About Lenawee County
Lenawee County is located in southeastern Michigan, bordered by Ohio to the south and sharing its eastern boundary with Monroe County. Established in 1822, Lenawee County spans approximately 761 square miles and is named after the Lenape (Delaware) Native American tribe. Lenawee County Seat is Adrian, a city of approximately 21,000 residents located along the Raisin River. According to recent U.S. Census estimates, Lenawee County has a population of around 99,000 residents.
Lenawee County features a mix of agricultural lands, small cities, and rural communities including Tecumseh, Hudson, Blissfield, Morenci, and Clinton. Major landmarks include the historic Croswell Opera House in Adrian, the River Raisin National Battlefield Park commemorating an 1813 War of 1812 battle, Hidden Lake Gardens in Tipton, and Hayes State Park. Lenawee County's economy has historically been rooted in agriculture and manufacturing.
County government offices are centralized in Adrian, with Lenawee County Courthouse located at 425 North Main Street, Adrian, MI 49221. Lenawee County Clerk maintains vital records and election administration, the Register of Deeds office handles property records and is located in the County Administration Building at 301 North Main Street, Adrian, MI 49221, and the County Equalization Department oversees property assessments. Lenawee County is home to Siena Heights University and Adrian College, contributing to Lenawee County's educational scene.
Sheriff, Police & Law Enforcement
Sheriff & Law Enforcement
Lenawee County Sheriff's Office is responsible for maintaining law and order in Lenawee County's unincorporated areas. It oversees Lenawee County Jail, processes arrests, and maintains criminal records. It also has specialized divisions such as the road patrol, detective bureau, and marine patrol, which are tailored to address the specific needs of Lenawee County.
Police Departments
Lenawee County is served by several law enforcement agencies, including Lenawee County Sheriff's Office and municipal police departments such as the Adrian Police Department, Tecumseh Police Department, and Hudson Police Department. Each agency has jurisdiction over its respective area, with the Sheriff's Office covering unincorporated regions. These agencies coordinate on major crimes and emergencies, often working together through task forces and joint operations to ensure public safety.
Law Enforcement & Arrests
Lenawee County Sheriff's Office, located at 425 North Main Street, Adrian, MI 49221, is the primary law enforcement agency for unincorporated areas and provides countywide services including jail operations, court security, and civil process. Lenawee County Jail, operated by the Sheriff's Office at the same address, houses pre-trial detainees and sentenced inmates.
- Under Michigan's Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), MCL 15.231 et seq, citizens may request arrest records, incident reports, and booking information from law enforcement agencies.
- Written FOIA requests should specify the records sought and be submitted to the specific department's FOIA coordinator.
- Mugshots and booking photos are generally considered public records in Michigan and can be obtained through FOIA requests to the Sheriff's Office or the arresting agency.
- Some booking information may be available online through the Sheriff's Office website.
- Processing fees may apply for extensive requests, as permitted under MCL 15.234.
Criminal, Arrest & Jail Records
Criminal Records
The criminal records system in Lenawee County includes records of felonies, misdemeanors, traffic violations, and the sex offender registry. To run a background check in Michigan, residents can request information from the Michigan State Police's Internet Criminal History Access Tool (ICHAT). The Michigan State Police provides additional resources for residents seeking full criminal background checks.
Arrest Records
Arrest records in Lenawee County are maintained by Lenawee County Sheriff's Office. These records can be requested by residents and attorneys through formal applications to the Sheriff's Office. Information on an arrest record typically includes the individual's name, date of arrest, charges, and booking details. The process is governed by the Michigan Freedom of Information Act, which allows public access to certain governmental records while protecting sensitive information.
Jail & Inmate Records
Lenawee County Jail, located in Adrian, is the primary detention facility for Lenawee County. The booking process involves fingerprinting, photographing, and recording personal information of the detainees. Visitation rules are specific to the facility, requiring visitors to schedule appointments and adhere to strict guidelines.
- The bond or bail process follows Michigan state law, where a judge sets the bail amount during an arraignment, and payment can be made through the jail's administrative office.
Mugshots & Booking Photos
Mugshots in Lenawee County are taken and retained by Lenawee County Sheriff's Office during the booking process. These booking photos are part of the public record and can be accessed through the Sheriff's Office website or by submitting a formal request. Michigan does not have specific mugshot removal laws, but individuals can petition for removal if the charges are dropped or if they are found not guilty.
Courts & Case Records
Lenawee County's judicial system includes the 39th Circuit Court, which handles felony criminal cases, civil cases exceeding $25,000, family law matters including divorce and custody, and appeals from lower courts. The Circuit Court is located at 425 North Main Street, Adrian, MI 49221, and can be contacted through the office’s website. The 2nd District Court, also located at 425 North Main Street, Adrian, MI 49221 (phone: 517-264-4614), has jurisdiction over misdemeanor criminal cases, civil cases up to $25,000, landlord-tenant matters, and preliminary examinations for felonies.
- Lenawee County Probate Court, at the same courthouse address (phone: 517-264-4627), handles estates, wills, trusts, guardianships, conservatorships, mental health proceedings, and juvenile matters.
- For certified copies of court documents, requests must be submitted to the specific court clerk with applicable fees: typically $10 for the first page and $1 for each additional page for certified copies.
Michigan court records are governed by the Michigan Court Rules and MCL 600.916, which establishes a presumption of public access to court records with limited exceptions for confidential matters. Case searches can be conducted through the Michigan Trial Court Case Search portal at courts.michigan.gov, which provides free access to case information including party names, case numbers, filing dates, and dispositions. Lenawee County Circuit Court Clerk and District Court Clerk maintain physical and electronic records.
Some historical records may require in-person research at the courthouse. Payment is accepted by cash, check, money order, or credit card in most court offices.
Property & Public Records
Lenawee County Register of Deeds, located at 301 North Main Street, Adrian, MI 49221, maintains land and property records for Lenawee County. The office can be reached at and operates Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Available records include warranty deeds, quitclaim deeds, mortgages, mortgage satisfactions, liens, easements, land contracts, plat maps, surveys, and other instruments affecting real property.
- The Register of Deeds provides an online document search system accessible through Lenawee County website at lenawee.mi.us, allowing users to search by name, document type, book and page, or legal description.
- Document images are typically available for viewing and printing for a fee.
- Recording fees for deeds and mortgages are established by Michigan statute MCL 600.2567.
- Certified copies can be requested in person, by mail, or online, with fees typically $1 for the first page and $0.50 for each additional page, plus certification fees.
- Lenawee County Equalization Department is located at 301 North Main Street, Adrian, MI 49221 (phone: 517-264-4506).
Vital Records
Vital records for Lenawee County are maintained by Lenawee County Clerk, located at 425 North Main Street, Adrian, MI 49221 Birth certificates are available for births that occurred in Lenawee County; the current fee is $24 for the first certified copy and $8 for each additional copy of the same record ordered simultaneously. Applicants must complete an application, provide valid government-issued photo identification, and demonstrate a direct and tangible interest as defined by Michigan law MCL 333.2882. Processing typically takes 5-10 business days for in-person or mail requests.
- Death certificates are available through the same office for deaths occurring in Lenawee County, with identical fees and identification requirements.
- Marriage licenses are issued by Lenawee County Clerk's office; couples must apply in person with valid identification and pay the applicable fee.
- Online ordering is available through VitalChek at michigan.gov/mdhhs for an additional convenience fee.
- All vital records requests are governed by Michigan Public Health Code, MCL 333.2882.
Only immediate family members, legal representatives, or individuals with documented legal interest may obtain certified copies. Marriage records (certified copies of marriage certificates) are also available from the Clerk's office for marriages that occurred in Lenawee County. Divorce records are maintained by Lenawee County Circuit Court Clerk at 425 North Main Street, Adrian, MI 49221.
For vital records older than several decades or for records from other Michigan counties, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, Vital Records Division in Lansing can be contacted at or through their website michigan.gov/mdhhs.
Business & Licensing
Business licensing and registration in Lenawee County operates through multiple levels of government. Lenawee County Clerk, located at 425 North Main Street, Adrian, MI 49221 (phone: 517-264-4508), accepts filings for Doing Business As (DBA) names and fictitious business names for businesses operating in Lenawee County. These records are public and can be searched by contacting the Clerk's office.
- The Michigan business entity search is available free online at cofs.lara.state.mi.us, providing information on business names, registered agents, formation dates, and status.
- The Building Department is located at 301 North Main Street, Adrian, MI 49221 (phone: 517-264-4512) and handles commercial and residential construction permits, inspections, and code enforcement.
For formal business entity formation including corporations, limited liability companies (LLCs), partnerships, and assumed name registrations at the state level, the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA) Corporation Division maintains the official database. Professional and occupational licenses are regulated by the State of Michigan through LARA. Building permits, zoning compliance, and land use permits are administered by individual cities and townships within Lenawee County, as well as by Lenawee County Building Department for unincorporated areas.
Sales tax permits are issued by the Michigan Department of Treasury. Lenawee County Chamber of Commerce, serving the greater Adrian area, is located at 154 South Winter Street, Suite 101, Adrian, MI 49221, and provides business support services, networking, and economic development resources. Their website is lenaweechamber.org.
Individual municipalities may require local business licenses or permits.
Elections & Voter Records
Elections in Lenawee County are administered by Lenawee County Clerk, serving as the County Election Coordinator, with offices at 425 North Main Street, Adrian, MI 49221. The Clerk's office can be contacted through the office’s website, and election information is available at lenawee.mi.us. Voter registration in Michigan is available to U.S. Citizens who are at least 18 years old by Election Day and residents of Michigan.
- Michigan offers Election Day registration, allowing eligible residents to register and vote on the same day at their city or township clerk's office with proof of residency.
- These records can be requested from the County Clerk under Michigan's Freedom of Information Act.
- The November 2024 general election in Lenawee County saw turnout levels consistent with presidential election years, typically ranging between 65% and 72% of registered voters in Michigan counties.
- Michigan voters may request absentee ballots without providing a reason under Michigan Constitution Article II, Section 4(1).
Voters can register online through the Michigan Voter Information Center at michigan.gov/vote, in person at the County Clerk's office, at any Secretary of State branch office, or at designated voter registration agencies. The previous 30-day advance registration deadline was eliminated. Voters can verify their registration status, find their polling place, view sample ballots, and track absentee ballots through the Michigan Voter Information Center.
Polling place information is also available by contacting the local city or township clerk where the voter resides. Public election records in Lenawee County include voter registration lists (Qualified Voter Files), which are available for purchase for lawful election related purposes under MCL 168.522; campaign finance filings for county-level candidates and ballot committees; candidate nominating petitions and filings; and precinct-level election results. The next major election is the November 3, 2026 general election, featuring U.S.
House of Representatives races, Michigan Governor, Secretary of State, Attorney General, state legislative seats, and county offices. Absentee ballot applications can be submitted online through the Michigan Voter Information Center, by contacting the local city or township clerk, or by visiting the clerk's office in person. Voted absentee ballots must be received by 8:00 PM on Election Day.
Lenawee County maintains transparency in elections through public access to election materials, post-election audits, and canvassing procedures conducted by Lenawee County Board of Canvassers.
Economy & Demographics
Lenawee County's economy is diversified across manufacturing, agriculture, healthcare, education, and retail sectors. Manufacturing remains a significant contributor, with major employers including Mold-Masters, a global leader in hot runner systems for plastic injection molding; Tecumseh Products Company, historically known for compressor manufacturing; and several automotive suppliers serving the Detroit-area automotive industry.
- Census data, Lenawee County's median household income is approximately $60,000 to $65,000.
- Recent economic development initiatives have targeted advanced manufacturing, food processing, and logistics sectors.
- Lenawee County's proximity to Ann Arbor, Toledo, and the Detroit metropolitan area provides access to regional markets and employment centers.
Agriculture is a key part of Lenawee County economy, with extensive corn, soybean, wheat, and hay production, as well as livestock operations including dairy and beef cattle. According to U.S. Healthcare is provided by ProMedica Charles and Virginia Hickman Hospital in Adrian and Herrick Medical Center in Tecumseh, both significant employers.
Education sector employment includes Lenawee Intermediate School District, Adrian Public Schools, Tecumseh Public Schools, Siena Heights University, and Adrian College. Retail and service industries concentrated in Adrian and Tecumseh support local consumer needs. Lenawee County has actively pursued economic development through Lenawee Now organization, which focuses on business attraction, retention, and workforce development.
The unemployment rate in Lenawee County typically tracks close to or slightly above Michigan's state average, fluctuating between 3.5% and 5.5% in recent years.
Transparency Score
Court Records: Yes: Online (Michigan Trial Court portal) | Property: Yes: Free Search (GIS and Register of Deeds online) | Arrest/Jail: Yes: Online Roster | Vital Records: Limited: In-Person or Mail Required | Business: Yes: Online (State portal) | Elections: Yes: Online | Overall Score: 8.5/10, Lenawee County provides excellent digital access to most public records with user-friendly online portals.