Oakland County Arrest Records
Are Arrest Records Public in Oakland County
Arrest records in Oakland County are generally considered public information under Michigan's Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), specifically Michigan Compiled Laws § 15.231. This statute establishes that all persons are entitled to complete information regarding governmental affairs and official acts of public officials and employees. However, it is important to note that certain exemptions exist that may limit access to specific information contained within arrest records.
The Michigan State Police maintains criminal history record information pursuant to Public Act 163 of 1974, which governs the collection, maintenance, and dissemination of criminal justice information. Under this law, arrest records are distinct from conviction records in several important ways:
- Arrest records document the fact that an individual was taken into custody by law enforcement
- Conviction records indicate that a person was found guilty of a criminal offense
- An arrest without a subsequent conviction does not establish guilt
- Some arrest information may be subject to restricted access if the case did not result in conviction
The Oakland County Sheriff's Office, as the primary law enforcement agency for the county, maintains arrest records in accordance with state law and departmental policies. While basic arrest information is public, certain details may be withheld if disclosure would interfere with law enforcement proceedings, constitute an unwarranted invasion of personal privacy, or compromise an ongoing investigation as outlined in MCL § 15.243.
Oakland County Sheriff's Office
1200 N. Telegraph Road, Building 38E
Pontiac, MI 48341
(248) 858-5000
Oakland County Sheriff's Office
What's in Oakland County Arrest Records
Oakland County arrest records contain standardized information documenting an individual's interaction with law enforcement during and following an arrest. These records typically include the following categories of information:
Arrestee Identifying Information:
- Full legal name and any known aliases
- Date of birth and age at time of arrest
- Physical description (height, weight, eye color, hair color)
- Gender and race
- Home address (may be partially redacted in public versions)
- Identifying numbers (State ID, FBI number if applicable)
- Photograph (mugshot)
- Fingerprints (not included in public versions)
Arrest Details:
- Date, time, and location of arrest
- Arresting agency and officer identification
- Reason for arrest and circumstances
- Whether force was used during arrest
- Whether weapons were involved
Charge Information:
- Criminal charges filed
- Statute or ordinance citations
- Charge severity (felony, misdemeanor, civil infraction)
- Charge descriptions
- Case numbers assigned
Warrant Information (if applicable):
- Warrant number and issuing court
- Date warrant was issued
- Judge who signed the warrant
- Warrant type (arrest, bench, search)
Booking Information:
- Date and time of booking
- Booking facility location
- Booking officer identification
- Property inventory
Bond/Bail Information:
- Bond amount set
- Bond type (cash, surety, personal recognizance)
- Whether bond was posted
- Bond conditions imposed
Court Information:
- Court of jurisdiction
- Scheduled court appearances
- Case disposition (if completed)
- Sentence information (if convicted)
Custody Status:
- Current detention status
- Facility where detained (if applicable)
- Release date (if applicable)
Additional Information May Include:
- Prior criminal history references
- Known associates (in certain cases)
- Vehicle information related to arrest
- Evidence collected
- Victim information (often redacted in public versions)
The specific content of arrest records may vary based on the arresting agency's protocols and the nature of the criminal offense. Certain information may be redacted from public versions of arrest records to protect privacy rights, ongoing investigations, or sensitive information as permitted under MCL § 15.243.
How To Look Up Arrest Records in Oakland County in 2026
Members of the public seeking arrest records in Oakland County may utilize several official channels to obtain this information. The following procedures are currently in effect for requesting and accessing arrest records:
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Submit a FOIA Request to the Oakland County Sheriff's Office
- Complete the official FOIA request form available on the Oakland County Sheriff's Office website
- Provide specific information about the record being requested, including the individual's full name, date of birth, and approximate date of arrest
- Submit the request via email, mail, or in person to the Records Division
- Pay applicable fees for search, retrieval, and copying of records
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Visit the Oakland County Sheriff's Records Division in person
- Bring government-issued photo identification
- Complete a records request form at the counter
- Provide as much specific information as possible about the requested records
- Be prepared to pay applicable fees
Oakland County Sheriff's Office Records Division
1200 N. Telegraph Road, Building 38E
Pontiac, MI 48341
(248) 858-1800
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
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Contact the arresting police department directly
- If the arrest was made by a local police department within Oakland County rather than the Sheriff's Office, contact that specific department
- Each municipality maintains its own records and may have different request procedures
- Local departments typically require similar information and documentation as the Sheriff's Office
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Request records from the Oakland County Prosecutor's Office
- For cases that have been forwarded for prosecution
- Submit a FOIA request specifying the case information
- Note that certain case information may be exempt during active prosecution
Oakland County Prosecutor's Office
1200 N. Telegraph Road, Building 14E
Pontiac, MI 48341
(248) 858-0656
Oakland County Prosecutor's Office
- Check court records for arrest information
- The 6th Circuit Court handles felony cases
- District Courts handle misdemeanor cases and preliminary examinations
- Court records often contain arrest information as part of case files
Requestors should be aware that processing times may vary depending on the complexity of the request and current workload. Fees are assessed in accordance with Michigan FOIA provisions and may include costs for search, retrieval, review, and duplication of records.
How To Find Oakland County Arrest Records Online
Oakland County provides several digital resources for accessing arrest records and related information online. These electronic systems offer convenient alternatives to in-person requests, though they may contain varying levels of detail. The following online resources are currently available:
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Oakland County Inmate Locator
- Access the Oakland County Jail Inmate Search portal
- Search by name or booking number
- View current inmates and their charges, bond information, and next court date
- Note that this system only shows current inmates, not historical arrest records
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Michigan Offender Tracking Information System (OTIS)
- Visit the Michigan Department of Corrections OTIS website
- Search by name or offender number
- Access information about individuals who have been convicted and sentenced to state prison or are on parole/probation
- This system does not include individuals who were arrested but not convicted or those with misdemeanor convictions only
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Michigan Courts Case Search
- Use the Michigan Courts Case Search system
- Search by name across multiple courts
- Access case information including charges, court dates, and case status
- Court records often contain information about the underlying arrest
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Oakland County Circuit Court Records
- Access the Oakland County Legal Research Center
- Search court cases which may contain arrest information
- Some documents may require in-person access or additional fees
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Internet Criminal History Access Tool (ICHAT)
- Visit the Michigan State Police ICHAT website
- Create an account and pay the required fee ($10 per search)
- Obtain official criminal history information including arrests and convictions
- This is the most comprehensive online source for criminal history information
When using online systems, users should be aware of the following limitations:
- Not all arrest records are available online
- Some systems only show current information, not historical records
- Certain details may be redacted from online versions
- Official complete records may still require a formal FOIA request
- Online systems may have different update schedules and might not reflect the most recent information
For the most comprehensive and up-to-date arrest information, combining online searches with formal record requests is recommended.
How To Search Oakland County Arrest Records for Free?
Members of the public have several options for accessing Oakland County arrest records without incurring fees, though free options may provide more limited information than paid services. The following methods are currently available for conducting free searches:
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Oakland County Jail Inmate Search
- The Oakland County Sheriff's Office provides a free online inmate locator
- Search by name to find current inmates
- Information includes current charges, next court date, and bond information
- Limited to individuals currently in custody
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Public Access Terminals at Government Offices
- Visit the Oakland County Clerk's Office to use public access terminals
- Search court cases which may contain arrest information
- No fee for on-site searches, though printing may incur costs
Oakland County Clerk/Register of Deeds
1200 N. Telegraph Road, Building 12E
Pontiac, MI 48341
(248) 858-0561
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
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Court Case Searches
- The Michigan Courts Case Search system is free to use
- Search by name to find court cases in Oakland County courts
- Cases often contain information about the underlying arrest
- Limited to cases that have been filed with the courts
-
Local Newspaper Archives
- Visit the Oakland County Library to access newspaper archives
- Search for published reports of arrests and criminal proceedings
- Coverage varies and may not include all arrests
-
FOIA Fee Waivers
- Submit a FOIA request with a fee waiver request
- Under MCL § 15.234(2), agencies may waive fees if doing so is in the public interest
- Typically limited to requests that benefit the general public rather than the individual requestor
- Include a statement explaining why the waiver serves the public interest
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Police Blotters and Press Releases
- Check local police department websites for published arrest information
- Many departments post recent arrest information as part of community updates
- Information is typically limited to recent arrests and basic details
When using free resources, requestors should be aware of these limitations:
- Information may be less comprehensive than paid services
- Historical records may not be available through free resources
- Some free resources only show current information
- Verification of information may require additional steps
- Not all arrest records will be accessible through free methods
For the most complete information, particularly for older records or detailed arrest information, paid services or formal FOIA requests may still be necessary.
How To Delete Arrest Records in Oakland County
Under Michigan law, individuals may petition for the expungement (legal erasure) or sealing (restricting public access) of certain arrest and conviction records. These processes are governed by Michigan Compiled Laws § 780.621, also known as the Michigan Set Aside Law, which was expanded by the Clean Slate legislation that took effect in April 2021.
Expungement vs. Sealing:
- Expungement legally erases the record from public view and most government databases
- Sealing restricts public access while maintaining the record for law enforcement purposes
- Expunged records are not disclosed on background checks for employment or housing
- Law enforcement agencies may still access sealed records for official purposes
Eligibility for Expungement:
Individuals may be eligible to have arrest records expunged under the following circumstances:
- The arrest did not result in a conviction
- The case was dismissed or resulted in acquittal
- The conviction was for certain qualifying offenses
- The required waiting period has elapsed (typically 3-7 years depending on offense type)
- The individual has no more than the maximum number of allowable convictions
Process for Expungement in Oakland County:
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Obtain a certified copy of conviction record
- Request from the court where the case was handled
- Include all case numbers and disposition information
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Obtain fingerprint card
- Visit a law enforcement agency for fingerprinting
- Pay the required fingerprinting fee
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Complete application for expungement
- Use the Application to Set Aside Conviction form (MC 227)
- Include all required information about the conviction
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File the application with the court
- Submit to the court where the conviction occurred
- Pay the filing fee (approximately $50)
- Serve copies on the Michigan State Police, Attorney General, and Prosecutor's Office
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Attend the expungement hearing
- Present your case before a judge
- Explain rehabilitation efforts and reasons for seeking expungement
Oakland County Circuit Court
1200 N. Telegraph Road, Building 12E
Pontiac, MI 48341
(248) 858-0344
Oakland County Circuit Court
Automatic Expungement:
Under the Clean Slate legislation, certain non-violent misdemeanors and felonies may qualify for automatic expungement without application after a waiting period (7 years for misdemeanors, 10 years for eligible felonies). This system is being implemented gradually through 2023.
Limitations on Expungement:
Not all records qualify for expungement. Ineligible offenses include:
- Certain serious felonies (murder, criminal sexual conduct, etc.)
- Traffic offenses including Operating While Intoxicated
- Felonies carrying potential life sentences
- Multiple convictions of the same offense in some cases
For assistance with expungement, individuals may contact:
Oakland County Bar Association Legal Aid
1 North Saginaw Street, Suite 1
Pontiac, MI 48342
(248) 335-0125
Oakland County Bar Association
What Happens After Arrest in Oakland County?
The criminal justice process in Oakland County follows a standardized sequence of events from the point of arrest through final disposition. Understanding this process helps individuals navigate the system and access relevant records at each stage.
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Arrest and Booking
- Law enforcement takes the individual into custody
- The arrestee is transported to a local police station or the Oakland County Jail
- Booking procedures include fingerprinting, photographing, and collecting personal information
- Personal property is inventoried and stored
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Initial Detention
- The arrestee may be held in the Oakland County Jail or local holding facility
- Detention cannot exceed 48 hours without charges being filed
- Bond may be set according to a schedule for minor offenses
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Arraignment
- The first court appearance, typically within 24-72 hours of arrest
- Formal charges are read and constitutional rights explained
- Bond is set or reviewed by a judge
- For misdemeanors, a plea may be entered at this stage
- For felonies, no plea is entered at district court arraignment
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Pretrial Proceedings
- Preliminary examination for felonies (within 14 days of arraignment)
- Determination of probable cause to proceed with charges
- Discovery of evidence between prosecution and defense
- Pretrial conferences to discuss possible plea agreements
- Motion hearings to resolve legal issues before trial
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Trial
- Jury selection and trial proceedings
- Presentation of evidence by prosecution and defense
- Jury deliberation and verdict
- Trials typically occur in the 6th Circuit Court for felonies or district courts for misdemeanors
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Sentencing
- Upon conviction, sentencing hearing is scheduled
- Pre-sentence investigation report prepared
- Judge imposes sentence based on Michigan sentencing guidelines
- Sentences may include incarceration, probation, fines, or alternative sanctions
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Post-Conviction
- Incarceration in county jail, state prison, or alternative facility
- Probation supervision by Oakland County Community Corrections
- Payment of fines, costs, and restitution
- Completion of court-ordered programs or treatment
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Appeals
- Filing of appeals within strict time limits
- Review by Michigan Court of Appeals
- Possible further review by Michigan Supreme Court
Throughout this process, records are generated and maintained by various agencies including the arresting police department, Oakland County Sheriff's Office, Oakland County Prosecutor's Office, and the courts. Access to these records varies depending on the stage of proceedings and the outcome of the case.
How Long Are Arrest Records Kept in Oakland County?
Arrest records in Oakland County are maintained according to retention schedules established by the Michigan Department of Technology, Management and Budget under authority granted by Michigan Compiled Laws § 399.811. These schedules establish minimum retention periods for various types of law enforcement and court records.
Law Enforcement Records Retention:
- Arrest records: Minimum 7 years from date of arrest
- Arrest warrants: 7 years after execution or cancellation
- Booking records: 7 years from date of booking
- Fingerprint cards: Permanent retention by Michigan State Police
- Photographs/mugshots: 7 years minimum, longer for serious offenses
- Investigation reports: 7 years for misdemeanors, 25 years for felonies
- Sex offender registration information: Lifetime for Tier III offenders
Court Records Retention:
- Misdemeanor case files: 10 years after case closure
- Felony case files: 25 years after case closure
- Capital offense case files: Permanent retention
- Juvenile records: Until age 30 unless expunged earlier
- Court indexes and registers: Permanent retention
Different agencies maintain separate record systems with varying retention requirements:
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Oakland County Sheriff's Office maintains arrest records, booking information, and jail records according to the state retention schedule and departmental policies.
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Michigan State Police maintains the central repository of criminal history information, including fingerprints and arrest data, often permanently for identification purposes pursuant to Public Act 163 of 1974.
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Oakland County Prosecutor's Office maintains case files according to their retention schedule, typically for periods matching or exceeding court retention periods.
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Oakland County Courts (Circuit and District) maintain case files according to the Michigan Supreme Court records retention schedule.
It is important to note that while minimum retention periods are established by law, many records are kept longer or permanently, particularly:
- Records related to serious felonies
- Cases with DNA evidence
- Unsolved cases
- Cases involving violence or sexual offenses
- Records with historical significance
Digital records may be retained longer than paper records due to lower storage costs and the ability to archive information indefinitely. Even after official retention periods expire, information may persist in various databases, news archives, and private information services.
How to Find Mugshots in Oakland County
What Mugshots Are
Mugshots are official photographs taken during the booking process following an arrest. These photographs typically include front-facing and profile (side) views of the arrestee and are used for identification purposes within the criminal justice system. In Oakland County, mugshots are created as part of the standard booking procedure at the Oakland County Jail or local police department holding facilities.
Where Mugshots Are Maintained
Mugshots in Oakland County are primarily maintained by:
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Oakland County Sheriff's Office
- As the agency operating the county jail
- Part of the official booking record
- Stored in law enforcement databases
-
Local Police Departments
- For arrests processed at municipal facilities
- Eventually transferred to county-level systems
-
Michigan State Police
- As part of the statewide criminal history repository
- Linked to fingerprint records and state ID numbers
Finding Mugshots
Members of the public seeking mugshots in Oakland County have several options:
- Submit a FOIA Request
- File a formal request with the arresting agency
- Provide specific information about the arrest (name, date, charges)
- Pay applicable fees for search and reproduction
- Note that some information may be redacted
Oakland County Sheriff's FOIA Coordinator
1200 N. Telegraph Road, Building 38E
Pontiac, MI 48341
(248) 858-5000
Oakland County Sheriff's FOIA Information
- Check Court Records
- Visit the court where the case was processed
- Request to view the case file, which may include booking photos
- Note that not all court files contain mugshots
Can Mugshots Be Found Online
The availability of mugshots online in Oakland County is limited by policy and privacy considerations:
- The Oakland County Sheriff's Office does not maintain a public-facing mugshot database
- The county inmate locator system does not display mugshots
- Some third-party websites collect and publish mugshots, but these are not official sources
- News media may publish mugshots in connection with reporting on arrests
Obtaining Mugshots Officially
For official copies of mugshots, individuals should:
- Submit a specific FOIA request to the arresting agency
- Provide the full name of the individual, date of arrest, and case number if available
- Explain the purpose for requesting the mugshot
- Be prepared to pay applicable fees for search and reproduction
Restrictions on Mugshot Access
Access to mugshots in Oakland County is subject to several important restrictions:
- Privacy exemptions under MCL § 15.243 may limit disclosure
- Juvenile mugshots (under age 18) are generally not public records
- Expunged arrest records and associated mugshots are removed from public access
- Law enforcement may withhold mugshots if disclosure would interfere with ongoing investigations
- Michigan's Booking Photo Act (Public Act 322 of 2018) restricts the commercial use of mugshots and prohibits charging fees for removal
Individuals concerned about unauthorized publication of their mugshot should consult with an attorney regarding rights under Michigan law, particularly if the arrest did not result in conviction or the record has been expunged.