Oakland County Criminal Records

We want to thank you for visiting this page today. We will do our best job to help you find the info you need on Oakland County Criminal Records. Our goal is to give you clear steps. We aim to make this task less hard for you.

If you need to start a search for Oakland County Criminal Records right now, you can visit https://michiganofficialrecords.com/oakland-county-criminal-records/. This resource provides a way to begin your search quickly. Finding records can seem complex. Using a focused tool may speed up the process if you are ready to look now. Check their site for ways to access records data fast.

Accessing Oakland County Criminal Records

There are ways to find and get Oakland County criminal records. You can look online. You can go in person. You can send mail. The main places are the County Clerk's office and the courts. Online tools help a lot too. These make it easy to search from home or work. Each way has steps you must follow.

The two key online tools are Court Explorer and MiCourt. Court Explorer is for the 6th Judicial Circuit Court. This court handles big cases like felonies. MiCourt helps find records in the District Courts. These courts handle smaller cases like traffic tickets or minor crimes. You can also visit the Oakland County Clerk’s Office in person. Or you can go to the specific court where the case was heard. Some requests can also be made by mail if you cannot go there.

Oakland County Clerk - Legal Records Division

The Oakland County Clerk's Office Legal Records Division plays a big role. It keeps and manages files for the 6th Judicial Circuit Court. This includes felony criminal cases sent up from the district courts. They also keep civil case files. These are often suits over money or rights disputes. Domestic cases like divorce or child custody are filed here too. The newer Business Court cases are also part of their job. They handle a lot of key court papers.

You can find the Clerk's Legal Records office here:

• Address: 1200 North Telegraph Road, Dept 413, Pontiac, MI 48341.

• Phone: (248) 858-0582

• Email: clerklegal@oakgov.com

• Hours: Monday to Friday, 8:30 am to 4:30 pm.

You can view many public court records in person at the Clerk’s office for no cost. If you need copies, there are fees. Plain copies cost $1.00 per page. Certified copies cost $10.00 for the certification per case number, plus $1.00 per page. You can pay with cash or card in person. Many records can also be searched and copies ordered online through Court Explorer. This office is the main hub for Circuit Court legal documents. It is a vital resource for finding specific case files or information handled by the Circuit Court in Oakland County.

Using Court Explorer

Court Explorer is the online way to check 6th Circuit Court records. You can search for public cases. Use a person's name or a case number. It covers many case types. This includes domestic, civil, and felony criminal cases. You can see the list of actions on a case. This is called the register of actions or docket. You can see who the parties and lawyers are. You can buy copies of documents online too. These can be mailed or emailed to you. Note that certified copies must be mailed.

Records on Court Explorer go back to the early 1990s. Older files may need an in person or mail request. The cost for copies ordered online is $1.00 per page. Certified copies add a $10.00 fee per case plus the page cost. A service fee, starting at $2.50, is added too. You can pay with Visa, MasterCard, or Discover. All online sales are final. There are no refunds. It is a fast way to get Circuit Court case info.

Oakland County 6th Circuit Court

The 6th Judicial Circuit Court handles serious cases in Oakland County. This includes all felony criminal matters. Felonies are crimes that can mean over one year in prison. The court also hears major civil cases. These often involve large sums of money, over $25,000. Complex business disputes and appeals from lower courts go here too. All divorce, custody, and family law cases are heard in Circuit Court. It is the trial court of general jurisdiction.

Its main location is the Oakland County Courthouse.

• Address: 1200 N Telegraph Road, Pontiac, MI 48341. The Clerk's Legal Records Division manages its files. You can search records online using Court Explorer. Many filings for this court must now be done online. This uses the MiFILE system. Some case types are still filed in person or by mail. The Circuit Court is key for major legal issues in the county.

Oakland County District Courts

Oakland County has several District Courts. Each serves a specific city or area. These courts handle the first phase of many cases. They deal with misdemeanor criminal offenses. These are crimes with jail time up to one year. All traffic tickets and local ordinance violations go here. Small claims court cases are also heard in District Courts. They hold early hearings for felony cases too. This includes setting bond and preliminary exams. If enough proof is found in a felony exam, the case moves to Circuit Court.

You can search for many District Court records online. The state provides the MiCourt case search tool. Some District Courts may have their own online search options on their websites. You can always go to the specific District Court clerk's office. You can use their public terminals or ask staff for help. Some key courts include the 43rd District (Ferndale, Hazel Park, Madison Heights), 44th District (Royal Oak), and 45th District (Oak Park). Find the right court based on where the event took place. Each court has its own address, hours, and staff. Check their specific site or call them for details.

Using MiCourt

MiCourt is a statewide online tool. It lets you search case records for many Michigan District Courts. This includes those in Oakland County. It is a good way to find misdemeanor or traffic case info.

To use MiCourt:

1. Go to the MiCourt search portal on the Michigan Courts website (https://www.courts.michigan.gov/). Look for case search links.

2. Choose the correct "County" (Oakland) and "Court" (the specific District Court, like 44th District Court).

3. The system will take you to the search page for that court.

4. Enter a name (last name is often needed) or the case number.

5. You can add more details to narrow results. This includes case status, case type, or filing date range.

Not all data may be online. Some older records might not be there. But it is a great first step for District Court cases. It helps you find case numbers and basic details fast.

Oakland County Sheriff's Office Records Unit

The Oakland County Sheriff's Office Records Unit keeps different types of records. These relate to law enforcement actions. They handle incident reports written by deputies. They have traffic accident reports from crashes they investigate. They keep records of arrests made by Sheriff staff. They also manage jail records for people held at the Oakland County Jail. You can get proof you were held there if needed. This unit helps the public, other police, and courts.

You can ask for records in a few ways. Going in person is one option. Their office is on the east side of the Main Jail building. Call first to check if a report is ready. Reports usually take 4-5 work days. Bring ID and cash for fees. You can buy accident reports online via the CLEMIS system. For incident reports or other data, you can file a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request online. They do not take fax requests for reports.

• Address: 1201 North Telegraph Road, Pontiac, MI 48341

• Phone: (248) 858-5011

• Email: ocsorecords@oakgov.com

• Hours: Monday - Friday, 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM. (Try to arrive by 4:30 PM for service).

• Fees: $7 per report (cash in person). $5 for a local background check letter. Fingerprinting costs $15 or more.

This unit is key for records linked straight to Sheriff's Office work. They handle gun registration too. Remember their local background check only covers Sheriff arrests and jail time. For a full state check, use ICHAT.

Obtaining Reports from the Sheriff

Getting a report from the Sheriff's Office is direct. For incident or accident reports, call first. The number is 248-858-5011. Ask if the report you need is ready. It often takes a few work days. If it is ready, you can go get it. Go to the Records Unit at 1201 N. Telegraph Road in Pontiac. Bring your photo ID. The cost is $7 cash for each report.

You can also get accident reports online. Use the CLEMIS website portal. This lets you search and buy crash reports online. For other reports like incident reports, use the FOIA process. Oakland County has an online portal for FOIA requests. This is often the best way for these types of records. Fill out the form with care. Be clear about the record you seek. The Sheriff's Office cannot provide reports by fax. Plan to go in person or use the online ways.

Sheriff's Fingerprinting and Background Checks

The Sheriff's Records Unit offers some checks and prints. They can do a local background check. This check only looks for arrests made by the Oakland County Sheriff's Office. It also checks if you were ever held in the Oakland County Jail. It does not cover city police arrests or state records. You need to go in person with ID. The cost is $5 cash. They give you a letter with the results. For a full state check, contact the Michigan State Police for ICHAT.

They also do fingerprinting for the public. This is often needed for jobs or licenses. You must go in person to the Records Unit. Bring photo ID. The basic fee is $15 cash per fingerprint card. Be aware that some jobs need prints sent electronically (Live Scan). Fees for Live Scan prints sent for state or federal checks can be higher, up to $69. Walk-in fingerprinting service may not be available after 4:30 PM. Call ahead if you have questions about your needs. Court ordered fingerprints require an appointment.

Statewide Criminal Background Checks via ICHAT

For a statewide check, use ICHAT. This means Internet Criminal History Access Tool. It is run by the Michigan State Police (MSP). ICHAT lets you search public criminal history records from across Michigan. It includes felony and misdemeanor conviction information reported to the state. It is often used for job background checks. It does not include info sealed by a court, like expunged records. It also may not show all traffic data.

To use ICHAT, you need internet access. Go to the official MSP website: www.michigan.gov/ichat. You will need to enter the person's name and date of birth if known. There is a fee of $10 for each search. You must pay this fee with a credit card (Visa, MasterCard, Discover). The site guides you through the search steps. Results are usually shown right away. If you plan to do many searches, you can set up an ICHAT account.

Correcting ICHAT Errors

Sometimes, a mistake might show up on your ICHAT report. It could be someone else's record mixed with yours. Or an arrest might show with no charge listed later. A date or charge could be wrong. If you find a mistake, you can challenge it. You must prove the error to the Michigan State Police (MSP).

The first step is usually getting your fingerprints taken. Go to a local police agency. Ask them to fingerprint you for a record challenge. Some charge a fee for this. Then, you fill out a form. It is called the Request for Amendment of Public Criminal History Record. Attach your fingerprint card. Attach a copy of the wrong ICHAT record. Add a short letter saying what the mistake is. Send all this to the MSP Identification Section in Lansing. Their address is on the form and MSP site. If the issue is missing court info, you may need to contact the court first. Get papers like a Judgment of Sentence or Dismissal Order. Send copies of these to MSP too. Michigan Legal Help has guides on this.

Michigan Laws on Public Records

Access to public records in Michigan is based on law. The main law is the Michigan Freedom of Information Act (FOIA). You can find it in the Michigan Compiled Laws (MCL) section 15.231 and after. FOIA gives people the right to see and copy public records. This applies to most state and local government bodies. This includes county offices like the Clerk or Sheriff. However, FOIA has limits. It does not apply directly to the state courts or the state legislature in the same way. Access to court records is often governed by court rules.

Under FOIA, anyone can request records. The only exception is people in prison. Requests usually must be in writing. They should clearly describe the record you want. Agencies can charge fees to find and copy records. Some records are exempt from FOIA. This means they can be kept private. Examples include records that invade personal privacy or harm safety. Each agency should have a FOIA policy. They often have online portals to submit requests.

Expunging Oakland County Criminal Records

Expungement means setting aside a criminal conviction. In Michigan, this removes the conviction from your public record. This can help with jobs, housing, and school. Michigan passed "Clean Slate" laws. These laws make more people able to clear their records. Some records might even be cleared automatically now. But many people still need to apply. Oakland County has a program to help its residents. It is called the Oakland County Clean Slate Program.

This program helps Oakland County residents apply for expungement. It helps figure out if you qualify. It can help with the paperwork and legal steps. The whole process can take six months or more. It helps people get a fresh start. Having a record can block many chances in life. Expungement opens doors that were closed. The program aims to improve quality of life for residents with past records. Check the county website for full details and how to start.

Eligibility for Expungement

Not everyone can get their record expunged. Michigan's Clean Slate laws set the rules. You must wait a certain time after your sentence ends. This includes probation or parole time. You must stay crime free during this wait.

• Wait 3 years for most misdemeanors.

• Wait 5 years for serious misdemeanors or one felony.

• Wait 7 years for multiple felonies.

There are limits on the number and types of crimes:

• You can expunge up to 3 felonies.

• You can expunge unlimited misdemeanors.

• No more than 2 assaultive crimes can be expunged.

• No more than 1 felony conviction for the same crime if it carries over 10 years prison time.

• Most traffic offenses can be expunged. But not DUIs (unless it is your only one). Not traffic crimes causing death or injury. Not CDL violations.

Crimes like murder, rape, or terrorism cannot be expunged. There are complex rules. The Oakland County Clean Slate program can help see if you qualify.

The Expungement Process in Oakland County

Getting an expungement in Oakland County takes several steps. If you use the Clean Slate Program, they guide you. First, you must live in Oakland County. You need an account with Pure Michigan Talent Connect. Then you fill out the Clean Slate request form online.

1. Request & Review: Submit the online form. Staff review it for basic eligibility. This review can take 120 days or more due to high demand. Check your email (and spam folder) for their response.

2. Fingerprints: If you seem eligible, you must get fingerprinted. You can do this at a police station or the Sheriff's Office.

3. Application: Meet with program staff. Bring your fingerprint card. Sign the "Application to Set Aside Conviction" form with a notary. Gather papers showing you have changed for the better (like job proof, letters of support).

4. Filing: The program orders your official conviction record. They prepare and file the Application with the correct court. You get a copy with your hearing date.

5. Hearing: Attend the court hearing. Your Clean Slate Attorney may go with you. The judge decides whether to grant the expungement. Prosecutors can object.

6. Order & Verification: If granted, you get a copy of the Judge's Order. The program sends it to MSP. They wait for MSP to update your public record (this can take weeks). They verify the record is clear and let you know.

The whole process can take 6 to 9 months. Be patient and keep the program updated if your contact info changes. Find forms and links on the Oakland County Clean Slate Program website.