Clare County Jail Roster – Inmate Search, Arrest Records & Mugshots

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Clare County custody guide Roster alternatives Family action center

Find a Clare County Jail Inmate, Confirm Bond and Take the Right Next Step

Clare County’s sheriff page provides direct jail contacts, HomeWAV communication information and Express Account deposit instructions, but it does not clearly publish a dependable county-operated live roster link.

For a recent arrest, the practical route is to call the jail control room, confirm the booking number, identify the court and bond, report urgent medical needs and then use the correct provider for calls, video visits or commissary.

Start the first-hour plan Use the jail call script
Clare custody signal Search route active
01 Arresting agency Clare, Harrison, sheriff or state police LOCATE
02 County jail control room Booking number, bond and holds VERIFY
03 80th District Court Arraignment and early criminal case COURT
04 55th Circuit Court Felony case after bind-over FOLLOW
05 Release or continued custody Conditions, counsel and family plan ACT
24/7 dispatch access
2 criminal court levels
1 verified custody sheet
!
Save the correct Clare County numbers
Use 911 only for an active emergency.
911 Immediate danger or medical emergency 989-539-1336 24-hour non-emergency dispatch 988 Mental-health or suicide crisis 800-770-7657 MI-VINE custody notifications

A recent arrest requires decisions, not browsing

The First Hour After a Clare County Arrest

1

Identify who made the arrest

Write down whether the arrest involved Clare Police, Harrison Police, Clare County Sheriff, Michigan State Police or another agency.

First
2

Confirm where the person was transported

Do not assume every local arrest immediately reaches the county jail. Ask the arresting agency where the person is physically being held.

Locate
3

Call 989-539-7166 and request the control room

The sheriff lists control-room extension 4238. Ask whether booking is complete and obtain the inmate or booking number.

Verify
4

Report urgent medication or mental-health needs

Ask correctional staff for the approved medical-information process. Do not deliver pills unless staff specifically instructs you.

Urgent
5

Wait for the court’s bond decision

Confirm the amount, bond type and other holds directly with the jail or 80th District Court before paying anyone.

Before money
6

Track the court separately

The jail confirms custody. The court confirms charges, hearings, bond conditions and the eventual case outcome.

After booking
Protect the case: assume ordinary jail calls and video communications may be monitored or recorded. Do not discuss the incident, witnesses, evidence, passwords, deleted messages or possible explanations. Do not contact an alleged victim or carry messages around a no-contact order.

Situation-based instructions

Build Your Clare County Action Plan

Make one productive call

Clare County Jail Booking Call Script

Read this to the jail control room: “Hello. I am trying to confirm whether a family member is currently in your custody. 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? What is the booking or inmate number, current charge, bond status, status of any holds and next court? I also need the approved process for urgent medication information, HomeWAV communication and Express Account deposits.”
Call 989-539-7166
Ask in this order
  1. Is the person physically in your custody?
  2. Is booking complete?
  3. What is the inmate or booking number?
  4. What charge wording is currently listed?
  5. Has a judge set bond?
  6. What is the exact bond type?
  7. Are any other holds or warrants affecting release?
  8. Which court handles the first appearance?
  9. How should urgent health information be provided?
  10. Is the inmate active in HomeWAV and Express Account?
Jail employees can explain custody and facility procedures. They cannot tell you what plea to enter, whether the person is guilty, whether a judge will reduce bond or what legal strategy to use.

Keep one verified family record

Clare County Custody Worksheet

Full legal name
Date of birth
Arresting agency
Arrest city or township
Booking number
Booking date
Charge wording
Bond amount and type
Hold or detainer
80th District Court case
Next hearing
Attorney name and phone
Medication information sent
Release conditions received

Understand the record before acting

Clare County Booking and Roster Field Decoder

Field What it normally means What the family should do
Booking number Identifier assigned to the current jail intake. Use it for HomeWAV, deposits, visits, property and bond questions.
Booking date Date the person was processed into the jail. Do not confuse it with the alleged offense date.
Arresting agency Police, sheriff or state agency that made the arrest. Request the arrest report from that agency.
Charge Alleged offense shown at the current stage. Use the court record to check amendments, dismissals or outcomes.
Bond amount Financial condition connected to possible release. Confirm the amount, type and all holds before paying.
PR or recognizance Release may be allowed without a traditional cash payment. Wait for processing and obtain every written condition.
No bond Money may not currently secure release. Identify the next court date and request legal counsel.
Hold or detainer Another court, county or agency may control release. Ask which authority placed it and obtain the related case number.
Bound over A felony may have moved from district to circuit court. Continue tracking the case in the 55th Circuit Court.
Released The person is no longer held under that booking. Confirm conditions, next hearing and pickup information.

A dollar amount alone is not a release plan

How to Verify a Clare County Bond Safely

Step 1

Confirm the order

  • Exact bond amount
  • Bond type
  • Court and case number
  • Every active hold
  • Written release conditions
Step 2

Confirm where payment is accepted

Ask the jail or 80th District Court whether payment is made at the jail, through the court or through another approved method.

Step 3

Keep proof and conditions

Save the receipt, case number, payer information, no-contact terms, reporting rules and next hearing date.

Bond verification script: “I am calling about booking number [NUMBER]. Has a judge set bond? What is the exact amount and type? Are there any other holds? Where can an authorized person pay? What payment methods and identification are accepted? Where will release occur, and what written conditions must be collected?”
Before using a bond agent
  • Get the nonrefundable premium in writing.
  • Ask whether collateral is required.
  • Understand the cosigner’s obligations.
  • Ask what creates forfeiture or surrender.
  • Ask how and when collateral is returned.
Stop a suspected scam
  • Do not pay with gift cards.
  • Do not pay cryptocurrency.
  • Do not send cash through a courier.
  • Do not pay a personal social-payment account.
  • Do not pay before confirming the booking and bond.

Follow the criminal case beyond the jail

80th District Court and 55th Circuit Court

First criminal court

80th District Court

Address:
225 W. Main Street
Harrison, MI 48625

Phone: 989-539-7173
Fax: 989-539-4036

A new adult criminal case begins in district court. This is where arraignment, initial bond, misdemeanor cases and early felony proceedings are handled.

Open Clare County Courts
Felony after bind-over

55th Circuit Court

Address:
225 W. Main Street
Harrison, MI 48625

Phone: 989-539-7131
Fax: 989-539-6616

Continue here when a felony is bound over from the 80th District Court. Save the circuit-court case number because it may differ from the original district-court number.

MiCOURT micro-steps

Open Official MiCOURT
  1. Select the Clare County court connected to the case.
  2. Use the case number whenever available.
  3. If searching by name, compare the filing date and county.
  4. Open the complete case detail.
  5. Record the charge, bond, hearing and register of actions.
  6. If the district case shows a bind-over, search the 55th Circuit Court.
  7. Call the clerk before traveling because schedules can change.
A jail entry documents custody or an allegation. It does not prove conviction. Use the court record to verify dismissal, amendment, plea, conviction, acquittal, sentence or a later set-aside.

Appointed or private representation

How to Get a Lawyer After a Clare County Arrest

At arraignment

Request appointed counsel

“I cannot afford to hire an attorney. I want appointed counsel and I want to complete the financial screening form immediately.”
  • Request counsel in the 80th District Court.
  • Complete financial information accurately.
  • Return the form immediately.
  • Record the assigned lawyer’s name and office number.
After appointment

If the lawyer has not contacted the inmate

  1. Confirm that counsel was formally appointed.
  2. Obtain the attorney’s name from the court.
  3. Call the lawyer’s office with the booking number.
  4. State that the client remains in local custody.
  5. Provide the next hearing date.
  6. Do not describe case facts in voicemail.
Hire private counsel

State Bar Lawyer Referral

Phone: 800-968-0738

Find a Michigan Lawyer
  1. Select criminal defense.
  2. State Clare County and the next court date.
  3. Ask whether the lawyer handles custody and bond matters.
  4. Request the fee agreement in writing.
Questions for a private lawyer
  • Do you regularly appear in Clare County?
  • Can you contact the jailed client promptly?
  • Will you address bond?
  • What is included in the quoted fee?
  • Are investigator or expert costs separate?
  • Who answers urgent calls?
Do not interfere with the case
  • Do not coach witnesses.
  • Do not delete messages.
  • Do not move or hide evidence.
  • Do not create an alibi.
  • Do not post accusations or explanations online.

Medication, withdrawal and mental health

How to Report an Urgent Health Need

1

Call the control room

Use 989-539-7166, extension 4238, and ask for the approved medical-information process.

2

Prepare exact details

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

3

State the risk clearly

Mention seizures, diabetes, withdrawal, suicide risk or required medical equipment.

4

Do not deliver pills unasked

Wait for correctional or medical staff instructions before bringing medication.

Information sheet

  • Full legal name
  • Booking number
  • Medication name and dosage
  • Last dose taken
  • Prescriber and pharmacy numbers
  • Allergies
  • Medical or mental-health diagnosis
  • Withdrawal or self-harm risk

Emergency escalation

For a life-threatening emergency, call 911 and explain that the person is believed to be held at the Clare County Jail, 255 W. Main Street in Harrison.

For a mental-health or suicide crisis requiring guidance, call or text 988.

Calls and video communication

How to Use HomeWAV for Clare County Jail Communication

Linked by Clare County

HomeWAV account setup

Open HomeWAV
  1. Create an account using your legal name and contact information.
  2. Verify your email address or telephone number.
  3. Select Michigan and the Clare County facility when available.
  4. Search using the inmate’s booked name or identification number.
  5. Review available services, current rates and device requirements.
  6. Add funds only after confirming the correct inmate.
  7. Test your camera, microphone and internet before a video session.
Before spending money

Confirm these details with the jail

  • The inmate has completed intake.
  • The inmate is active in HomeWAV.
  • Calls, video sessions or both are available.
  • Any required visitor approval is complete.
  • The current schedule and duration.
  • The current rate and refund process.
  • Rules for identification and minors.
Do not discuss the alleged offense on HomeWAV. Communications may be monitored or recorded. Use calls for health, children, housing, work, transportation, attorney contact and court reminders.

Funds and commissary

How to Deposit Money Through Express Account

Official county provider

Express Account

Clare County directs families to Express Account for inmate deposits and commissary ordering.

Telephone assistance: 866-422-6833

Open Express Account
  1. Create or open your Express Account profile.
  2. Select Michigan.
  3. Choose Clare County in Harrison.
  4. Enter the inmate’s booked name and identification number.
  5. Select the correct deposit or commissary service.
  6. Review the service fee before paying.
  7. Save the confirmation number.
Avoid deposit errors
  • Confirm the inmate number first.
  • Check whether the person remains at the facility.
  • Use the legal name shown in booking.
  • Review transaction limits and fees.
  • Keep the receipt.
  • Ask how quickly funds become available.
Do not use an account link sent by an unknown caller or social-media profile. Open Express Account from the official Clare County sheriff page or enter the provider address yourself.

Mail, clothing and property

Call Before Sending Mail or Driving to Pick Up Property

The official sheriff page does not publish a complete current inmate-mail format, prohibited-item list, property-pickup schedule or clothing-exchange process. Publishing guessed rules could cause a rejected letter or wasted trip.

Need Ask the jail Prepare Avoid
Postal mail What is the exact current mailing address and name format? Full booked name, inmate number and return address Cash, staples, perfume, prohibited photos or original documents
Books or publications Must they arrive directly from an approved publisher? Title, seller and inmate number Ordering before confirming the rule
Property pickup Is a signed inmate release or appointment required? Government-issued identification Arriving without authorization
Release clothing Can clothing be delivered before release? Weather-appropriate basic clothing Bringing bags or prohibited items

Police reports and public records

How to Request Clare County Arrest Records

Sheriff records

Written records request

The Sheriff’s Records Division states that non-crash records may be requested in writing using the county FOIA process.

Sheriff records email:
vanwagnerl@clareco.net

Open Sheriff Records Section
County FOIA

County administration route

Phone: 989-539-2510
Fax: 989-539-2588

Address:
Clare County Administration
225 W. Main Street
P.O. Box 438
Harrison, MI 48625

Open County FOIA Information
Traffic crash

Crash-report route

The sheriff directs crash-report users to the LexisNexis BuyCrash service.

Open BuyCrash
  1. Select Michigan.
  2. Enter the incident details.
  3. Confirm the reporting agency.
  4. Review the fee before purchasing.

Include these details in a focused records request

  • Incident or report number
  • Date and approximate time
  • Location
  • Arrested person’s full name
  • Arresting agency
  • Specific records requested
  • Preferred electronic or paper delivery
A police report is not the same as a certified court disposition. Use the court clerk when formal proof of dismissal, conviction, plea, acquittal or sentence is required.

Victim safety and notifications

Clare County Victim Help and MI-VINE Alerts

Local prosecutor

Clare County Prosecutor’s Office

Address:
225 W. Main Street
P.O. Box 586
Harrison, MI 48625

Phone: 989-539-9831
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
Lunch closure: 12:00–1:00 p.m.

Ask for the victim advocate when you need case notifications, victim-rights information or safety-related court guidance.

Open Prosecutor Page
Free custody alerts

MI-VINE

MI-VINE is a free, confidential 24-hour service providing custody-status and case information. Users can register for release, transfer or escape notifications.

Phone: 800-770-7657

Open MI-VINE
  1. Continue to VINELink.
  2. Search the person’s legal name.
  3. Confirm the correct person and facility.
  4. Select a safe notification method.
  5. Protect the PIN or login information.
Call 911 for immediate danger. Do not meet the defendant to exchange property, do not reveal a protected address and preserve threatening calls, texts, emails or voicemails.

Prepare before driving to Harrison

Clare County Jail Release-Day Checklist

Confirm before leaving home

  • Every hold has cleared.
  • Release processing has started.
  • The pickup entrance is confirmed.
  • Property-return instructions are known.
  • Transportation and safe housing are ready.

Collect before leaving the facility

  • Written release conditions
  • Next court date
  • Attorney contact
  • No-contact restrictions
  • Reporting or testing instructions
  • Medication plan
  • Property receipt

Transportation

Bring a charged phone, weather-appropriate clothing and reliable transportation.

Home and children

Arrange housing, childcare, school transportation, pets and employment communication.

First 24 hours

Read every condition, call counsel and enter the next hearing into two calendars.

Dial 211 for help locating housing, food, transportation, utility, mental-health and local family resources.

Clare County-specific shortcuts

Local Tips That Prevent Wasted Calls and Trips

Harrison is the county-seat route

The sheriff, jail and county courts are in Harrison, even when the arrest occurred in Clare, Farwell or a township.

City arrest and county jail are different records

The arresting police agency controls its incident report, while the county jail controls booking and custody information.

Use the control room for a recent booking

Extension 4238 is more useful than repeatedly refreshing unofficial roster or mugshot pages.

Use Express Account only after identity is confirmed

A deposit to the wrong same-name inmate may be difficult to correct. Verify the inmate number first.

Follow felony cases into circuit court

When the 80th District Court record shows a bind-over, continue searching in the 55th Circuit Court.

Call before mailing or visiting

The official sheriff page does not publish enough current detail to safely assume mail formatting or visit schedules.

Save these Clare County contacts

Jail, Court, Dispatch and Records Directory

Sheriff and jail

Clare County Sheriff

255 W. Main Street
Harrison, MI 48625
989-539-7166
Control room: ext. 4238
Jail administrator: ext. 4249

District court

80th District Court

225 W. Main Street
Harrison, MI 48625
989-539-7173

Circuit court

55th Circuit Court

225 W. Main Street
Harrison, MI 48625
989-539-7131

Non-emergency

Central Dispatch

Available 24 hours
989-539-1336

Prosecutor

Victim assistance route

225 W. Main Street
Harrison, MI 48625
989-539-9831

Commissary help

Express Account

866-422-6833

Before traveling

  • Confirm the person remains in custody.
  • Confirm the correct public entrance.
  • Confirm lobby or counter hours.
  • Ask whether an appointment is required.
  • Bring accepted identification.
  • Confirm phone, bag and recording restrictions.
  • Do not bring children unless permitted.

Official action links

Use Each Portal for One Specific Task

County information

Clare County Sheriff

Jail contacts, Express Account, HomeWAV and sheriff-record information.

Open Sheriff Page
Case progress

MiCOURT

Search participating Michigan court cases, hearings and registers of actions.

Open MiCOURT
Custody alerts

MI-VINE

Check custody status and register for release or transfer notifications.

Open MI-VINE
Calls and video

HomeWAV

Create an account only after confirming the inmate is active in the system.

Open HomeWAV
Money and commissary

Express Account

Select Michigan and Clare County in Harrison after verifying the inmate number.

Open Express Account
Private lawyer

State Bar Referral

Request a Clare County criminal-defense referral.

Find a Lawyer

10 practical Clare County answers

Clare County Jail Roster FAQs

1. How do I find someone arrested in Clare County?
Call the Clare County Sheriff at 989-539-7166 and request the jail control room, extension 4238. Give the person’s full legal name, date of birth, arrest location and approximate arrest time. Ask whether booking is complete and obtain the inmate number.
2. Does Clare County publish an official live jail roster?
The official sheriff page reviewed for this update does not clearly identify a county-operated public live-roster portal. For current custody, use the jail control room or MI-VINE rather than relying on an unofficial mugshot website.
3. Why is a same-day arrest not appearing online?
Transport, fingerprinting, medical screening and booking entry may still be underway. The person may also be listed under another spelling, held temporarily elsewhere, transferred or released. Call the jail before assuming there is no custody.
4. Where is the Clare County Jail?
The sheriff and jail are located at 255 W. Main Street, Harrison, Michigan 48625. Call 989-539-7166 before traveling to confirm custody, the correct entrance and current public-access rules.
5. How do I verify a Clare County bond?
Confirm the exact amount, bond type, court, payment location and status of every hold with the jail or 80th District Court. Do not pay from an unofficial page, text or unsolicited telephone call.
6. Which court handles a Clare County criminal case?
A new adult criminal case begins in the 80th District Court. A felony that is bound over proceeds to the 55th Circuit Court. Search both court levels when the district record shows a transfer.
7. How do I arrange calls or video visits?
Clare County directs families to HomeWAV. Confirm that the inmate has completed booking and is active in the system. Create an account, select the Clare County facility, verify the correct inmate and review current rates and availability.
8. How do I send commissary money?
Clare County directs users to Express Account or 866-422-6833. Select Michigan and Clare County in Harrison, enter the full booked name and inmate number, review the fee and save the confirmation.
9. How do I report urgent medication needs?
Call 989-539-7166, extension 4238, and ask for the approved medical-information process. Prepare the medication name, dosage, last dose, prescriber, pharmacy, allergies and booking number. Do not bring medication unless instructed.
10. Does a Clare County booking prove conviction?
No. A booking or charge records an allegation and custody event. Verify dismissal, amendment, plea, conviction, acquittal or sentence through the 80th District Court, 55th Circuit Court or MiCOURT.
Independent information notice: Arrests-Org-Michigan.us is not operated by Clare County, the Clare County Sheriff, Michigan courts, Michigan State Police, MDOC, HomeWAV, Express Account or MI-VINE. Custody, bond, provider, court and release information can change. Verify urgent facts directly with the jail or court. An arrest is not proof of guilt, and this guide is not legal advice.

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