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Washtenaw County Arrest Records

Are Arrest Records Public in Washtenaw County

Arrest records in Washtenaw County are considered public information under Michigan's Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), specifically Michigan Compiled Laws § 15.231-15.246. This statute establishes the public's right to access government records, including those related to arrests made by law enforcement agencies within the county. The Michigan FOIA presumes that all records are accessible to the public unless specifically exempted by law.

It is important for requesters to understand the distinction between arrest records and conviction records. An arrest record documents that an individual was taken into custody by law enforcement based on probable cause that they committed a crime. This record exists regardless of whether the individual was subsequently charged, prosecuted, or convicted. Conviction records, by contrast, indicate that a person was found guilty of a criminal offense through the judicial process.

Pursuant to Michigan law, specifically MCL § 15.243, certain information within arrest records may be exempt from disclosure, including:

  • Information of a personal nature where disclosure would constitute an unwarranted invasion of privacy
  • Information that would interfere with law enforcement proceedings
  • Information that would deprive a person of the right to a fair trial
  • Information that would disclose the identity of a confidential source

The Michigan State Police maintains policies governing the release of criminal history information, including arrest records, in accordance with state law. These policies apply to records maintained by local law enforcement agencies within Washtenaw County.

What's in Washtenaw County Arrest Records

Washtenaw County arrest records contain standardized information documenting the apprehension and processing of individuals taken into custody. These records typically include the following categories of information:

Arrestee Identifying Information:

  • Full legal name (including aliases or known nicknames)
  • Date of birth
  • Gender
  • Race/ethnicity
  • Physical description (height, weight, eye color, hair color)
  • Home address
  • Identifying marks (tattoos, scars, etc.)
  • Fingerprints
  • Photograph (mugshot)

Arrest Details:

  • Date and time of arrest
  • Location of arrest
  • Arresting agency
  • Arresting officer's name and badge number
  • Reason for arrest
  • Use of force information (if applicable)

Charge Information:

  • Criminal charges filed
  • Statute or ordinance citations
  • Charge classification (felony, misdemeanor, civil infraction)
  • Charge severity level

Warrant Information (if applicable):

  • Warrant number
  • Issuing court
  • Date issued
  • Type of warrant (arrest, bench, search)

Booking Information:

  • Booking date and time
  • Booking facility
  • Booking officer
  • Property inventory
  • Medical screening information

Bond/Bail Information:

  • Bond amount
  • Bond type (cash, surety, personal recognizance)
  • Bond conditions
  • Bond payment status
  • Release date (if applicable)

Court Information:

  • Court of jurisdiction
  • Case number
  • Scheduled court appearances
  • Judge assigned

Custody Status:

  • Current detention status
  • Housing location (if in custody)
  • Expected release date (if sentenced)

Additional Information May Include:

  • Prior arrest history
  • Probation/parole status
  • Immigration holds
  • Protective orders
  • Special custody considerations

The specific content of arrest records may vary depending on the arresting agency within Washtenaw County and the circumstances of the arrest. Records are maintained in compliance with Michigan law enforcement records retention requirements.

How To Look Up Arrest Records in Washtenaw County in 2026

Members of the public seeking arrest records in Washtenaw County may utilize several official channels to obtain this information. The following procedures are currently in effect for requesting and accessing arrest records:

  1. Submit a FOIA Request to the Washtenaw County Sheriff's Office
    • Complete the official FOIA request form available on the Washtenaw County website
    • Provide specific details about the record being requested, including the name of the individual, date of arrest (if known), and any other identifying information
    • Submit the request via mail, email, fax, or in person to:

Washtenaw County Sheriff's Office
2201 Hogback Road
Ann Arbor, MI 48105
734-971-3911
Washtenaw County Sheriff's Office

  1. Visit the Washtenaw County Clerk's Office
    • Request court records related to arrests in person at:

Washtenaw County Clerk's Office
200 N. Main Street
Ann Arbor, MI 48104
734-222-6720
Washtenaw County Clerk

  1. Contact the Arresting Agency Directly

    • If the arrest was made by a municipal police department within Washtenaw County, contact that specific agency
    • Each agency maintains its own records and may have different request procedures

  2. Request Criminal History Information

    • For a complete criminal history record including arrests, submit a request through the Michigan State Police Criminal History Records
    • Provide fingerprints and required identification
    • Pay applicable fees (currently $42 for a personal record check)

  3. Check Court Records

    • Search for cases resulting from arrests through the Michigan Courts Case Search system
    • Provide the individual's name and other identifying information
    • Note that this will only show arrests that resulted in court cases

When requesting arrest records, requesters should be prepared to:

  • Provide proper identification
  • Pay applicable fees for record retrieval and copying
  • Allow processing time (typically 5-15 business days under Michigan FOIA)
  • Receive redacted records if exemptions apply

How To Find Washtenaw County Arrest Records Online

Washtenaw County provides several digital resources for accessing arrest records through official online channels. The following online methods are available to the public:

  1. Washtenaw County Sheriff's Office Inmate Search

    • Navigate to the Washtenaw County Sheriff's Office website
    • Locate the "Inmate Search" or "Current Inmates" section
    • Enter the individual's name or booking number
    • View basic information about currently incarcerated individuals
    • Note that this only provides information on current inmates, not historical arrest data

  2. Michigan Offender Tracking Information System (OTIS)

    • Access the Michigan Department of Corrections OTIS database
    • Enter the individual's name and other identifying information
    • View information about individuals who have been sentenced to prison or are on parole/probation
    • This system primarily contains conviction records rather than arrest-only records

  3. Michigan Courts Case Search

    • Visit the Michigan Courts Case Search portal
    • Search by name, case number, or other identifiers
    • Access court records related to arrests that resulted in criminal charges
    • View case status, scheduled hearings, and disposition information

  4. Internet Criminal History Access Tool (ICHAT)

    • Access the Michigan State Police ICHAT system
    • Create an account and pay the required fee (currently $10 per search)
    • Search for public criminal history records, including arrests that led to convictions
    • Note that not all arrest records appear in ICHAT, particularly those that did not result in convictions

  5. Washtenaw County FOIA Request Portal

    • Some arrest records may be requested through the county's online FOIA portal
    • Complete the electronic form with specific details about the requested records
    • Pay applicable fees online
    • Receive documents electronically when available

When using online systems to access arrest records, users should be aware of several important considerations:

  • Information may be limited or incomplete compared to official records
  • Some systems only update periodically and may not contain the most recent information
  • Certain sensitive information is typically redacted from online records
  • Records that did not result in charges or convictions may not appear in public-facing databases

How To Search Washtenaw County Arrest Records for Free?

Members of the public have several options for accessing Washtenaw County arrest records without incurring fees. The following methods provide free or low-cost access to arrest information:

  1. Public Access Terminals at Government Facilities
    • Visit the Washtenaw County Clerk's Office public terminals located at:

Washtenaw County Clerk's Office
200 N. Main Street
Ann Arbor, MI 48104
734-222-6720
Washtenaw County Clerk

  • Use the on-site computers to search court records related to arrests
  • No fee is charged for on-site searches, though printing fees may apply

  1. Washtenaw County Sheriff's Office Website

    • Access the Washtenaw County Sheriff's Office website
    • Navigate to the "Inmate Lookup" section
    • Search for currently incarcerated individuals at no cost
    • Information is limited to current inmates only

  2. Public Court Hearings

    • Attend public court proceedings at the Washtenaw County Courthouse
    • Court calendars are posted daily and are accessible to the public
    • Observe arraignments and other proceedings where arrest information is discussed
    • Request to view public case files while at the courthouse

  3. Local Law Enforcement Agency Websites

    • Check municipal police department websites within Washtenaw County
    • Some agencies post recent arrest logs or police blotters online
    • Information is typically limited to recent arrests and basic details

  4. Public Libraries

    • Visit local public libraries in Washtenaw County
    • Use public computers to access court records through the Michigan Courts Case Search
    • Librarians may provide assistance with navigating public records resources

  5. FOIA Fee Waivers

    • Submit a FOIA request with a fee waiver request
    • Under Michigan FOIA (MCL § 15.234), fees may be waived if the request is in the public interest
    • Demonstrate that the primary purpose is to access information about governmental activities
    • Fee waivers are discretionary and not guaranteed

When utilizing free search methods, requesters should be aware of certain limitations:

  • Free resources typically provide less comprehensive information
  • Records may not be as current as those available through paid services
  • Some free resources only show arrests that resulted in court cases
  • Identification may still be required even for free searches
  • Certain information may be redacted from publicly accessible records

How To Delete Arrest Records in Washtenaw County

Michigan law provides specific mechanisms for the removal or restriction of arrest records under certain circumstances. The processes of expungement (legal erasure) and sealing (restricting public access) are governed by state statute and administered through the court system in Washtenaw County.

Expungement vs. Sealing: Understanding the Distinction

Expungement refers to the legal process of removing an arrest or conviction from public records. When a record is expunged, it is treated as if it never occurred for most purposes. Sealing, by contrast, restricts public access to records but does not completely erase them. Sealed records remain accessible to law enforcement agencies and may be considered for certain purposes, such as sentencing in subsequent criminal cases.

Eligibility for Expungement in Washtenaw County

Under Michigan's Clean Slate legislation (MCL § 780.621 et seq.), individuals may be eligible for expungement if:

  • The arrest did not result in a conviction
  • The conviction was for certain qualifying misdemeanors or felonies
  • The required waiting period has elapsed (typically 3-7 years, depending on the offense)
  • The individual has no more than the maximum number of allowable convictions
  • The offense is not specifically excluded from expungement eligibility

Certain serious offenses, including most sexual offenses, traffic offenses involving operating while intoxicated, and offenses punishable by life imprisonment, are generally ineligible for expungement.

Steps to Request Expungement in Washtenaw County

  1. Obtain a Certified Copy of Criminal Records

    • Request a certified copy of criminal history from the Michigan State Police
    • Include fingerprints and required identification
    • Pay applicable fees

  2. Complete Application for Expungement

    • Obtain the Application to Set Aside Conviction form (MC 227)
    • Complete all required information accurately
    • Include certified records and supporting documentation

  3. File the Application with the Court

    • Submit the completed application to the court where the conviction occurred:

Washtenaw County Trial Court
101 E. Huron Street
P.O. Box 8645
Ann Arbor, MI 48107
734-222-3270
Washtenaw County Trial Court

  • Pay the filing fee (currently $50, though fee waivers may be available)

  1. Serve Copies on Required Parties

    • Provide copies of the application to:
      • Michigan State Police
      • Michigan Attorney General
      • Washtenaw County Prosecutor
      • Arresting agency

  2. Attend the Hearing

    • Appear at the scheduled court hearing
    • Present arguments for why expungement should be granted
    • Answer any questions from the judge

  3. Follow Up After Decision

    • If granted, ensure the order is properly processed
    • Verify that records are updated with all relevant agencies
    • Request updated background checks to confirm expungement

Automatic Expungement Under Clean Slate

As of April 2023, Michigan's Clean Slate law provides for automatic expungement of certain eligible convictions without requiring an application. This process applies to qualifying misdemeanors after seven years and qualifying felonies after ten years, provided there are no new convictions during the waiting period.

For arrests that did not result in charges or convictions, individuals may request removal from public databases by contacting the arresting agency directly with documentation showing the case was dismissed or not prosecuted.

What Happens After Arrest in Washtenaw County?

Following an arrest in Washtenaw County, individuals enter a structured criminal justice process governed by Michigan law and local court procedures. This process typically progresses through several distinct phases:

  1. Booking and Initial Detention

    • The arrestee is transported to a detention facility, typically the Washtenaw County Jail
    • Personal information is recorded, including fingerprints and photographs
    • Personal property is inventoried and secured
    • Initial health screening is conducted
    • The arrestee may be held in custody or released depending on the nature of the charges

  2. Arraignment

    • Occurs within 24-48 hours of arrest for in-custody defendants
    • The judge formally presents charges and advises the defendant of their rights
    • Bail or bond is set, which may allow for pre-trial release
    • A plea is entered (typically "not guilty" at this stage)
    • The court may appoint an attorney if the defendant cannot afford one
    • Future court dates are scheduled

  3. Pre-Trial Proceedings

    • Discovery phase where prosecution and defense exchange evidence
    • Pre-trial conferences to discuss possible resolutions
    • Motion hearings to address legal issues before trial
    • Plea negotiations may occur throughout this phase

  4. Preliminary Examination (Felony Cases Only)

    • Hearing to determine if sufficient evidence exists to proceed to trial
    • Prosecution must demonstrate probable cause
    • If probable cause is established, the case is bound over to Circuit Court
    • If not, charges may be dismissed or reduced

  5. Trial

    • May be a jury trial or bench trial (judge only)
    • Prosecution presents evidence to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt
    • Defense may present evidence and challenge prosecution's case
    • Jury or judge renders a verdict of guilty or not guilty

  6. Sentencing (If Convicted)

    • Pre-sentence investigation report is prepared
    • Victim impact statements may be presented
    • Judge imposes sentence, which may include:
      • Incarceration in jail or prison
      • Probation
      • Fines and costs
      • Community service
      • Treatment programs
      • Restitution to victims

  7. Post-Conviction

    • Defendant may appeal the conviction or sentence
    • Serve the imposed sentence
    • May be eligible for early release programs
    • Upon completion of sentence, may be subject to parole supervision

Throughout this process, cases may be resolved through alternative means, including:

  • Plea agreements
  • Diversion programs
  • Treatment courts (Drug Court, Mental Health Court, Veterans Court)
  • Dismissal of charges

The Washtenaw County criminal justice system operates under the jurisdiction of the 22nd Circuit Court for felony cases and the 14A and 15th District Courts for misdemeanor cases. Each court maintains its own procedures while adhering to Michigan court rules and statutes.

How Long Are Arrest Records Kept in Washtenaw County?

Arrest records in Washtenaw County are maintained according to retention schedules established by Michigan law, specifically the Michigan Law Enforcement Information Network Act (MCL § 28.211 et seq.) and the Michigan Records Retention and Disposal Schedule. These statutes govern how long different types of criminal justice records must be preserved.

The retention periods for arrest records vary based on several factors:

Standard Retention Periods

  • Arrest records for adults: Maintained indefinitely unless expunged through court order
  • Juvenile arrest records: Generally sealed when the individual reaches age 17, with exceptions for serious offenses
  • Fingerprint records: Retained permanently in the state's automated fingerprint identification system
  • Booking photographs: Maintained for the same duration as the corresponding arrest record
  • Arrest reports: Typically retained for a minimum of 7 years, longer for serious offenses

Agency-Specific Retention Requirements Different agencies within Washtenaw County maintain records according to their specific functions:

  • Washtenaw County Sheriff's Office: Maintains arrest records according to the Law Enforcement Records Retention Schedule, which requires permanent retention of felony arrest records and extended retention of misdemeanor arrests
  • Municipal Police Departments: Follow similar retention schedules but may have jurisdiction-specific policies
  • Washtenaw County Prosecutor's Office: Maintains case files related to arrests for varying periods based on case disposition and severity
  • Washtenaw County Courts: Retain case records according to the Michigan Court Records Retention and Disposal Schedule, with felony cases typically maintained for 50 years and misdemeanors for 20 years

Factors Affecting Retention Duration

  • Severity of offense (felony records are kept longer than misdemeanor records)
  • Case disposition (dismissed cases may have shorter retention periods)
  • Special categories of offenses (sex offenses, violent crimes have extended retention)
  • Legal mandates for specific offense types

The extended retention of arrest records serves several important public purposes:

  • Preserves evidence that may be needed for future investigations
  • Maintains accountability within the criminal justice system
  • Provides historical documentation for statistical and research purposes
  • Supports background checks for employment in sensitive positions
  • Assists courts in making informed decisions in subsequent cases

Individuals seeking to limit the retention of their arrest records may petition for expungement under Michigan's Clean Slate legislation, as previously discussed. When an expungement is granted, the physical and digital records are removed from public access, though certain sealed records may be maintained for law enforcement purposes only.

How to Find Mugshots in Washtenaw County

What Mugshots Are

Mugshots, also known as booking photographs, are official photographs taken during the booking process following an arrest. These images typically include front-facing and profile views of the arrested individual and are created for identification purposes within the criminal justice system. In Washtenaw County, mugshots are considered part of the arrest record and are subject to Michigan's public records laws.

Where Mugshots Are Maintained

Mugshots in Washtenaw County are primarily maintained by:

  • The Washtenaw County Sheriff's Office, which operates the county jail where most bookings occur
  • Municipal police departments that conduct their own bookings
  • The Michigan State Police, which maintains a central repository of criminal history information
  • Court records systems, where mugshots may be included in case files

Finding Mugshots

Individuals seeking mugshots in Washtenaw County have several official channels available:

  1. Submit a FOIA Request
    • File a formal request under Michigan's Freedom of Information Act with the arresting agency
    • Specify the individual's name, date of arrest, and request the booking photograph
    • Submit the request to:

Washtenaw County Sheriff's Office
2201 Hogback Road
Ann Arbor, MI 48105
734-971-3911
Washtenaw County Sheriff's Office

  1. Check Current Inmate Information

    • For recently arrested individuals, limited booking information may be available through the county's inmate lookup system
    • This typically only includes current inmates, not historical records

  2. Request Court Records

    • If the mugshot is part of court evidence, it may be accessible through:

Washtenaw County Clerk's Office
200 N. Main Street
Ann Arbor, MI 48104
734-222-6720
Washtenaw County Clerk

Can Mugshots Be Found Online?

While some mugshots may be available online, their accessibility is subject to important limitations:

  • The Washtenaw County Sheriff's Office does not routinely publish mugshots on its website
  • Third-party websites that aggregate mugshots may contain outdated or inaccurate information
  • Michigan law (MCL § 445.1883) prohibits commercial websites from charging fees to remove mugshots
  • Recent legal reforms have limited the publication of mugshots before conviction

Obtaining Mugshots Officially

To obtain official copies of mugshots, requesters should:

  • Provide specific identifying information about the subject
  • Submit requests in writing to the appropriate agency
  • Pay applicable fees for record retrieval and copying
  • Allow processing time as required by FOIA (typically 5-15 business days)

Restrictions on Mugshot Access

Access to mugshots may be restricted under certain circumstances:

  • Juvenile records are generally not public
  • Records that have been expunged or sealed by court order
  • Cases involving ongoing investigations
  • Situations where release would constitute an unwarranted invasion of privacy
  • Records protected by specific statutory exemptions

Individuals concerned about their own mugshots being publicly accessible may have recourse through Michigan's expungement laws, which can remove these images from public records under qualifying circumstances.

Lookup Arrest Records in Washtenaw County

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