Clinton County Arrest Records – Jail Inmate Search & Mugshots Lookup

by
Clinton County custody guide Jail + 65A District Court Reviewed July 2026

Find a Clinton County Arrest, Confirm the Bond and Take the Correct Next Step

Clinton County separates current jail information, criminal court records, police reports, bond agents, visits and inmate accounts across several different systems. A distressed family should not have to guess which one matters first.

Use this page as a local decision center. Confirm whether booking is complete, record the inmate number and bond, follow the case from the 65A District Court to the 29th Circuit Court when necessary, request appointed counsel, arrange video visitation and prepare for release conditions.

Start the first-hour plan Find current custody
Clinton County record switchboard Systems connected
JAILBooking and bond
65AArraignment
29THFelony court
FOIAPolice report
ONE FAMILY FILE Name · Booking · Case
236published jail capacity
2criminal court levels
1verified action plan
!
Save the correct Clinton County numbers The county currently publishes separate inmate-information and jail-service numbers.
989-403-5090 Inmate factual information 989-227-6580 Jail and inmate services 989-224-5200 Sheriff administration 911 Immediate emergency

Three local facts that change the search

Clinton County Arrest Records Are Not Stored in One Place

Current custody The official inmate-information page instructs users to call 989-403-5090 for bail, release-date, court-appearance and visitation information.
Recent court case The 65A District Court handles adult misdemeanors, arraignments, bond decisions and preliminary examinations in felony cases.
Felony after bind-over The 29th Circuit Court handles felony proceedings after the case moves beyond the District Court stage.
Inmate deposits Clinton County uses Express Account, telephone deposits and a lobby kiosk. Money orders are no longer accepted.
Video visitation The Sheriff’s Office links families to InmateSales for video-visit setup and future visitation requests.
Police report The law-enforcement agency that created the report remains the correct records custodian. A Sheriff arrest report and a St. Johns or DeWitt police report are requested from different offices.

Do not begin with a paid people-search website

The First Hour After a Clinton County Arrest

The first priority is to find the correct facility, protect urgent medical needs and record the information required for bond, court, counsel and family contact.

Collect identity details Full legal name, date of birth, arrest city, approximate time and arresting agency.
Confirm the county DeWitt, Bath, St. Johns, Ovid and Elsie arrests may involve different police departments but the same county court system.
Call inmate information Use 989-403-5090 and ask whether booking is complete.
Record bond and court Save the inmate number, charges, bond type, holds and arraignment court.
Protect health and counsel Report urgent medications and prepare the request for appointed counsel.
1

Confirm which agency made the arrest

Ask whether it was the Clinton County Sheriff, St. Johns Police, DeWitt Police, DeWitt Township Police, Bath Township Police or Michigan State Police.

Do now
2

Do not assume “not found” means released

Transport, fingerprints, medical screening and data entry may occur before a family can obtain booking information.

Recheck
3

Do not discuss case facts on an ordinary jail call

Assume non-attorney calls may be monitored or recorded. Save the allegation, evidence and witness discussion for counsel.

Every call
4

Do not contact an alleged victim or witness

A no-contact condition may apply. Relatives should not deliver messages, request recantation or pressure another person.

Safety
5

Verify the bond before paying

Confirm the amount, bond type, approved payment route and every outside hold directly with the jail or court.

Before pay

Situation-based local guidance

Build Your Clinton County Action Plan

Make one complete phone call

Exactly What to Ask Clinton County Jail Staff

Booking call script
Read this slowly: “Hello. I am trying to confirm whether a family member is currently in the Clinton County Jail. The full legal name is [NAME], the date of birth is [DOB], and the arrest may have occurred in [CITY OR TOWNSHIP] on [DATE]. Is booking complete? Can you provide the inmate or booking number, current charges, bond status, any other holds and the court handling arraignment? I also need the approved process for reporting urgent medication information.”
Ask in this order
  1. Is the person physically in Clinton County custody?
  2. Has booking been completed?
  3. What is the inmate or booking number?
  4. What charges are currently listed?
  5. Has a judge or magistrate set bond?
  6. What is the exact bond type and amount?
  7. Are there other warrants, holds or detainers?
  8. When and where is arraignment?
  9. How are urgent medication details reported?
  10. Which official provider handles visits and deposits?
Jail staff cannot give legal advice. Ask staff about custody, payment, mail, property, visitation and facility procedures. Ask the attorney about pleas, evidence, defenses, witnesses or bond motions.

Keep one accurate family record

Clinton County Custody Worksheet

Full booked name
Date of birth
Arresting agency
Arrest city and date
Inmate or booking number
Current facility
Charge wording
Michigan statute number
Bond amount
Bond type
Outside hold
65A District case number
Next court date
Attorney name and phone
Medication details sent
Release conditions received

A dollar amount alone does not guarantee release

Clinton County Bail and Bond Decision Guide

Before paying, confirm five items: bond amount, bond type, payment destination, release conditions and every outside hold. Clinton County’s deposit system may accept bond transactions, but a jail payment cannot remove a separate warrant, probation hold, parole hold or detainer.
Personal recognizance

No traditional cash payment

The defendant is released on a promise to appear and obey conditions when the court authorizes it.

Obtain the written conditions and next hearing before leaving.
Cash or deposit

Pay only as ordered

The court order determines whether the full amount or an authorized deposit is accepted.

Ask the jail or court for the exact amount due today.
Cash or surety

An approved bond agent may be used

Use an agent only when the court order permits a surety bond.

Verify the agent against Clinton County’s current approved list.
No bond or hold

Payment will not release the person

The next hearing, bond review or another agency’s hold may control release.

Record the court and contact counsel immediately.
Express Account or lobby kiosk

Confirm whether the transaction is bond or inmate money

Open Express Account
  1. Confirm the person’s full booked name.
  2. Obtain the inmate or booking number.
  3. Select the correct Clinton County facility.
  4. Select the correct transaction type.
  5. Review the service fee before submitting.
  6. Save the transaction number.
  7. Call the jail to confirm the payment was credited.
Approved surety agents

Use Clinton County’s 2026 list

The 29th Circuit Court publishes an annual alphabetical list of bond agencies approved to post bonds in Clinton and Gratiot counties.

Open Approved Bail Bond List
  1. Open the current 2026 PDF from the county page.
  2. Confirm the company and agent appear on the list.
  3. Ask for the premium and collateral in writing.
  4. Ask when collateral is returned.
  5. Ask whether an outside hold remains.
  6. Never accept a guarantee of release.
Bond verification script: “I am calling about inmate or booking number [NUMBER]. Has bond been set? What is the exact amount and type? Are there any other warrants or holds? May payment be made through the lobby kiosk, Express Account, the court or an approved surety agent? Which written conditions will apply after release?”
Bond scam warning: do not pay gift cards, cryptocurrency, cash by courier or a stranger’s personal payment account. Independently call the jail or court using a number from the county website.

Custody and court records answer different questions

65A District Court and 29th Circuit Court Search

65A District Court

Arraignment and early criminal proceedings

Address:
100 E State Street, Suite 3400
St. Johns, MI 48879

Main: 989-224-5150
Criminal Division: 989-224-5153
Email: DCCriminal@clinton-county.org

Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–4:45 p.m.
Phones remain open until 5:00 p.m.

  • Adult misdemeanors
  • Initial arraignment
  • Bond decision
  • Felony preliminary proceedings
  • Preliminary examination
  • District probation matters
29th Circuit Court

Felony proceedings after bind-over

Address:
100 E State Street, Suite 4500
St. Johns, MI 48879

Circuit Court: 989-224-5130
County Clerk: 989-224-5140
Criminal copy questions: 989-224-5257

  • Felony criminal cases
  • Criminal appeals from District Court
  • Extraditions and writs
  • Pleas, trials and sentencing
  • Certified felony-court records
Online case search

Use MiCOURT

Open MiCOURT Case Search
  1. Search Clinton County’s 65A District Court first.
  2. Use the case number when available.
  3. Otherwise enter the full legal name.
  4. Open the complete register of actions.
  5. Record charges, bond, hearings and disposition.
  6. If the case is bound over, search the 29th Circuit Court.
Certified Circuit Court records

Published search and copy fees

  • Online Circuit Court records are available for cases after July 1996.
  • A mailed ten-year name search is listed at $10.
  • Ordinary copies are $2 per page for the first ten pages.
  • Additional pages are listed at 50 cents per page.
  • Certified copies add the published certification charge.
Review Record Search Fees
A felony case may appear to stop in District Court after a bind-over. That does not mean the case ended. Search the Circuit Court using the same name, filing period and District Court information.

Do not wait for a relative to solve the case

How to Request Appointed Counsel in Clinton County

At arraignment

Make a clear request

The defendant should say: “I cannot afford to hire an attorney. I am requesting court-appointed counsel and want to complete the financial eligibility process immediately.”
  • Answer financial questions accurately.
  • Complete every required form.
  • Ask when counsel will be assigned.
  • Write down the lawyer’s name and office number.
Local administrative office

Clinton County Indigent Defense

Address:
100 E State Street, Suite 1500
St. Johns, MI 48879

Phone: 989-668-3100

Open Indigent Defense Page

The office can explain Clinton County’s appointment administration. It does not replace the defendant’s formal request to the court.

Private counsel

State Bar of Michigan referral

Phone: 800-968-0738

Find a Michigan Lawyer
  • Select criminal defense.
  • State that the person remains in jail.
  • Provide the Clinton County court date.
  • Ask whether bond review is included.
  • Request fees and scope in writing.
Do not discuss detailed case facts in social media, ordinary jail calls, text messages or a general voicemail. Preserve evidence without editing it and provide it through the attorney.

Urgent health information should not wait for visitation

How to Report Medication, Withdrawal or Medical Needs

1

Call inmate information

Use 989-403-5090 and ask for the current medication-information process.

2

Prepare exact facts

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

3

Do not deliver pills unannounced

Follow the jail’s instruction before bringing medication or medical equipment.

4

Escalate danger

Call 911 for an immediate life-threatening emergency.

Prepare this medical note

  • Full legal name
  • Inmate or booking number
  • Medication name and strength
  • Dosage and schedule
  • Last dose taken
  • Prescriber and pharmacy
  • Known allergies
  • Diabetes, seizure or cardiac risk
  • Withdrawal or suicide concern
  • Mobility, hearing or communication needs

Costs and safety information

Clinton County states that inmates may be responsible for medical, dental and nursing charges incurred at the facility.

The jail also publishes a zero-tolerance policy for sexual abuse, assault and harassment under PREA.

Report an immediate safety threat to jail staff. Call 911 when there is an active life-threatening emergency.

Use the approved provider and current schedule

How to Arrange Clinton County Jail Video Visitation

Official provider link

Set up InmateSales

Open InmateSales
  1. Create an account with accurate contact information.
  2. Select Michigan.
  3. Select the Clinton County facility.
  4. Find the inmate using the verified name or number.
  5. Review available on-site or remote options.
  6. Select an available date and time.
  7. Review the price before confirming a paid visit.
  8. Test the microphone, camera and internet connection.
Before booking

Confirm the current jail schedule

The county maintains a separate visitation-schedule page. Housing assignments, security restrictions and facility operations can change the available times.

Check Official Visit Schedule
  1. Call 989-403-5090 for the person’s current visitation information.
  2. Confirm that the inmate is eligible to receive a visit.
  3. Confirm identification requirements.
  4. Confirm whether minors may participate.
  5. Confirm dress and behavior rules.
  6. Connect early for a video appointment.

Safe visit topics

  • Attorney contact
  • Medication status
  • Children and pets
  • Housing and employment
  • Transportation
  • Next court date

Avoid discussing

  • What happened
  • Witness statements
  • Deleting messages
  • Contacting an alleged victim
  • Hiding property or evidence
  • Creating an alibi

Technology preparation

  • Use a stable connection.
  • Charge the device.
  • Use headphones when permitted.
  • Join early.
  • Do not record the session.

Money orders are no longer accepted

How to Add Money to a Clinton County Inmate Account

Available deposit methods

Express Account, phone or kiosk

  • Online through Express Account
  • Telephone at 866-422-6833
  • Lobby kiosk at the jail

Clinton County states that service fees apply to bond and money transactions.

Open Express Account
  1. Verify the full booked name.
  2. Verify the inmate number.
  3. Select the Clinton County facility.
  4. Choose inmate trust funds—not bond—unless paying bond.
  5. Review the service fee.
  6. Save the confirmation number.
Commissary and jail costs

Why the full deposit may not remain available

Clinton County’s jail operates commissary with Canteen Services. Approved purchases may include hygiene, writing, recreational and food items.

Sentenced inmates are currently listed as being charged $35 per day in housing fees. Medical and dental expenses may also be billed.

Before sending a large amount, ask the inmate or jail how existing charges may affect the available trust-account balance.
Do not send a money order. Clinton County’s current money-policy page says money orders are no longer accepted.

Call before mailing books, packages or property

Clinton County Jail Mail and Property Rules

Personal mail

Confirm the address format first

The physical jail address is:

Clinton County Jail
1347 E Townsend Road
St. Johns, MI 48879

Call 989-403-5090 before mailing. The current personal-mail format or outside processing address may differ from the physical address.

Books and packages

Do not order without confirmation

Clinton County’s current mail-policy page states that books shipped by family members through a publisher are not being allowed.

  • Do not order a book before calling.
  • Do not send cash.
  • Do not send staples or prohibited enclosures.
  • Do not mail irreplaceable original documents.
  • Do not assume another county’s rules apply.
Property release

Appointment required

Clinton County states that inmate property is released by appointment only.

Property appointment: 989-227-6582

  1. Confirm the inmate has authorized release.
  2. Schedule the appointment.
  3. Ask which entrance to use.
  4. Bring government-issued identification.
  5. Confirm the items being released.

A booking entry is not the arresting officer’s report

How to Request Clinton County Arrest and Police Records

Arresting agency Current published number Use this office for
Clinton County Sheriff’s Office 989-224-5200 Sheriff incident reports, county patrol arrests and Sheriff-created records
St. Johns Police Department 989-224-6721 Police reports created by St. Johns officers
DeWitt City Police 517-669-9131 DeWitt city police incidents
DeWitt Township Police 517-669-6578 DeWitt Township police incidents
Bath Township Police 517-641-6271 Bath Township police incidents
Ovid Police 989-834-5335 Ovid police incidents
Elsie Police 989-862-4273 Elsie police incidents
Michigan State Police Lansing Post 517-322-1907 Records created by the MSP Lansing Post
Sheriff’s Office FOIA

Request the correct record

Open Sheriff’s Office Page
  1. Open the Sheriff’s Office page.
  2. Select the Sheriff’s FOIA request or FOIA request form.
  3. Include the incident number when known.
  4. Provide the date, time and location.
  5. Name the involved person.
  6. Describe the specific records requested.
  7. Keep a copy of the request and response.
What to request

A narrow request is easier to process

  • Incident or arrest report
  • Supplemental narrative
  • Booking record
  • Property receipt
  • Releasable photographs
  • Releasable body-camera footage
  • Dispatch record
Active investigations, private information, juvenile material, medical information and legally exempt records may be withheld or redacted.
Records call script: “I am trying to obtain an arrest or incident report involving [NAME] on [DATE] at [LOCATION]. The incident number is [NUMBER], if available. Was the report created by your agency, and is it available directly, or should I submit a written FOIA request?”

Troubleshoot before concluding the person is free

Why a Clinton County Arrest Search Shows No Result

Possible reason What it means Exact next action
Booking is incomplete The person may be in custody before the information line has a completed record. Recheck and call the arresting agency to confirm transportation.
Name variation The booking may use a middle name, maiden name, alias, hyphen or different spelling. Provide date of birth and alternate legal names.
Wrong county The arrest location and housing county may differ. Ask the arresting agency where the person was transported.
Released or transferred The person may no longer be in the original jail. Check MI-VINE and the court case, then ask where transfer occurred.
Federal or state boarder Clinton County houses some people for federal, state and other county governments. Ask which agency has legal custody and which court controls release.
MDOC custody The person may have moved to state prison or supervision. Search MDOC OTIS.
Case moved to Circuit Court A felony may have been bound over from the 65A District Court. Search the 29th Circuit Court.
Restricted record Juvenile, sealed or otherwise restricted information may not be public. Contact the court or attorney; do not attempt to bypass restrictions.

Release is a process—not an exact pickup appointment

Prepare for Release Before Driving to the Jail

A

Confirm every hold

Ask whether the Clinton County bond and every outside detainer have cleared.

B

Confirm pickup

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

C

Bring essentials

Transportation, phone, charger, suitable clothing, food and identification.

D

Read conditions

Do not leave without the next court date and every written release rule.

Before leaving 1347 E Townsend Road

  • Written bond and release conditions
  • Next court date
  • Attorney contact
  • No-contact restrictions
  • Testing or reporting instructions
  • Travel or curfew restrictions
  • Pretrial supervision instructions
  • Property-release information

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. Preserve messages, documents and potential evidence.
Do not promise an exact release time. Payment may be followed by warrant checks, property processing, paperwork, transportation coordination and review of release conditions.

For victims, witnesses and protected people

Custody Alerts and Clinton County Victim Assistance

MI-VINE

Register for custody notifications

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

Phone: 800-770-7657

Open Official MI-VINE Information
  1. Continue to VINELink.
  2. Search the legal name.
  3. Confirm the person and facility.
  4. Select a safe notification method.
  5. Keep login or PIN information private.
Local victim services

Victim/Witness Assistance

Address:
100 E State Street, Suite 3100
St. Johns, MI 48879

Victim/Witness: 989-227-6424
Witness Hotline: 989-224-5279
Prosecutor: 989-224-5260

Open Victim Assistance
Call 911 for immediate danger. Do not meet the defendant to exchange property, reveal your location or respond to threats without notifying law enforcement.

Addresses, numbers and office roles

Clinton County Jail, Court and Legal Contact Directory

Jail and inmate information

Clinton County Jail

1347 E Townsend Road
St. Johns, MI 48879

Inmate factual information: 989-403-5090
Jail services: 989-227-6580

Open Jail Operations
Sheriff and arrest reports

Sheriff’s Office

1347 E Townsend Road
St. Johns, MI 48879

Administrative office: 989-224-5200
Police report dispatch: 989-224-6792

Open Sheriff Page
Arraignment and misdemeanors

65A District Court

100 E State Street, Suite 3400
St. Johns, MI 48879

Main: 989-224-5150
Criminal Division: 989-224-5153

Open District Court
Felony proceedings

29th Circuit Court

100 E State Street, Suite 4500
St. Johns, MI 48879

Phone: 989-224-5130
Clerk: 989-224-5140

Open Circuit Court
Appointed counsel

Indigent Defense

100 E State Street, Suite 1500
St. Johns, MI 48879

Phone: 989-668-3100

Open Defense Office
Victim services

Prosecuting Attorney

100 E State Street, Suite 3100
St. Johns, MI 48879

Prosecutor: 989-224-5260
Victim/Witness: 989-227-6424

Open Prosecutor Page

Before traveling to St. Johns

  • Confirm whether you need the jail or courthouse.
  • The jail is at 1347 E Townsend Road.
  • The courts are at 100 E State Street.
  • Call before bringing cash, medication, books or property.
  • Ask which entrance to use.
  • Bring government-issued identification.
  • Confirm office or visitation hours.
  • Check holiday closures.

10 local questions answered

Clinton County Arrest Records FAQs

1. How do I find someone arrested in Clinton County today?
Call Clinton County’s inmate factual-information line at 989-403-5090 with the person’s full legal name and date of birth. Ask whether booking is complete, obtain the inmate number, confirm the bond and record the first court appearance.
2. Why does Clinton County publish more than one jail phone number?
The official inmate-information page lists 989-403-5090 for factual inmate details. The current Sheriff’s Office page lists 989-227-6580 for jail and inmate information. Use the first for custody, bond, release and court facts, and the second for broader jail-service questions.
3. What should I do when booking is not yet available?
Confirm the arresting agency and ask where the person was transported. Intake, fingerprinting and medical screening may delay public information. Recheck with the inmate-information line rather than assuming the person was released.
4. How can bond be paid at the Clinton County Jail?
Clinton County provides bond and inmate-money transactions through its lobby kiosk and Express Account system, subject to service fees. Confirm the exact amount, bond type, inmate number and all outside holds before submitting payment.
5. How do I find an approved Clinton County bail bond agent?
Open the Clinton County Circuit Court Bail Bonds page and use the current 2026 approved agency PDF. Confirm that the company and individual agent appear on the list before signing a contract or providing collateral.
6. Which court handles a Clinton County arrest?
The 65A District Court handles arraignment, bond, adult misdemeanors and preliminary felony proceedings. A felony that is bound over proceeds in the 29th Circuit Court.
7. How does someone request a public defender?
At arraignment, the defendant should clearly state that they cannot afford an attorney and request appointed counsel. The defendant must complete the required financial eligibility process. Clinton County Indigent Defense can be reached at 989-668-3100 for local administrative information.
8. How do Clinton County Jail video visits work?
The Sheriff’s Office links families to InmateSales for video visitation. Create an account, select the Clinton County facility, locate the verified inmate and choose an available appointment. Call the jail first to confirm eligibility, schedule and identification requirements.
9. How do I send money or mail to a Clinton County inmate?
Deposits may be made through Express Account, by telephone at 866-422-6833 or through the lobby kiosk. Money orders are no longer accepted. Call the jail before mailing because the current mailing format and book restrictions can change.
10. Does a Clinton County arrest record prove a conviction?
No. An arrest or booking documents custody and allegations at that stage. Charges may be changed, dismissed, reduced or resolved in several ways. Search the 65A District Court and, when applicable, the 29th Circuit Court to verify the final disposition.
Independent information notice: Arrests-Org-Michigan.us is not operated by Clinton County, the Clinton County Sheriff, the Clinton County Jail, the 65A District Court, the 29th Circuit Court, Michigan State Police, MDOC, MI-VINE, the Prosecuting Attorney or Indigent Defense. Custody, bond, fees, visits, providers, court schedules and release information can change. Confirm urgent facts 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.

Leave a Comment