Marquette Arrest Records
Are Arrest Records Public in Marquette, Michigan?
Arrest records are public documents in Marquette, Michigan, pursuant to the Michigan Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), MCL 15.231 et seq. This state legislation mandates that government records, including arrest records, must be accessible to the public unless specifically exempted by law. The Michigan FOIA establishes the legal framework that enables citizens to obtain, inspect, and duplicate arrest records maintained by public bodies, including the Marquette Police Department and other local law enforcement agencies.
Members of the public should be aware that while arrest records are generally accessible, certain information may be redacted to protect ongoing investigations, juvenile records, or personal identifying information as specified under MCL 15.243. The Marquette Police Department maintains these records in accordance with state retention schedules and provides access through established procedures.
How to Look Up Marquette Arrest Records in 2025
The Marquette County law enforcement agencies provide multiple channels through which members of the public may access arrest records in 2025. These methods include:
Online Public Access Systems: The City of Marquette maintains digital records systems that allow for remote searches of arrest information. Users may access these systems 24 hours per day through the official municipal website.
In-Person Requests: Citizens may visit the Marquette Police Department Records Division during regular business hours to submit requests for arrest records.
Marquette Police Department
300 W. Baraga Avenue
Marquette, MI 49855
(906) 228-0400
Marquette Police Department Records
Mail Requests: Written FOIA requests may be submitted via U.S. mail to the Records Division at the address listed above. Pursuant to MCL 15.235, the department must respond to such requests within 5 business days, with a possible 10-day extension if necessary.
Court Records: Arrest records that have resulted in court proceedings may be accessed through the Michigan Courts Case Search system, which includes Marquette Circuit Court records.
Requestors should note that fees may apply for record searches and copies in accordance with § 15.234 of the Michigan FOIA, which permits agencies to charge reasonable fees for search, retrieval, and duplication services.
Contents of a Marquette Arrest Record
Marquette arrest records contain standardized information as required by Michigan law enforcement protocols. These official documents typically include the following elements:
- Biographical Information: Full legal name, date of birth, physical description, and booking photograph of the arrested individual
- Arrest Details: Date, time, and specific location where the arrest occurred
- Offense Information: Nature and statutory citation of the alleged criminal violation(s)
- Jurisdictional Data: Identity of the arresting agency (Marquette Police Department, Marquette County Sheriff's Office, or Michigan State Police)
- Processing Information: Booking number, fingerprint records, and personal property inventory
- Custody Status: Information regarding bail or bond amounts, if applicable
- Case Disposition: Court case number and preliminary hearing information when available
The comprehensiveness of arrest records may vary based on the stage of the criminal justice process and the policies of the specific agency maintaining the records. Certain sensitive information, such as social security numbers, may be redacted from public copies in accordance with privacy provisions under MCL 15.243(1)(a).
Expungement of Arrest Records in Marquette
Michigan law provides mechanisms through which eligible individuals may petition for the expungement (setting aside) of arrest records in Marquette. The process is governed by the Michigan Clean Slate legislation, including Public Acts 187-193 of 2020, which expanded expungement eligibility.
Individuals seeking expungement must meet specific statutory criteria:
- The nature and severity of the offense must qualify for expungement under MCL 780.621
- Sufficient time must have elapsed since the arrest or conviction (typically 3-7 years depending on offense type)
- The petitioner must not have exceeded the maximum number of allowable expungements
- The individual must not have pending charges
The expungement procedure requires filing a petition with the Marquette County Circuit Court where the case was adjudicated. The petition must adhere to the format prescribed by the Michigan State Court Administrative Office.
Marquette County Circuit Court
234 W. Baraga Avenue
Marquette, MI 49855
(906) 225-8220
Marquette Circuit Court
Upon receipt of a properly filed petition, the court will schedule a hearing and notify relevant law enforcement agencies. If the court grants the petition, it will issue an order directing all pertinent agencies to remove the arrest record from public access databases and seal the physical records. Pursuant to MCL 780.623, expunged records remain available to law enforcement agencies for limited purposes but are no longer accessible to the general public.
Individuals with questions regarding eligibility may consult with the Marquette County Legal Aid office or private legal counsel familiar with Michigan expungement law.
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