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Oakland County Criminal Records

What Is Oakland County Criminal Records

Criminal records in Oakland 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.

Criminal records typically include several distinct categories:

  • Arrest Records: Documentation of detentions by law enforcement agencies that may not result in formal charges
  • Conviction Records: Official records of guilty verdicts or pleas in criminal proceedings
  • Felony Records: Documentation of serious crimes punishable by imprisonment exceeding one year
  • Misdemeanor Records: Records of less serious offenses typically punishable by fines or imprisonment of less than one year
  • Adult Records: Criminal proceedings involving individuals 18 years or older
  • Juvenile Records: Records pertaining to offenders under 18, which are generally sealed from public view under Michigan Court Rule 3.925
  • Warrant Information: Active warrants for arrest versus historical warrant records

Multiple agencies maintain these records within Oakland County's criminal justice system:

Oakland County Sheriff's Office
1200 N Telegraph Rd, Building 38E
Pontiac, MI 48341
(248) 858-5000
Oakland County Sheriff's Office

The Sheriff's Office maintains arrest records, booking information, and jail records.

Oakland County Circuit Court
1200 N Telegraph Rd
Pontiac, MI 48341
(248) 858-0344
Oakland County Circuit Court

The Circuit Court maintains felony case records, including charges, arraignments, pleas, trial proceedings, verdicts, and sentencing information.

Oakland County District Courts
Various locations throughout the county
Oakland County District Courts

District Courts maintain misdemeanor and preliminary felony proceedings.

Michigan State Police
Criminal Justice Information Center
7150 Harris Drive
Dimondale, MI 48821
(517) 241-0606
Michigan State Police

The State Police maintain the central repository for criminal history information statewide.

A comprehensive criminal record typically includes documentation of charges, arraignments, pleas, trial proceedings, verdicts, sentencing, and probation or parole information. These records are maintained according to the Michigan Records Retention Schedule, which establishes standardized retention periods for various document types.

Are Criminal Records Public In Oakland County

Criminal records in Oakland County are generally accessible to the public under the Michigan Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), specifically MCL § 15.231-15.246, which states that "all persons... 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 establishes that:

"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. The people shall be informed so that they may fully participate in the democratic process."

However, several important exceptions and restrictions apply to criminal records access:

  • Adult Conviction Records: Generally available to the public through court records and the Michigan Internet Criminal History Access Tool (ICHAT)
  • Ongoing Investigations: Records pertaining to active investigations are exempt from disclosure under MCL § 15.243(1)(b)
  • Sealed Records: Records that have been sealed by court order are not accessible to the public
  • Juvenile Records: Generally sealed from public view under Michigan Court Rule 3.925, which states that "records of juvenile cases... shall be open only to persons having a legitimate interest"
  • Expunged Records: Records that have been legally expunged under Michigan's Clean Slate legislation are removed from public access

The Oakland County Clerk's Office serves as the custodian of court records for the Circuit Court, while District Courts maintain their own records. The Sheriff's Office maintains arrest and jail records. Each agency may have specific procedures for requesting access to the records they maintain.

Members of the public should note that while conviction information is generally public, access to non-conviction information (such as arrests not leading to conviction) may be more restricted. Additionally, certain sensitive information within otherwise public records may be redacted, including Social Security numbers, financial account information, and certain victim information as required by law.

How To Look Up Criminal Records In Oakland County in 2026

Members of the public seeking criminal records in Oakland County may utilize several methods to access this information. The following procedures are currently in effect for obtaining criminal record information:

Online Access Methods:

  1. Access the MiCOURT Case Search portal to search for case information from participating courts in Oakland County. Users may search by name, case number, or citation number.

  2. Utilize the Michigan Internet Criminal History Access Tool (ICHAT) maintained by the Michigan State Police. This system requires:

    • Creation of a user account
    • Payment of a $10 fee per search
    • Subject's full name and date of birth

  3. Check the Oakland County Inmate Search for current jail population information.

In-Person Access Methods:

  1. Visit the Oakland County Clerk/Register of Deeds office:

Oakland County Clerk/Register of Deeds
1200 N. Telegraph Road
Department 480
Pontiac, MI 48341
(248) 858-0561
Oakland County Clerk
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

  1. Request records at the specific court where the case was heard:

Oakland County Circuit Court
1200 N Telegraph Rd
Pontiac, MI 48341
(248) 858-0344
Oakland County Circuit Court
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

  1. For arrest records, contact:

Oakland County Sheriff's Office
Records Unit
1200 N Telegraph Rd, Building 38E
Pontiac, MI 48341
(248) 858-5000
Oakland County Sheriff's Office
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

When requesting records in person, individuals should:

  • Bring government-issued photo identification
  • Provide as much identifying information as possible about the subject (full name, date of birth)
  • Be prepared to complete a written request form
  • Pay applicable fees (fees vary by agency and request type)

For certified copies of court records, requestors must pay additional certification fees as established by the court. Pursuant to Michigan Court Rule 8.119(F), courts may charge reasonable fees for providing copies of public records.

How To Find Criminal Records in Oakland County Online?

Oakland County residents and interested parties may access criminal records through several online portals maintained by state and county agencies. Each system contains different types of records and has specific search capabilities.

The primary online resources for criminal records in Oakland County include:

  1. MiCOURT Case Search

    • Access at https://micourt.courts.michigan.gov/case-search/
    • Contains: Case information from participating courts, including Oakland County Circuit and District Courts
    • Search by: Name, case number, or citation number
    • No registration required for basic searches
    • No fee for basic case information
    • Limitations: Some courts only display case numbers and information for criminal convictions; detailed documents may require in-person requests

  2. Michigan Internet Criminal History Access Tool (ICHAT)

    • Access at https://www.michigan.gov/msp/services/chr
    • Contains: Public criminal history record information maintained by the Michigan State Police
    • Search by: Name and date of birth
    • Registration required: Users must create an account
    • Fee: $10 per name-based search
    • Provides: Conviction information, including charges, court of jurisdiction, and sentence information

  3. Oakland County Inmate Search

  4. Oakland County Circuit Court Records

When searching these databases, users should note that:

  • Name searches work best with complete first and last names
  • Common names may return multiple results requiring additional identifiers to narrow results
  • Some records may only be available by visiting the courthouse in person
  • Certain sensitive information is redacted from online records in accordance with Michigan Court Rule 1.109(D)
  • Records that have been sealed or expunged will not appear in public searches

For comprehensive criminal background checks, the Michigan State Police recommends fingerprint-based searches, which can be requested through their Criminal History Records division.

Can You Search Oakland County Criminal Records for Free?

Michigan law provides for public inspection of criminal records at no cost, though fees may apply for copies or certified documents. Pursuant to Michigan Compiled Laws § 15.234, public bodies may charge fees for providing copies of public records, but must permit inspection without charge.

The following free options are available for accessing Oakland County criminal records:

Free In-Person Inspection:

Members of the public may inspect criminal records at no cost at the following locations:

Oakland County Clerk/Register of Deeds
1200 N. Telegraph Road
Department 480
Pontiac, MI 48341
(248) 858-0561
Oakland County Clerk
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

Oakland County Circuit Court
1200 N Telegraph Rd
Pontiac, MI 48341
(248) 858-0344
Oakland County Circuit Court
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

Free Online Resources:

  1. MiCOURT Case Search

  2. Oakland County Inmate Search

  3. Oakland County Circuit Court Records

Fee-Based Services:

While inspection is free, the following services incur fees:

  • Copies of court documents: Typically $1.00 per page
  • Certified copies: Additional certification fee (usually $10-$15)
  • ICHAT searches: $10 per name-based search
  • Complete background checks: Fees vary based on scope

Under Michigan FOIA provisions, indigent individuals may request a fee waiver if they submit an affidavit stating they are receiving public assistance or can demonstrate inability to pay due to indigence. This provision is outlined in MCL § 15.234(2)(a).

For the most comprehensive free access, in-person inspection at the relevant courthouse or agency provides the most detailed information without cost, though this requires time and transportation to the facility during business hours.

What's Included in a Oakland County Criminal Record?

Oakland County criminal records contain comprehensive information about an individual's interactions with the criminal justice system. The content of these records is standardized according to Michigan Court Rule 1.109, which establishes requirements for court records. A complete criminal record typically includes:

Identifying Information:

  • Full legal name and known aliases
  • Date of birth
  • Physical description (height, weight, eye color, hair color)
  • Mugshot/booking photograph
  • Last known address
  • State Identification Number (SID)
  • FBI number (if applicable)
  • Fingerprint classification

Arrest Information:

  • Date and time of arrest
  • Arresting agency
  • Booking number
  • Initial charges filed
  • Bail/bond information
  • Detention facility

Court Case Information:

  • Case number
  • Court of jurisdiction
  • Filing date
  • Formal charges and applicable statutes
  • Classification of offenses (felony or misdemeanor)
  • Plea information
  • Attorney information
  • Judge assigned
  • Hearing dates and outcomes

Disposition Information:

  • Verdict or outcome (guilty, not guilty, dismissed, etc.)
  • Conviction date (if applicable)
  • Sentencing details:
    • Incarceration terms
    • Probation conditions
    • Fines and court costs
    • Restitution orders
    • Special conditions (treatment programs, community service)
  • Appeal information (if applicable)
  • Probation/parole status and violations

Additional Information:

  • Active warrants
  • Protective or restraining orders
  • Sex offender registration requirements
  • DUI/DWI offenses
  • Traffic violations connected to criminal charges
  • Pending charges
  • Probation/parole status reports

The level of detail available may vary depending on the source of the record. Court records typically contain the most comprehensive case information, while law enforcement records focus more on arrest and booking details. The Michigan State Police criminal history repository contains a summary of all reportable offenses.

Certain information may be redacted from public versions of these records in accordance with Michigan Court Rule 1.109(D), including:

  • Social Security numbers
  • Financial account numbers
  • Driver's license numbers
  • Certain victim information in cases involving minors or sexual offenses
  • Information protected by court order

Records that have been expunged under Michigan's Clean Slate legislation will not appear in standard criminal record searches.

How Long Does Oakland County Keep Criminal Records?

Oakland County maintains criminal records according to the retention schedules established by the Michigan State Court Administrative Office and the Michigan Department of Technology, Management and Budget. These retention periods are mandated by Michigan Supreme Court Administrative Order 1999-4 and the Michigan Records Retention and Disposal Schedule.

The standard retention periods for criminal records in Oakland County are as follows:

Circuit Court Criminal Records:

  • Capital offenses (life imprisonment cases): Permanent retention
  • Non-capital felonies: 30 years after case closure
  • Case indices: Permanent retention
  • Probation records: 10 years after discharge from probation
  • Search warrants: 7 years after issuance

District Court Criminal Records:

  • Misdemeanor cases: 10 years after case closure
  • Preliminary examinations for felonies: 7 years after bindover to Circuit Court
  • Traffic misdemeanors: 7 years after case closure
  • Case indices: Permanent retention

Law Enforcement Records:

  • Arrest records: 7 years after arrest date
  • Booking photographs: 7 years after booking
  • Incident reports for felonies: 20 years after incident
  • Incident reports for misdemeanors: 7 years after incident
  • Sex offender registration information: Lifetime for Tier III offenders

Michigan State Police Records:

  • Felony convictions: Permanent retention unless expunged
  • Misdemeanor convictions: Permanent retention unless expunged
  • Non-conviction arrest records: Until subject reaches 80 years of age

These retention periods may be extended if:

  • The records pertain to an unsolved case
  • The records are subject to a litigation hold
  • The records have historical significance

It is important to note that while records may be retained for the periods specified above, they may not be publicly accessible for the entire retention period. Records that have been sealed by court order or expunged under Michigan's Clean Slate Act are removed from public access while still being retained in secure government archives for limited official purposes.

The Michigan Records Management Services oversees the implementation of these retention schedules and provides guidance to county agencies on proper records management practices.

Lookup Criminal Records in Oakland County

MiCOURT Case Search

Criminal History Records

Attorney General: Expungement Assistance

Search, Expunge, Modify, or Update Criminal History Records

Clean Slate

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