Verify a Branch County Arrest, Locate Custody and Find the Final Court Outcome
A Branch County “arrest record” is not one document or one database. Current jail custody, the police incident report, booking information, charges, warrants, court proceedings and the final disposition are held by different official offices.
Use this guide to identify the exact record you need, check whether someone is jailed now, request a Sheriff report, follow the 3-A District Court case, obtain certified Circuit Court records, verify bond and help a recently arrested family member with visits, money, mail, counsel and release.
EACH
SOURCE
Start with the document you actually need
Branch County Arrest Record Finder
Select the situation. The tool builds the correct official workflow without collecting a name or running a third-party background search.
First 30-minute family workflow
Someone Was Just Arrested in Branch County—Do This in Order
Confirm the arresting agency
Determine whether the arrest was made by the Branch County Sheriff, Coldwater Police, Bronson Police, Michigan State Police or another agency.
Call the Branch County Jail
Ask whether the person is physically lodged, whether booking is complete and what name and inmate number appear in the jail system.
Check MI-VINE
MI-VINE can provide available custody status and release, transfer or escape notifications.
Record every identifier
Write down the booked name, inmate number, booking date, charges, bond type, holds, arresting agency and court case number.
Call the 3-A District Court criminal division
All adult Branch County criminal cases begin in District Court. The court confirms formal charges, bond conditions and the next hearing.
Request appointed counsel when needed
A person who cannot afford private counsel should request an attorney and complete the financial eligibility process.
Report urgent medication or mental-health information
Contact the jail directly before bringing medicine, eyeglasses, medical equipment or private health documents.
Confirm every warrant or hold before paying bond
A second warrant, court, county, probation or parole hold may prevent release even when the first bond is paid.
Current custody is not the same as an arrest history
How to Find a Current Branch County Inmate
Call Branch County Corrections
Jail: 517-278-2325
Address:
Branch County Jail
379 Keith Wilhelm Drive
Coldwater, MI 49036
The jail operates 24 hours a day. Sheriff administrative hours are Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m.
Open Official Corrections Page- Call with the full legal name and birth date.
- Ask whether the person is currently lodged.
- Ask whether booking is complete.
- Obtain the inmate number.
- Confirm bond and each hold.
- Ask which court has the case.
Use Michigan MI-VINE
MI-VINE is a free, confidential 24-hour service providing available custody and court-status information.
Telephone: 800-770-7657
Open Michigan VINELink- Select Michigan.
- Search the full legal name.
- Compare the facility and identifying details.
- Open the matching custody record.
- Register a safe notification method.
- Keep the PIN or account details private.
Request the record from the agency that created it
How to Get a Branch County Police or Arrest Report
Current published fee: $4
Branch County publishes a $4 fee for incident and accident reports. Call first to confirm availability and whether the investigation is closed.
Phone:
517-278-2325
Email:
Sheriffbc@countyofbranch.com
Use for jail or law-enforcement records
Open Sheriff FOIA Form- Download the Sheriff FOIA request form.
- Identify the arrested person and incident date.
- Include the report number when known.
- Request specific records rather than “everything.”
- State whether electronic copies are acceptable.
- Keep a copy of the request.
Do not send every request to the Sheriff
A report created by Coldwater Police, Bronson Police, Michigan State Police or another agency should normally be requested from that agency.
- Full legal name
- Date of birth when legally appropriate
- Incident or report number
- Date and approximate time
- Location
- Arresting or investigating agency
- Specific records requested
- Preferred delivery method
Use the court to learn what happened after the arrest
Search Branch County Criminal Court Records
All adult criminal cases begin here
District Court handles Branch County misdemeanors through trial and sentencing. It also handles felony arraignment, bail and preliminary examination before a qualifying felony moves to Circuit Court.
Address:
31 Division Street
Coldwater, MI 49036
General:
517-279-4328
Criminal division:
517-279-4329
Hours:
Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.
Courthouse doors close at 4:50 p.m.
Felony cases after bindover
Circuit Court has jurisdiction over felony criminal cases after transfer from District Court.
Address:
Second Floor, Branch County Courthouse
31 Division Street
Coldwater, MI 49036
Phone:
517-279-4304
Hours:
Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m.-5:00 p.m.
Closed noon-1:00 p.m.
The court publishes criminal proceedings on Monday mornings beginning at approximately 8:30 a.m.
Open Official Circuit CourtSearch MiCOURT, then verify with the clerk
Open Official MiCOURT Search- Select the Branch County court.
- Search by case number when available.
- Otherwise search the full legal name.
- Open the complete case detail.
- Review charges, bond, hearing dates and register of actions.
- If a felony was bound over, search the 15th Circuit Court.
- Call the clerk before traveling because schedules can change.
Rights, charges and bond
The defendant is advised of the allegations and rights, and the court addresses bond and the next proceeding.
Felony probable cause
District Court determines whether the felony case has sufficient probable cause to continue to Circuit Court.
Final case outcome
The disposition may show dismissal, plea, conviction, acquittal, sentence or another recorded resolution.
For employment, licensing, immigration or legal proof
Order a Branch County Court Record or Certified Disposition
Current published costs
| Service | Published fee |
|---|---|
| Criminal or civil case-type search | $10 for a 10-year period |
| Additional search years | $1 per year |
| Non-certified copies | $1 per page |
| Certified copy | $10 plus $1 per page |
The Clerk publishes cash or money order as accepted payment for mailed record searches. Personal checks are returned.
Mail or in-person record request
31 Division Street
Coldwater, MI 49036
Phone:
517-279-4306
Email:
countyclerk@branchcounty.gov
Hours:
Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m.-4:45 p.m.
- Download the current record request form.
- Choose criminal as the case type.
- Provide the full name and approximate years.
- State whether certification is required.
- Include the required payment.
- Include a self-addressed stamped envelope for mail requests.
Michigan-wide criminal-history information
Use Michigan ICHAT for a Statewide Name-Based Search
ICHAT public criminal-history search
ICHAT searches public criminal-history information maintained by the Michigan State Police Criminal Justice Information Center.
Michigan currently publishes a $10 fee per name-based ICHAT search.
Open Official Michigan ICHAT- Create or access the ICHAT account.
- Enter the person’s complete identifying information.
- Review possible matches carefully.
- Pay the search fee.
- Save the result or no-record response.
- Verify any Branch County case with the local court.
What it does not include
- Suppressed criminal-history records
- Active warrant information
- Federal cases
- Tribal cases
- Traffic records
- Juvenile records
- Some local misdemeanors
- Criminal history from other states
No broad official public warrant database is published
How to Handle a Possible Branch County Warrant
Contact the court or an attorney
Use the 3-A District Court criminal division for a Branch County criminal case and consult defense counsel before taking action.
District criminal: 517-279-4329
Call the assigned case manager
Branch County states that an FOC bench warrant remains active in LEIN until resolved or recalled.
FOC:
517-279-4314
Bench Warrant Officers:
517-279-5173
Know the added jail charges
Branch County publishes:
- $12 for every jail booking
- $10 for each warrant involved in the booking
These fees may be requested in addition to the bond needed for release.
A booking photo is not a complete arrest record
Branch County Mugshots and Booking Photographs
Request a specific record
The Branch County Sheriff website does not publish a broad searchable mugshot gallery.
A specific booking photograph may be requested through Sheriff records or FOIA, subject to applicable law, exemptions and the status of the case.
Open Sheriff FOIA Resources- A mugshot does not prove guilt.
- A photograph may remain online after dismissal.
- A name match may identify the wrong person.
- The charge shown may no longer be current.
- A private website may demand removal fees.
- Do not republish the image without a legitimate reason.
Each document answers a different question
Branch County Arrest Record Decoder
| Record | What it shows | Official source | What it does not prove |
|---|---|---|---|
| Current custody record | Whether a person is currently held or recently changed status | Branch County Jail or MI-VINE | Guilt or final case result |
| Booking record | Jail intake, booked name, date and custody event | Branch County Sheriff | Conviction |
| Incident or arrest report | Agency narrative and investigative information | Agency that created the report | That every allegation was proven |
| District Court docket | Charges, bond, hearings and early felony proceedings | 3-A District Court | Final felony outcome after bindover |
| Circuit Court docket | Felony proceedings after transfer | 15th Circuit Court | Every police investigative detail |
| Certified disposition | Official recorded result of the case | Branch County Clerk or appropriate court | Complete statewide history |
| ICHAT result | Public Michigan criminal-history information | Michigan State Police | Warrants, federal cases or suppressed records |
| Mugshot | Booking photograph when lawfully released | Sheriff records or FOIA | Identity without corroboration or guilt |
No match does not always mean no arrest
Branch County Search Troubleshooting
| Problem | Likely explanation | Exact next action |
|---|---|---|
| No MI-VINE custody result | Booking may be pending, the name may differ, or custody may have ended | Call 517-278-2325 |
| No District Court case | Filing may be pending or the wrong name was searched | Call the criminal clerk and use the full legal name |
| Felony disappears from District Court | The case may have been bound over | Search 15th Circuit Court |
| ICHAT shows no record | The matter may be excluded, suppressed, local, federal or outside Michigan | Check the local court and relevant jurisdiction |
| Report request is denied or redacted | Investigation or protected information may be exempt | Read the response and appeal instructions |
| Person was arrested by another agency | The Sheriff may not hold the original incident report | Request it from the creating agency |
| Private site shows an old charge | The page may not reflect dismissal or later court action | Obtain the official disposition |
| Possible juvenile case | Juvenile information may be restricted | Contact the appropriate court or attorney |
| Possible sealed or set-aside matter | Public access may be limited by law | Use the court and MSP correction procedures |
Branch County publishes four primary bond types
How to Verify and Pay Branch County Jail Bond
Full amount required
A $10,000 cash-only bond requires the full $10,000 cash deposit.
Cash or bondsman
The full cash amount or an eligible surety bond may satisfy the order.
10% deposited
A $10,000 ten-percent bond requires a $1,000 deposit.
No cash deposit
The inmate signs a promise to appear and follow court conditions.
Understand the contract
Branch County explains that a bondsman is a private contractor, not a county employee.
- Ask the premium amount.
- Ask whether collateral is required.
- Ask who must cosign.
- Ask when collateral is returned.
- Read forfeiture terms.
- Get every promise in writing.
Include the jail charges
- $12 for every booking
- $10 for each warrant
These may be requested in addition to the bond amount needed for release.
Read Official Bond TypesLocal appointed representation
How to Get a Branch County Public Defender
Ask at the first court appearance
- Answer financial questions accurately.
- Return requested forms promptly.
- Ask for the assigned attorney’s name.
- Record the office telephone number.
Local office
300 Orleans Boulevard
Coldwater, MI 49036
Phone:
517-279-4338
Hours:
Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
Other times by appointment
State Bar Lawyer Referral
Telephone: 800-968-0738
Find a Michigan Lawyer- Select criminal defense.
- Provide Branch County.
- State that the client is jailed.
- Give the next hearing date.
- Ask whether bond review is included.
- Get the fee agreement in writing.
- Can you meet the client promptly?
- Will you appear at the next Branch County hearing?
- Will you review bond or holds?
- What evidence should the family preserve?
- Who handles urgent calls?
- Are investigation costs separate?
- Do not contact an alleged victim.
- Do not coach witnesses.
- Do not delete messages or posts.
- Do not hide property or evidence.
- Do not discuss facts on a recorded call.
- Do not publish booking information online.
Official Securus video visitation
Branch County Jail Visitation Rules
Tuesday-Sunday
No visits are available on Monday.
8:00 a.m.-11:00 p.m.
Availability remains subject to scheduling and jail restrictions.
At least 24 hours
A non-inmate visitor must schedule the visit.
No approved list
The jail states that anyone may visit, subject to its rules.
- Confirm current Branch County custody.
- Create the visitor account.
- Select Branch County Jail.
- Choose the correct inmate.
- Review available times and fees.
- Schedule at least 24 hours ahead.
- Save the confirmation.
Visitation questions: 517-278-2942
- No abusive conduct.
- No inappropriate attire or behavior.
- No intoxicated visitors.
- No person jailed there for over 24 hours during the last 30 days.
- No discussion of alleged case facts.
- No attempt to display contraband or prohibited material.
Lobby, online and telephone deposits
How to Put Money on a Branch County Inmate Account
Cash and major cards
The front-lobby kiosk accepts:
- Cash
- MasterCard
- Visa
- American Express
It does not accept coins, checks or money orders and does not provide cash back. A transaction fee applies.
ExpressAccount
Open ExpressAccount- Select “Send Money.”
- Choose Branch County Facility.
- Enter the inmate’s last name.
- Select the correct inmate.
- Choose Credit Card Commissary Web Deposit.
- Review the fee.
- Save the receipt.
Available 24/7
Branch County publishes:
MasterCard and Visa are accepted through the telephone deposit service.
Postcards only for ordinary personal correspondence
How to Mail a Branch County Jail Inmate
Branch County Jail
379 Keith Wilhelm Drive
Coldwater, MI 49036
- Use a metered, unstamped, plain white postcard.
- Maximum size is 6 x 8 inches.
- Write in pencil or blue or black ink.
- Include the sender’s return address.
- Keep a copy of important information.
- Stamps
- Writing instruments
- Loose paper
- Personal property
- Current inmate-to-inmate mail
- Contraband
- Threats or escape instructions
- Irreplaceable original evidence
Stamps, paper and writing supplies must be purchased through jail commissary.
Health procedures are not fully published online
Medication, Mental Health and Medical Concerns
Confirm custody
Verify that the person is physically housed in Branch County.
Call the jail
Ask how health information should be delivered to medical staff.
Prepare exact facts
Medication, dosage, last dose, prescriber, pharmacy and allergies.
Follow instructions
Do not bring medicine or equipment unless staff directs you.
- Full booked name
- Inmate or booking number
- Medication name and dose
- Last dose taken
- Prescribing doctor
- Pharmacy telephone number
- Known allergies
- Diabetes, seizure or heart condition
- Withdrawal or suicide concern
- Mobility, hearing or communication needs
Bond payment is only one part of release
Prepare for Release From Branch County Jail
Confirm all holds
Ask whether another warrant, court or agency controls release.
Confirm payment
Verify that bond and applicable booking or warrant fees were received.
Confirm pickup
Ask for the entrance, approximate process and identification requirements.
Read conditions
Obtain the next court date and every written release restriction.
- Confirm release was formally authorized.
- Confirm payment was received.
- Confirm every hold cleared.
- Ask whether identification is required.
- Ask where pickup occurs.
- Bring clothing and transportation.
- Do not rely on a private website’s release time.
- Read every bond condition.
- Save the court date in two calendars.
- Contact the defense attorney.
- Follow testing or reporting instructions.
- Do not contact protected people.
- Restore medication and medical care.
- Preserve every court document.
For victims, witnesses and protected people
Branch County Victim Assistance and Custody Alerts
Call 911
- Do not meet the defendant.
- Do not reveal your location.
- Preserve threatening messages.
- Report release-condition violations.
- Ask how no-contact terms will be communicated.
Victim Assistance Program
31 Division Street
Coldwater, MI 49036
Phone: 517-279-4319
Available assistance can include case status, court orientation, counseling referrals, compensation information, restitution help, property-return help and victim impact statements.
Open Prosecutor and Victim HelpCustody and court notifications
Telephone: 800-770-7657
Open Official MI-VINE- Search the offender’s legal name.
- Confirm the correct custody or case record.
- Register a safe telephone or email method.
- Keep the account PIN private.
- Call 911 rather than waiting for an alert during immediate danger.
One request should not mix unrelated records
Branch County Records Request Workflow
Police and jail records
Use Sheriff records or Sheriff FOIA for Sheriff-created reports, booking documents and releasable jail records.
Agency-created report
Request a municipal or state-police report from the agency that created it.
Early criminal case
Use for misdemeanors, arraignment, bond and preliminary felony proceedings.
Felony case outcome
Use for felony proceedings after bindover and certified Circuit Court records.
Branch County Administration:
31 Division Street
Coldwater, MI 49036
Phone:
517-279-4300
Fax: 517-278-4130
Hours:
Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m.-4:45 p.m.
Keep jail, police and court identifiers separate
Branch County Arrest Record Worksheet
Verified local offices and physical locations
Branch County Jail, Court and Records Contacts
Branch County Sheriff’s Office
379 Keith Wilhelm Drive
Coldwater, MI 49036
Phone:
517-278-2325
Email:
Sheriffbc@countyofbranch.com
Fax: 517-278-5698
Administration: Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m.
Jail: 24 hours a day
3-A District Court
31 Division Street
Coldwater, MI 49036
General:
517-279-4328
Criminal division:
517-279-4329
Fax: 517-279-4333
Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.
Doors close at 4:50 p.m.
15th Circuit Court
Second Floor
31 Division Street
Coldwater, MI 49036
Phone:
517-279-4304
Email:
circuitcourt@branchcounty.gov
Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m.-5:00 p.m.
Closed noon-1:00 p.m.
Branch County Clerk
First Floor, Courthouse
31 Division Street
Coldwater, MI 49036
Phone:
517-279-4306
Email:
countyclerk@branchcounty.gov
Public Defender
300 Orleans Boulevard
Coldwater, MI 49036
Phone:
517-279-4338
Hours:
Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
Prosecuting Attorney
Courthouse
31 Division Street
Coldwater, MI 49036
Phone:
517-279-4319
Fax: 517-279-6437
Branch County Jail Map
Branch County Courthouse Map
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