Shiawassee County

Shiawassee County is located in the south-central region of Michigan's Lower Peninsula, encompassing approximately 540 square miles. The county seat is Corunna, which houses the historic Shiawassee County Courthouse at 208 N. Shiawassee Street. With a population of approximately 68,000 residents, the county is named after the Shiawassee River, derived from an Ojibwe word meaning 'river that twists about.' Established in 1822, Shiawassee County played a significant role in Michigan's early agricultural development and remains predominantly rural with fertile farmland.

• The Register of Deeds office operates at the same governmental complex, maintaining property records dating back to the county's founding.

Sheriff & Law Enforcement

The Shiawassee County Sheriff's Office is responsible for law enforcement in the unincorporated areas of the county. It oversees the operations of the county jail, processes arrests, and maintains criminal records. The office is committed to community policing and offers various programs, including crime prevention initiatives and educational outreach. The Sheriff's Office also has specialized divisions such as a K-9 unit and a detective bureau to handle investigations and special operations.

Police Departments

In addition to the Shiawassee County Sheriff's Office, several municipal police departments operate within the county. These include the Owosso Police Department, Durand Police Department, and Perry Police Department. Each department is responsible for law enforcement within its respective city limits. They coordinate with the Sheriff's Office on major crimes and emergencies that cross jurisdictional boundaries, ensuring comprehensive public safety coverage throughout the county.

Law Enforcement & Arrests

The Shiawassee County Sheriff's Office, located at 201 N. Shiawassee Street, Corunna, MI 48817, serves as the primary law enforcement agency for unincorporated areas and provides countywide services including operating the county jail. The Sheriff's Office can be reached at (989) 743-5411, and maintains a website at shiawassee.net/sheriff for public information. The Shiawassee County Jail houses inmates awaiting trial and those serving sentences up to one year, with inmate lookup available through the Sheriff's Office website or by calling the jail directly at (989) 743-5420.

• Arrest records in Shiawassee County are public records under Michigan's Freedom of Information Act (MCLA 15.231 et seq.), and requests can be submitted to the Sheriff's Office or individual police departments.
• Written FOIA requests should specify the date range and individual's name for efficient processing, with fees limited to actual costs of duplication and labor.
• Mugshots and booking photos are generally available through the jail's booking system or by FOIA request to the Sheriff's Office.
• Response times for FOIA requests are typically within five business days under Michigan law, though extensions may be granted for voluminous requests.

Criminal Records

Criminal records in Shiawassee County encompass felony, misdemeanor, traffic offenses, and the sex offender registry. The Sheriff's Office and local police departments maintain these records, while the Michigan State Police provide statewide criminal history checks. Residents can request background checks through the Michigan Internet Criminal History Access Tool (ICHAT). The Michigan Bureau of Investigation offers additional resources for residents seeking detailed criminal history information.

Arrest Records

Arrest records in Shiawassee County are maintained by the Shiawassee County Sheriff's Office. These records can be requested by residents and attorneys in accordance with the Michigan Freedom of Information Act. An arrest record typically includes the individual's personal information, details of the arrest, charges, and the arresting agency. Requests for arrest records can be submitted in writing to the Sheriff's Office, and there may be a fee associated with obtaining these records.

Jail & Inmate Records

The Shiawassee County Jail, located in Corunna, is the primary detention facility for the county. The booking process involves fingerprinting, photographing, and recording personal information of the detainees. Inmate lookup services are available online, allowing the public to search for current inmates. Visitation rules are specific to the facility, requiring visitors to schedule appointments and adhere to a strict code of conduct.

• The bond process in Michigan allows for cash bonds or surety bonds through a bail bondsman, and information on recently arrested individuals can be accessed through the Sheriff's Office website.

Mugshots & Booking Photos

Mugshots in Shiawassee County are taken and retained by the Shiawassee County Sheriff's Office during the booking process. These 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 laws for mugshot removal, but individuals can petition for removal if the charges are dropped or if they are found not guilty. Third-party websites may also host mugshots, but these are not officially sanctioned by the county.

Shiawassee County's judicial system includes the 35th Circuit Court, located at 208 N. Shiawassee Street, Corunna, MI 48817, 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 can be reached at (989) 743-2279. The 66th District Court, also located at 208 N. Shiawassee Street (phone: 989-743-2289), has jurisdiction over misdemeanors, civil cases up to $25,000, landlord-tenant disputes, small claims up to $6,500, and traffic violations.

• Certified copies of court documents cost $10 for the first page and $1 for each additional page, with regular copies at 25 cents per page.
• Document fees vary by filing type, with civil complaint filings starting at $150.
• Online payment options are available for certain court fees.
• Traffic ticket information can be accessed through the District Court or online through the Michigan Traffic Crash Search portal for certain violations.

The Shiawassee County Register of Deeds, located at 201 N. Shiawassee Street, Corunna, MI 48817 (phone: 989-743-2242), maintains all land and property records including deeds, mortgages, land contracts, liens, discharge documents, easements, plat maps, and surveys. The office is open Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM. Michigan law requires these records to be public under MCL 565.551, ensuring transparency in property transactions.

• The Register of Deeds provides an online search portal accessible through the county website at shiawassee.net, where users can search by name, parcel number, or legal description free of charge.
• Document images can be viewed and printed for a nominal fee, typically $1 per page for uncertified copies.
• Certified copies cost $10 for the first page and $3 for each additional page.
• The Shiawassee County Equalization Department (phone: 989-743-2310) maintains property tax assessment records, including property characteristics, assessed values, taxable values, and exemption information.
• An online GIS mapping system allows users to view parcel boundaries, aerial imagery, and basic ownership information at no cost.

Vital records in Shiawassee County are managed by multiple offices depending on the record type and date. Birth and death certificates are available through the Shiawassee County Clerk's Office, 201 N. Shiawassee Street, Suite 201, Corunna, MI 48817 (phone: 989-743-2279), for events occurring within the county. Birth certificates cost $34 for the first certified copy and $16 for each additional copy ordered simultaneously. Death certificates are priced at $24 for the first copy and $7 for additional copies.

• Processing time is typically 1-2 weeks for mail requests and immediate for walk-in requests if records are readily available.
• Eligible requestors include the registrant, parents, legal guardians, and individuals with legal representation of interest.
• Marriage licenses are issued by the Shiawassee County Clerk's Office and cost $20 with a $10 waiver available for couples who complete premarital counseling.
• Certified copies of marriage certificates cost $10.

Business records in Shiawassee County are maintained at multiple government levels. The Shiawassee County Clerk's Office, located at 201 N. Shiawassee Street, Suite 201, Corunna, MI 48817 (phone: 989-743-2279), processes Doing Business As (DBA) filings and assumed name certificates for businesses operating under names other than the owner's legal name. DBA registration costs $10 and must be renewed every five years under Michigan law.

• The Michigan Secretary of State Business Services Division processes formations, amendments, and annual reports.
• The Shiawassee Economic Development Partnership, accessible at shiawasseeedp.com, provides business development resources and information.

Elections in Shiawassee County are administered by the Shiawassee County Clerk's Office, Elections Division, located at 201 N. Shiawassee Street, Suite 201, Corunna, MI 48817. The office can be reached at (989) 743-2279, and election information is available at shiawassee.net/clerk. Voter registration in Michigan is available 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 by mail using the Michigan Voter Registration Application.

• Shiawassee County maintains approximately 53,000 registered voters across multiple townships and cities, each with designated precinct locations.
• These records can be requested under Michigan's Freedom of Information Act.
• Absentee ballots in Michigan are available to all registered voters without requiring an excuse under constitutional amendments approved by voters.
• Absentee ballot applications must be received by 5:00 PM the Friday before Election Day, though ballots can be requested in person through 4:00 PM on the Monday before Election Day.

Shiawassee County's economy historically centered on agriculture and manufacturing, with both sectors remaining significant today. Agriculture continues as a primary economic driver, with corn, soybeans, wheat, and dairy production generating substantial revenue. The county contains over 800 farms covering approximately 250,000 acres of farmland. Manufacturing employs a significant portion of the workforce, particularly automotive parts suppliers and food processing facilities.

• Major employers include Vitro Automotive Glass in Owosso, producing automotive glass components; Woodhaven Stamping, manufacturing metal stamping products; and several agricultural processing operations.
• The median household income in Shiawassee County is approximately $60,000, slightly below Michigan's state median.

Court Records: ⚠️ Limited Online Access | Property: ✅ Free Online Search | Arrest/Jail: ✅ Online Inmate Lookup | Vital Records: ⚠️ In-Person or Mail | Business: ✅ State Online Portal | Elections: ✅ Online Registration & Info | Overall Score: 7/10 — Shiawassee County provides good digital access to property and election records, with adequate transparency for most public records though court records require in-person or phone inquiries.

Explore public records for 12 cities and communities in Shiawassee County, Michigan.