Washtenaw County, Michigan Arrest Records
Are Arrest Records Public in Washtenaw County, Michigan?
Arrest records are public in Washtenaw County, Michigan, pursuant to the Michigan Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), Michigan Compiled Laws § 15.231 et seq. This statute establishes the public's right to inspect, copy, or receive public records maintained by government agencies, including law enforcement entities operating within Washtenaw County. The Michigan FOIA specifically designates arrest records as public documents subject to disclosure, with certain statutory exemptions that may apply in limited circumstances.
Members of the public seeking arrest records may submit written requests to the appropriate law enforcement agency. Pursuant to MCL § 15.235, agencies must respond to such requests within 5 business days, with a possible 10-day extension if necessary. The Washtenaw County Sheriff's Office maintains the majority of arrest records for the county and processes FOIA requests in accordance with state law requirements.
Can Arrest Records be Found Online in Washtenaw County?
Digital access to Washtenaw County arrest records is available through several official government portals. The Washtenaw County Sheriff's Office maintains an online database that provides limited information regarding recent arrests and inmate status. Additionally, the Michigan Courts Case Search system offers access to case information for individuals whose arrests have resulted in formal charges.
It should be noted that online records may not contain comprehensive arrest information. Pursuant to Michigan Court Rule 1.109, certain sensitive information is redacted from publicly accessible online records. Furthermore, in accordance with MCL § 15.243, specific categories of information may be exempt from disclosure, including information that would constitute an unwarranted invasion of personal privacy or that would compromise an ongoing investigation.
The Washtenaw County Clerk's Office provides public access terminals at their facility for individuals seeking more detailed arrest record information than what is available online.
Washtenaw County Clerk's Office
200 N. Main Street
Ann Arbor, MI 48104
734-222-6720
Washtenaw County Clerk
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
How to Look Up Washtenaw County Arrest Records in 2025
Multiple methods exist for obtaining arrest records in Washtenaw County. Individuals seeking such information may utilize the following procedures:
Submit a FOIA request to the Washtenaw County Sheriff's Office. Requests must be made in writing and should include specific information about the record being sought, including the name of the arrested individual and approximate date of arrest. Fees may apply in accordance with MCL § 15.234.
Access the MiCOURT Case Search system, which provides information on criminal cases in Washtenaw County courts. This database includes information on arrests that have resulted in formal charges and court proceedings.
Utilize the Michigan Department of Corrections Offender Search for information regarding individuals who have been sentenced to state prison following conviction.
Visit the Washtenaw County Sheriff's Office in person to request records. Staff members can assist with locating and providing copies of publicly available arrest records.
Washtenaw County Sheriff's Office
2201 Hogback Road
Ann Arbor, MI 48105
734-971-8400
Washtenaw County Sheriff
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
- Contact individual police departments within Washtenaw County for arrests made by their officers. For example:
Pittsfield Charter Township Police Department
6227 West Michigan Avenue
Ann Arbor, MI 48108
734-822-4911
Pittsfield Township Police
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Contents of a Washtenaw County Arrest Record
Washtenaw County arrest records typically contain standardized information as required by Michigan law. Pursuant to the Michigan Law Enforcement Information Network (LEIN) guidelines and MCL § 28.243, arrest records generally include:
- Full legal name of the arrested individual
- Any known aliases or previous names
- Date, time, and location of the arrest
- Statutory charges filed at the time of arrest
- Arresting agency and officer identification
- Physical descriptors including height, weight, eye and hair color
- Date of birth and age at time of arrest
- Fingerprint classification and identification numbers
- Booking photograph (mugshot)
- Case or incident report number
- Custody status information
- Prior arrest history within the jurisdiction
It should be noted that pursuant to MCL § 15.243(1)(b)(iii), certain information may be redacted from publicly available arrest records, including the home addresses and telephone numbers of law enforcement personnel, as well as information that would disclose the identity of confidential informants.
Expungement of Arrest Records in Washtenaw County
The State of Michigan provides statutory mechanisms for the expungement of certain arrest records under the Michigan Clean Slate legislation. Pursuant to MCL § 780.621 et seq., individuals may petition for the setting aside (expungement) of arrest records under specific circumstances.
Eligibility criteria for expungement in Washtenaw County include:
Arrests that did not result in charges or convictions may be eligible for immediate expungement upon application.
For arrests resulting in convictions, the Clean Slate Act provides both automatic and petition-based expungement pathways:
- Automatic expungement occurs for qualifying misdemeanors after 7 years and qualifying felonies after 10 years, provided no subsequent convictions occur.
- Petition-based expungement requires filing with the court of original jurisdiction and meeting statutory waiting periods.
Certain offenses are ineligible for expungement, including:
- Felonies carrying potential life imprisonment
- Most criminal sexual conduct offenses
- Operating while intoxicated offenses
- Traffic offenses causing injury or death
The expungement process requires submission of an application to the Michigan State Police and the court where the case was adjudicated. Applicants must provide fingerprints and pay applicable fees. Pursuant to MCL § 780.621d, the court will schedule a hearing where a judge will determine whether granting the expungement is consistent with the public welfare.
Washtenaw County Trial Court
101 E. Huron Street
Ann Arbor, MI 48104
734-222-3270
Washtenaw County Trial Court
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Search Arrest Records in Washtenaw County
