Novi Arrest Records
Are Arrest Records Public in Novi, Michigan?
Arrest records are public in Novi, Michigan, pursuant to the Michigan Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), MCL 15.231 et seq. This state legislation establishes that government records, including those pertaining to arrests, must be accessible to the public unless specifically exempted by law. The Michigan FOIA operates under the principle that all persons are entitled to complete information regarding governmental affairs and official acts of public officials and employees.
The Novi Police Department maintains arrest records in compliance with state regulations and makes them available through established protocols. Members of the public seeking arrest information may submit requests to the department's Records Division. However, certain information may be redacted or withheld in accordance with MCL 15.243, which outlines specific exemptions including:
- Information of a personal nature where disclosure would constitute an unwarranted invasion of privacy
- Records that would interfere with law enforcement proceedings
- Information that would deprive a person of the right to a fair trial
- Records that would disclose the identity of a confidential source
The Oakland County Sheriff's Office and the 52nd District Court also maintain records related to arrests occurring within their jurisdictions. These records are similarly subject to FOIA provisions and exemptions.
How to Look Up Novi Arrest Records in 2025
The City of Novi provides multiple channels through which members of the public may access arrest records. Individuals seeking such information have several options available to them:
In-person requests may be submitted at the Novi Police Department Records Division, located at 45125 Ten Mile Road, Novi, MI 48375. The public counter is open Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Requesters must complete a standard FOIA form and provide identification.
Electronic requests can be submitted through the City of Novi's online FOIA portal. The system allows users to track the status of their requests and receive electronic copies of available records.
The Courts and Law Enforcement Management Information System (CLEMIS) provides limited public access to certain arrest data. This regional system serves multiple jurisdictions in Oakland County.
The 52nd District Court, 1st Division, located at 48150 Grand River Avenue, Novi, MI 48374 (telephone: 248-305-6080), maintains records of arraignments and subsequent court proceedings. Court records may be accessed through the clerk's office during regular business hours, Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM.
Written requests may be submitted via mail to the Novi Police Department Records Division. All requests must specify the information sought with reasonable particularity.
Pursuant to MCL 15.234, fees may be assessed for the search, retrieval, examination, review, and separation of exempt from non-exempt information, as well as for copying or digitizing public records.
Contents of a Novi Arrest Record
Arrest records maintained by the Novi Police Department typically contain comprehensive information regarding the circumstances and processing of individuals taken into custody. Standard arrest records include the following components:
- Biographical information of the arrested individual, including full legal name, known aliases, date of birth, physical description, and address
- Date, time, and specific location of the arrest
- Statutory charges filed at the time of arrest, cited by Michigan Compiled Laws section numbers
- Name and badge number of the arresting officer(s)
- Booking photographs (mugshots) taken during processing
- Fingerprint impressions collected during booking procedures
- Property inventory documenting items in the arrestee's possession at the time of arrest
- Preliminary breath test results or other chemical test information, if applicable
- Miranda rights acknowledgment documentation
- Detention location following arrest
- Case disposition information, if available
The Support Services Division of the Novi Police Department is responsible for maintaining the integrity and security of these records in accordance with departmental policies and state regulations. Records are stored in the CLEMIS database, which serves as the primary records management system for law enforcement agencies throughout Oakland County.
It should be noted that certain information contained within arrest records may be redacted prior to public release in accordance with exemptions provided under MCL 15.243, particularly information that might compromise ongoing investigations or constitute an unwarranted invasion of personal privacy.
Expungement of Arrest Records in Novi
The State of Michigan provides statutory mechanisms through which eligible individuals may petition for the expungement (setting aside) of arrest and conviction records. Pursuant to the Michigan Set Asides law (MCL 780.621 et seq.), certain arrest records may be eligible for expungement under specific circumstances.
For arrests that did not result in charges or convictions, individuals may petition for expungement after a waiting period as specified by statute. The process requires filing an application with the 52nd District Court if the arrest occurred within its jurisdiction. The Michigan Clean Slate legislation, which took effect in April 2023, has expanded eligibility criteria and established an automatic expungement process for certain qualifying records.
To initiate the expungement process, petitioners must:
- Obtain a certified record of arrest and prosecution (RAP sheet) from the Michigan State Police
- Secure a certified copy of the court disposition related to the arrest
- Submit fingerprints to the Michigan State Police for verification purposes
- File a petition with the court of record where the case was adjudicated
- Serve copies of the petition on the Michigan Attorney General's Office, the Oakland County Prosecutor's Office, and the Novi Police Department
- Attend a hearing before the presiding judge, who will determine whether granting the petition is consistent with the public welfare
The Oakland County Clerk's Office, located at 1200 N. Telegraph Road, Pontiac, MI 48341 (telephone: 248-858-0581), provides forms and procedural guidance for individuals seeking expungement of records.
Upon successful expungement, the Novi Police Department and other relevant agencies are required to remove the record from public databases, though a non-public record is maintained for law enforcement purposes only. Expunged records are not disclosed in response to public inquiries, including background checks conducted by potential employers or housing providers.
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