Oakland County, Michigan Arrest Records
Are Arrest Records Public in Oakland County, Michigan?
Arrest records in Oakland 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 that government records, including arrest documentation maintained by law enforcement agencies, shall be available for public inspection unless specifically exempted by statute. The Michigan FOIA operates under the presumption of disclosure, requiring government bodies to provide reasonable access to requested records.
Public access to arrest records serves multiple civic functions:
- Promotes transparency in the criminal justice system
- Enables citizens to monitor law enforcement activities
- Facilitates background checks for employment and housing
- Supports journalistic and research endeavors related to criminal justice
Pursuant to MCL 15.233, any person may request to inspect, copy, or receive copies of public records. However, certain information within arrest records may be redacted in accordance with privacy exemptions outlined in MCL 15.243, such as information that would constitute an unwarranted invasion of personal privacy or that would disclose the identity of a confidential source.
Can Arrest Records be Found Online in Oakland County?
Oakland County arrest records are accessible through various online platforms in accordance with Michigan's public records laws. The county maintains digital repositories that allow members of the public to search for and retrieve arrest information through official government websites and authorized third-party services.
The Oakland County Sheriff's Office provides online access to certain arrest data through their official portal. Additionally, the Michigan State Police maintains the Internet Criminal History Access Tool (ICHAT), which allows for statewide criminal history searches for a nominal fee as authorized under MCL 28.273.
Online accessibility is subject to the following conditions:
- Records may not be immediately available online following an arrest
- Some detailed information may require formal FOIA requests
- Certain sensitive cases may have restricted online access
- Records involving juveniles are generally not publicly accessible online
The Michigan Courts electronic case search system also provides access to court records related to arrests that have proceeded to formal charges. Similarly, the Michigan State Police website offers resources for obtaining criminal history information through official channels.
How to Look Up Oakland County Arrest Records in 2025
Members of the public seeking arrest records in Oakland County have multiple methods available for conducting searches. Each method varies in terms of comprehensiveness, cost, and processing time.
Online Search Options:
- MiCOURT Case Search - The official Michigan Courts online portal provides access to case information for arrests that have resulted in court proceedings
- Michigan Offender Tracking Information System - Maintained by the Michigan Department of Corrections for information on current inmates and parolees
- Oakland County Sheriff's Office Inmate Lookup - Provides current detention status for individuals in county custody
In-Person Requests:
Oakland County Sheriff's Office
1200 N. Telegraph Road, Building 38E
Pontiac, MI 48341
(248) 858-5000
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Oakland County Sheriff's Office
Oakland County Clerk/Register of Deeds
1200 N. Telegraph Road, Department 480
Pontiac, MI 48341
(248) 858-0561
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Oakland County Clerk
Written FOIA Requests:
Pursuant to MCL 15.235, written requests may be submitted to the FOIA Coordinator at the relevant law enforcement agency. Requests must include:
- Requestor's complete name, address, and contact information
- A description of the record(s) sufficiently detailed to enable location
- Statement of purpose if requesting fee reduction
- Preferred method of receiving records
Agencies must respond to FOIA requests within 5 business days, with a possible 10-day extension as provided under MCL 15.235(2)(d).
Contents of an Oakland County Arrest Record
Oakland County arrest records contain standardized information documenting the apprehension and processing of individuals taken into custody. These records are maintained in accordance with Michigan law and departmental policies governing records retention.
Standard information included in arrest records comprises:
- Subject's full legal name and known aliases
- Demographic information (date of birth, gender, race)
- Physical descriptors (height, weight, eye/hair color, identifying marks)
- Residential address at time of arrest
- Date, time, and location of arrest
- Arresting agency and officer identification
- Statutory violations and offense descriptions
- Booking photographs ("mugshots")
- Fingerprint impressions
- Detention status and bail information
- Case disposition if available
Pursuant to MCL 28.243, law enforcement agencies are required to collect fingerprints and other identifying data for individuals arrested for felonies and specified misdemeanors. These biometric identifiers become part of the arrest record and are transmitted to the Michigan State Police central records division as mandated by statute.
Certain sensitive information may be redacted from publicly available versions of arrest records, including:
- Social Security numbers
- Driver's license numbers
- Financial account information
- Medical information protected under HIPAA
- Information related to ongoing investigations
Expungement of Arrest Records in Oakland County
The State of Michigan provides legal mechanisms for the expungement (setting aside) of certain arrest and conviction records under MCL 780.621 et seq. Expungement renders records inaccessible to the general public while maintaining them for limited law enforcement purposes.
The Michigan Clean Slate legislation, which took full effect in 2023, established both petition-based and automatic expungement processes. Under these provisions:
Eligibility Criteria for Petition-Based Expungement:
- Up to three felonies and unlimited misdemeanors may be expunged, with limitations on violent offenses
- Waiting periods range from 3-7 years depending on offense severity
- Certain offenses are ineligible, including most sexual offenses, serious violent crimes, and traffic offenses involving injury or death
- Arrests that did not result in conviction may be expunged after one year
Automatic Expungement:
- Non-violent felonies become eligible after 10 years
- Misdemeanors become eligible after 7 years
- Maximum of two felonies and four misdemeanors may be automatically expunged
- Certain offenses are excluded from automatic process
Individuals seeking expungement must file applications with the court where the conviction occurred. The application process requires:
Oakland County Circuit Court
1200 N. Telegraph Road
Pontiac, MI 48341
(248) 858-0344
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Oakland County Circuit Court
The court will schedule a hearing where the judge considers factors including the applicant's criminal history, employment status, and community involvement. Prosecutors and victims have the right to contest the expungement. If granted, the court issues an order requiring all public records of the arrest or conviction to be removed from public access.
Search Arrest Records in Oakland County
