Here are the most popular questions and their answers:

1. What is a Criminal History Record?
   
   The criminal history record is compiled in accordance with Michigan Compiled Law 28.241. - 28.246. The record includes personal descriptors regarding the person and information on felony and misdemeanor arrests, charges and convictions. The record is compiled from information provided by Michigan law enforcement, prosecutors, courts and prisons. Michigan law enforcement agencies are required to provide fingerprints and arrest information when a person is charged with an offense punishable by over 93 days, which includes all felony and the serious misdemeanor offenses.
   
   
2. What type of information will I get from a name search?
   
   The response will provide all personal descriptors on file and a list of cases for which the subject has been arrested, charged and/or convicted. The search does not include a search of any other state or national criminal record system; nor is a warrant search included; nor does the search include information on driving records. You will need to contact Michigan Secretary of State for driving records.
   
   
3. What will the response tell me about the name searched?
   
   You will receive a separate response for each person searched. The personal descriptors that were provided for the search will be printed on the response. There will be a "no record meeting dissemination criteria" statement provided when no record is located. If the search did locate a criminal history record, the record provided is considered a possible match and the decisions affected by the record should be reserved until the subject of the search has an opportunity to review the information and verify its content.
   
   
4. What if I know there is a record but I got a "no record" response or I received a record for which I need additional information regarding the case?
   
   Check with the local court regarding the case for which you have knowledge. If you need additional information regarding a case on the record, you will need to contact the police, prosecutor or court noted on the record. The recorded information provided is all that the Criminal Justice Information Center has available.
   
   
5. What does a criminal history record response tell me?
   
   The first portion of the record will provide all the reported personal descriptors regarding the subject of record (i.e., maiden name, height, weight, eye color, hair color, social security and driver license number). There is a chronological list of cases for which the subject was fingerprinted and case information provided. Each case is divided into three segments: Arrest Segment - arrest date, law enforcement agency, police agency case number, and the most serious arrest charge. Charge Segment - prosecuting agency and a description of the most serious charge authorized for prosecution. Judicial Segment - court date, name of court, court file number, description of either all charges in the case or only the convicted charge and the sentence resulting from conviction.
   
   
6. What can be done if the person claims the record is incorrect?
   
   If there is an error on the criminal record in the judicial segment the person must get a copy of the disposition from the court and send both a copy of the record in error and the court form to the Criminal Justice Information Center. If there is other data wrong, the person can call or write The Criminal Justice Information Center to advise of the discrepancy. The Criminal Justice Information Center will contact the reporting agency to verify the correct information and correct the record.
   
   
7. What do I do if the person claims the record does not pertain to them?
   
   This can be verified through fingerprint comparison. Fingerprint forms are available at the local law enforcement agency. The agency will fingerprint the person on a non-criminal card (RI-8). You will mail the fingerprints along with the record and a letter requesting that the Criminal Justice Information Center verify the person and the record subject are not the same.
   
   
8. Can a name search result in a response, which is not the person I am checking?
   
   Yes, common names, aliases, reporting/entry errors or the defendant's use of names other than his/her own could result in a response for the name searched. Allow the person a chance to refute the information and proceed as necessary. A fingerprint search is the most accurate, as fingerprint patterns are unique to each person.
   
   
9. How complete and accurate are these records?
   
   An audit conducted a few years ago indicated that the criminal history record was 99% accurate, but only about 80% complete. This could mean that even though a person was arrested for a crime, the final disposition may not yet be recorded.
   
   
10. What information is needed to perform a search?
    
    Include the following in your request:
    

    • Required Information - Full name (First, middle, last), sex, race, and date of birth.
    • Optional - Social security number, Michigan drivers license number, maiden or previous name.
    
    
11. I am non profit, why do I go to the shopping chart?
    
    All request begin at the shopping cart, putting in the number of searches you require. You are not charged for your requests.
    
    
12. What can I do if I do not have the $10 required to perform the ICHAT search?
    
    Submit a Freedom of Information (FOI) request, along with an Affidavit of Indigence, to the Department of State Police, Criminal Justice Information Center. The FOI form, including the mailing address, needed to submit the FOI request is located at http://www.michigan.gov/documents/ri-101_6455_7.pdf An example Affidavit of Indigence is located at Indigence Form.
    
    
13. The site has changed, why?
    
    The site has changed to better serve you. Your seven day summary and 90 day fee record are still be available at the old ICHAT site until …...
    
    
14. Hours of operation and contacts for more information?
    
    The hours of operation are 8:00am - 5:00pm, Monday through Friday. Staff is not available for in person visits between 12:00noon and 1:00pm daily. Search Instructions - for further search instructions please send e-mail to cjicapplhelp@michigan.gov. Division: Cashier - the Division Cashier can be contacted by sending an e-mail to cjicaccthelp@michigan.gov. Location: State Secondary Complex, General Office Building. Address: Michigan State Police, Criminal Justice Information Center, 7150 Harris Drive, Lansing, MI 48913
    
    

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