Chippewa County Jail Inmate Search – Arrest Records & Recent Arrests

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Chippewa County custody guide County jail—not MDOC prison Reviewed July 2026

Locate a Chippewa County Inmate, Confirm Bond and Handle the First Court Appearance

Chippewa County does not publish a clearly accessible live inmate-roster search on its official jail page. For a recent arrest, the most dependable route is to check Michigan’s custody-notification system and then call the Chippewa County Correctional Facility booking office directly.

This page gives the exact local numbers, the jail-call script, bond-payment limits, housing-block visitation schedule, public-defender process, District and Circuit Court route, inmate-money steps and release checklist.

Start the first-hour plan Find the inmate
Chippewa County custody signal Route active
ARREST Police or Sheriff Confirm where the person was transported
JAIL 325 Court Street Booking, custody, bond and visitation
COURT 91st → 50th Arraignment, hearings and felony case
906-635-7620jail booking line
20 minpublished visit limit
2 courtscriminal case route
!
Save these local numbers before searching Use 911 only for immediate danger or a life-threatening emergency.
906-635-7620 Corrections and jail 906-635-6355 Sheriff’s Office 906-495-3312 Non-emergency dispatch 911 Immediate emergency

Avoid the most common local search mistake

Chippewa County has two similarly named correctional facilities

Recent county arrest

Chippewa County Correctional Facility

Location: 325 Court Street, Sault Ste. Marie, MI 49783
Phone: 906-635-7620
Operator: Chippewa County Sheriff’s Office

Use this facility for a recent local arrest, pretrial detention, county-jail sentence, booking, bond, non-contact visits, inmate funds and release questions.

State prison

Chippewa Correctional Facility—URF

Location: 4269 W. M-80, Kincheloe, MI 49784
Phone: 906-495-2275
Operator: Michigan Department of Corrections

Use MDOC OTIS for a person serving a state-prison sentence or under MDOC supervision. County-jail instructions on this page do not apply to URF prisoners.

Read the OTIS Search Guide

Do not start with mugshot websites

The First Hour After a Chippewa County Arrest

Your first job is to confirm where the person was taken, protect urgent health needs and save the booking information needed for bond, court, visits and legal representation.

Collect identity details Full legal name, date of birth, arrest city, approximate time and arresting agency.
Confirm transportation Ask the arresting agency whether the person was taken to 325 Court Street.
Call booking Use 906-635-7620 and ask whether intake has been completed.
Record bond and court Save the booking number, bond type, holds and arraignment information.
Protect health and counsel Report medication needs and prepare the request for appointed counsel.
1

Identify the arresting agency

Determine whether the arrest involved the Sheriff, Sault Ste. Marie Police, Michigan State Police, Sault Tribe Law Enforcement, Bay Mills Police or another agency.

Do now
2

Do not assume a missing result means release

Transport, fingerprinting, medical screening and booking can occur before custody information becomes available.

Recheck
3

Do not discuss the allegation on an ordinary jail call

Assume social calls may be monitored or recorded. Discuss the case privately with the attorney.

Every call
4

Do not contact an alleged victim or witness

Bond conditions may prohibit contact. Relatives should not deliver messages or pressure another person.

Safety
5

Do not pay until the bond route is confirmed

The jail states that bonds must be cash or through a bail bondsman. Checks and foreign currency are not accepted.

Before pay

Choose the situation—not another database

Build Your Chippewa County Action Plan

Make one complete call

Exactly What to Ask the Chippewa County Booking Officer

Read this call script
Booking-office script: “Hello. I am trying to confirm whether a family member is currently in the Chippewa County Correctional Facility. The full legal name is [NAME], the date of birth is [DOB], and the arrest may have happened in [LOCATION] on [DATE]. Is booking complete? Can you give me the booking number, current charge information, bond status, any holds and the court handling arraignment? I also need the approved process for urgent medication information.”
Ask in this order
  1. Is the person physically in your custody?
  2. Has booking been completed?
  3. What is the booking or inmate number?
  4. What charges are currently listed?
  5. Has bond been set?
  6. What is the exact bond type and amount?
  7. Are there other warrants, holds or detainers?
  8. When and where is arraignment?
  9. What housing block is assigned?
  10. How are medication details, funds and visits handled?
Do not ask booking staff for legal advice. Jail staff can explain custody, bond-payment procedures, visitation and inmate services. A lawyer must advise about pleas, defenses, evidence, bond motions and likely outcomes.

One family record prevents repeated mistakes

Chippewa County Custody Worksheet

Full booked name
Date of birth
Arresting agency
Arrest location and date
Booking number
Housing block
Charge wording
Michigan statute number
Bond amount
Bond type
Hold or detainer
91st District case number
Next court date
Attorney name and phone
Medication information sent
Release conditions received

Verify the order before arranging payment

Chippewa County Jail Bond and Bail Steps

The official jail page says the booking officer can answer questions about bail and arraignment. Bonds posted through the jail must be in cash or through a bail bondsman. Checks and foreign currency are not accepted.
Standard or early bond

Some minor offenses

The 91st District Court states that some minor offenses have a standard bond that may be posted without waiting for a full jail appearance.

Ask the booking officer whether a preset bond applies and what report date will be issued.
Judicial bond

Judge or magistrate sets bond

Bond can be set at arraignment based on public safety, victim risk and the likelihood that the defendant will return to court.

Record every condition—not only the dollar amount.
No bond or outside hold

Payment may not release the person

Another warrant, probation hold, parole hold, court order or outside detainer may control release.

Ask which agency placed the hold and give that information to the attorney.
Paying through the jail

Before bringing cash or contacting a bondsman

  • Confirm that bond is currently active.
  • Confirm the total amount.
  • Confirm the bond type.
  • Ask whether exact cash is required.
  • Ask which entrance accepts payment.
  • Ask what identification is required.
  • Ask whether any other hold remains.
  • Obtain a receipt.
Electronic court payment

Contact the 91st District Court first

The District Court states that court fees or bail may be paid electronically, but the payer must first obtain the exact case number and amount. An additional convenience fee applies.

Direct court-payment contact: 906-635-6853

Review Official Payment Instructions
  1. Call the court first.
  2. Obtain the exact case number.
  3. Obtain the exact amount.
  4. Confirm that online bail is authorized.
  5. Review the convenience fee.
  6. Save the confirmation.
Bond verification script: “I am calling about booking number [NUMBER]. Has a judge or magistrate set bond? What is the exact amount and bond type? Are there no-contact, alcohol, curfew, reporting or other conditions? Are there any outside holds? May the bond be paid at the jail, through the court or only through a bail bondsman?”
Assaultive-case warning: the 91st District Court states that defendants in assaultive cases generally must appear for arraignment on the next business day unless the court provides different written instructions.

A jail record does not show the final case outcome

91st District Court and 50th Circuit Court Search

91st District Court

Arraignment and early criminal proceedings

Address: 325 Court Street, Sault Ste. Marie, MI 49783
Main phone: 906-635-6320
Hours: Monday–Friday, 9:00 a.m.–4:30 p.m.

  • Initial arraignment
  • Bond decision
  • Misdemeanor proceedings
  • Felony preliminary proceedings
  • Preliminary examination
  • Probation matters
50th Circuit Court

Felony case after bind-over

Address: 319 Court Street, Sault Ste. Marie, MI 49783
Main phone: 906-635-6338
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–4:30 p.m.

  • Felony criminal matters
  • Post-bind-over proceedings
  • Pleas and trials
  • Sentencing
  • Circuit docket and record requests
Online search

Use MiCOURT

Open MiCOURT Case Search
  1. Select Chippewa County’s 91st District Court first.
  2. Search by case number when available.
  3. Otherwise use the full legal name.
  4. Open the full case detail.
  5. Record charges, bond, events and next date.
  6. If the felony is bound over, search the 50th Circuit Court.
Local record research

Use the courthouse public computer or clerk

Chippewa County provides a free public-access computer during normal District Court business hours. A clerk can conduct a record search for a nominal fee.

District Court record contact:
Kim Forsythe
906-635-7613
kforsythe@chippewacountymi.gov

  • Provide the full name.
  • Include date of birth when possible.
  • State the period to be searched.
  • The standard search period is the past ten years.
  • Records older than 25 years may take additional time.
Courthouse device restriction: Chippewa County states that cellular phones and wireless or recording devices are not permitted in courtroom facilities unless an exception or prior authorization applies. Leave unnecessary devices secured before entering.

Local adult criminal defense

How to Request the Chippewa County Public Defender

At arraignment

Make the request clearly

The defendant should say: “I cannot afford to hire a lawyer. I am requesting court-appointed counsel and want to complete the required application immediately.”
  • A public defender is present to assist at arraignment.
  • Complete the appointed-counsel application afterward.
  • Provide accurate financial information.
  • Attend the assigned attorney appointment.
Local office

Chippewa County Public Defender

Address:
325 Court Street, Suite 201
Sault Ste. Marie, MI 49783

Phone: 906-635-6860
Fax: 906-635-6864
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.

Open Public Defender Page
Private lawyer

State Bar referral

Phone: 800-968-0738

Find a Michigan Lawyer
  • Choose criminal defense.
  • State that the client is jailed.
  • Give the Chippewa County court date.
  • Ask whether bond review is included.
  • Request a written fee agreement.
The Public Defender Office represents adults in criminal cases. Relatives should not expect the office to discuss privileged case details without the client’s permission. Do not send case evidence through public social-media messages.

Health needs cannot wait for a visit

How to Report Medication or Medical Needs

1

Call the jail

Use 906-635-7620 and ask for the approved medical-information process.

2

Prepare exact information

Medication, dosage, last dose, prescriber, pharmacy and allergies.

3

Follow staff instructions

Prescriptions are provided to the facility physician for approval and dispensing.

4

Escalate danger

Call 911 for an immediate life-threatening emergency.

Prepare this medical note

  • Full booked name
  • Booking number
  • Medication and strength
  • Dosage and schedule
  • Last dose taken
  • Prescriber and pharmacy
  • Allergies
  • Seizure, insulin or cardiac risk
  • Withdrawal or suicide concern
  • Mobility, hearing or communication needs

Items the jail identifies as possible exceptions

The official facility page states that personal property is generally not accepted, except for specified items that can include:

  • American currency for the inmate account
  • Money orders
  • Prescription eyeglasses
  • Necessary prescribed medication
Call before bringing any item. Jail staff and the facility physician determine whether it can be accepted or used.

Housing assignment controls the time

Chippewa County Jail Visitation Schedule and Rules

Call before traveling: visitation is organized by housing block, and the jail may cancel or change a schedule for security reasons. Ask the inmate’s housing assignment and confirm the correct day and time at 906-635-7620.
Friday

L and D housing

L19:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
L21:00 p.m.–4:00 p.m.
D Block—all4:00 p.m.–5:00 p.m.
Saturday

M, A, B and J housing

M Observation9:00–10:00 a.m.
A / J males10:00–11:00 a.m.
B111:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
B212:00–1:00 p.m.
B31:00–2:00 p.m.
B42:00–3:00 p.m.
B53:00–4:00 p.m.
B6–B7 / J females4:00–5:00 p.m.
Wednesday

C housing

C19:00–11:00 a.m.
C411:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m.
C21:00–3:00 p.m.
C33:00–5:00 p.m.
Published visitor requirements

Before entering

  • Sign in.
  • Be at least 17 years old.
  • Present valid identification.
  • Visits are non-contact.
  • Inmates may receive three visitors weekly.
  • Visits may not exceed 20 minutes.
  • Only one visitor per visit unless security approves otherwise.
Reasons a visit may be denied

Do not arrive with or display

  • Alcohol odor or signs of intoxication
  • Controlled-substance impairment
  • Abusive or assaultive behavior
  • Camera, phone or recording equipment in use
  • Food or drink
  • Revealing or provocative clothing
  • Conduct that affects facility safety
Phones must be secured and kept out of sight. Do not attempt to photograph, record or livestream a visit.

Verify the inmate before submitting funds

How to Add Money or Order a Care Package

Inmate account

Access Corrections

Chippewa County directs friends and families to Access Corrections for inmate-account deposits.

Open Access Corrections
  1. Confirm the person is in the county jail—not the MDOC prison.
  2. Obtain the full booked name.
  3. Obtain the inmate or booking number.
  4. Select Michigan and the correct Chippewa County facility.
  5. Review the amount and service fee.
  6. Submit once.
  7. Save the transaction confirmation.
Care package

MyCarePack

The official facility page displays MyCarePack as its inmate-gift resource. Eligibility, products and order windows may depend on the inmate’s status.

Open MyCarePack
  1. Select Michigan.
  2. Select the Chippewa County facility.
  3. Enter the inmate’s verified identity.
  4. Review only available approved items.
  5. Check the final price and delivery rules.
  6. Save the order number.

Commissary can provide

  • Approved hygiene items
  • Additional clothing items
  • Snack items
  • Facility-approved telephone cards

Stop before payment when

  • You do not know the inmate number.
  • The person may be at URF state prison.
  • A stranger supplied the account.
  • You are being pressured to act immediately.

Save after checkout

  • Inmate name
  • Inmate number
  • Amount
  • Service fee
  • Date and time
  • Confirmation number

Contact without harming the case

Phone Calls, Mail and Personal Property

Phone calls

The jail will not transfer personal calls

The facility states that it does not accept personal calls for inmates. Inmates can make collect calls or use a telephone card sold by the facility.

  • Keep the phone able to receive collect calls.
  • Ask the jail about the current telephone provider.
  • Do not discuss evidence or witnesses.
  • Do not create a three-way call without approval.
Mail

Confirm the exact format first

Start with: Inmate’s Full Booked Name
Inmate or Booking Number
Chippewa County Correctional Facility
325 Court Street
Sault Ste. Marie, MI 49783

Call the jail before mailing to verify the current format, prohibited items and whether an outside mail-processing address is in use.

Property

Do not arrive with a bag of belongings

The facility issues clothing and generally restricts personal property. Cash goes into the inmate account, and medication or eyeglasses require staff approval.

  • Call before delivering anything.
  • Ask whether a property release is required.
  • Ask what identification is needed.
  • Confirm pickup or delivery hours.
Safe jail-call topics: attorney contact, medication, children, pets, housing, vehicle location, employment logistics, court dates and transportation. Avoid discussing what happened, witness statements, evidence, messages or possible alibis.

Custody record, police report and court file are different

How to Request Chippewa County Arrest and Court Records

Record needed Correct office Practical next step
Current jail custody Chippewa County Corrections Call 906-635-7620 with the legal name and birth date.
Sheriff arrest or incident report Chippewa County Sheriff’s Office Call 906-635-6355 and ask whether the report is available directly or requires FOIA.
Sault Ste. Marie Police report City police records Request from the city because the Sheriff does not automatically hold municipal police reports.
District criminal case 91st District Court Search MiCOURT, use the free courthouse computer or contact the clerk.
Felony case after bind-over 50th Circuit Court Search MiCOURT or call 906-635-6338.
Statewide Michigan criminal history Michigan State Police ICHAT Use ICHAT, then verify the final disposition with the court.
Tribal police report Agency that created the record Contact Sault Tribe or Bay Mills Police directly.
County FOIA

When a written records request is required

Chippewa County provides a FOIA request form, fee policy and appeal procedures. Ask the Sheriff’s Office first whether your request should be submitted through the general county process.

Mailing address:
Chippewa County Administrator’s Office
319 Court Street
Sault Ste. Marie, MI 49783

Open County FOIA Information
Request details

Include enough information to locate the record

  • Incident or report number
  • Date and approximate time
  • Exact location
  • Full name of involved person
  • Arresting agency
  • Specific records requested
  • Preferred delivery method
  • Your complete contact information
Records call script: “I am trying to obtain an arrest or incident report involving [NAME] on [DATE] at [LOCATION]. The report number is [NUMBER], if available. Was this record created by your agency, and can it be purchased directly, or must I submit a written FOIA request?”

Local jurisdiction matters

When the Arrest Involves Tribal Law Enforcement

Sault Tribe

Law Enforcement

Phone: 906-635-6065

Open Sault Tribe Law Enforcement
Bay Mills

Police Department

Phone: 906-248-8800

Open Bay Mills Police
What to ask

Confirm the custody destination

  • Was the person booked into the county jail?
  • Is a tribal court involved?
  • Which agency owns the police report?
  • Which court has the next hearing?
  • Is transfer pending?

Available only with court approval

Chippewa County Tether and Work-Release Options

A family cannot enroll someone in tether or work release on its own. The person must first have a court order stating that the program is allowed, then meet the Sheriff’s program requirements.
GPS tether

Published eligibility requirements

  • Pass a drug test.
  • Have $280 in the commissary account.
  • Have a place to stay in Chippewa County.
  • Have a phone available at all times.
  • Have no outstanding warrants.
Work release

Published eligibility requirements

  • Have a job.
  • Classify for work release through the jail.
  • Receive medical clearance.
  • Pass a drug test.
  • Have $150 in the commissary account.
  • Provide a work schedule.
  • Have no outstanding warrants.

Urine or saliva drug test

Published cost: $20

PBT breath test

Published cost: $5

ETG alcohol urine test

Published cost: $10

Tether Office: 906-635-6392
325 Court Street, Sault Ste. Marie, MI 49783

Release time is not guaranteed

Prepare for Release Before Driving to the Jail

A

Confirm every hold

Ask whether local bond and every outside detainer have cleared.

B

Confirm pickup

Ask which entrance will be used and whether processing has started.

C

Bring essentials

Transportation, phone, charger, weather-appropriate clothing and food.

D

Read conditions

Do not leave without the next court date and written bond rules.

Before leaving 325 Court Street

  • Obtain written release conditions.
  • Confirm the next hearing.
  • Record attorney contact information.
  • Identify no-contact restrictions.
  • Identify alcohol, curfew or testing rules.
  • Confirm reporting requirements.
  • Ask about property return.

First 24 hours after release

  1. Read every condition aloud.
  2. Add the court date to two calendars.
  3. Call the attorney.
  4. Report where ordered.
  5. Restore medication and medical care.
  6. Avoid all prohibited contact.
  7. Protect all messages, photos and records as evidence.
Do not promise an exact pickup time to children, an employer or another family member. Release processing can continue after payment while paperwork, property, holds and transportation are checked.

For victims and protected people

Register for Release or Transfer Notifications

MI-VINE

Custody-status notifications

MI-VINE is a free, confidential service that can provide custody information and notifications involving release, transfer or escape.

Phone: 800-770-7657

Open Official MI-VINE Information
  1. Continue to VINELink.
  2. Search the legal name.
  3. Confirm the correct facility and person.
  4. Choose a safe notification method.
  5. Keep your PIN or login private.
Victim safety

Do not use family-contact instructions when at risk

  • Call 911 for immediate danger.
  • Do not meet the defendant alone.
  • Do not reveal your location.
  • Preserve threatening calls and messages.
  • Contact the prosecutor’s victim-rights staff.
  • Ask how release conditions will be communicated.

Chippewa County Prosecuting Attorney:
906-635-6342
325 Court Street, Sault Ste. Marie, MI 49783

Save the correct office—not only the courthouse address

Chippewa County Jail, Court and Legal Contact Directory

County jail

Correctional Facility

325 Court Street
Sault Ste. Marie, MI 49783

Jail: 906-635-7620

Open Official Jail Page
Sheriff and records

Sheriff’s Office

325 Court Street
Sault Ste. Marie, MI 49783

Main: 906-635-6355
Business hours: Monday–Friday, 8:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m.

Open Sheriff Page
Arraignment

91st District Court

325 Court Street
Sault Ste. Marie, MI 49783

Main: 906-635-6320
Hours: Monday–Friday, 9:00 a.m.–4:30 p.m.

Open District Court
Felony court

50th Circuit Court

319 Court Street
Sault Ste. Marie, MI 49783

Main: 906-635-6338
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–4:30 p.m.

Open Circuit Court
Appointed counsel

Public Defender

325 Court Street, Suite 201
Sault Ste. Marie, MI 49783

Phone: 906-635-6860
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.

Open Defender Page
Non-emergency dispatch

Central Dispatch

Non-emergency: 906-495-3312
Emergency: 911

Open Dispatch Information

Before traveling to 325 Court Street

  • Confirm whether you need the jail, Sheriff, District Court or Public Defender.
  • Call before bringing cash, medication or property.
  • Ask which entrance to use.
  • Bring accepted identification.
  • Leave prohibited electronic devices secured.
  • Confirm visitation housing block and time.
  • Check weather and road conditions during Upper Peninsula winter travel.
The 50th Circuit Court is at 319 Court Street. The jail, Sheriff’s Office, 91st District Court and Public Defender are listed at 325 Court Street.

10 local questions answered

Chippewa County Jail Inmate Search FAQs

1. Does Chippewa County publish a live official jail roster?
The official Chippewa County correctional-facility page does not provide a clearly accessible live searchable roster. Use Michigan VINELink for an online custody check, then call the Chippewa County Jail at 906-635-7620 to confirm a recent booking, inmate number, bond or housing assignment.
2. What is the correct phone number for the Chippewa County Jail?
The official Chippewa County Sheriff directory lists 906-635-7620 for Corrections and Jail. The Sheriff’s main office number is 906-635-6355.
3. Why can I not find someone arrested today?
The person may still be in transport, fingerprinting, medical screening or booking. The name may be entered differently, the person may be held in another county, or the arrest may involve tribal, state or federal jurisdiction. Call the arresting agency and the jail to confirm transportation.
4. Is the Chippewa County Jail the same as Chippewa Correctional Facility?
No. The Chippewa County Correctional Facility at 325 Court Street is the county jail. Chippewa Correctional Facility, also called URF, is an MDOC state prison at 4269 W. M-80 in Kincheloe. Use OTIS for URF prisoners and the county jail for a recent local arrest.
5. How can a Chippewa County jail bond be paid?
The county jail states that bonds must be posted in cash or through a bail bondsman. Checks and foreign currency are not accepted. The 91st District Court also provides an electronic bail-payment option in eligible cases, but the payer must contact the court first for the exact case number and amount.
6. Which court handles the first appearance?
The 91st District Court at 325 Court Street handles arraignment, initial bond, misdemeanors and early felony proceedings. A felony supported at preliminary examination may be bound over to the 50th Circuit Court at 319 Court Street.
7. How does the person request a public defender?
A Chippewa County public defender is present to assist at arraignment. After arraignment, the defendant must hire counsel or complete the application for appointed counsel. If eligible, the Public Defender Office assigns representation and provides an appointment.
8. What are the Chippewa County Jail visitation rules?
Visits are non-contact and organized by housing block on Wednesday, Friday and Saturday. Visitors must be at least 17 and show valid identification. The county states that inmates may receive three visitors weekly, visits may not exceed 20 minutes and only one visitor may attend unless security approves otherwise.
9. How do I send money to a Chippewa County inmate?
Chippewa County directs inmate-account deposits to Access Corrections. Verify that the person is in the county jail, obtain the full booked name and inmate number, select the correct facility and save the transaction confirmation.
10. Does a jail booking prove that the person was convicted?
No. A booking record shows custody and allegations at that stage. Charges can be amended, dismissed, reduced or resolved in several ways. Search the 91st District Court and, for a bound-over felony, the 50th Circuit Court to verify the final disposition.
Independent information notice: Arrests-Org-Michigan.us is not operated by Chippewa County, the Chippewa County Sheriff, the Chippewa County Correctional Facility, the 91st District Court, the 50th Circuit Court, Michigan State Police, MDOC, MI-VINE, Sault Tribe Law Enforcement or Bay Mills Police. Custody, bond, court, visitation, payment-provider and release information can change. Confirm urgent details directly with the jail, court or attorney. An arrest is not proof of guilt. Do not use this information to harass, threaten, stalk, blackmail, shame, discriminate against or confront another person.

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