Sanilac County

Sanilac County is located in the Thumb region of Michigan's Lower Peninsula, bordered by Lake Huron to the east. Established in 1822 and organized in 1848, the county encompasses approximately 963 square miles and serves a population of roughly 40,000 residents. The county seat is Sandusky, located at 60 West Sanilac Avenue, where the historic courthouse and most county offices are situated. Major communities include Port Sanilac, a historic lakeside village with a picturesque lighthouse, Croswell (known as the Swinging Bridge Capital), Lexington, Brown City, and Marlette.

• The Register of Deeds office handles property records and land transactions.
• The county's Lake Huron shoreline provides scenic beauty and tourism opportunities, with several beaches, marinas, and waterfront parks attracting visitors throughout the summer months.

Sheriff & Law Enforcement

The Sanilac County Sheriff's Office is responsible for maintaining law and order in the county, particularly in the unincorporated areas. The office oversees the Sanilac County Jail, processes arrests, and maintains criminal records. The Sheriff's Office is also involved in various community programs, including crime prevention initiatives and educational outreach. The office plays a crucial role in coordinating with local police departments to ensure public safety across the county.

Police Departments

Sanilac County is served by several law enforcement agencies, including the Sanilac County Sheriff's Office and municipal police departments. The Sheriff's Office covers the unincorporated areas and collaborates with city police departments such as the Sandusky Police Department, Croswell Police Department, and Lexington Police Department. Each department has jurisdiction within its respective city limits, handling local law enforcement duties and coordinating with the Sheriff's Office on major crimes and county-wide initiatives.

Law Enforcement & Arrests

The Sanilac County Sheriff's Office, located at 65 North Elk Street in Sandusky, Michigan 48471, serves as the primary law enforcement agency for unincorporated areas and provides countywide services including jail operations, court security, and patrol functions. The Sheriff's Office can be reached at (810) 648-2000, and maintains a website at www.sanilaccounty.net/sheriff with information on services and programs. The Sanilac County Jail, operated by the Sheriff's Office at the same address, houses inmates awaiting trial and those serving shorter sentences.

• Requesters should specify the date range, names, and incident details to facilitate searches.
• Response time is typically five business days, though extensions may be granted for complex requests.
• Mugshots and booking photos are generally available through FOIA requests to the arresting agency or the Sheriff's Office.
• Fees for copies and staff time may apply according to the agency's published FOIA fee schedule.

Criminal Records

The criminal records system in Sanilac County encompasses various types of records, including felony, misdemeanor, traffic violations, and the sex offender registry. These records are maintained by the Sanilac County Sheriff's Office, local police departments, and the Sanilac County Courts. Residents can conduct background checks through the Michigan State Police's Internet Criminal History Access Tool (ICHAT), which provides statewide criminal history information.

• The Michigan Bureau of Investigation supports local agencies by providing forensic and investigative resources, enhancing the county's ability to manage and process criminal records efficiently.

Arrest Records

Arrest records in Sanilac County are maintained by the Sanilac County Sheriff's Office and local police departments. These records document the circumstances of an arrest, including the charges, arresting officer, and date of arrest. Residents and attorneys can request arrest records by contacting the appropriate law enforcement agency, often requiring a formal written request. Information on a Sanilac County arrest record typically includes the individual's name, date of birth, charges, and booking details.

• Michigan's public records law, known as the Michigan Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), governs the accessibility of these records, ensuring transparency while protecting sensitive information.

Jail & Inmate Records

The Sanilac County Jail, located in Sandusky, serves as the primary detention facility for individuals arrested within the county. The booking process involves fingerprinting, photographing, and recording personal information of the detainees. Inmate lookup services are available through the Sheriff's Office, allowing the public to access information about current inmates. Visitation rules are specific to the facility, typically requiring prior scheduling and adherence to security protocols.

• The bond and bail process in Michigan allows for the release of detainees under certain conditions, with bonds set by the court based on the nature of the offense.

Mugshots & Booking Photos

Mugshots in Sanilac County are taken and retained by the Sanilac 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. Individuals seeking mugshots can search through the Sheriff's website or request them directly from the office. Michigan does not have specific mugshot removal laws, but individuals may petition for removal or sealing of records under certain circumstances, such as expungement or if the charges are dropped.

Sanilac County's judicial system includes the 24th Circuit Court, which handles felony criminal cases, civil matters exceeding $25,000, and family law including divorce and child custody. The Circuit Court is located at 60 West Sanilac Avenue, Room 102, Sandusky, MI 48471, phone (810) 648-3212. The 73rd District Court, also located in the Sanilac County Courthouse at 60 West Sanilac Avenue, Room 101, Sandusky, MI 48471, phone (810) 648-3224, has jurisdiction over misdemeanors, civil cases up to $25,000, landlord-tenant disputes, small claims up to $6,500, and traffic violations.

• Fees vary by court and document type; certified copies typically cost $10 for the first page and $1 for each additional page, while non-certified copies are generally $1 per page.
• The Sanilac County courts accept requests by mail, in person, or through written requests.
• Each court maintains its own docket and file system, so requesters must identify the correct court for their case type and time period.

The Sanilac County Register of Deeds, located at 60 West Sanilac Avenue, Room 203, Sandusky, MI 48471, phone (810) 648-2015, maintains all land records including warranty deeds, quit claim deeds, land contracts, mortgages, mortgage satisfactions, liens (mechanics', tax, judgment), easements, right-of-way agreements, and plat maps dating back to the county's organization in 1848. The office is open Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM (hours may vary; call ahead).

• Certified copies of recorded documents cost $5 for the first page and $1 for each additional page, plus a $5 certification fee.
• Property tax information, including assessed values, taxable values, and tax payment history, can be accessed through the county website.
• Users seeking official property information for legal purposes should request certified documents from the Register of Deeds.
• Requests for bulk data or extensive record searches may require additional fees for staff time.

Birth and death certificates for events occurring in Sanilac County are available through the Sanilac County Clerk's office at 60 West Sanilac Avenue, Room 201, Sandusky, MI 48471, phone (810) 648-2333. Birth certificates cost $34 for the first certified copy and $16 for each additional copy ordered simultaneously; death certificates cost $34 for the first copy and $16 for additional copies. Requests require completion of an application form, valid government-issued photo ID, and proof of eligibility (immediate family members, legal representatives, or individuals with a tangible interest).

• Processing time is typically same-day or next-day for in-person requests when records are readily available.
• Mail requests typically take 2-3 weeks.
• Marriage licenses are issued by the Sanilac County Clerk's office; couples must apply in person with identification, birth certificates, and pay the license fee (currently $30).
• Marriage records (certificates of marriage after the ceremony) can be requested from the County Clerk with proper identification and relationship to the parties.
• Divorce records are maintained by the Circuit Court, not the Clerk's office, and must be requested from the 24th Circuit Court at (810) 648-3212.

Business licensing and registration in Sanilac County operates at multiple governmental levels. The Sanilac County Clerk's office at 60 West Sanilac Avenue, Room 201, Sandusky, MI 48471, phone (810) 648-2333, accepts filings for assumed names (Doing Business As/DBA certificates) as required under Michigan's Assumed Name statute, MCL 445.1. These filings cost approximately $10 and must be renewed every five years.

• This database provides entity name, filing date, registered agent, and status information.

Elections in Sanilac County are administered by the Sanilac County Clerk, serving as the County Clerk and Election Coordinator, located at 60 West Sanilac Avenue, Room 201, Sandusky, MI 48471. The elections office can be reached at (810) 648-2333, and election information is available at www.sanilaccounty.net. Voter registration in Michigan is available online through the Michigan Voter Information Center at www.michigan.gov/vote, in person at the County Clerk's office or any Secretary of State branch office, by mail, or at designated voter registration drives.

• Michigan offers same-day voter registration, meaning eligible residents can register and vote simultaneously during the early voting period and on Election Day by providing proof of residency.
• Traditional registration must be completed at least 15 days before an election if registering by mail or online.
• These records can be requested from the County Clerk's office under Michigan FOIA.
• In the November 2024 general election, Sanilac County reported a voter turnout of approximately 67-69% of registered voters, consistent with rural Michigan counties in presidential election years.
• Absentee ballots in Michigan are available to all registered voters without requiring a reason, under constitutional amendments approved by voters.

Sanilac County's economy is predominantly agricultural, with crop production and dairy farming serving as the economic backbone. The county ranks among Michigan's top producers of dry edible beans (navy beans, black beans), sugar beets, corn, soybeans, and wheat. Agricultural operations account for the majority of land use, with thousands of acres under cultivation. Major employers include agriculture-related businesses, food processing facilities, and agricultural equipment suppliers.

• The median household income in Sanilac County is approximately $52,000-$56,000, below the state average, reflecting the rural character and agricultural economy.

Court Records: ⚠️ Limited Online Access | Property: ✅ Online Search Available | Arrest/Jail: ⚠️ Phone/In-Person Only | Vital Records: ⚠️ In-Person or Mail | Business: ✅ State Online Search | Elections: ✅ Online Voter Tools | Overall Score: 6/10 — Sanilac County provides online property records and state-level business/voter tools, but local arrest logs and comprehensive court searching require direct contact with offices.

Explore public records for 17 cities and communities in Sanilac County, Michigan.