Washtenaw County Criminal Records
What Is Washtenaw County Criminal Records
Criminal records in Washtenaw County encompass official documentation of an individual's interactions with the criminal justice system within the county's jurisdiction. These records are maintained pursuant to Michigan Compiled Laws § 15.231, which establishes the framework for public records maintenance and access throughout the state.
Criminal records in Washtenaw County include several distinct categories:
- Arrest Records: Documentation of apprehensions by law enforcement agencies, which do not necessarily indicate guilt
- Conviction Records: Official records of guilty verdicts or pleas in criminal cases
- Felony Records: Documentation of serious crimes punishable by imprisonment of one year or more
- Misdemeanor Records: Records of less serious offenses typically punishable by less than one year of incarceration
- Adult Records: Criminal proceedings for individuals 18 and older, generally accessible to the public
- Juvenile Records: Proceedings for minors under 18, which are typically sealed and confidential under Michigan Compiled Laws § 712A.28
- Active Warrants: Current orders for arrest issued by courts
- Historical Records: Documentation of past criminal justice interactions
Multiple agencies maintain these records within Washtenaw County's criminal justice system:
Washtenaw County Sheriff's Office
2201 Hogback Road
Ann Arbor, MI 48105
734-971-8400
Washtenaw County Sheriff's Office
The Sheriff's Office maintains arrest records, booking information, and jail records for the county.
Washtenaw County Trial Court
101 E. Huron Street
Ann Arbor, MI 48107
734-222-3270
Washtenaw County Trial Court
The court system maintains case records including charges, arraignments, pleas, trial proceedings, verdicts, and sentencing information.
Michigan State Police
7150 Harris Drive
Dimondale, MI 48821
517-332-2521
Michigan State Police
The state police maintain the central repository for criminal history information throughout Michigan, including Washtenaw County.
Criminal records typically document the complete progression through the justice system, including initial charges, arraignment proceedings, plea information, trial records, sentencing details, and probation or parole status.
Are Criminal Records Public In Washtenaw County
Criminal records in Washtenaw County are generally accessible to the public in accordance with the Michigan Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), specifically under Michigan Compiled Laws § 15.231-15.246. This statute establishes that "all persons, except those persons incarcerated in state or local correctional facilities, are entitled to full and complete information regarding the affairs of government and the official acts of those who represent them as public officials and public employees."
The Michigan FOIA states: "It is the public policy of this state that all persons, except those persons incarcerated in state or local correctional facilities, are entitled to full and complete information regarding the affairs of government and the official acts of those who represent them as public officials and public employees, consistent with this act."
Public access to criminal records in Washtenaw County includes:
- Adult conviction records
- Court proceedings and case dispositions
- Booking information and mugshots
- Sex offender registry information
- Incarceration records
However, certain categories of criminal records remain restricted from public access:
- Active criminal investigations
- Sealed or expunged records pursuant to court order
- Juvenile records (with limited exceptions)
- Records that would constitute an unwarranted invasion of personal privacy
- Records that would compromise law enforcement proceedings
The Washtenaw County government maintains compliance with state transparency laws while balancing privacy considerations and the integrity of the justice system. Public access to criminal records serves the dual purpose of governmental transparency and public safety, allowing citizens to make informed decisions while protecting certain information from disclosure when required by law.
How To Look Up Criminal Records In Washtenaw County in 2026
Members of the public seeking criminal records in Washtenaw County may utilize several established methods to obtain this information. The county maintains multiple access points for criminal record retrieval, each serving specific purposes within the criminal justice information system.
For in-person requests, individuals may visit:
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
To conduct a criminal record search in Washtenaw County, follow these steps:
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Determine the specific record needed: Identify whether you require arrest records, court cases, incarceration information, or comprehensive background information.
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Select the appropriate agency: Direct requests to the relevant department:
- Court cases: Washtenaw County Trial Court
- Arrest/booking information: Washtenaw County Sheriff
- Criminal history: Michigan State Police
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Submit a formal request: Complete the appropriate request form, which may be obtained:
- In person at the relevant agency
- Through the Washtenaw County FOIA Center
- Via the Michigan ICHAT system for statewide criminal history
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Provide required identification: Present government-issued photo identification when requesting records in person.
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Pay applicable fees: Remit payment for search and copying fees as established by county ordinance and state law.
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Receive and review records: Obtain the requested information, typically provided in paper format for in-person requests or electronically for online submissions.
For expedited service, the Michigan Courts Electronic Access portal provides immediate access to many court records, though certain detailed information may require direct agency contact.
Pursuant to Michigan Compiled Laws § 15.234, agencies must respond to record requests within 5 business days, with a possible 10-day extension for complex requests.
How To Find Criminal Records in Washtenaw County Online?
Washtenaw County offers several digital platforms for accessing criminal records online, providing convenient alternatives to in-person requests. These electronic resources vary in scope and functionality, with each designed to serve specific information needs.
The primary online resources for Washtenaw County criminal records include:
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MiCOURT Case Search This statewide portal provides access to court cases across Michigan, including Washtenaw County courts. Users can search by name, case number, or citation number to locate criminal proceedings.
- Search capabilities: Defendant name, case number, filing date
- Information provided: Case status, charges, scheduled hearings, dispositions
- Access: MiCOURT Case Search
- Registration: Not required for basic searches
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Washtenaw County Court Records The county maintains a dedicated portal for searching local court records, including criminal cases processed through the 22nd Circuit Court and district courts.
- Search parameters: Name, case number, date range
- Available information: Case type, filing date, parties, hearings, judgments
- Access: Washtenaw County Court Records
- User account: Required for detailed information
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Michigan Offender Tracking Information System (OTIS) This Department of Corrections database provides information on current inmates and individuals under supervision.
- Search options: Name, offender number
- Information: Current status, location, offense, sentence details, earliest release date
- Access: Michigan OTIS
- Registration: Not required
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Michigan Public Sex Offender Registry This searchable database contains information on registered sex offenders residing in Washtenaw County.
- Search capabilities: Name, location, non-compliant offenders
- Information: Offender photos, addresses, offense details, registration requirements
- Access: Michigan Sex Offender Registry
- Registration: Not required
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Washtenaw County Sheriff's Inmate Lookup This resource provides current information on individuals held in the Washtenaw County Jail.
- Search parameters: Name
- Information provided: Booking date, charges, bond information, next court date
- Access: Washtenaw County Jail Inmate Search
- Registration: Not required
When using these online systems, users should note that certain detailed information may still require direct agency contact or formal records requests. Additionally, pursuant to Michigan Court Rule 8.119, some case documents may be restricted from online access while remaining available for in-person inspection at the courthouse.
Can You Search Washtenaw County Criminal Records for Free?
Washtenaw County provides several no-cost options for accessing criminal records, in accordance with Michigan's Freedom of Information Act and court access policies. Michigan Compiled Laws § 15.234(1) establishes that "a public body may charge a fee for a public record search," but also requires that fees be "limited to actual mailing costs, and to the actual incremental cost of duplication or publication including labor."
Free inspection of criminal records is available at the following locations:
Washtenaw County Clerk/Register's Office
200 N. Main Street
Ann Arbor, MI 48104
734-222-6720
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Washtenaw County Trial Court
101 E. Huron Street
Ann Arbor, MI 48107
734-222-3270
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
The following online resources provide free access to criminal record information:
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Basic Court Case Searches The Michigan Courts Case Search provides free access to basic case information, including:
- Case numbers and filing dates
- Party names
- Charge information
- Scheduled hearings
- Case status
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Washtenaw County Inmate Search The Sheriff's Office maintains a free online roster of current jail inmates, including:
- Booking information
- Current charges
- Bond amounts
- Next court dates
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Michigan OTIS The Michigan Department of Corrections Offender Search provides free information on:
- Current inmates in state facilities
- Individuals on parole or probation
- Basic offense and sentence information
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Michigan Public Sex Offender Registry This statewide database offers free searches for registered sex offenders, including:
- Offender photographs
- Registered addresses
- Conviction information
- Registration requirements
While these resources provide free access to basic criminal record information, fees may apply for:
- Certified copies of court documents
- Complete criminal history reports
- Extensive record searches requiring staff time
- Copies exceeding a certain page count
Pursuant to Michigan Compiled Laws § 15.234(2), public bodies must establish and publish procedures and guidelines to implement the FOIA, including a schedule of fees. Washtenaw County agencies provide fee waivers or reductions for indigent requesters who submit an affidavit stating they are receiving public assistance or otherwise demonstrate inability to pay.
What's Included in a Washtenaw County Criminal Record?
Criminal records maintained by Washtenaw County agencies contain comprehensive documentation of an individual's interactions with the local criminal justice system. These records typically include several categories of information, structured to provide a complete overview of criminal proceedings.
Identifying Information:
- Full legal name and known aliases
- Date of birth and age
- Physical description (height, weight, eye/hair color)
- Mugshot or booking photograph
- Last known address
- State Identification (SID) number
- FBI number (if applicable)
- Fingerprint classification
Arrest Information:
- Date and time of arrest
- Arresting agency and officer
- Booking number and facility
- Initial charges filed
- Probable cause statement
- Bail or bond information
- Pre-trial detention status
Court Case Information:
- Case number and court of jurisdiction
- Filing date and prosecutor information
- Formal charges and applicable statutes
- Classification of offenses (felony/misdemeanor)
- Plea information
- Defense attorney details
- Preliminary examination results
- Pre-trial motions and rulings
Disposition and Sentencing:
- Trial verdict or plea outcome
- Conviction date (if applicable)
- Sentencing details:
- Incarceration length and facility
- Probation terms and conditions
- Fines, costs, and restitution ordered
- Community service requirements
- Treatment or program mandates
- Appeal information
- Probation/parole status and violations
Additional Information:
- Active warrants or pending charges
- Protection or restraining orders
- Sex offender registration requirements
- Habitual offender status
- DUI/DWI history
- Related traffic violations
- Diversion program participation
- Expungement or record sealing information
These records are maintained in accordance with Michigan Court Rule 1.109, which governs court records management, and Michigan Compiled Laws § 750.491, which addresses the preservation of public records.
The comprehensiveness of criminal records varies based on case progression and outcome, with dismissed cases typically containing less information than those resulting in conviction. Additionally, certain sensitive information may be redacted from public versions of these records in accordance with privacy laws and court rules.
How Long Does Washtenaw County Keep Criminal Records?
Washtenaw County maintains criminal records according to retention schedules established by the Michigan State Court Administrative Office and the Michigan Department of Technology, Management and Budget. These retention periods vary based on record type, case outcome, and offense severity, as mandated by Michigan Compiled Laws § 750.491, which governs public records preservation.
The standard retention periods for criminal records in Washtenaw County include:
Felony Case Records:
- Capital/Life Offenses: Permanent retention
- Other Felonies: 50 years from case closure
- Dismissed Felony Cases: 10 years from dismissal date
- Acquittals: 1 year after acquittal (with option for immediate destruction upon request)
Misdemeanor Case Records:
- Standard Misdemeanors: 20 years from case closure
- Minor Misdemeanors: 10 years from case closure
- Dismissed Misdemeanor Cases: 5 years from dismissal date
Arrest Records (No Charges Filed):
- Felony Arrests: 5 years from arrest date
- Misdemeanor Arrests: 2 years from arrest date
Probation Records:
- Felony Probation: 10 years after discharge
- Misdemeanor Probation: 5 years after discharge
Juvenile Records:
- Generally maintained until age 30, unless expunged earlier
- Automatically set for destruction at age 30 pursuant to Michigan Compiled Laws § 712A.18e
Sex Offender Registration:
- Tier I Offenders: 15 years after registration
- Tier II Offenders: 25 years after registration
- Tier III Offenders: Lifetime
Diversion Program Records:
- Successfully Completed Programs: 5 years after completion
- Unsuccessful Completions: Retained according to underlying offense schedule
These retention periods represent minimum requirements, and in practice, many records are maintained for longer periods, particularly as digital storage has replaced paper records. The Michigan Records Management Services oversees the state's records retention schedules, which county agencies must follow.
It is important to note that even after the official retention period expires, information about criminal cases may persist in third-party databases, news archives, and other sources not subject to government records management policies.