Alpena County Arrest Records Search – Jail Inmate Lookup & Mugshots

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Alpena County custody guide Current inmates + local courts Reviewed July 2026

Search an Alpena County Booking, Read the Bond Correctly and Handle the Next Family Decision

Alpena County provides an official current-inmate search, but locating a name is only the first step. A family still needs to understand whether booking is complete, whether “no bond” is temporary, which person should be named on the bond receipt, when the first court hearing occurs, and how to arrange medication, money or visitation.

This page turns the county’s separate jail, court, bond, commissary, public-defender and records systems into one practical workflow. Start with the inmate search, save the booking and case information, then follow the action blocks that match the situation.

Start the first-hour plan Open inmate-search steps
Alpena custody signal Official route active
Current Inmates Booking, charge and bond display
88th District Court Arraignment and initial bond
26th Circuit Court Felony case after bind-over
94official jail beds
24/7bond posting available
2criminal court levels
!
Call the correct Sheriff’s Office option The main number routes corrections, administration and the jail nurse separately.
989-354-9830 Option 4: Corrections 989-354-9830 Option 7: Jail nurse 989-354-9830 Option 1: General questions 911 Immediate danger or emergency

Local facts that matter immediately

Alpena County Uses a Live JailTracker Inmate Search

Official inmate list The Sheriff’s Corrections page includes a “Current Inmates” button that opens Alpena County’s JailTracker search.
New jail location All jail operations moved to 4900 M32 W in 2021. The former downtown jail address should not be used.
Bond available anytime The Sheriff states that a person can be bonded out at any time, subject to the order and any other holds.
Bond ownership matters A third-party payer must complete the depositor section if the refund should remain in the payer’s name.
Free onsite video visit The jail permits one free 25-minute onsite video visit per week, subject to scheduling and eligibility.
Remote visiting daily Remote visitation is listed from 6:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m., Monday through Sunday.

Do not begin by purchasing a background report

The First Hour After an Alpena County Arrest

The first objective is to confirm custody, save the exact booking information, protect urgent medical needs and identify the court that controls bond and release.

Collect identity details Full legal name, date of birth, arrest location, time and arresting agency.
Search current inmates Use the Sheriff’s official Corrections page and open the Current Inmates tool.
Record the result Save the booking number, charge, bond amount, bond type and court.
Call corrections Use 989-354-9830, option 4, when booking or bond information is unclear.
Protect health and counsel Use option 7 for the jail nurse and prepare the appointed-counsel request.
1

Confirm the arresting agency

Ask whether the arrest involved the Alpena County Sheriff, Alpena Police, Michigan State Police, DNR conservation officers or another agency.

Do now
2

Do not assume “no result” means release

The person may still be in transport, medical screening, fingerprinting or booking.

Recheck
3

Do not discuss allegations on ordinary calls or video visits

Assume non-attorney communications are monitored or recorded. Save the facts for the lawyer.

Every contact
4

Do not contact an alleged victim or witness

A no-contact order may apply before or after release. Family members should not deliver messages.

Safety
5

Decide whose name should appear on the bond

The refund treatment changes depending on whether the bond is posted in the offender’s name or the third-party payer’s name.

Before payment

Situation-based Alpena instructions

Build Your Arrest and Jail Action Plan

Use the menu options instead of repeating calls

Exactly What to Ask Alpena County Corrections

Corrections call script
Call 989-354-9830 and choose option 4: “Hello. I am trying to confirm the booking and release information for [FULL LEGAL NAME], date of birth [DOB]. The arrest may have occurred on [DATE] in [LOCATION]. Is booking complete? Can you confirm the inmate number, bond type, amount, outside holds, court and the approved way to post bond? I also need to know the correct visitation and inmate-account provider.”
Ask in this order
  1. Is the person physically in Alpena County custody?
  2. Has booking been completed?
  3. What is the inmate number?
  4. What charge wording is currently listed?
  5. What is the exact bond type?
  6. Are there warrants or outside holds?
  7. Which court has the first appearance?
  8. Where may the bond be paid?
  9. Which visitation provider should be used?
  10. How should urgent medical information be delivered?
Do not ask jail staff how to plead, whether the charge will be dismissed or what the judge is likely to do. Those questions belong with the attorney.

Create one accurate family record

Alpena County Booking and Court Worksheet

Full booked name
Date of birth
Arresting agency
Arrest location and date
Inmate number
Booking date
Charge wording
Michigan statute
Bond amount
Bond type
Outside hold
88th District case number
Next court date
Attorney name and phone
Medical details sent
Release conditions received

Read the type, payer name and other holds

Alpena County Bail and Bond Decision Guide

Alpena County permits bond posting at the Sheriff’s Office at any time and also permits eligible online payments through JailATM. Before paying, confirm the amount, bond type, outside holds and whose name should appear as the depositor.
PR

Personal recognizance

The inmate is approved for release without a traditional financial bond. A substance-related arrest may still require the person to remain until sober.

Obtain all written conditions and confirm when release processing begins.
No bond

Do not send money

A bond may not yet have been received from the court, or the court may have denied release.

Check the inmate page again after the court updates the order.
Cash only

Full cash amount required

The displayed bond amount must be paid in cash when the record states cash only.

Call before traveling and confirm the current total and transaction fee.
10% or cash/surety

Percentage or agent may apply

A 10% bond permits the stated percentage or an approved bondsman. Cash/surety permits an approved agent.

Confirm the exact order and current approved-agent list.
Who receives the eventual refund?

Offender name versus third-party payer

Bond placed in What happens later
Offender’s name The county states that the amount is automatically applied to the offender’s fines and costs after the case. The payer does not receive it back.
Third-party payer’s name The payment may be returned after the case ends, unless the defendant fails to appear and the bond is forfeited.
To keep the bond in the payer’s name, the third-party depositor section on the bond paperwork must be signed.
Local fees

Amounts published by Alpena County

  • $12 booking fee for each jail booking
  • $10 warrant fee when an arrest warrant is processed
  • Credit/debit bond charge: $2.50 or 10%, whichever is greater
  • Cash bond transaction fee listed as $2 on the bond page
The commissary page separately lists a $3 cash kiosk fee and a $3 or 10% card fee for kiosk transactions. Because fees can differ by transaction type, review the kiosk or online checkout total before submitting.
Online bond payment

JailATM micro-steps

Open JailATM
  1. Select Sign In.
  2. Create or access the payer account.
  3. Verify the email address.
  4. Select Michigan.
  5. Select Alpena County Sheriff’s Office.
  6. Search the inmate’s last name.
  7. Select the correct person.
  8. Confirm that the transaction is bond—not commissary.
  9. Review service fees.
  10. Save the payment confirmation.
Approved bond agent

Use the current 2026 list

The 26th Circuit Court publishes the annual list of agents authorized to post bonds in Alpena and Montmorency Counties.

Open Circuit Court Resources
  1. Open the Circuit Court Resources page.
  2. Select the 2026 Bail Bonds List.
  3. Verify the company and agent.
  4. Request the premium and collateral terms in writing.
  5. Ask how collateral will be returned.
  6. Confirm that another hold will not block release.
Bond verification script: “I am calling about inmate number [NUMBER]. What is the current bond amount and type? Are the $12 booking fee or $10 warrant fee included? Is there another hold? Can I post the bond in my own name? Which payment method is authorized, and what service fee will apply?”

Jail status and court status are separate

88th District Court and 26th Circuit Court Search

88th District Court

Every adult criminal case begins here

Address:
719 W Chisholm Street, Suite 3
Alpena, MI 49707

Phone: 989-354-9678 or 989-354-9681
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
Lunch closure: 12:00–1:00 p.m.

  • Arrest and search warrants
  • Misdemeanor and felony arraignments
  • Initial bond decisions
  • Misdemeanor cases
  • Felony preliminary examinations
26th Circuit Court

Felony case after bind-over

Address:
720 W Chisholm Street, Suite 1
Alpena, MI 49707

Phone: 989-354-9573
Hours:
8:30 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
1:00 p.m.–4:30 p.m.

  • Felony proceedings
  • Criminal motion hearings
  • Pleas and trials
  • Sentencing
  • Appeals from District Court
Online case search

Use MiCOURT

Open MiCOURT
  1. Select Alpena County’s 88th District Court first.
  2. Search by case number when available.
  3. Otherwise use the full legal name.
  4. Open the complete case record.
  5. Record the bond, hearings and register of actions.
  6. If a felony is bound over, search the 26th Circuit Court.
District Court payment

Do not pay without the case number

The 88th District Court links to AllPaid and publishes Paycode 1038. The payer must have the case number and amount due.

  1. Call the court to confirm the amount.
  2. Confirm whether the payment is bond, fine or cost.
  3. Record the case number.
  4. Use the official court payment link.
  5. Enter Paycode 1038 when required.
  6. Save the receipt.
The District Court is a weapons-free court. Do not bring a firearm or other weapon into the building, even with a concealed-pistol license.

The defendant must clearly request representation

How to Get a Public Defender in Alpena County

At arraignment

Use a direct request

The defendant should say: “I cannot afford to hire an attorney. I want court-appointed counsel and I want to complete the financial eligibility process immediately.”
  • Answer financial questions truthfully.
  • Complete every required form.
  • Ask who has been assigned.
  • Write down the lawyer’s contact information.
Local defender office

Northeast Michigan Regional Defender

Phone: 989-354-2856
Address:
503 N Second Avenue
Alpena, MI 49707

Call when the defendant requested appointed counsel but the family does not know whether an attorney has been assigned.

Private counsel

State Bar of Michigan referral

Phone: 800-968-0738

Find a Michigan Lawyer
  • Select criminal defense.
  • State that the client remains jailed.
  • Provide the Alpena court date.
  • Ask whether bond review is included.
  • Obtain fees in writing.
Do not describe the alleged offense in a public voicemail, social-media message, ordinary jail call or recorded video visit.

Use option 7 for the jail nurse

How to Report Medication, Withdrawal or Medical Risk

1

Call the Sheriff’s Office

Dial 989-354-9830 and choose option 7 for the jail nurse.

2

Prepare exact facts

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

3

Follow jail instructions

Do not arrive with pills or equipment unless staff specifically authorizes it.

4

Escalate immediate danger

Call 911 for an active life-threatening emergency.

Prepare this medical note

  • Full legal name
  • Inmate number
  • Medication and strength
  • Dosage schedule
  • Last dose taken
  • Prescriber
  • Pharmacy phone number
  • Allergies
  • Diabetes, seizure or cardiac risk
  • Withdrawal or suicide concern

Why deposited money may be reduced

Alpena County states that, after booking and warrant fees are paid, a portion of incoming money may be withdrawn to reimburse housing, medical, dental or other incarceration costs.

Medical care should not be delayed because of an account concern. Report urgent health information directly to the jail nurse.

Onsite is free; remote visits have a published rate

Alpena County Jail Video Visitation Guide

Onsite video visit

One free visit per week

Days Monday–Friday
Hours 9:00 a.m.–3:30 p.m.
Length 25 minutes
Cost No charge
Limit One onsite visit per week
Remote visit

Available every day

Days Monday–Sunday
Hours 6:30 a.m.–9:30 p.m.
Limit One remote visit per day
Published rate $0.20 per minute
Purchase block 30-minute increments
Schedule through InmateSales

Account and reservation steps

Open InmateSales
  1. Create an account using accurate identity information.
  2. Select Michigan.
  3. Select Alpena County Sheriff’s Office.
  4. Locate the correct inmate.
  5. Choose onsite or remote visitation.
  6. Select an available time.
  7. Review the cost before confirming a remote visit.
  8. Test the camera and microphone.

Provider help: 877-998-5678

Visitor rules

Prepare before the appointment

  • Bring government-issued photo identification.
  • Wear a shirt and shoes.
  • Avoid revealing or provocative clothing.
  • An adult must accompany visitors under 17.
  • Children must remain supervised.
  • Only ID and keys are normally permitted onsite.
  • Visitors may be searched.
  • Food, drinks, drugs and smoking are prohibited.
Onsite and remote visits are recorded and may be monitored. Do not discuss evidence, witnesses, alleged victims, deleting messages or the facts of the arrest.

Booking and warrant fees are paid before commissary use

How to Add Money to an Alpena County Inmate Account

Online or lobby deposit

Use JailATM or the jail kiosk

Open JailATM
  1. Verify that the person is still in Alpena County custody.
  2. Obtain the full booked name.
  3. Obtain the inmate number.
  4. Select Michigan.
  5. Select Alpena County Sheriff’s Office.
  6. Select inmate account or commissary—not bond.
  7. Review the provider fee.
  8. Save the receipt.
Published account rules

What happens to deposited funds

  • Booking and warrant fees must be paid first.
  • County housing or medical costs may be deducted.
  • Commissary purchases are limited to $150 per week.
  • Money cannot be transferred between inmate accounts.
  • There is no published limit on total incoming trust funds.
  • Money orders may be mailed to the inmate.
The county’s bond and commissary pages publish different kiosk fee descriptions. Treat the amount displayed by the kiosk or checkout screen as the current transaction total, and cancel before submitting when the purpose or fee is incorrect.

Personal jail mail is not private

How to Send Mail or a Money Order

Start with this address

Verify the format before mailing

Inmate’s Full Booked Name
Inmate Number
Alpena County Sheriff’s Office & Jail
4900 M32 W
Alpena, MI 49707

Call option 4 before mailing to confirm the current format and whether an outside mail-processing address is being used.

Personal correspondence

Assume it will be inspected

Alpena County states that inmates have no expectation of privacy for personal mail that is not sent by the attorney of record.

  • Use a complete return address.
  • Use the full booked name.
  • Add the inmate number.
  • Do not send cash.
  • Do not send irreplaceable originals.
Money order

Confirm before sending

The commissary page states that money orders are accepted by mail.

  1. Call corrections.
  2. Confirm the correct payee.
  3. Confirm where to write the inmate number.
  4. Keep the receipt or stub.
  5. Do not include prohibited items in the envelope.

Booking data, police reports and court files are different records

How to Request Alpena County Arrest and Criminal Records

Information needed Correct source What to do
Current jail custody Alpena County JailTracker Open the Sheriff Corrections page and select Current Inmates.
Sheriff arrest or incident report Alpena County Sheriff’s Office Submit the Sheriff or county FOIA request with the incident details.
Alpena Police report City of Alpena Police Department Request the record from the city agency that created it.
District criminal case 88th District Court Use MiCOURT or call 989-354-9678.
Felony case after bind-over 26th Circuit Court Use MiCOURT or call 989-354-9573.
Statewide Michigan criminal history Michigan State Police ICHAT Use ICHAT, then verify the disposition through the court.
Sheriff or county FOIA

Submit a sufficiently detailed request

Open Alpena County FOIA
  1. Identify the department that holds the record.
  2. Provide the report or incident number.
  3. Include the date, time and location.
  4. Name the involved person.
  5. Describe each requested record.
  6. Choose mail, fax, email or hand delivery.
  7. Keep a complete copy.
Response timing

Published FOIA process

  • The usual response period is five business days.
  • A ten-business-day extension may be issued.
  • Email or fax requests are treated as received one business day after transmission.
  • Fees may apply for search, copying or supervised inspection.
  • Exempt material may be redacted or withheld.
Records request wording: “I request the releasable arrest and incident records involving [NAME] on [DATE] at [LOCATION]. The report number is [NUMBER], if known. Please include the incident report, releasable supplemental reports, property receipt and other releasable records maintained by your department.”

Troubleshoot before assuming release

Why an Alpena County Inmate Search Shows No Result

Possible reason What it may mean Exact next action
Booking is incomplete The person is still being transported, screened or entered. Call corrections and recheck the roster.
Name variation The record may use a middle name, maiden name, alias or different spelling. Search the last name and verify with birth date.
Wrong county The arrest location and housing facility may differ. Call the arresting agency and ask where the person was transported.
Released or transferred The current-inmate list may no longer display the person. Check MiCOURT and MI-VINE, then call corrections.
State-prison custody The person may be under MDOC control. Search MDOC OTIS.
Federal custody The person may not appear in the county system. Use the federal inmate locator and federal court records.
Felony moved courts The District Court stage may have ended after bind-over. Search the 26th Circuit Court.
Restricted record Juvenile, sealed or protected information may not be public. Contact the court or attorney; do not attempt to bypass restrictions.

Payment does not create an exact pickup time

Prepare for Release Before Driving to the Jail

A

Confirm every hold

Ask whether the local bond and every outside detainer have cleared.

B

Confirm processing

Ask whether release paperwork has started and which lobby entrance to use.

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 condition.

Before leaving 4900 M32 W

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

First 24 hours after release

  1. Read every condition aloud.
  2. Add the hearing to two calendars.
  3. Call the lawyer.
  4. Report where ordered.
  5. Restore medication.
  6. Avoid prohibited contact.
  7. Preserve messages and evidence.
Do not promise an exact release time. Corrections staff may still need to verify warrants, outside holds, property, payment and release paperwork.

For victims, witnesses and protected people

Custody Alerts and Alpena County Victim Assistance

MI-VINE

Register for custody notifications

MI-VINE can provide information and alerts involving release, transfer or escape.

Phone: 800-770-7657

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

Alpena County Prosecuting Attorney

Address:
719 W Chisholm Street, Suite 2
Alpena, MI 49707

Prosecutor: 989-354-9738
Crime Victim Rights: 989-354-9748
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.

Open Prosecutor Information
Call 911 for immediate danger. Do not meet the defendant alone, reveal your location or respond to threats without contacting law enforcement.

Addresses, phones and office roles

Alpena County Jail, Court and Legal Contact Directory

Custody and booking

Sheriff’s Office & Jail

4900 M32 W
Alpena, MI 49707

Phone: 989-354-9830
Corrections: Option 4
Jail nurse: Option 7
Lobby hours: Monday–Friday, 9:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m.

Open Jail Page
Arraignment and misdemeanors

88th District Court

719 W Chisholm Street, Suite 3
Alpena, MI 49707

Phone: 989-354-9678 or 989-354-9681

Open District Court
Felony proceedings

26th Circuit Court

720 W Chisholm Street, Suite 1
Alpena, MI 49707

Phone: 989-354-9573
Email: circuitcourt@alpenacounty.org

Open Circuit Court
Appointed counsel

Regional Defender Office

503 N Second Avenue
Alpena, MI 49707

Phone: 989-354-2856

Prosecution

Prosecuting Attorney

719 W Chisholm Street, Suite 2
Alpena, MI 49707

Main: 989-354-9738
Victim Rights: 989-354-9748

Open Prosecutor Page
Provider help

InmateSales

Phone: 877-998-5678
Use for: remote visits and supported communication services

Open InmateSales

Before traveling

  • Confirm whether you need the jail or courthouse.
  • The jail is at 4900 M32 W.
  • The District Court is at 719 W Chisholm Street.
  • The Circuit Court is at 720 W Chisholm Street.
  • Call before bringing medication or a money order.
  • Bring government-issued identification.
  • Confirm holiday closures.
  • Check winter road conditions.

10 local questions answered

Alpena County Arrest Records Search FAQs

1. Where is the official Alpena County inmate search?
Open the Alpena County Sheriff’s Corrections and Jail page and select Current Inmates. The button opens the county’s external JailTracker system with current custody, booking, charge and bond information.
2. What should I do when a person arrested today is not listed?
Booking may still be underway. Call 989-354-9830 and choose option 4 for Corrections. Give the full legal name and date of birth, and call the arresting agency to confirm where the person was transported.
3. What does PR mean on the Alpena County inmate record?
PR means personal recognizance. The person has been approved for release without a traditional cash bond, subject to court conditions. A substance-related arrest may still involve a temporary sobriety hold.
4. What does no bond mean?
No bond can mean the court has not yet issued a bond order or that the court has denied release. Check the inmate page again after arraignment and contact the lawyer when the status remains unchanged.
5. How can an Alpena County bond be paid?
Bonds may be posted at the Alpena County Sheriff’s Office at any time. Eligible bonds may also be paid through JailATM. Confirm the current amount, bond type, other holds and fees before paying.
6. Should the bond be placed in the defendant’s name or my name?
A bond placed in the offender’s name may be applied to that person’s fines and costs. To preserve a possible refund to the third-party payer, the bond must be posted at the facility and the third-party depositor section must be signed. A failure to appear can result in forfeiture.
7. Which court handles an Alpena County arrest?
Every adult criminal case begins in the 88th District Court, which handles arraignment, initial bond, misdemeanors and felony preliminary examinations. A felony that is bound over proceeds in the 26th Circuit Court.
8. How does someone request an appointed attorney?
At arraignment, the defendant should clearly state that they cannot afford an attorney and request court-appointed counsel. The local regional defender office can be reached at 989-354-2856 for assignment and administrative questions.
9. What are the Alpena County Jail visitation hours?
Remote visits are available Monday through Sunday from 6:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. Onsite video visits are available Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., excluding holidays. One free 25-minute onsite visit is permitted per week, and one remote visit is permitted per day.
10. Does an Alpena County arrest record prove a conviction?
No. An arrest or booking record documents custody and allegations at that stage. Charges may be amended, dismissed, reduced or resolved in several ways. Use the 88th District Court and, when applicable, the 26th Circuit Court to verify the final disposition.
Independent information notice: Arrests-Org-Michigan.us is not operated by Alpena County, the Alpena County Sheriff, Alpena County Jail, 88th District Court, 26th Circuit Court, Michigan State Police, MDOC, MI-VINE, the Prosecuting Attorney or Regional Defender Office. Custody, bond, fees, provider rules, visitation and court schedules 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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