Why does MCG only provide Michigan Records?
We are not a private investigation agency. We provide only public information
(FOIA-Freedom of Information Act) to third parties who request the
information. However ALL background checks MUST
have the authorization of the person in question that we’re performing the
background check on. The person we are searching must also sign an authorization form.
If any other states are requested, we may charge an additional fee per state, we may also
refer your case and use one of our partnering background check agencies.
What is the MCG $29.99 self rapid test (8 panel drug screening) & Michigan
background check promotion?
We are allowing for a limited time our 8 panel drug screening home/office instant
kit and the request for our basic MI only background check along with a MI sex
offender search as well. This service is used mainly by small businesses and property
managers. Terms and conditions do apply please email
backgroundchecks@micounselinggroup.com for more details.
If I am the third party, using our background check system?
You must sign our agreement on background checks. You must also agree to
follow all city, county, FCR, and state laws regarding public information
background checks. You must allow the person being search a chance to
dispute any records that may be reported.
What level of background checks do we have?
At this time we have Michigan ONLY (Crime or conviction must be located in the
state of Michigan) checks. However for additional fees we can outsource
or refer your request to a third party/investigation company. For some
court locations we do allow a third party to use our Michigan court runner
to confirm some or all of the information. This service does have a
additional fee as well.
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.
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 the
Michigan Secretary of State office for driving records. M.DADS does also check
the Michigan Sex Offenders list, MDOC list, and runs a public information search
on each request. However each site does have there own restrictions and regulations.
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 it’s content.
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 of. 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. We can out source a court runner
through a third party for additional cost if needed.
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). 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.
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.
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). The subject 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. If a mistake is found the person would show the
response and ask us with permission from them to run a new name search.
This process does take time and could result in no change or change in the
record search.
Can a name search result in a response that 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. We would direct them to the State
Police for more information and how to obtain fingerprint proof.
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 95% complete. This could mean that
even though a person was arrested for a crime, the final disposition may
not yet be recorded or the record may not be on the report do to age of
the crime or the person was allowed to have the record expunge.
What information is needed to perform a search?
Include the following in your request:
Required Information – First name, last name, sex, date of birth and the
release form from the person who we are searching.
Optional – Middle initial, race, alias or nickname, and/or maiden or
previous name. We will also need the authorization form filled out by the person
who you are requesting the report on.
The record says “warrant requested”. Is there a warrant for this person’s
arrest?
The phrase “warrant requested” means that the arresting agency requested a
charge warrant from the prosecutor, not that the person does or does not
have an outstanding court warrant. The person in question may go to any
local police and with proper ID obtain warrant information. However the
person in question may or may not be detained and the agencies may or may not
be able to give you information about such said warrant.
Are we allow to report Juvenile Records?
Public Act 152 of 2013. Because of this Public Act, we established that
juvenile records shall not appear on our report. Cases reported as
convictions (rather than juvenile adjudications) appear on the report no
matter what the age of the convicted person was.