Many Prosecuting Attorney offices have direct access to computer networks with information about peoples criminal histories. However, the privilege to access that information is limited. One limitation is that we can only search for criminal histories when they are directly related to a law-enforcement need, such as an on-going criminal prosecution. Another is that we cannot give the public copes of criminal history information we uncover because doing so would violate LEIN rules.
However, the Michigan State Police operates the Internet Criminal History Access Tool (ICHAT), from which anyone can search the official MSP criminal history record database for $10 per search, using MasterCard or Visa. (Non-profit, charitable organizations may qualify for free ICHAT searches if criminal history checks are needed on people who work with children or the frail elderly.) For each search, you need the person's full name, sex, race, and date of birth.
ICHAT's criminal history database covers only Michigan convictions, and is updated daily with felony and misdemeanor conviction information provided by law enforcement, prosecuting attorneys and courts throughout the State. Your search includes arrests where a person has been convicted in a court, and where the conviction has been added to that person's criminal history record. It does not include arrests without conviction, outstanding warrants, federal arrests or arrests from other states.
A search for a criminal record from another state requires you to correspond directly with the criminal record repository of that state.