Livingston County, Michigan Arrest Records
Are Arrest Records Public in Livingston County, Michigan?
Arrest records in Livingston County, Michigan are classified as public documents pursuant to the Michigan Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), MCL 15.231 et seq. Members of the public may access these records through established channels provided by county agencies. The Michigan FOIA establishes that public bodies must disclose records upon request unless a specific statutory exemption applies.
The Livingston County Sheriff's Office maintains arrest records as part of its official duties and makes non-exempt portions available for public inspection. Pursuant to Michigan law, certain information may be redacted from arrest records, including but not limited to personal identifying information such as Social Security numbers, driver's license numbers, and information that would constitute an unwarranted invasion of personal privacy under MCL 15.243(1)(a).
Requesters seeking arrest records should note that while the records are public, access procedures must be followed in accordance with county policies and state regulations. The Livingston County Sheriff's Office processes requests for arrest records in compliance with statutory timeframes established under MCL 15.235.
Can Arrest Records be Found Online in Livingston County?
Digital access to Livingston County arrest records is available through several authorized online platforms. The Livingston County government has implemented electronic record-keeping systems that facilitate public access to certain arrest information via the internet.
The MiCOURT Case Search system provides a centralized database where members of the public may search for case information related to arrests and subsequent court proceedings. This system displays information for criminal convictions within seven years of the search date, in accordance with Michigan court information disclosure policies.
Additionally, the Livingston County Sheriff's Office maintains an online inmate lookup system that provides current detention status information. This resource is updated regularly and allows for verification of an individual's custody status within the Livingston County Jail facility.
Users of online systems should be aware that comprehensive arrest records may not be fully available through digital platforms, and certain detailed information may require formal requests through established FOIA procedures. Online records access is subject to system limitations and statutory restrictions regarding the disclosure of certain information.
How to Look Up Livingston County Arrest Records in 2025
Multiple methods exist for obtaining Livingston County arrest records, each with specific procedures and requirements. Interested parties may utilize the following official channels:
In-person requests may be submitted at the Livingston County Sheriff's Office Records Division, located at 150 S. Highlander Way, Howell, MI 48843. Office hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Requesters must complete a standard FOIA request form and provide proper identification.
Written requests can be submitted via mail to: Livingston County Sheriff's Office, ATTN: Records Division, 150 S. Highlander Way, Howell, MI 48843. Requests must include the requester's complete contact information and specific details about the records being sought.
Electronic requests may be submitted through the Livingston County Sheriff's Office website by completing the online FOIA request form. Electronic submissions are processed in the order received during regular business hours.
Court records related to arrests can be accessed through the Circuit Court Records office located at 200 E. Grand River Ave., Howell, MI 48843. The office is open Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, and can be reached at (517) 546-9816.
Pursuant to MCL 15.234, fees may be assessed for the search, retrieval, and duplication of records. The fee schedule is established by the Livingston County Board of Commissioners and is subject to periodic review and adjustment. Fee waivers or reductions may be available for qualifying individuals under certain circumstances as provided by statute.
Contents of a Livingston County Arrest Record
Livingston County arrest records contain standardized information as prescribed by Michigan law enforcement protocols and record-keeping requirements. These official documents typically include the following elements:
Biographical information of the arrested individual, including full legal name, known aliases, date of birth, gender, and physical descriptors such as height, weight, and identifying marks or features.
Arrest details, including the date, time, and specific location where the apprehension occurred, as well as the name and badge number of the arresting officer(s).
Criminal charges filed at the time of arrest, including the Michigan Compiled Laws (MCL) citation for each alleged offense and the classification of charges as misdemeanors or felonies.
Booking information, including the processing location, assigned identification numbers, and property inventory taken at the time of intake.
Photographic documentation, commonly referred to as "mugshots," showing front and profile views of the arrested individual taken during the booking process.
Fingerprint impressions collected during processing, which are subsequently submitted to state and federal criminal identification databases in accordance with MCL 28.243.
Detention status information, including bond amount if applicable, and initial court appearance details.
The 44th Circuit Court and 53rd District Court maintain additional documentation related to subsequent judicial proceedings following an arrest. These records are maintained separately from the initial arrest documentation and may be accessed through the respective court clerk's offices.
Expungement of Arrest Records in Livingston County
Michigan law provides mechanisms for the expungement or setting aside of certain arrest records under specific circumstances. The process is governed primarily by MCL 780.621 et seq., which establishes eligibility criteria and procedural requirements.
Individuals seeking expungement in Livingston County must file a petition with the court of original jurisdiction. For felony arrests, petitions must be filed with the 44th Circuit Court located at 204 S. Highlander Way, Howell, MI 48843. For misdemeanor arrests, petitions are filed with the 53rd District Court at 224 E. Grand River Ave., Howell, MI 48843.
Eligibility requirements for expungement include:
Waiting periods ranging from three to seven years after completion of sentence, depending on the offense category and criminal history.
Limitations on the number and types of convictions that may be set aside, as specified in MCL 780.621.
Restrictions preventing expungement of certain offenses, including but not limited to most sexual offenses, traffic violations, and felonies carrying potential life imprisonment.
The Michigan Clean Slate legislation, which took effect in April 2023, established an automatic expungement process for certain qualifying misdemeanors after seven years and qualifying felonies after ten years, provided no new convictions occur during the waiting period. This automated process operates alongside the traditional petition-based expungement system.
Upon successful expungement, arrest records are removed from public access, though they remain available to law enforcement agencies and courts for limited purposes as authorized by statute. Expunged records are not disclosed in background checks conducted by most employers or housing providers.
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