Arrest records in Genesee County, Michigan are public documents accessible to all citizens pursuant to the Michigan Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), MCL 15.231 et seq. This legislation establishes the public's right to inspect, copy, or receive public records maintained by government agencies, including law enforcement entities within Genesee County. The Michigan FOIA specifically designates arrest records as public information to ensure transparency in the criminal justice system and accountability of law enforcement agencies.
Members of the public should note that while arrest records are generally accessible, certain information may be redacted to protect ongoing investigations or personal privacy in accordance with MCL 15.243, which outlines specific exemptions to disclosure. The Genesee County Sheriff's Office and other local law enforcement agencies maintain these records in compliance with state retention schedules established by the Michigan Department of Technology, Management and Budget.
Genesee County arrest records are available through several online platforms maintained by county and state agencies. The 7th Judicial Circuit Court provides electronic access to court records related to arrests and subsequent legal proceedings. Additionally, the Michigan Courts Case Search system allows users to search for criminal cases across multiple jurisdictions, including Genesee County.
Online access to these records is governed by Michigan Court Rule 8.119, which establishes guidelines for public access to court records. The electronic systems typically provide basic case information including:
Pursuant to Michigan law, some records may have limited online visibility, particularly if they involve juvenile offenders, victims of certain crimes, or cases that have been sealed or expunged under MCL 780.621.
Multiple official channels exist for accessing Genesee County arrest records in 2025. Members of the public seeking this information may utilize the following resources:
Genesee County Sheriff's Office Records Division
1002 S. Saginaw Street
Flint, MI 48502
(810) 257-3407
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
7th Judicial Circuit Court Clerk's Office
900 S. Saginaw Street
Flint, MI 48502
(810) 257-3220
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Online Database Access: The Genesee County Circuit Court Records system provides electronic access to court records related to arrests and subsequent proceedings.
Michigan State Police ICHAT System: The Internet Criminal History Access Tool allows for statewide criminal history searches for a nominal fee.
Michigan Department of Corrections Offender Tracking System: The MDOC OTIS database provides information on individuals currently incarcerated or under supervision.
Requestors should be prepared to provide specific identifying information such as the individual's full name, date of birth, and approximate date of arrest to facilitate accurate record retrieval. Pursuant to MCL 15.234, agencies may charge reasonable fees for search, retrieval, and copying of records.
Genesee County arrest records contain standardized information as required by Michigan law and local protocols. These official documents typically include the following elements:
The comprehensiveness of arrest records is mandated by Michigan Administrative Code R 28.5208, which establishes minimum data collection requirements for law enforcement agencies. These records are maintained in the Law Enforcement Information Network (LEIN) and other criminal justice information systems as authorized by MCL 28.211 et seq.
The State of Michigan provides legal mechanisms for the expungement of certain arrest records through MCL 780.621, the Michigan Set Aside law. In Genesee County, individuals may petition for expungement if they meet statutory eligibility requirements, which generally include:
The expungement process requires filing a petition with the 7th Judicial Circuit Court where the conviction occurred. Petitioners must submit fingerprints to the Michigan State Police for a criminal background check and serve notice to the prosecuting attorney. The court conducts a hearing to determine whether granting the petition is consistent with the public welfare.
Effective April 11, 2021, Michigan's Clean Slate legislation (2020 PA 193-193) established an automatic expungement process for certain non-violent misdemeanors after 7 years and eligible felonies after 10 years, though implementation of this automated system continues to develop.