Free Cass County Records Search for Arrests, Marital Status, Court Cases, Crimes & More

Free Cass County Public Records Search
Access Cass County Records: marriage, divorce, warrants, arrests, probation, criminal, court, background checks, and all public records.

Search free Cass County public records through official agencies to learn more about another person or to see what’s on your own record.

Public records about marriage, divorce, arrests, warrants, court cases, property ownership and taxes, prisoners, crimes and probation are all available–but knowing which agency to check with is key.

This resource provides streamlined instructions on which agencies host a particular record and their processes which allows individuals to find public records in Cass County quickly and efficiently.

How To View Cass County Arrest Records & Mugshots for Free

Cass county arrest records can show details such as the name, age, race, gender, and mugshot of the individual. Individuals seeking arrest records often do so for reasons such as wanting to know where someone has been housed, booking information, bail and bond information, and offender release date.

The county sheriff’s office offers the broadest search for arrest records. Some countries publish jail rosters online through their websites, while for some, you must call to enquire. Arrest records can also be obtained from city police departments, as they often coordinate with the county sheriff’s office.

If you are looking for someone who is in jail, you need to know at least their name and other details, such as date of birth. Knowing their approximate location or arrest also helps in trying to locate the jail where they might be housed.

Utilize the Cass County Jail’s Arrest Log & Mugshot Search

County sheriff’s offices and departments are known as the first place to go if you are looking for someone’s arrest records. However, Cass County does not have a jail roster or an online inmate search feature. The Cass County Sheriff’s Office instead directs searchers to Vinelink if they are looking for someone in jail.

Using Vinelink’s online search form, specify the following in the search criteria:1

  • Searching for: Choose “An Offender/Defendant.”
  • Located in: this option is already prefilled with “Michigan.”
  • Whose: this option allows you to either provide the name of the offender, ID number, or case number.

It is important to know the details of the person whose arrest records you seek. When searching Vinelink using names, it is important to know both the first and last name of the offender for the best results. However, Vinelink still allows partial name search, as well as the option to display the offender photo if you want to find someone’s mugshot.

An additional detail you should have is the ID number of the individual. An exact ID number can also give you the best search results. In case you don’t know the full ID details, Vinelink allows you to enter partial ID details (at least four characters). This option is crucial, especially if you do not know the full details of the subject.

Vine search results display the following details about someone who is in jail:

  • Name
  • Date of birth
  • Aliases
  • ID number
  • Custody status
  • Custody status date
  • Custody detail – where the arrestee is located
  • Location – usually the county jail
  • Reporting agency – usually the county sheriff’s office

It is important to note that Vine is a victim information and notification system that allows you to get notified if someone who is in jail has been released. You need to have an account with Vine to use this service.

Cass County Sheriff’s Office also provides an electronic FOIA request from, where individuals can request for copies of public records.2 Once you submit the request for public records in Cass County, the Sheriff’s office has the option to:

  • Notify the requester that all or portion of the requested information is available on the county sheriff’s website at the time of request. This notice comes with the specific website/URL where the request can access this information.
  • If the request insists on getting paper copies or copies in any digital format, the Sheriff’s Office provides these copies at a fee.
A screenshot of the FOIA Request for Public Documents on Cass County Sheriff's Office website requires searchers to fill out the necessary information for the request, including the requester's full name, firm/organization, contact information, address, and select type of request and delivery method.
Source: Cass County Sheriff’s Office2

The sheriff’s office does not charge a fee for public information already on its website. Certain individual and non-profit organizations can seek a discount of $20 of the fee.

You can also visit or contact the Cass County Sheriff’s Office to inquire about arrests and jail records. The Cass County Jail is as indicated below, or you can call them at 269.445.1209.

To contact the Cass County Sheriff’s Office, use the details below:3

Cass County Sheriff’s Office
321 M-62
Cassopolis, MI 49031

Phone: 269.445.8644

Check for Arrests via Local Police Departments (Or Request Police Reports)

Police departments often offer a way to check for arrests either online or by visiting or calling them. Cass County has two cities, four villages, and several civil townships. Some of the towns, villages, and cities have police departments where you can call and inquire about Cass County bookings.

You can obtain a copy of a police report from Cass County Sheriff’s Office by contacting the Records Division at 269.445.8644. The sheriff’s office charges $20, only payable in cash.

The Dowagiac Police Department allows individuals to request police and accident reports by contacting the Administrative Assistant Monday to Friday from 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM.4 The department only accepts written FOIA (Freedom of Information Act) requests, and you should expect a response within five business days. A copy of a police report attracts a $10/page fee.

For any inquiries, you can contact or visit the Dowagiac Police Department using the details below:

Dowagiac Police Department
241 S. Front St.
Dowagiac, MI 49047

Phone (Administration): 269.782.9743 (extension 301)
Phone (After Hours): 269.782.6689
Fax No.: 269.782.3210

The Edwardsburg Police Department in Ontwa Township also provides reports, including arrests, according to the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA). Per FOIA, the department can grant your request, deny it in part, provide partial information, or take 10 business days extension.

The department charges a fee to process requests, and for any requests costing more than $50, a deposit is required. You can send an FOIA request by email, mail, or fax using the details below:

Ontwa Township Edwardsburg Police Department
Attn: FOIA Coordinator
P.O. Box 650
Edwardsburg, MI 49112 

Fax: 269.663.2195
Email: [email protected]

For additional inquiries, contact the Edwardsburg Police Department at 269.663.8444 or visit them at:

Ontwa Township/Edwardsburg Police Department
26296 US-12
Edwardsburg, MI 49112

Cassopolis, the county seat, also has a police department serving Vandalia and other villages. You can call them at 269.445.8100 for inquiries or visit them at the address below:

Cassopolis Police Department
117 S. Broadway Street. #100
Cassopolis, MI 49031 

You can check for arrests in Marcellus by calling the superintendent at 269.646.3310. In case the Cass County public records are not available online, the county sheriff’s office can furnish you with copies if you submit a FOIA request.

Individuals can also contact the Tribal Police, a law enforcement agency with jurisdiction within Pokagon Band of Potawatomi Indian Tribe.5 The Tribal Police has offices in Dowagiac, MI, and their contact details are below:

Pokagon Tribal Police Dowagiac Main Office
58620 Sink Rd
Dowagiac, MI 49047

Phone: 269.462.1028

How To Search Criminal Records in Cass County Michigan

The quest for a free criminal record check can yield several results, including information on sex offenders, background check reports, criminal charges, probation status, arrest warrants, and more.

Individuals can access criminal records to gain insights into a person’s past or current situation, helping them make informed decisions regarding personal safety.

There are several custodians of these records, ranging from county agencies to state bodies. In Cass County, criminal records can be accessed through the county sheriff’s office, police departments, and the court system.

The following sections detail how to search criminal records as part of your endeavor to obtain criminal records in Cass County.

Find Out if Someone Has a Criminal History in Cass County Michigan by Utilizing the MICourt Case Search Tool

Cass County Courts provide access to court records, which usually contain information on someone’s criminal history. The MiCOURT Case Search provides free public records search to both the circuit court and district court records for the following types of cases:

  • Civil cases
  • Traffic offenses
  • Criminal cases
  • Domestic (Divorce/Family) cases
  • Probates

It is important to note that MiCOURT Case Search only displays information on cases of sentencing that occurred within the last seven years. The MiCOURT Case Search prohibits downloading bulk data.

To search someone’s criminal history in the 43rd Circuit Court, which Cass County, Michigan is within, visit the MiCOURT Case Search and enter the appropriate details.

A screenshot of MiCOURT's search page displays two search options: By Name or By Case Number for 43rd Circuit Court.
Source: MiCOURTS – 43rd Circuit Court6

You can search either by name or case number. The search result is extensive and offers a plethora of information on someone’s criminal history, including the following details:

  • Case ID
  • Court location
  • PIN
  • Case title
  • Date filed
  • Case status
  • Case parties and their details, including the date of birth
A screenshot of the case details from the search results on MiCOURTS - 43rd Circuit Court page displays information such as case ID, case entitlement, Judge, Court location, filed date and case status, including more buttons to view more details.
Source: MiCOURTS – 43rd Circuit Court7

To look up someone’s criminal record in the 4th District Court, which includes Cass County Michigan, utilize the MiCOURT Case Search and enter the search details. This option also allows you to search either by name or case number. The search result is also extensive and displays the information indicated above.

Although court dockets do not often provide a complete criminal history, they can show you if someone has interacted with the criminal justice system. Cass County Courts provide dockets for both the 43rd Circuit Court and 4th District Court.8 Some of the details provided by the court dockets include:

  • Name of the party
  • Time
  • Hearing info (this can pre-trial or adjournment in the case of District Court, or motion hearing, sentencing, or probation in the case of Circuit Court)
  • Case number
  • Court trial number (CTN)

How To Run a Cass County Michigan Warrant Search

The best way to run warrant searches is to track them locally through the county or local police departments. The Michigan Internet Criminal History Access Tool (ICHAT) allows individuals to look up criminal history records. However, it does not provide warrant information.

The Dowagiac Police Department serves and executes all search and arrest warrants in Cass County. You can call the departments and inquire about arrests or submit a FOIA request using the details shown above.

To find Cass County warrants, you can also contact the Sheriff’s Office or any of the police departments mentioned above and inquire. To contact the Cass County Sheriff’s Office, use the details below or submit a FOIA request.

Cass County Sheriff’s Office
321 M-62
Cassopolis, MI 49031

Phone: 269.445.8644 

Since prosecutors review most criminal cases in Cass County, you can contact their office to inquire about a warrant out in your name. Use the details below to reach out to Cass County Prosecutor’s Office from 8 AM to 5 PM:9

Cass County’s Prosecutor’s Office
Law and Courts Building
60296 M-62, Suite 6
Cassopolis, MI 49031

Telephone: 269.445.4460
Fax: 269.445.4409

How To Determine if Someone Is on Probation in Cass County MI

Probation, also known as supervised release, aims to rehabilitate individuals convicted of a crime while also protecting the community.

Cass County has various probation officers, including juvenile and adult probation. Their contact details are as listed below:

It is important to note that juvenile records are not public and are therefore not available.

MiCOURT Case Search, Michigan’s statewide unified court system, allows individuals to search various cases. Court cases often show details such as the type of case, court date, and whether the offender is under probation.

Individuals can search the 43rd Circuit Court through MiCOURT and conduct a search on probation records either by name or by case number. If you are running a general probation search, look for criminal cases in the form of [State] vs. [Defendant]. If the case involves probation, the details include the following:

  • Probation term
  • Probation officer
  • Curfew time

The Cass County Court dockets are also an excellent place to look for probation records. Case dockets are formal proceedings about a case and are maintained by courts. 43 Circuit Court dockets, displays the type of hearing under “hearing Info.” this can be:

  • Motion hearing
  • Probation violation arraignment
  • Sentence hearing
  • Plea hearing
A screenshot of the 43rd Circuit Court and Probate Court Docket from the Michigan Courts website shows a list of the cases, including information such as party name, time, hearing info, case number and CTN, with an option to print.
Source: MiCOURTS – 43rd Circuit Court10

The Michigan Department of Corrections runs regional probation/parole offices across the State. Cass County is in the Region 8 Operations Office, and individuals can contact or visit the MDOC Probation/Parole Office using the details below:

Cass County Building
201 N. M-62
Cassopolis, MI 49031-1302

Phone: 269.445.4404

The Michigan Department of Corrections provides the Offender Tracking Information System (OTIS), an online tool to track offenders in correctional facilities in the state. A search through OTIS yields details about the offender, such as:

  • Name
  • DOB
  • Status (probation, prison, absconded, etc.)
  • Parole Board Jurisdiction date (if available)

How To Obtain a Cass County Background Check & Report

Background checks can be conducted for personal and professional reasons. Anyone can perform a background check through government agencies listed in this resource or third-party providers. You do not need someone’s consent to perform a background check on them since this information is publicly available.

For your own safety and personal relationships, you can conduct a background check on your roommate, online date, a neighbor who just moved into the neighborhood, or even on your babysitter.

As much as background checks provide valuable information, the usage of this information is governed by various laws to protect individual privacy and rights. If you conduct a background check from an online directory, you can not use that information to misrepresent someone, harass your neighbor, stalk your ex, or even share or sell that information.

Professional bodies also conduct background checks for varying reasons, including employment screening, criminal history checks, insurance purposes, and even professional license verifications.

Cass County and the major cities, towns, and villages do not offer background checks. However, the Michigan State Police, through the Internet Criminal History Access Tool (ICHAT), allows name-based professional background checks.

To conduct a professional background check, access ICHAT, register or login, and enter your search criteria. This public index allows you to search using the following details:

  1. Reasons for search (employment, housing, licensing, student volunteer; you can also choose not to disclose the reasons for the search)
  2. First name (required), middle name (optional), last name (required)
  3. Date of birth (required)
  4. Race (required)
  5. Gender
  6. SID (optional)

Search results are available immediately online and for the next seven days, after which they are deleted. You can only access the printable search results at a $10 fee payable via debit or credit card. It is important to note that you cannot conduct a search using a Social Security Number (SSN) or driver’s license number.

For more information on how ICHAT works, visit the FAQ page or email them at 517.241.0606 or send an email to [email protected].

Name-based background checks are not often accurate, thus the need for fingerprint background checks. The Michigan State Police provides fingerprint-based background checks for employment, licensing, visa, immigration, or personal records checks.

To request this type of background check:

  1. Fill out an application for employment and licensing, and complete the RI-030 Live Scan Fingerprint Background Check Request Form.11 For other requests, you can obtain a Michigan Applicant Fingerprint Card (RI-008) or FBI Applicant Fingerprint Card (FD-258) from a local law enforcement agency.
  2. Visit an approved Live Scan Vendor or visit your local police department or Sheriff’s Office for fingerprinting. Cass Sheriff’s Office does appointment-only fingerprinting services from Mon-Fri, 10:30 AM – 3:30 PM.
  3. Mail the fingerprints with a $30 fee (via check or money order) to the Michigan State Police at the address below:

Michigan State Police
CJIC
P.O. Box 30266 
Lansing, Michigan 48909-7766

A screenshot of the Livescan Fingerprint Background Check Request form to Michigan State Police, where the searcher must input the necessary information for the request, with an option to print.
Source: Michigan State Police11

As part of Cass County Public records, professional background checks are conducted in accordance with specific laws, and subjects have the right to dispute the information from these checks. The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) stipulates guidelines and federal laws that employers must abide by in conducting background checks.

According to the EEOC, employers must conduct background checks in a fair and non-discriminatory manner. You can file a discrimination charge if you believe you have been discriminated against in the workplace.

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC), the agency responsible for enforcing the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA), can potentially help if a background check is conducted without your written consent. FCRA stipulates the need for written consent when conducting background checks, and violations can be reported by filing a complaint.

Michigan is also one of the recent states that “moved outside the box” to Ban the Box law. Occupational licensing and state job applicants are no longer required to state whether they have previously been convicted of a felony.

How To Acquire Criminal Records Through Michigan State & Federal Agencies

You can access Michigan public records through various state and federal agencies.

The Michigan Department of Corrections, through its Offender Tracking Information System (OTIS), allows individuals to check public records. Through OTIS, individuals can access information on probationers under supervision by the MDOC, parolees, and prisoners. OTIS enables you to get information about:

  • A prisoner who is in or was in a Michigan prison
  • Parolees and probationers who are under supervision, have been transferred out of the state, or have absconded

You won’t get the following information through OTIS:

  • Exempt information under the Michigan Freedom of Information Act
  • Information on individuals who have been arrested and convicted but not yet sentenced
  • Information on offenders from other states
  • Information about prisoners in county jails; this information can be obtained from the Cass County Sheriff’s Office or the various police departments in the county
  • Details about offenders off supervision for over three years; this information is available via ICHAT, as described above in this resource

To start your search, visit OTIS Offender Search and enter your search details.

A screenshot of the Michigan Department of Corrections' Offender Tracking Information System shows the required fields to search, such as the offender's full name, MDOC number, sex, race, age, and offender status.
Source: Michigan Department of Corrections12

You are required to provide one or a combination of the following search criteria:

  • First and last names
  • MDOC number
  • Sex
  • Race
  • Age
  • Offender status
  • Marks, scars, or tattoos

In the search results, click on the Offender Number to view more details such as date of birth, location, status (probation, parole, prison, or discharge), and maximum date.

Under the Sex Offenders Registration Act, MCL 28.721, the Michigan State Police provides a Sex Offender registry where individuals can conduct searches on sex offenders.13 This public records repository allows you to either conduct a name search or see a neighborhood map.

To conduct a name search, visit the Michigan Sex Offender Registry and enter any of the following details:

  • First and/or last name
  • Registration number such as MDOC number
  • Street address
  • City, county, zip code

In the search results, click on View Details to see more information on the offender. Additional details provided include:

  • Offender full name
  • Photo or mugshot
  • Registration number
  • Sex
  • Status
  • Height
  • Eye color
  • Last verification date
  • Compliance status
  • Age

You have the option to track the offender, map them, or submit a tip regarding the offender. The search results further provide details such as offender aliases, information on scars, marks, or tattoos, and vehicle details of the offender, including the license plate. You also have the option to print the search results.

The Michigan Sex Offender Registry further lists the provides the following in regards to sex offender search:

The Michigan State Police also provides Internet Criminal History Access Tool (ICHAT), an online tool to conduct name-based criminal history background checks. You need an account to use ICHAT and print search results, which costs $10. The process is detailed in the background checks section.

Michigan has a Federal Correctional Institution in Milan. Individuals looking for criminal records of federal prisoners can conduct their search through the Federal Bureau of Prisons Inmate Locator. The BOP provides information on federal inmates incarcerated from 1982 to date.

Through the BOP, you can search an offender either by number or by name. A BOP search yields the following details:

  • Offender name
  • Registration number
  • Age
  • Sex
  • Race
  • Release date
  • Location

From criminal cases and records prior to 1982, you can contact the National Archives and Records Administration and inquire. For more information on historical records held by NARA, you can contact them at the details below:

National Archives at Chicago
7358 South Pulaski Road
Chicago, IL 60629

Phone: 773.948.9001
Email: [email protected]

The US Department of Justice also provides a Sex Offender Registry where individuals can conduct nationwide sex offender searches. The NSOPW allows individuals to search the registry by name or location.

In the NSOPW search results, click on the mugshot or photo to view more details about the offender. Clicking on the mugshot redirects you to the respective state sex offender registry, where you can view further details about the offender, such as:

  • Name
  • Aliases
  • Gender
  • Last known address
  • Additional pictures and mugshots
  • Offender physical descriptions
  • Offense
  • Convocation state
  • Conviction status

Court records serve as a great place to conduct criminal records searches. MiCOURT Case Search provides online access to case information in Michigan courts. Through MiCOURT, you can select the county and court name and conduct your search as described in the Cass County court records section.

The Public Access to Court Electronic Records (PACER) is also an online service that allows individuals to look at cases from federal appellate, district, and bankruptcy courts.

You need an account to conduct a search on PACER. PACER does not charge a registration fee but charges a $.10 per page fee, capped at $3 for single documents and case reports of more than 30 pages.

How To Conduct a Cass County Court Case Lookup

Cass County Courts houses the 43rd Circuit Court, Surrogate Court, and the 4th District Court, where individuals can access judicial records.14 Individuals can search Cass County judicial records through MiCOURT Case Search or access the respective court dockets.

A screenshot of the result from the search on the Michigan Court - 4th District Court website shows information including case ID, case title, filing date, case status, balance, Court, subject's name, party type and year of birth.
Source: MiCOURTS – 4th District Court15

The 4th District Court is the entry point for all criminal cases. It oversees all felonies, from preliminary examination and initial arraignments until the case enters the 43rd Circuit Court. The 4th District Court handles:

  • Civil claims
  • Traffic violations
  • Criminal misdemeanors
  • Landlord-tenant disputes
  • Small claims – up to $6500

The 43rd Circuit Court is the trial court with general jurisdiction in Cass County. Some of its county-wide jurisdiction cases include:

  • Criminal matters
  • Domestic relations
  • Juvenile matters
  • Adoptions
  • Name changes
  • Appeals from other courts

Below are the respective links to aid in your Cass County case search.

MiCOURT Case Search:

Dockets:

For additional inquiries regarding Cass County case records, searchers can contact the County Court from Monday to Friday, 8 AM to 5 PM.

Cass County Circuit Court
60296 M-62, Law and Courts Building
Cassopolis, MI 49031

Phone: 269.445.4416
Fax: 269.445.4453

Cass County District Court
60296 M-62, Law and Courts Building
Cassopolis, MI 49031

Phone: 269.445.4424
Fax: 269.445.4486

The MiCOURT Case Search system provides statewide case searches for all courts in Michigan. MiCOURT Case Search prohibits bulk downloads and provides information on criminal cases whose sentencing occurred within the last seven years. Through MiCourt Case Search, individuals can select the county and court name and conduct a search.

How To See Marriage, Divorce, Birth & Death Records in Cass County Michigan: Vital Records

Vital records refer to official documents that contain significant life events, including but not limited to birth, marriage, divorce, and death. Individuals can seek vital records for various reasons, including tracing ancestries and building family trees using birth, marriage, and death records.

Vital records can also be used to find out if someone is married or facilitate property and financial transactions. Birth and death certificates can also be used to verify identity or citizenship, enroll in school, or secure inheritance.

Cass County public records, which encompass vital records, can be accessed through the Clerk Register Office. The requester can fill out an online application form and submit a request alongside a small fee.

The Michigan Vital Records Department, through VitalChek, also provides access to vital records dating back to 1867. The following sections go into detail on how to obtain each type of vital record.

Determine if Someone Is Married or Divorced in Cass County Michigan via the Clerk Register Office

The County Clerk Register Office is the custodian of Cass County marriage records.16 To check if someone is married, fill the application form. For certified copies of marriage records, you are required to provide:

  • Maiden name of the bride
  • Name of groom
  • Date of marriage

The County Clerk Register Office charges a $15 fee for the initial request and $5 fee for each additional copy of marriage records. Mail the filled application form to the following address:

Cass County Clerk Register Office
120 N Broadway, Suite 123
Cassopolis, MI 49031

Phone: 269.445.4464
Fax: 269.445.4406
Email: [email protected]

The 43rd Circuit Court has county-wide jurisdiction over all actions, including domestic relations cases. To obtain Cass County divorce records, contact the Circuit Court from 8 AM to 4:45 PM at:

43rd Circuit Court
File Room
60296 M-62
Cassopolis, MI 49031

Phone: 269.445.4416
Fax: 269.445.4453

The Michigan Vital Records Department provides copies of birth certificates, death certificates, marriage records, and divorce records dating back to 1867. Anyone can request marriage records in Michigan as long as they pay the required fee. The process for requesting these records is outlined by VitalChek.

Retrieve Death & Birth Records Through the Cass County Clerk Register Office

The Cass County Clerk Register Office provides certified copies of birth certificates. To obtain a copy of a birth certificate, you must be one of the following:

  • Heir
  • The legal representative of an eligible person
  • The subject of the record
  • Legal guardians (certified papers are required)
  • Parents named on the record

During application, the researcher must identify themselves using a driver’s license, passport, or state ID. In the absence of these, the searcher must produce three other documents with their name listed on the documents.

To request a certified copy of a certificate of birth, fill out the application form alongside a $15 fee and $5 for any additional copies (personal checks or money orders). Mail the application form to the address shown in the marriage records section. Remember to include a self-addressed stamped envelope alongside your request.

A screenshot of the Application for a Certified Copy of Birth Records from the Cass County Clerk/Register's Office shows the requested fields, such as the applicant's information, certification of information provided, purpose, and eligibility.
Source: Cass County Clerk/Register’s Office17

For requests where the parents were not married at the time of birth, the searcher should contact the Michigan Department of Community Health or call them at 517.335.8666.18

To obtain a copy of a certificate of death, fill out the application form and pay a $15 fee for the first copies and $5 for every additional request.

The Michigan Health and Human Services also provides copies of birth and death certificates through VitalChek. Visit the Michigan Vital Records Department on how to obtain a copy.

How To Determine Who Owns a Property or Home in Cass County Michigan at No Cost

There are various ways to determine who owns a property, such as through the county assessor’s office or website, online real property databases, and even through property tax bills.

You can determine who owns a property or home in Cass County via the Sheriff’s Office or the court system. You should first check the county records, as the online portal provides a broad and all-encompassing way to perform a search.

Cass County provides property tax searches through the BS&A Online portal. BS&A is an online platform for individuals and businesses to conduct searches on properties and tax records. BS&A online allows individuals to search using the address, name, and parcel number of the property.

Please note that record searches attract a $6 fee per search.

The Cass County Sheriff’s Office also provides Property Tax Payment Status records. These records can help in determining who owns a property, as they contain the name of the individual or entity making the payment.

A screenshot of the Tax Status Reports from the Cass County Administration Office page displays a list of property documents in PDF format.
Source: Cass County Administration Office19

The Cass County Probate Court, the oldest court in Michigan, is responsible for hearing and settling estate cases involving deceased persons. Estate records, property transfer records, and wills can indicate property ownership. Individuals can search the court cases viaMiCOURT Case Search and conduct their search either by name or case number.

Cass County Courts also provide live dockets that show case proceedings and the parties.

Citizens’ Rights & Responsibilities Regarding Cass County Public Records

Anyone can search public records for personal use. However, you cannot use the information from public records for unlawful activities, including stalking, harassment, and identity theft. Inasmuch as you do not require consent, always consider and respect the rights and privacy of the subject when looking for public records.

The Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) further facilitates access to public records, enhancing transparency and accountability while still respecting privacy and individual rights. The FOIA strives to protect national security, personal privacy, and law enforcement.

Professional bodies and government agencies are required to abide by specific laws when conducting background checks.

The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) provides guidelines to ensure employees conduct background checks in a fair and non-discriminatory manner. The EEOC requires employers to obtain written consent from applicants before conducting background checks.

Additionally, background checks should not be used to disproportionate individuals based on race, color, religion, sex, and national origin. If you believe you are a victim of job discrimination, you can file a complaint with the EEOC.20

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) enforces the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA), regulating how professional background checks are conducted and used. The FTC stipulates that employers must obtain consent from applicants/employees before conducting the background check and further notify the applicants if the information from the background check affects hiring decisions.

Individuals seeking redress can report fraud to the FTC. The FCRA also allows individuals to opt out of receiving prescreened offers of credit based on their consumer reports by calling +1.888.567.8688.

The Michigan Senate Bill 353 prohibits local governmental agencies from enacting “Ban the Box” ordinances.21 SB 353 further prevents these bodies from regulating hiring decisions for private-sector employers. SB 353 prohibits inquiries into an applicant’s criminal history until later in the hiring process.

With this in mind, anyone can access Cass County public records – including arrest records, warrants, criminal records, and court records – through the county and Michigan state agencies seen in this resource. 


References

1Vinelink – Michigan. (n.d.). Search. Retrieved October 10, 2023, from <https://vinelink.vineapps.com/search/MI/Person>

2Cass County Government. (n.d.). Form Center. Retrieved October 10, 2023, from <https://www.casscountymi.org/FormCenter/Online-Forms-7/FOIA-Request-for-Public-Records-Sheriffs-75>

3Cass County Sheriff’s Office. (n.d.). Directory. Retrieved October 10, 2023, from <https://www.casscountymi.org/Directory.aspx?did=16>

4City of Dowagiac Police Department. (n.d.). Contact Us. Retrieved October 10, 2023, from <https://www.cityofdowagiac.com/government/police/contact_information.php>

5Pokagon Band. (n.d.). Tribal Police Stations. Retrieved October 10, 2023, from <https://www.pokagonband-nsn.gov/departments/tribal-police/locations/>

6Michigan Court. (n.d.). MiCOURT Search Page. Retrieved October 10, 2023, from <https://micourt.courts.michigan.gov/case-search/court/C43>

7Michigan Court. (n.d.). Case Details. MiCOURT Search Page. Retrieved October 10, 2023, from <https://micourt.courts.michigan.gov/case-search/court/C43/case-details?caseId=2018-0000000643-CZ&tenantKey=C43-14-0622860-00-00&searchUrl=%2Fcourt%2FC43%2Fsearch%3FfirstName%3Djohn%26middleName%3D%26lastName%3Dsmith%26birthYear%3D0%26caseNumber%3D%26caseYe>

8Michigan Courts. (n.d.). 4th District Court. Retrieved October 10, 2023, from <https://micourt.courts.michigan.gov/CourtDisplay/Display/public/8ghOjwoFQEivNJv6iR8ApQ>

9Cass County Prosecutor’s Office. (n.d.). Contact Us. Retrieved October 10, 2023, from <http://www.casscoprosecutor.com/Contact-Us>

10Michigan Courts. (n.d.). Dockets. 43rd Circuit Court and Probate Court. Retrieved October 10, 2023, from <https://micourt.courts.michigan.gov/CourtDisplay/Display/public/n3LL5vjx40udJhuYbnFcTw#>

11Michigan State Police. (2015, November). Livescan Fingerprint Background Check Request. Retrieved October 10, 2023, from <https://dhhs.michigan.gov/course212/Fingerprint_Security_Awareness_Training/story_content/external_files/RI-030.pdf>

12Michigan Department of Corrections. (n.d.). Offender Tracking Information System (OTIS). Retrieved October 10, 2023, from <https://mdocweb.state.mi.us/OTIS2/otis2.aspx>

13Michigan Department of Corrections. (2011, July 1). Policy Directive. Retrieved October 10, 2023, from <https://www.michigan.gov/corrections/-/media/Project/Websites/corrections/Files/Policy-Directives/PDs-01-Administration-and-Organization/PD-0106-Public-and-Media-Relations/01-06-115-Sex-Offenders-Registration-Act-effective-04-01-14.pdf?rev=23bc8e52bca74418>

14Cass County Courts. (n.d.). Contact Us. Retrieved October 10, 2023, from <https://casscourtsmi.org/contact-us/>

15Michigan Courts. (n.d.). MiCOURTS – 4th District Court. Retrieved October 10, 2023, from <https://micourt.courts.michigan.gov/case-search/court/D04/search?firstName=&middleName=&lastName=smith&birthYear=0&caseNumber=&caseYear=0&caseType=&page=1>

16Cass County Clerk/Register’s Office. (n.d.). Online Services. Retrieved October 10, 2023, from <https://www.casscountymi.org/154/Clerk-Register-Office>

17Cass County Clerk/Register’s Office. (n.d.). Application for Certified Copy of Birth Certificate. Retrieved October 10, 2023, from <https://www.casscountymi.org/DocumentCenter/View/74/Certified-Birth-Certificate-PDF>

18Michigan Department of Health & Human Services. (n.d.). Birth, Death, Marriage and Divorce Records. Retrieved October 10, 2023, from <https://www.michigan.gov/mdhhs/doing-business/vitalrecords>

19Cass County Administration Office. (n.d.). Tax Status Report. Retrieved October 10, 2023, from <https://www.casscountymi.org/DocumentCenter/Index/71>

20U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. (n.d.). How to File A Complaint. Retrieved October 10, 2023, from <https://www.eeoc.gov/youth/how-file-complaint>

21Cass County 99th Legislature. (2018, March 26). Senate Bill No. 353. Retrieved October 10, 2023, from <https://www.legislature.mi.gov/documents/2017-2018/publicact/pdf/2018-PA-0084.pdf>