Washtenaw County Criminal Records

We are glad you came to this page. We will try our best to help you find info on Washtenaw County Criminal Records. Our goal is to give you the key facts you need for your search in this part of the state. We want to make this task easy for you.

If you want to begin your search now for Washtenaw County Criminal Records, you can use this resource: https://michiganofficialrecords.com/washtenaw-county-criminal-records/. This site offers a way to look for records right away. It can be a quick first step for those who need fast access to public information. Check their site to see if it fits your search needs for records in the area.

Accessing Washtenaw County Criminal Records

You can find criminal records in a few ways. Some ways use the web. Other ways mean you go in person. Knowing where to look saves time. Each place has its own rules.

Online Search Options

One main tool is the state police system. It is called ICHAT. This stands for Internet Criminal History Access Tool. You can find it on the Michigan State Police website. ICHAT lets you search for public criminal records for the whole state. This includes many records from Washtenaw County. It mainly shows conviction data. There is a fee for each search you run. The fee is usually small. You pay it with a card online. You need the person's full name and date of birth. This helps make the search results right.

The Washtenaw County Trial Court also offers online access. They have a public case look up tool. Find it on the Washtenaw County Trial Court website. This tool lets you search court case dockets. You can find case numbers and dates. You might see charges and case status. It may not show the full record detail. But it is a good way to see if a case exists. It is free to use the case search tool. It covers Circuit and District court cases. This is a great first step for local court files.

In-Person Requests

You can go to the County Clerk's office. The Washtenaw County Clerk / Register of Deeds keeps court records. They act as the clerk for the Circuit Court. Their main office is at:

• Address: 200 N Main St, Ann Arbor, MI 48104

• Phone: (734) 222-6700 (County Clerk)

• Hours: Usually Monday to Friday, 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM. Closed on holidays. Call first to check hours. They may have forms for you to fill out. You might need to pay a fee for copies.

You can also visit the Washtenaw County Trial Court locations. They have public access computer terminals. You can use these to look up case info. You can ask court clerks for help. They can help find files or get copies. Fees apply for copies, especially certified ones. The main court locations are:

• Washtenaw County Courthouse (Circuit Court): 101 E Huron St, Ann Arbor, MI 48104

• 14A District Court: Locations in Ann Arbor, Ypsilanti, Saline, Chelsea. Check the court's website for specific addresses and hours.

• 14B District Court: Ypsilanti Township Civic Center, 7200 S Huron River Dr, Ypsilanti, MI 48197

• 15th District Court: Ann Arbor Justice Center, 301 E Huron St, Ann Arbor, MI 48104

The Washtenaw County Sheriff's Office keeps arrest records. They also have incident reports. These are not the same as court conviction records. You often need to file a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request. This is for specific police reports. Contact their Records Division:

• Address: 2201 Hogback Rd, Ann Arbor, MI 48105

• Phone: (734) 973-4699 (Records)

• Hours: Check their website or call. Hours may vary for public record requests.

Types of Criminal Records Available

Not all records are the same. It helps to know what type you are looking for. Washtenaw County handles different cases in different courts.

Felony Records

Felony cases are serious crimes. They carry prison time of more than one year. The Washtenaw County Circuit Court handles these cases. Records will show the charges, court dates, and the final result. This could be a conviction or dismissal. Sentencing details are also part of the record. You find these records through the Circuit Court Clerk. This office is part of the County Clerk's office. Or use the online court case look up.

Misdemeanor Records

These are less serious crimes. Jail time is usually one year or less. Fines are also common. District Courts in Washtenaw County handle most misdemeanors. This includes the 14A, 14B, and 15th District Courts. Their records show charges, pleas, court dates, and outcomes. You can search for these online via the court's tool. Or you can visit the specific District Court Clerk's office. Some serious misdemeanors might go to Circuit Court.

Arrest Records vs. Conviction Records

An arrest record shows that police took someone into custody. It does not mean the person was guilty. It lists the date, time, place, and reason for arrest. The Sheriff's Office keeps these. A conviction record means a court found the person guilty. This could be through a plea or a trial. Court records show convictions. The MSP ICHAT system focuses on conviction records. It is key to know the difference. Not all arrests lead to charges or convictions.

What Information is Included?

A full criminal record from the court often has:

• The defendant's full name.

• Date of birth.

• Case number assigned by the court.

• Specific charges filed (statute numbers).

• Dates of court events (arraignment, hearings, trial).

• Plea entered (guilty, not guilty, no contest).

• Disposition (the final outcome - guilty, not guilty, dismissed).

• Sentencing details if convicted (jail time, probation, fines, restitution).

Key Agencies for Washtenaw County Criminal Records

Many offices play a part in keeping these records. Know who does what.

Washtenaw County Clerk / Register of Deeds

The County Clerk has a big role. They maintain all Circuit Court files. This includes felony criminal case records. You can request copies of these records from their office. They are located at 200 N Main St, Ann Arbor, MI 48104. Phone is (734) 222-6700. Hours are typically 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM weekdays. Check their website for specific forms or fees. They provide certified copies needed for official use.

Washtenaw County Trial Court

This is the main hub for court cases. It has several parts:

• Circuit Court: Handles felonies, serious misdemeanors, civil cases over $25,000, and family law. Located at 101 E Huron St, Ann Arbor.

• District Courts (14A, 14B, 15th): Handle misdemeanors, traffic violations, small claims, and early stages of felony cases (preliminary exams). Locations vary. See the Trial Court website for all addresses and contact info. Phone numbers are listed on their site.

• Probate Court: Handles wills, estates, guardianships, and some juvenile matters. Less involved with adult criminal records. Located at 101 E Huron St, Ann Arbor.

Each court has a clerk's office. They manage the records for their cases. Public access terminals are often available. You can look up cases there for free. Staff can help you find files. They charge fees for copies.

Washtenaw County Sheriff's Office

The Sheriff's Office makes arrests. They write police reports. Their records division handles requests for these reports. This is not the same as court conviction files. You usually need a FOIA request for reports. Contact the Records Division at 2201 Hogback Rd, Ann Arbor, MI 48105. The phone is (734) 973-4699. Check hours before you go. Their role is law enforcement, not court record keeping.

Michigan State Police (MSP)

MSP runs the statewide ICHAT system. This is a key tool for background checks. It pulls conviction data from courts across Michigan. It includes Washtenaw County convictions. Access ICHAT online at the MSP website. There is a fee per search ($10 as of recent checks, but verify). It requires name and date of birth. It is useful for a broad check. It may not have every detail found in local court files. It does not show arrests without convictions.

Costs and Fees for Record Access

Getting records often costs money. Fees vary by agency and type of record.

Fees for Online Searches (ICHAT, Court Portal)

• ICHAT: The Michigan State Police charge a fee for each search. It is typically around $10. Paid online via credit card.

• Court Portal: Using the Washtenaw Trial Court's online case search is usually free. It lets you see basic case information and docket entries.

Fees for Certified Copies

If you need official proof, you need certified copies. Courts charge extra for certification. The fee is per document or per page. Contact the specific court clerk (Circuit or District) for exact costs. The County Clerk also charges for certified Circuit Court records. These fees can add up for large files.

Fees for In-Person Searches/Copies (Clerk, Court, Sheriff)

• Clerk/Court: Searching on public terminals is often free. Staff help might be free too. But copies cost money. Fees are usually per page. Check with the specific clerk's office.

• Sheriff: FOIA requests for police reports might have fees. This depends on the search time and number of pages. The Michigan FOIA statute outlines allowed fees. Check with the Sheriff's Records Division.

Fee Waivers

In some cases, fees might be waived. This is often for people who cannot afford them (indigent status). Courts have forms to request a fee waiver. Approval depends on your financial state. It is not guaranteed. Ask the clerk about the process if needed.

Understanding Your Washtenaw County Criminal Record

Court records can be hard to read. They use legal terms and codes.

Reading Court Dockets and Case Files

A docket sheet lists all actions in a case. It shows dates, filings, and court orders. Case files contain the actual documents. This includes the complaint, warrants, motions, and judgments. Look for key info like charges, disposition (outcome), and sentence. Dates are very important.

Common Abbreviations and Legal Terms

You might see terms like:

• Arraign: First court appearance to hear charges.

• Plea: Formal response to charges (guilty, not guilty).

• Prelim Exam: Hearing in District Court for felony cases. Checks if enough evidence exists for trial.

• Bind Over: Decision to send a felony case from District to Circuit Court.

• Disposition: The final outcome (e.g., Convicted, Dismissed, Acquitted).

• Nolle Prosequi: Prosecutor drops the charges.

• MCL: Michigan Compiled Laws (state statutes).

Accuracy and Correcting Errors

Check records closely for mistakes. Errors can happen. Your name or birth date might be wrong. Charges or outcomes could be listed wrong. If you find an error in a court record, contact the court clerk. Ask about the process to fix it. You may need to file a motion. If the error is in an MSP ICHAT report, contact MSP. They have a process to challenge inaccuracies. Fixing errors is key for things like jobs or housing.

Expungement of Criminal Records in Washtenaw County

Michigan law allows some convictions to be set aside. This is often called expungement. It removes the conviction from public view.

Michigan Law on Setting Aside Convictions

The main law is found in Michigan Compiled Laws (MCL) Section 780.621 et seq. Recent changes have made more people eligible. The law lists which crimes can be set aside. It also states how many convictions can be cleared. Read the law or get legal help to know if you qualify.

Eligibility Requirements

Eligibility depends on:

• The type of crime(s). Some crimes, like violent felonies or life offenses, cannot be set aside. Many traffic offenses involving injury or death are also excluded.

• The number of past convictions. The law limits how many felonies and misdemeanors can be expunged.

• How much time has passed since sentencing or release from custody. Waiting periods vary (3, 5, or 7 years typically). You must complete your sentence first.

The Application Process in Washtenaw County

1. Get the Forms: You need an Application to Set Aside Conviction form. Find it on the Michigan Courts website or from the court clerk.

2. File the Application: File it with the court that convicted you. This would be the Washtenaw County Circuit Court or the relevant District Court (14A, 14B, or 15th).

3. Serve Copies: You must send copies to the Michigan Attorney General and the Washtenaw County Prosecutor's Office.

4. Fingerprints: You need to get your fingerprints taken. Send them to the Michigan State Police.

5. Hearing: The court may schedule a hearing. The judge decides if setting aside the conviction is in the public interest.

Resources for Expungement Help

The process can be complex. Consider getting help.

• Legal Aid of South Central Michigan: May offer free help to low-income people. Check their website or call.

• Washtenaw County Bar Association: Can provide referrals to local lawyers.

• Michigan Legal Help website: Offers self-help resources on expungement.

Limitations on Access

Not all criminal records are public. Some are kept private by law.

Juvenile Records

Records for crimes committed by minors (under 18) are usually confidential. They are handled by the Probate Court's Juvenile Division. Access is limited. It is mainly for law enforcement, court staff, and the juvenile. These do not typically show up in standard adult criminal record searches like ICHAT.

Sealed or Expunged Records

If a conviction is set aside (expunged), it is removed from public records. It will not appear on ICHAT or public court searches. Access is restricted by law. Certain employers (like law enforcement or schools) might still see them in some cases. Records can also be sealed for other reasons by court order.

Non-Public Information

Some details within a public case file might be restricted. This could include victim information or sensitive personal data. Social security numbers are usually redacted. Full police reports obtained via FOIA might have parts blacked out (redacted). This protects privacy or ongoing investigations. We are glad you came to this page. We aim to give you the best help with your search for Washtenaw County Criminal Records. Our goal is to make this easy for you. We put key facts all in one spot.

If you want to start searching for Washtenaw County Criminal Records now, you can go here: https://michiganofficialrecords.com/washtenaw-county-criminal-records/. This resource may help you begin your search right away. Finding the records you need can take time. This link offers a way to potentially speed up the process if you are ready to start looking into Washtenaw County Criminal Records immediately.

Accessing Washtenaw County Criminal Records

There are a few ways to find criminal records in this county. You can check court sites. You can check the state police site. The Sheriff also keeps some files. Each place has its own rules.

Washtenaw County Trial Court Records Access

The Washtenaw County Trial Court holds many public records. You can look for case information online. Use the court's name search tool. But know its limits. It is not the official record. Full case papers are not online. You must get them from the court office. There is a fee for copies. The online tool helps find case numbers. It shows basic case details. Be careful with names. Many folks share the same name. Bad actors might use fake names too. The court site has a disclaimer. Read it before you search. Some case types are not shown online. This includes Personal Protection Orders (PPOs). State law protects these files.

You can also search in person. Go to the Clerk of the Court office. They have public computer stations. You can use these for name searches. To get copies of files, you can ask in person. You can ask by mail. You can ask over the phone with a card. Small requests up to 30 pages are done while you wait. Big requests over 30 pages take up to 10 days. Mail requests also take about 10 days. You need to send the Trial Court Records Request Form (PDF). Include a stamped envelope you addressed to yourself. Also send a check made out to “Washtenaw County Trial Court”. Leave the amount blank for them to fill. For phone requests, you need the case number. You need party names. You need the document name and date. Say if you need it certified.

Fees apply for copies. Normal copies cost $2 per page. Certified copies cost $10 plus $1 per page. Exemplified copies cost $10 plus $1 per page. You might want audio or video files. Use the Request for Audio / Visual Recording form (PDF). Fill it out fully. Pay the fee. Copies are ready in five work days. You can pick them up or have them mailed. Court staff cannot give case details over the phone. For questions, call the Records Department. Their office holds records for the last 25 years. You can ask for five files per hour. Records older than 25 years back to 1883 may be gone. Final orders might still exist. Full records from 1828 to 1883 are at the Michigan State Archives. Call them at 517-335-2576.

• Washtenaw County Trial Court Records Office

  • Address: 101 E Huron St, Room 1106, Ann Arbor, MI 48104-1446

  • Mailing Address: P.O. Box 8645, Ann Arbor, MI 48107-8645

  • Phone: 734-222-3024

  • Fax: 734-222-3089

  • Email: records@washtenaw.org

  • Hours: Monday to Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM

Michigan State Police ICHAT System

The state keeps a large crime history file. You can search it using ICHAT. ICHAT means Internet Criminal History Access Tool. It is the only public way to search state crime records by name. It holds files from all 83 Michigan counties. Police, courts, and lawyers must report crimes here. This includes all felonies. It also includes serious misdemeanors. These are crimes where jail time is over 93 days.

ICHAT does not have all records. Sealed records are not there. Old warrant information is not there. Federal crime files are not there. Tribal court records are not there. Records from other states are not there. To find those, you must ask that state or group. Anyone can use ICHAT. You need the person's full name. You need their date of birth. Each search costs $10. You pay online.

Search results show up right away. You can view and print them online. The results stay online for seven days. After seven days, they are gone. The site does not mail results. A search result means the check is done. It does not mean a record was found or not found. Not all groups accept ICHAT reports. Ask the group that needs the check first. You cannot search by social security number. You cannot search by driver license number. Check your typed info with care before you pay. If you make a mistake, fix it first.

• Official ICHAT Website: https://apps.michigan.gov/

• Help Desk Hours: Monday - Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM (closed on state holidays)

Washtenaw County Sheriff's Office Records

The Sheriff's Office keeps its own files. The Records Bureau stores case files. This includes incident reports. It includes accident reports made by deputies. The bureau helps the public find these reports. They can research past events. They can point you to other agencies too. You need to use a Freedom of Information Act form. Use the Sheriff's Office FOIA form to ask.

The Records Bureau takes report data. They put it in a computer system. This helps Sheriff staff find info later. They also take payments for public requests. This covers copies of reports. It covers local jail checks for the county. It covers booking photos.

• Washtenaw County Sheriff's Office Records & Support Services

  • Address: 2201 Hogback Rd, Ann Arbor, MI 48108

  • Phone: 734-973-4655

  • Fax: 734-973-4522

  • Email: Use the email link on their website.

  • Hours: Monday to Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM

The Sheriff also uses an Online Citizens Police Reporting System (OCPRS). This lets people file some types of police reports online. If approved, you get a number. You can then ask the Records Bureau for a copy.

Understanding Washtenaw County Criminal Record Information

Not all crime data is open to all people. Laws set rules on what you can see. Knowing where a case was handled helps too.

What Information is Public?

Most court records are public. But some are not. State laws can limit access. Court rules can limit access. Local court orders can limit access. For cases you can see, you can find names. You can find case numbers. You can see the list of actions taken (Register of Actions). This shows dates and what happened in court.

Some records are kept private by law. Personal Protection Order (PPO) details are not public online. This protects the person named in the order. Sealed records cannot be seen by the public. Juvenile records often have special rules too. They are usually kept private. ICHAT searches do not show suppressed records.

Types of Courts Handling Criminal Cases in Washtenaw County

Washtenaw County has several courts. They handle different kinds of cases. The Washtenaw County Trial Court includes the Circuit Court. The Circuit Court handles serious cases. This means all felony charges. It also handles serious misdemeanors. Its main office is in Ann Arbor.

There are also District Courts in the county. They handle less serious crimes. This includes most misdemeanors. They handle traffic tickets. They also handle the first steps of felony cases. This includes arraignments and early hearings.

• 14A District Court (Handles cases from various townships and cities)

  • Locations in Chelsea, Saline, and Pittsfield Township (near Ypsilanti)

  • Chelsea: 734-475-8606

  • Saline: 1000 N Maple Rd, Saline, MI 48176. Phone: 734-429-2504

  • Pittsfield Twp (Service Center): 734-973-4545 (Civil/Small Claims), 734-973-4686 (Traffic/Criminal)

• 14B District Court

  • Address: 7200 S Huron River Dr, Ypsilanti, MI 48197

  • Phone: Criminal - 734-483-1333 | Civil - 734-483-5300

• 15th District Court (Handles cases from the City of Ann Arbor)

  • Address: 301 E Huron St, Ann Arbor, MI 48104 (Note: This is the Justice Center, different from the County Courthouse)

  • Phone: Criminal/Traffic - 734-794-6750 (Option 2) | Civil - 734-794-6752 (Option 3)

  • Clerk's Office Hours: Monday-Thursday 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM, Friday 8:30 AM - 3:00 PM (Effective Sep 16, 2024)

Setting Aside Convictions (Expungement) in Washtenaw County

A past crime record can cause issues. Michigan law lets some people clear their record. This is called setting aside a conviction or expungement.

What is Expungement?

Expungement hides your old crime record. It is hidden from public view. Job places cannot see it. Landlords cannot see it. Schools cannot see it. Loan groups cannot see it. When you apply for things, you do not have to list the expunged crime. It helps people move on from past mistakes. It can open doors that were closed.

Eligibility and Process in Michigan

Not everyone can get an expungement. There are rules. You must wait some time after your case ends. The wait time depends on the crime. It could be three years. It could be five years. It could be seven years. Recent Michigan laws changed how many crimes can be set aside. Check the current rules from the Michigan Legislature or state court sites. Some crimes can never be expunged. This includes very serious crimes like murder. It includes Criminal Sexual Conduct (CSC). Some traffic crimes also cannot be set aside. Especially if they caused death or serious harm.

When you ask the court for expungement, a judge looks at many things. They look at the crime itself. They look at how old you were. They look at your whole crime record. They look at how you have behaved since the crime. You must file papers with the court that handled your case. The State Court Administrative Office (SCAO) has forms like the MC 227 Application to Set Aside Conviction. You must follow all steps. This includes getting fingerprints. You must notify the prosecutor and Attorney General.

Washtenaw County Resources for Expungement

Washtenaw County wants to help people get expungements if they can. The County Prosecutor's Office has a special unit. It is called the Conviction Integrity and Expungement Unit (CIEU). They work with groups in the area. They help people through the process. They hold events to offer help. You can contact them for aid.

• Washtenaw County Prosecutor’s Office CIEU

  • Phone: 734-222-6620

  • Email: Use the link on the county expungement page.

  • Website: https://www.washtenaw.org/3364/Expungements (Has info sheets in English, Arabic, Mandarin, Korean, Spanish)

Other groups also help with expungement in the area:

• Legal Services of South Central Michigan (LSSCM): Fill out their online form or call 888-783-8190.

• Michigan Works! Southeast: Email them via the link on the county page.

• Michigan Advocacy Program: Email them via the link on the county page.

These groups can guide you. They can help see if you qualify. They can help with the forms and court steps. Getting legal help is often a good idea.

Key Contact Information for Washtenaw County Criminal Records

Here is a list of key places and phone numbers.

Washtenaw County Trial Court

• General Phone: 734-222-3270

• Records Office

  • Address: 101 E Huron St, Room 1106, Ann Arbor, MI 48104

  • Phone: 734-222-3024

  • Email: records@washtenaw.org

  • Hours: Monday - Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM

Washtenaw County Sheriff's Office

• General Phone: 734-971-8400

• Records Bureau

  • Address: 2201 Hogback Rd, Ann Arbor, MI 48108

  • Phone: 734-973-4655

  • Fax: 734-973-4522

  • Hours: Monday - Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Washtenaw County Clerk / Register of Deeds

• General Phone: 734-222-6700

• Main Office Address: 200 N Main St, Suite 110, Ann Arbor, MI 48104

• Hours: 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM (Recording until 4:00 PM)

  • (Note: Primarily handles vital records, property deeds, business names, elections, CPLs - not criminal court records)

District Courts

• 14A District Court:

  • Saline: 734-429-2504 (1000 N Maple Rd)

  • Chelsea: 734-475-8606

  • Pittsfield Twp: 734-973-4545 (Civil), 734-973-4686 (Traffic/Criminal)

• 14B District Court:

  • Address: 7200 S Huron River Dr, Ypsilanti, MI 48197

  • Phone: 734-483-1333 (Criminal), 734-483-5300 (Civil)

• 15th District Court:

  • Address: 301 E Huron St, Ann Arbor, MI 48104

  • Phone: 734-794-6750 (Option 2 for Criminal/Traffic)

  • Clerk Hours: Mon-Thu 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM, Fri 8:30 AM - 3:00 PM (Eff. 9/16/24)

Michigan State Police (ICHAT)

• Website: https://apps.michigan.gov/

• Help Desk Hours: Monday - Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM (Closed state holidays)