>Emmet County Arrest Records Online

Emmet County, Michigan Arrest Records

Are Arrest Records Public in Emmet County, Michigan?

Arrest records are public in Emmet County, Michigan, pursuant to the Michigan Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), Michigan Compiled Laws § 15.231 et seq. This statute establishes the public's right to access government records, including those pertaining to arrests made within county jurisdiction. Under FOIA provisions, any person may request access to public records without being required to state the purpose for which the information is sought. The Michigan FOIA specifically designates law enforcement records, including arrest documentation, as public information with certain limited exceptions for ongoing investigations or matters of public safety as outlined in § 15.243.

The Emmet County Sheriff's Office maintains these records in accordance with state regulations and makes them available through established protocols. Records may be subject to redaction of certain personal identifying information pursuant to privacy protections under Michigan law.

Can Arrest Records be Found Online in Emmet County?

Arrest records can be accessed online through several official Emmet County digital platforms. The county has implemented electronic record-keeping systems in compliance with Michigan Court Administrative Order No. 1999-4, which encourages courts to provide reasonable electronic access to court records. The Michigan Courts Case Search system provides a centralized portal where members of the public may search for case information, including records related to arrests and subsequent court proceedings.

The Emmet County Sheriff's Office maintains a digital database that includes recent booking information and arrest logs. Additionally, the 90th District Court of Emmet County provides online access to court dockets and case information for arrests processed through their jurisdiction. These electronic resources are maintained in accordance with Michigan Supreme Court guidelines for public access to court records.

How to Look Up Emmet County Arrest Records in 2025

Members of the public seeking Emmet County arrest records may utilize several official channels to obtain this information:

Online Database Access: Individuals may search the Michigan Courts Case Search system, which provides access to court records including those related to arrests. The Michigan Department of Corrections Offender Tracking Information System (OTIS) also provides information about individuals who have been processed through the state correctional system.
In-Person Requests: Citizens may visit the Emmet County Sheriff's Office or the Clerk of Courts to request physical copies of arrest records. Proper identification must be presented, and applicable fees may apply in accordance with Michigan FOIA fee schedules.

Emmet County Sheriff's Office
450 Bay Street
Petoskey, MI 49770
(231) 439-8900
www.emmetcounty.org/sheriff

Emmet County Clerk's Office
200 Division Street
Petoskey, MI 49770
(231) 348-1744
www.emmetcounty.org/officials-departments/county-clerk

Written Requests: Pursuant to Michigan FOIA § 15.235, individuals may submit written requests for arrest records to the appropriate county department. Requests must include sufficient information to locate the records sought and must comply with departmental procedures for record requests.
Third-Party Vendors: While commercial services may offer access to arrest record information, the Michigan Court Administrative Office advises that official records should be obtained through authorized government channels to ensure accuracy and completeness.

Contents of an Emmet County Arrest Record

Emmet County arrest records contain standardized information as prescribed by Michigan law enforcement protocols and judicial requirements. These records typically include the following components:

Full legal name of the arrested individual and any documented aliases or known pseudonyms
Date, time, and specific location of the arrest
Statutory citation and description of the alleged offense(s)
Booking photographs (commonly referred to as "mugshots")
Biometric data including fingerprints collected during the booking process
Demographic information including date of birth, gender, race, height, weight, and identifying physical characteristics
Arresting agency and officer identification
Booking number and facility information
Initial court appearance information
Bond or bail determination
Case disposition if available

The comprehensiveness of arrest records may vary based on the nature of the offense, the arresting agency's protocols, and the stage of the criminal justice process. Records maintained by the Emmet County Sheriff's Office adhere to the Michigan Law Enforcement Information Network (LEIN) standards for data collection and retention.

Expungement of Arrest Records in Emmet County

The expungement process in Emmet County operates under Michigan's Clean Slate legislation, specifically Michigan Compiled Laws § 780.621 et seq. This statute provides a mechanism for eligible individuals to petition for the removal of arrest records from public access under specific circumstances. The Michigan Clean Slate Act, which underwent significant expansion in 2020, establishes both automatic and petition-based expungement pathways.

Individuals seeking expungement must meet statutory eligibility requirements, which generally include:

Arrests that did not result in conviction
Convictions for certain misdemeanors after a waiting period of 7 years
Convictions for certain non-assaultive felonies after a waiting period of 10 years
First-time offenses under specific diversion programs

The petition process requires filing with the court of original jurisdiction. For Emmet County residents, petitions are typically filed with the 57th Circuit Court or 90th District Court, depending on the original case classification. The petition must include certified record of conviction, criminal history, and filing fee or fee waiver request. Pursuant to MCL § 780.621d, the court will schedule a hearing where the petitioner, prosecutor, and any victims may present information relevant to the expungement decision.

57th Circuit Court
200 Division Street
Petoskey, MI 49770
(231) 348-1753
www.emmetcounty.org/officials-departments/courts/circuit-court

90th District Court
200 Division Street
Petoskey, MI 49770
(231) 348-1748
www.emmetcounty.org/officials-departments/courts/district-court

Upon approval of an expungement petition, the court will issue an order requiring all public records of the arrest and conviction to be removed from public access. Law enforcement agencies will maintain non-public records of the expunged case for limited official purposes as permitted by statute.