Yes, arrest records are public in Ann Arbor, Michigan. This accessibility is in accordance with the Michigan Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), which mandates that all government records, unless explicitly exempted, should be accessible to the public. This law ensures transparency and accountability in government, including the activities of law enforcement agencies.
To get Ann Arbor arrest records, individuals have multiple avenues to explore. While some records may be available online, others might require direct contact with local authorities. Here are the common methods to access these records:
An Ann Arbor arrest record typically includes the following information:
In Ann Arbor, the expungement of arrest records is allowed under specific conditions set by Michigan law. Individuals who wish to have their arrest records expunged must meet eligibility criteria, which typically include the nature of the crime, the amount of time that has passed since the arrest, and the individual's criminal history. The process involves filing a petition with the court that originally handled the case. The court then reviews the petition, and a hearing date is set to decide on the matter. If the expungement is granted, the arrest record is sealed and treated as if the arrest never occurred, thereby removing it from public access.