Michigan Arrest Records

Is Michigan an Open Arrest Records State?

Yes, Michigan is considered an open arrest records state. This designation means that arrest records, which are considered public records, are accessible to the general public under the Michigan Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), MCL § 15.231 et seq. The state upholds the principle that transparency in the functioning of law enforcement agencies is crucial for maintaining public trust and accountability. The availability of arrest records helps ensure that citizens have the ability to obtain information regarding arrests, which can be essential for various legal and personal reasons.

Pursuant to Michigan law, most arrest records are maintained by the Michigan State Police and local law enforcement agencies. These records become part of the public domain once created, though certain exceptions may apply to protect ongoing investigations or sensitive information as outlined in MCL § 15.243. Members of the public seeking arrest records may access this information through various channels established by state and local authorities.

How to Look Up Michigan Arrest Records in 2025

To obtain Michigan arrest records, individuals can utilize several methods available in 2025. The Michigan State Police maintains the central repository for criminal history information through the Internet Criminal History Access Tool (ICHAT), which provides public access to arrest records and conviction information. While online access provides a convenient option for obtaining these records, other methods are also available:

Visit local police departments or sheriff's offices in person with proper identification
Request records from the Michigan State Police Criminal Records Division
Use the MiCOURT Case Search system for court records related to arrests
Check county courthouse archives for arrest information and case dispositions
Access the Offender Tracking Information System (OTIS) for information on individuals currently under supervision

Each option varies in terms of processing times and may require specific forms or fees. The standard fee for an ICHAT search is $10.00 per name searched, though certain qualifying organizations may be eligible for reduced rates.

Michigan State Police Criminal Records Division
7150 Harris Drive
Dimondale, MI 48821
517-241-0606
Michigan State Police

Operating hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, excluding state holidays.

Contents of a Michigan Arrest Record

A Michigan arrest record typically includes comprehensive information about an individual's interaction with law enforcement. Pursuant to MCL § 3.1053, which governs the maintenance of criminal history records, these documents contain the following information:

Full Name of the Arrestee: Legal name and any documented aliases or known aliases
Date of Birth and Demographic Information: Age, gender, race, and other identifying characteristics
Arrest Date and Time: Precise date, time, and location where the arrest occurred
Charges: Specific details about the alleged offenses, including statute citations
Arresting Agency: The law enforcement agency that executed the arrest
Booking Details: Information regarding the booking process, including booking number
Mugshots and Fingerprints: Visual identification and biometric data collected during processing
Case Disposition: The outcome of the case if it has been resolved
Court Information: Relevant court dates, appearances, and judicial actions

These records are maintained in accordance with state record retention policies and are subject to specific privacy protections for certain categories of information as outlined in Michigan law.

Understanding the Michigan Open Records Act

The Michigan Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), MCL § 15.231 et seq., is the primary legislation that ensures public access to government records, including arrest records. This law underscores the importance of transparency and accountability in government operations by providing the public with the right to inspect and copy various public records. The act specifically includes provisions that make arrest records available, thereby facilitating a more informed citizenry.

Under FOIA, public bodies must respond to requests for records within 5 business days, though this period may be extended by an additional 10 business days under certain circumstances. The law permits agencies to charge reasonable fees for searching, examining, reviewing, and duplicating requested records. However, these fees must be limited to the actual costs incurred by the public body.

Certain exemptions to disclosure exist under MCL § 15.243, including:

Information of a personal nature where disclosure would constitute an unwarranted invasion of privacy
Records that would interfere with law enforcement proceedings
Information that would deprive a person of the right to a fair trial
Records specifically exempted from disclosure by other statutes

The Michigan State Police and local law enforcement agencies must balance these exemptions against the public's right to access information about arrests and criminal proceedings.

Expungement of Arrest Records in Michigan

In Michigan, certain individuals may have the opportunity to expunge their arrest records, which removes them from public access. The process is governed by MCL § 780.621, known as the "Set Aside" statute. The eligibility and process include:

Eligibility Criteria: Applicants must meet specific requirements based on the nature of the crime, time elapsed since completion of sentence (typically 3-7 years), and subsequent criminal history. Recent legislative changes under the "Clean Slate" initiative have expanded eligibility for many offenses.
Application Process: Eligible individuals must submit a formal application to set aside conviction(s) to the court where the conviction occurred, including fingerprints and required documentation.
Hearing: A court hearing is typically scheduled where a judge will consider factors such as the applicant's behavior since conviction and the public interest in maintaining the record.
Final Decision: The court issues an order either granting or denying the petition based on statutory criteria and judicial discretion.

When an expungement is granted, the record is removed from public view, though it remains accessible to law enforcement agencies and courts for limited purposes. The Michigan Department of Corrections maintains information about the expungement process for eligible individuals.

Michigan Attorney General's Office
G. Mennen Williams Building
525 W. Ottawa Street
Lansing, MI 48933
517-335-7622
Michigan Attorney General

How to Find Local Arrests in Michigan?

Local arrests in Michigan can be found through various resources established by municipal and county authorities. Individuals seeking information about recent arrests can:

Visit or contact local police departments or sheriff's offices directly for public arrest logs
Check the public notice section of local newspapers, which often publish recent arrest information
Inquire at local county courthouses, where arrest records are maintained as part of the court record system
Access county jail inmate rosters, which are typically updated daily and available online in many jurisdictions
Attend public court sessions where recent arrests might be discussed during arraignments and preliminary hearings

Many counties and municipalities maintain online portals that provide access to recent arrest information. For example, the Kent County Sheriff's Office maintains a searchable database of current inmates, while the Ingham County courts provide access to hearing schedules that include arraignments for recent arrests.

Kent County Sheriff's Office
701 Ball Avenue NE
Grand Rapids, MI 49503
616-632-6100
Kent County Sheriff

Ingham County Sheriff's Office
630 North Cedar Street
Mason, MI 48854
517-676-2431
Ingham County Sheriff