Lenawee County Public Records /Lenawee County Inmate Search

Lenawee County Inmate Search

What Is Inmate Records In Lenawee County?

Inmate records in Lenawee County are official government documents maintained by the Lenawee County Sheriff's Office and its Corrections Division that document the custody, care, and control of individuals detained or incarcerated within county correctional facilities. These records constitute the comprehensive documentation of an individual's interaction with the county detention system from initial intake through final release.

Pursuant to Michigan Compiled Laws § 791.229, inmate records are distinct from court records in several important aspects:

Court records document judicial proceedings, charges, and case dispositions
Inmate records document physical custody, housing assignments, and institutional behavior
Court records are maintained by the judicial branch
Inmate records are maintained by law enforcement agencies

The creation of inmate records begins at booking, when individuals are processed into the Lenawee County Jail. During this intake procedure, corrections staff collect and document:

Biographical information
Photographs (mugshots)
Fingerprints
Medical screening information
Personal property inventory
Security classification assessments

These records are continuously updated throughout an individual's period of incarceration to reflect housing assignments, disciplinary actions, program participation, and other significant events. Upon release, records are finalized with discharge information but maintained according to the Michigan Department of Technology, Management and Budget's retention schedules.

Are Inmate Records Public In Lenawee County?

Inmate records in Lenawee County are partially accessible to the public under the Michigan Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), specifically MCL 15.231-15.246, which establishes the public's right to inspect, copy, or receive copies of public records maintained by government agencies, including the Sheriff's Office. However, access is subject to specific limitations and exemptions.

The Lenawee County Sheriff's Office currently makes certain inmate information publicly available, including:

Current inmate roster (individuals currently in custody)
Basic booking information
Charges filed
Bond/bail amounts
Expected release dates (for sentenced inmates)
Facility housing location (general information)

Certain information contained within inmate records is explicitly exempt from public disclosure under MCL 15.243, including:

Medical and mental health information
Information that would constitute an unwarranted invasion of personal privacy
Information that would endanger facility security
Records protected by other statutes

Members of the public seeking inmate records may submit a Freedom of Information Act request to the Lenawee County Sheriff's Office. The county has established procedures for processing such requests in accordance with statutory requirements.

What's Included Inmate Records in Lenawee County

Inmate records maintained by the Lenawee County Corrections Division contain comprehensive documentation of an individual's period of incarceration. These records typically include the following categories of information:

Basic Identifying Information:

Full legal name and any known aliases
Date of birth
Gender
Race/ethnicity
Height, weight, and identifying marks (tattoos, scars)
Booking photographs (mugshots)
Fingerprints
State identification numbers
FBI numbers (if applicable)

Custody Information:

Booking date and time
Arresting agency
Intake officer information
Classification assessment results
Housing assignments
Cell/unit transfers
Security level designations
Disciplinary incidents and hearings
Program participation records

Charge Information:

Arrest charges
Formal charges filed by prosecutor
Case numbers
Warrant information
Charge severity (felony/misdemeanor)
Charge status (pending/convicted)

Bond/Bail Information:

Bond type (personal recognizance, cash, surety)
Bond amount
Bond status (posted/not posted)
Bond conditions
Bond hearing dates

Court Information:

Court of jurisdiction
Judge assigned
Attorney information
Court dates
Court appearance records

Sentence Information (if convicted and serving sentence):

Conviction charges
Sentence length
Sentence start date
Projected release date
Good time/earned credit calculations
Parole eligibility date
Probation terms and conditions

Release Information:

Release date and time
Type of release (bond, completion of sentence, transfer)
Release conditions
Receiving agency (if transferred)
Post-release supervision requirements

The Records Division of the Lenawee County Sheriff's Office maintains these records in accordance with state record retention requirements.

Lenawee County Prison System

The Lenawee County correctional system operates under the authority of the Lenawee County Sheriff's Office, which maintains responsibility for the custody and care of individuals detained or incarcerated within the county. The system primarily consists of the Lenawee County Jail, which serves as the central detention facility for the county.

It is important to distinguish between county jails and state prisons:

The Lenawee County Jail houses individuals awaiting trial, serving sentences of less than one year, or awaiting transfer to state facilities
Michigan Department of Corrections state prisons house individuals convicted of felonies serving sentences longer than one year

The Lenawee County Jail serves multiple functions within the local criminal justice system:

Pre-trial detention for individuals who cannot post bail or are denied bail
Incarceration for individuals serving misdemeanor sentences (typically up to one year)
Temporary holding for individuals awaiting transfer to state prison facilities
Detention for individuals who have violated probation or parole conditions
Housing for individuals serving weekend or intermittent sentences

The jail operates under the direct supervision of the Corrections Division of the Sheriff's Office, which is responsible for maintaining security, providing basic needs, and ensuring compliance with state detention standards.

Lenawee County Sheriff's Office
405 N Winter Street
Adrian, MI 49221
(517) 263-0524
Lenawee County Sheriff's Office

Types of Correctional Facilities In Lenawee County

Lenawee County maintains a consolidated correctional system centered around the Lenawee County Jail, which serves as the primary detention facility for the county. The jail facility encompasses several specialized housing units designed to accommodate different inmate populations and security requirements.

Lenawee County Jail
405 N Winter Street
Adrian, MI 49221
(517) 263-0524
Lenawee County Corrections Division

The Lenawee County Jail facility includes:

Main Detention Center
- Maximum-security housing units
- Medium-security housing units
- Minimum-security housing units
- Special management units for inmates requiring separation
- Intake and processing area
- Medical observation cells
Work Release Center
- Housing for qualified inmates participating in work release programs
- Separate entrance and exit procedures
- Reduced security protocols for eligible low-risk offenders
Specialized Housing Areas
- Female inmate housing (separated from male population)
- Juvenile detention cells (for temporary holding only, prior to transfer to juvenile facilities)
- Medical housing for inmates with health concerns
- Mental health observation units
- Administrative segregation for disciplinary cases

The Lenawee County Jail operates in compliance with the Michigan Department of Corrections County Jail Information standards and undergoes regular inspections to ensure adherence to state requirements for detention facilities.

Unlike larger counties, Lenawee County does not operate separate facilities for different security classifications or specialized populations. Instead, these distinctions are managed through internal housing assignments within the main jail facility.

Who's in Prison In Lenawee County

The Lenawee County Jail houses a diverse population of individuals at various stages of the criminal justice process. The facility's population typically consists of the following categories:

Pre-trial Detainees:

Individuals who have been arrested and charged but not yet convicted
Those who could not post bail or were denied bail
Persons awaiting arraignment, preliminary hearings, or trial
Individuals held on warrants from other jurisdictions

Sentenced Inmates:

Persons convicted of misdemeanors serving sentences of up to one year
Individuals serving intermittent sentences (weekends only)
Those participating in work release programs while serving their sentences
Probation violators serving short-term sanctions

Temporary Holds:

Individuals awaiting transfer to Michigan Department of Corrections facilities
Persons held for federal agencies (U.S. Marshals Service, Immigration and Customs Enforcement)
Parole violators awaiting hearings or disposition
Individuals detained for court appearances from other facilities

According to Michigan Compiled Laws § 801.4, county jails are authorized to house:

Persons charged with offenses against the state awaiting trial
Persons convicted of offenses against the state serving sentences
Persons detained under civil process
Persons detained under the authority of the United States

The demographic composition of the Lenawee County Jail population reflects the broader community but with disproportionate representation of certain groups consistent with national incarceration trends. The jail population fluctuates daily based on arrests, court proceedings, releases, and transfers.

The Lenawee County Sheriff's Office maintains current inmate population statistics and provides periodic reports to county officials and state agencies regarding facility capacity and utilization.

How To Search for Inmate Records In Lenawee County in 2026

Members of the public seeking inmate records in Lenawee County may utilize several methods to access this information. The county currently provides multiple avenues for conducting inmate searches and obtaining record information:

Online Inmate Search:

Visit the Lenawee County Sheriff's Office website
Navigate to the "Inmate Information" or "Jail Roster" section
Enter the required search criteria (typically name, date of birth, or booking number)
Review the results, which generally include:
- Inmate name
- Booking date
- Charges
- Bond information
- Expected release date (if sentenced)

In-Person Record Requests:

Visit the Lenawee County Sheriff's Office Records Division during regular business hours
Complete a record request form, providing:
- Inmate's full name
- Date of birth (if known)
- Approximate dates of incarceration
- Specific information requested
Present valid identification
Pay any applicable fees for record reproduction

Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) Requests:

Submit a written FOIA request to the Lenawee County Sheriff's Office
Include:
- Requestor's complete contact information
- Detailed description of records sought
- Inmate's identifying information
- Date range for requested records
Specify preferred format for receiving records
The county must respond within 5 business days, with a possible 10-day extension

Telephone Inquiries:

Call the Lenawee County Jail at (517) 263-0524
Provide the inmate's full name and date of birth
Note that basic information (confirmation of incarceration, charges, bond amount) may be provided by phone, but detailed records typically require written requests

Pursuant to Michigan FOIA § 15.234, fees may be assessed for searching, retrieving, examining, reviewing, and copying requested records. Fee schedules are established by the county and must reflect actual costs.

How To Find an Inmate in Lenawee County for Free?

Locating an inmate in Lenawee County without incurring costs is possible through several publicly available resources. The county provides free access to basic inmate information through the following methods:

Online Inmate Locator:

Access the Lenawee County Sheriff's Office website
Navigate to the "Inmate Lookup" or "Current Inmates" section
Enter the individual's name in the search field
Review the results, which typically include:
- Confirmation of incarceration status
- Booking date
- Current charges
- Bond information
- Next court date (if applicable)

Telephone Verification:

Call the Lenawee County Jail at (517) 263-0524
Request to verify if a specific individual is currently in custody
Provide the full legal name and date of birth (if known)
Basic custody status information is typically provided without charge

Jail Roster Review:

Visit the Lenawee County Sheriff's Office in person:

Lenawee County Sheriff's Office
405 N Winter Street
Adrian, MI 49221
Request to view the current jail roster, which is considered a public record
The roster is typically updated daily and includes names of all current inmates
Viewing the roster in person does not incur a fee

Court Records Search:

Access the Lenawee County Courts website
Use the public access terminal at the courthouse:

Lenawee County Courthouse
301 N Main Street
Adrian, MI 49221
Search by name to locate criminal cases
Case information may indicate if the defendant is in custody

It is important to note that while basic inmate location information is available without charge, more detailed records may require formal requests and associated fees. Additionally, the information available through these free methods is limited to current inmates; historical incarceration records typically require a formal records request through the Records Division or a FOIA request.

How To Visit an Inmate In Lenawee County

The Lenawee County Sheriff's Office has established comprehensive procedures for inmate visitation at the county jail. All visits must comply with facility regulations designed to maintain security and safety. The following information outlines the current visitation policies:

Visit Rules and Procedures:

All visitors must be on the inmate's approved visitation list
Inmates may submit visitor applications during their first week of incarceration
Visitors must be 18 years of age or accompanied by a parent/guardian
All visitors must present valid, government-issued photo identification
Visitors are subject to search upon entering the facility
Visitors with active warrants or criminal histories may be denied entry

Visit Schedule:

Inmate visitations occur during designated hours:
- Monday-Friday: 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM and 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM
- Saturday-Sunday: 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM and 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM
Visits are limited to 30 minutes per session
Inmates are permitted two visits per week
Professional visits (attorneys, clergy) occur during separate hours

What to Bring:

Valid government-issued photo identification (driver's license, state ID, passport)
Visitor pass issued by facility staff
Locker key for personal belongings (provided at facility)
Medical necessities with prior approval (medications, medical devices)

What NOT to Bring:

Weapons of any kind
Drugs or alcohol
Tobacco products
Cell phones or electronic devices
Cameras or recording equipment
Food or beverages
Purses, bags, or backpacks
Excessive jewelry or accessories

Dress Code:

Conservative, appropriate attire is required
No revealing clothing (shorts above mid-thigh, tank tops, low-cut tops)
No gang-related colors or symbols
No clothing with offensive language or images
No hats or head coverings (except religious items with prior approval)
Shoes must be worn at all times

Visit Types:

Contact visits are generally not permitted at the Lenawee County Jail
Non-contact visits occur through glass partitions with telephone communication
Video visitation is available for certain housing units
Special visits may be arranged for out-of-state visitors with advance approval

Visit Restrictions:

Pursuant to Michigan Administrative Code R 791.6607, visitation privileges may be suspended for:
- Violation of visitation rules
- Introduction of contraband
- Disruptive behavior
- False information on visitor application
- Reasonable suspicion of threat to facility security

For additional information or to schedule a visit, contact the Lenawee County Jail at (517) 263-0524 or visit the Inmate Visitations page on the county website.

How To Send Money to a Lenawee County Inmate

The Lenawee County Sheriff's Office provides several methods for depositing funds into an inmate's commissary account. These funds allow inmates to purchase approved items from the jail commissary, including hygiene products, snacks, writing materials, and other permitted items.

In-Person Deposits:

Visit the Lenawee County Jail lobby during regular business hours:

Lenawee County Jail
405 N Winter Street
Adrian, MI 49221
Complete a deposit slip with the inmate's full name and booking number
Cash and money orders are accepted
Personal checks are not accepted
A receipt will be provided for all transactions

Online Deposits:

Visit the Lenawee County Sheriff's Office website
Navigate to "Inmate Information" and select "Commissary Deposits"
Create an account or log in to the third-party payment processor
Enter the inmate's information and payment details
Service fees apply to online transactions (typically 5-10% of deposit amount)
Funds are generally available in the inmate's account within 24-48 hours

Mail-In Deposits:

Send money orders only (no personal checks or cash)
Make payable to the inmate's full name and booking number
Mail to:

Lenawee County Jail - Inmate Accounts
405 N Winter Street
Adrian, MI 49221
Include sender's full name and return address
Allow 3-5 business days for processing

Amount Limits:

Maximum single deposit: $300
Maximum weekly deposit total: $500
Maximum account balance: $1,000
Deposits exceeding these limits may be rejected or held for review

Transaction Fees:

In-person deposits: No fee
Online deposits: Variable fee based on amount (typically $2.50-$10.00)
Money order deposits: No fee

Prohibited Uses: Pursuant to Michigan Department of Corrections Policy Directive 04.02.105, inmate funds may not be used for:

Gambling or betting activities
Purchasing items for other inmates
Paying for unauthorized services
Conducting business operations
Making payments to victims (must go through court-ordered processes)

Authorized Expenditures:

Commissary items (hygiene products, snacks, writing materials)
Medical co-pays
Haircuts
Phone calls
Approved educational materials
Release funds (money remaining in account upon release)

Upon release, inmates receive the remaining balance in their accounts, typically in the form of a debit card or check. Unclaimed funds are handled according to Michigan's unclaimed property laws.

How To Send Jail Mail In Lenawee County

Correspondence with inmates at the Lenawee County Jail is permitted but subject to specific regulations designed to maintain facility security and safety. All incoming and outgoing mail is processed according to established procedures and must comply with the following guidelines:

Addressing Mail Correctly:

Address envelopes as follows:

Inmate's Full Name and Booking Number
Lenawee County Jail
405 N Winter Street
Adrian, MI 49221
Include your complete return address on the envelope
Mail without proper addressing may be returned to sender

Permitted Mail Items:

Letters (maximum 10 pages per envelope)
Greeting cards (plain cards only, no musical or oversized cards)
Photographs (maximum 5 per envelope, 4x6 inches or smaller)
Money orders (must be made payable to the inmate)
Legal documents
Religious materials (subject to review)

Prohibited Mail Items:

Packages of any kind
Padded or oversized envelopes
Plastic or metal items
Cash or personal checks
Stamps or envelopes
Stickers or labels
Crayon or marker writings
Polaroid photographs
Sexually explicit materials
Gang-related content
Materials depicting violence or weapons
Correspondence containing threats or criminal activity

Mail Inspection Procedures:

All non-legal mail is opened and inspected for contraband
Legal mail from attorneys, courts, or government agencies is opened in the presence of the inmate
Mail may be photocopied, with copies provided to inmates and originals stored in their property
Pursuant to Michigan Administrative Code R 791.6603, mail may be rejected if it:
- Contains contraband
- Threatens facility security
- Facilitates criminal activity
- Violates postal regulations

E-Messages:

The Lenawee County Jail offers electronic messaging through a third-party service
Family and friends can create accounts through the Lenawee County Sheriff's Office website
Fees apply for electronic messages (typically $0.50-$1.00 per message)
E-messages are subject to the same content restrictions as physical mail
Attachments are not permitted

Publications and Books:

Books must be sent directly from publishers or approved vendors
Magazines must be sent directly from the publisher via subscription
Hardcover books are not permitted
Content is subject to review and may be rejected if deemed inappropriate
Quantity limits apply (typically 3 books and 5 magazines in possession at one time)

Mail delivery times vary, but inmates typically receive approved mail within 24-48 hours after it arrives at the facility. The Lenawee County Sheriff's Office Records Division maintains records of all mail rejections, and senders may appeal these decisions through established procedures.