>Ottawa County Arrest Records Online

Ottawa County, Michigan Arrest Records

Are Arrest Records Public in Ottawa County, Michigan?

Arrest records in Ottawa County, Michigan are considered public documents under Michigan state law. The Michigan Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), MCL 15.231 et seq., establishes the public's right to access government records, including those pertaining to arrests. This legislation ensures transparency in governmental operations by allowing citizens to obtain information about law enforcement activities within the county. Pursuant to this act, members of the public may request and review arrest records maintained by Ottawa County law enforcement agencies, subject to certain exemptions designed to protect ongoing investigations and personal privacy in specific circumstances.

The Ottawa County Sheriff's Office and other local law enforcement agencies maintain these records in accordance with state recordkeeping requirements. While most arrest information is accessible to the public, certain details may be redacted to comply with privacy laws, particularly in cases involving juveniles or certain sensitive investigations as outlined in MCL 15.243.

Can Arrest Records be Found Online in Ottawa County?

Ottawa County provides digital access to certain arrest records through official government portals. The miOttawa online system serves as the primary digital repository for court and arrest information within the county. This system allows members of the public to conduct searches for arrest records, court schedules, and case information without physically visiting county offices.

The online accessibility of these records is governed by the Michigan Court Records Access Policy, which balances public access rights with privacy considerations. Users should note that while basic arrest information is typically available online, comprehensive records may require additional requests or in-person visits to the appropriate county offices.

Digital access to these records is provided as a public service, though certain limitations apply regarding the scope and detail of information available through online platforms. Records available online typically include basic arrest information, court dates, and case status updates, while more detailed information may require formal requests through established channels.

How to Look Up Ottawa County Arrest Records in 2025

Members of the public seeking Ottawa County arrest records in 2025 may utilize several official channels to obtain this information:

Ottawa County Sheriff's Office Records Division
12220 Fillmore Street, West Olive, MI 49460
Phone: (616) 738-4000
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
The Records Division maintains comprehensive arrest records and booking information for individuals processed through county facilities.
Ottawa County Clerk's Office
12220 Fillmore Street, Suite 2300, West Olive, MI 49460
Phone: (616) 994-4531
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
The Clerk's Office maintains court records related to arrests and subsequent legal proceedings.
miOttawa Online Portal
This digital platform allows users to search for arrest records, court schedules, and case information 24 hours a day. The system requires basic identifying information such as name and date of birth to conduct searches.
58th District Court
Grand Haven Location: 414 Washington Avenue, Grand Haven, MI 49417
Phone: (616) 846-8280
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
The District Court maintains records of arrests and subsequent court proceedings for cases within its jurisdiction.

Requestors should be prepared to provide specific information to facilitate searches, including the full name of the individual, approximate date of arrest, and any additional identifying information. Pursuant to MCL 15.234, agencies may charge reasonable fees for the reproduction of records, with fee schedules available upon request.

Contents of an Ottawa County Arrest Record

Ottawa County arrest records contain standardized information as required by Michigan law and local recordkeeping protocols. These official documents typically include:

Biographical Information: Full legal name, date of birth, physical description (height, weight, identifying marks), gender, and address of the arrested individual.
Arrest Details: Date, time, and location of the arrest; the law enforcement agency conducting the arrest; and the names and badge numbers of arresting officers.
Criminal Charges: Specific violations of Michigan law or local ordinances for which the individual was arrested, including relevant statute or code citations (e.g., MCL references).
Booking Information: Processing details including fingerprinting records, booking photographs (mugshots), and property inventory taken at the time of booking.
Case Disposition: Current status of the case, including bond information, court dates, and eventual resolution (if applicable).
Prior Record: In some instances, information regarding previous arrests or convictions may be included if relevant to the current case.

The comprehensiveness of these records varies based on the nature of the arrest and subsequent proceedings. Records pertaining to felony arrests typically contain more extensive information than those for misdemeanor offenses. Pursuant to Michigan Court Rule 8.119, certain sensitive information may be redacted from public versions of these records, including Social Security numbers, financial account information, and certain medical data.

Expungement of Arrest Records in Ottawa County

The State of Michigan provides legal mechanisms for the expungement (setting aside) of certain arrest records under MCL 780.621 et seq. Ottawa County residents may petition for expungement if they meet statutory eligibility requirements. The Michigan Clean Slate legislation, which took full effect in 2023, has expanded expungement eligibility and established an automatic expungement process for certain offenses.

Eligibility criteria for expungement in Ottawa County include:

Waiting periods ranging from 3-7 years depending on offense severity
Limitations on the number and type of convictions eligible for expungement
Restrictions on expungement for certain serious offenses as enumerated in MCL 780.621(3)

The expungement process requires petitioners to:

File an application with the court where the conviction occurred
Submit fingerprints to the Michigan State Police for a criminal background check
Serve notice on the prosecuting attorney
Attend a hearing before a circuit or district court judge

The Ottawa County Prosecutor's Office reviews all expungement petitions and may contest applications that fail to meet statutory requirements. Successful expungement results in the sealing of arrest records from public view, though law enforcement agencies retain access to this information for official purposes.

Individuals seeking expungement assistance may contact:

Ottawa County Legal Self-Help Center
414 Washington Avenue, Room 108, Grand Haven, MI 49417
Phone: (616) 846-8320
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 12:00 PM and 1:00 PM - 5:00 PM