. Visitors are required to present a valid, government-issued photo identification at the time of the visit. Individuals with active warrants or felony convictions may be denied visitation privileges.
Visit Schedule: Visitation schedules are set by the Clinton County Jail administration and are subject to change. Members of the public should contact the facility directly at (989) 224-5200 to confirm current visiting days and times before arriving.
What to Bring:
- Valid government-issued photo identification (driver's license, state ID, passport)
What NOT to Bring:
- Weapons, controlled substances, or alcohol
- Cell phones or electronic devices into the secure visitation area
- Unauthorized packages, food, or beverages
Dress Code: Visitors are required to dress appropriately. Clothing that resembles inmate uniforms, exposes excessive skin, or displays gang-affiliated imagery is prohibited.
Visit Types: The Clinton County Jail may offer in-person contact or non-contact visits, as well as video visitation, depending on the inmate's classification and housing assignment.
Visit Restrictions: Visitation privileges may be suspended or revoked for violations of facility rules, pending disciplinary proceedings, or at the discretion of jail administration for security reasons. Minors must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian.
How To Send Money to a Clinton County Inmate
Funds may be deposited into an inmate's trust account to allow the individual to purchase approved items from the jail commissary.
Methods:
- In-person deposits — Funds may be deposited at the Clinton County Jail lobby using approved kiosk services where available.
- Online or phone deposits — The facility may contract with a third-party service provider (such as JPay or Access Corrections) to accept deposits by credit or debit card online or by telephone. Members of the public should confirm the current provider with the jail at (989) 224-5200.
- Money order — Money orders made payable to the inmate (including full legal name and booking number) may be accepted by mail.
Amount Limits: Deposit limits per transaction or per week may apply and are set by facility policy. Members of the public should confirm current limits directly with the jail.
Fees: Third-party service providers typically charge a transaction fee for electronic deposits. Fee amounts vary by provider and transaction method.
What You Cannot Send:
- Cash sent directly through the mail is generally not accepted
- Personal checks are typically not accepted
- Funds intended for unauthorized purposes
What the Money Can and Cannot Be Used For: Funds in an inmate's trust account may be used to purchase commissary items (hygiene products, snacks, writing materials, postage), pay for phone calls, and cover approved fees. Funds may not be used to pay fines, restitution, or court costs directly from the trust account without a court order.
How To Send Jail Mail In Clinton County
Members of the public may correspond with inmates at the Clinton County Jail by sending written mail through the United States Postal Service.
Addressing Mail: All mail must be addressed with the inmate's full legal name and booking or inmate identification number, followed by the facility address:
Inmate Full Name / Booking Number Clinton County Jail 1347 E. Townsend Road St. Johns, MI 48879
Rules for Sending Mail:
- All incoming mail is inspected by jail staff for contraband and compliance with facility rules before delivery to the inmate.
- Letters must be written on plain white paper and sent in plain white envelopes. Colored paper, stickers, glitter, or other embellishments are typically prohibited.
- Photographs may be permitted subject to size and content restrictions established by the facility.
- Publications such as books and magazines must be sent directly from the publisher or an approved retailer; items sent from personal addresses may be rejected.
- Mail containing threats, coded language, or content that poses a security risk will be confiscated and may result in disciplinary action.
- Legal mail (correspondence from attorneys) is handled separately and is opened only in the presence of the inmate to protect attorney-client privilege, consistent with constitutional protections.
Members of the public should contact the Clinton County Jail at (989) 224-5200 to confirm current mail policies before sending correspondence, as facility rules are subject to revision.