Macomb County Arrest Records
Are Arrest Records Public in Macomb County
Arrest records in Macomb County are generally considered public information under Michigan law. Pursuant to the Michigan Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), MCL § 15.231 et seq., most government records, including arrest records, are accessible to the public upon request. However, certain exceptions and limitations apply to protect privacy interests and ongoing investigations.
The distinction between arrest records and conviction records is significant under Michigan law. An arrest record documents that an individual was taken into custody by law enforcement, while a conviction record indicates that the individual was found guilty of a criminal offense through the judicial process. Under MCL § 15.243(1)(b), law enforcement agencies may withhold information that would "interfere with law enforcement proceedings" or "deprive a person of the right to a fair trial."
The Michigan State Police maintains the central repository for criminal history record information in the state, including arrest data from Macomb County. Access to these records is governed by the Criminal Justice Information Policy Council, which establishes guidelines for dissemination in accordance with MCL § 28.214.
Members of the public should note that while arrest records are generally accessible, the information available may be limited based on the status of the case, whether charges were filed, and if the record has been subject to expungement or sealing under applicable state laws.
What's in Macomb County Arrest Records
Macomb County arrest records contain standardized information documenting an individual's interaction with law enforcement during and following an arrest. These records typically include several categories of information as outlined below:
Arrestee Identifying Information:
- Full legal name (including aliases or known nicknames)
- Date of birth
- Gender
- Race/ethnicity
- Physical description (height, weight, eye color, hair color)
- Identifying marks (tattoos, scars, or other distinguishing features)
- Residential address
- Driver's license or state ID number
Arrest Details:
- Date and time of arrest
- Location of arrest
- Arresting agency (e.g., Macomb County Sheriff's Office, local police department)
- Arresting officer's name and badge number
- Reason for arrest (probable cause statement)
Charge Information:
- Criminal charges filed
- Statute or ordinance citations
- Charge classification (felony, misdemeanor, or civil infraction)
- Charge severity (e.g., Class A, B, C)
Warrant Information (if applicable):
- Warrant number
- Issuing court
- Date of issuance
- Type of warrant (arrest, bench, search)
Booking Information:
- Booking date and time
- Booking number
- Fingerprint identification number
- Mugshot photograph
Bond/Bail Information:
- Bond amount
- Bond type (cash, surety, personal recognizance)
- Bond status (posted, denied, pending)
- Conditions of release
Court Information:
- Court of jurisdiction
- Case number
- Scheduled court appearances
- Judge assigned to the case
Custody Status:
- Current detention status
- Facility of incarceration (if applicable)
- Release date (if applicable)
Additional Information May Include:
- Prior criminal history references
- Probation or parole status
- Protective orders or restraining orders
- Vehicle information (if relevant to the arrest)
- Property seized during arrest
- Victim information (often redacted in public records)
- Witness information (often redacted in public records)
The specific content of arrest records may vary depending on the arresting agency within Macomb County and the circumstances of the arrest. Access to certain elements of these records may be restricted based on privacy laws and ongoing investigation status as provided in MCL § 15.243.
How To Look Up Arrest Records in Macomb County in 2026
Members of the public seeking arrest records in Macomb County may utilize several official channels to obtain this information. The following procedures are currently in effect for accessing arrest records:
- Contact the Macomb County Sheriff's Office directly:
- Submit a FOIA request in writing to the Records Division
- Provide specific information about the record being sought (name, date of birth, approximate date of arrest)
- Include contact information for response delivery
- Pay applicable fees for search and copying services
Macomb County Sheriff's Office
43565 Elizabeth Road
Mount Clemens, MI 48043
(586) 469-5151
Macomb County Sheriff's Office
- Visit the Macomb County Clerk's Office:
- Request court records related to arrests that resulted in criminal cases
- Provide case number if available, or name and date of birth
- Complete required request forms
- Pay applicable search and copying fees
Macomb County Clerk's Office
40 North Main Street, 1st Floor
Mount Clemens, MI 48043
(586) 469-5120
Macomb County Clerk
- Submit a request to the Michigan State Police:
- Complete an Internet Criminal History Access Tool (ICHAT) request
- Provide required identifying information
- Pay the statutory fee ($10 per search)
- Receive results electronically or by mail
Michigan State Police Criminal Records Unit
P.O. Box 30634
Lansing, MI 48909
(517) 241-0606
Michigan State Police
- Request records from the specific arresting agency:
- Determine which police department made the arrest
- Submit a written FOIA request to that agency
- Include all available identifying information
- Pay applicable fees
Pursuant to MCL § 15.235, agencies must respond to FOIA requests within 5 business days, though they may extend this period by an additional 10 business days if necessary. Requestors should be prepared to provide proper identification when seeking arrest records and may be required to state the purpose of their request in certain circumstances.
How To Find Macomb County Arrest Records Online
Macomb County residents and interested parties may access certain arrest record information through several online platforms maintained by government agencies. The following digital resources are currently available:
-
Macomb County Sheriff's Inmate Lookup System
- Navigate to the Macomb County Sheriff's Office website
- Select the "Inmate Lookup" feature
- Enter the individual's name or booking number
- Review current inmate status and basic arrest information
- Note that this system only includes currently incarcerated individuals
-
Michigan Courts MiCOURT Case Search
- Access the statewide court case search portal
- Enter the individual's name and other identifying information
- Select Macomb County from the jurisdiction options
- Review case information for criminal proceedings
- Note that this system provides case information but not detailed arrest records
-
Michigan Department of Corrections Offender Search
- Visit the Offender Tracking Information System (OTIS)
- Enter the individual's name or identification number
- Review information about current inmates and parolees
- Access basic conviction information and custody status
- Note that this system only includes individuals who have been sentenced to state prison
-
Macomb County District Courts Online Access
- Visit the specific district court website where the case is being heard
- Use the online case lookup feature if available
- Enter the individual's name or case number
- Review basic case information related to arrests
- Note that the 41-A District Court and other district courts in Macomb County may have separate systems
Users should be aware that online systems typically provide limited information compared to official records obtained directly from agencies. Additionally, pursuant to MCL § 28.242a, certain information may be restricted from online access to protect privacy and prevent identity theft. For comprehensive arrest record information, a formal request to the appropriate agency is recommended.
How To Search Macomb County Arrest Records for Free?
Members of the public have several options to access Macomb County arrest records without incurring fees. The following methods are currently available for free searches:
- Visit the Macomb County Sheriff's Office in person:
- Go to the Records Division during public counter hours (Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM)
- Request to view public arrest logs or booking information
- Bring identification and be prepared to complete a viewing request form
- Note that while viewing may be free, copying fees may apply
Macomb County Sheriff's Office
43565 Elizabeth Road
Mount Clemens, MI 48043
(586) 469-5151
Macomb County Sheriff's Office
-
Use the Sheriff's Office online inmate lookup:
- Access the free online inmate search tool on the Sheriff's website
- Enter the individual's name to check current incarceration status
- View basic booking information at no cost
- Note that this resource only covers currently detained individuals
-
Check court records at the courthouse:
- Visit the Macomb County Circuit Court or appropriate District Court
- Use public access terminals to search for criminal cases
- View basic case information related to arrests
- Note that while viewing is free, printing fees may apply
Macomb County Circuit Court
40 North Main Street
Mount Clemens, MI 48043
(586) 469-5150
Macomb County Circuit Court
-
Review public police blotters:
- Check local police department websites for published arrest logs
- Visit local police stations to view publicly posted arrest information
- Review local newspaper crime reports which often publish recent arrest information
- Note that these sources typically provide limited details
-
Access the Michigan Public Sex Offender Registry:
- Visit the Michigan State Police Sex Offender Registry website
- Search by name or location within Macomb County
- View registration information related to qualifying offenses
- Note that this resource is limited to registered sex offenders
Under Michigan's FOIA (MCL § 15.234), agencies may waive fees if a request is in the public interest or if the requestor demonstrates indigence. Individuals seeking fee waivers should include this request in writing when submitting FOIA requests for arrest records.
How To Delete Arrest Records in Macomb County
Individuals with arrest records in Macomb County may be eligible to have these records either expunged (legally erased) or sealed (restricted from public access) under specific circumstances. The distinction is important: expungement treats the record as if it never existed, while sealing limits who can access the record but does not eliminate it entirely.
Pursuant to Michigan's Clean Slate legislation (MCL § 780.621 et seq.), which expanded expungement eligibility, the following options are available:
Eligibility for Expungement:
- Individuals with no more than three felony convictions may apply to have up to three felonies expunged
- Individuals with an unlimited number of misdemeanors may apply to have all but two misdemeanors expunged
- At least five years must have passed since the last conviction, release from incarceration, or completion of probation (whichever is later)
- Certain serious offenses are ineligible, including murder, criminal sexual conduct, and terrorism-related offenses
Steps to Request Expungement:
- Obtain a certified copy of conviction record from the court where the case was handled
- Get fingerprinted at a local law enforcement agency using the Michigan State Police fingerprint card
- Complete the Application to Set Aside Conviction form (MC 227)
- File the application with the court where the conviction occurred
- Pay the required filing fee (approximately $50, though fee waivers may be available)
- Serve copies of the application on the Michigan Attorney General, the prosecutor's office, and the Michigan State Police
- Attend the scheduled court hearing to present your case
Automatic Expungement: As of April 2023, Michigan's Clean Slate law provides for automatic expungement of certain eligible convictions without application. This applies to:
- Up to two felony convictions after 10 years
- Up to four misdemeanor convictions after 7 years
- Non-assaultive offenses that do not involve a dangerous weapon
- Offenses with a maximum punishment of less than 10 years
For arrest records that did not result in conviction, individuals may request removal from public access under MCL § 28.243. This process requires:
- Submitting a written request to the arresting agency
- Providing documentation that charges were dismissed or never filed
- Waiting until the applicable statute of limitations has expired
The Macomb County Prosecutor's Office can provide guidance on expungement eligibility, and legal aid organizations such as Lakeshore Legal Aid offer assistance to eligible individuals seeking to navigate the expungement process.
What Happens After Arrest in Macomb County?
Following an arrest in Macomb County, individuals enter a structured criminal justice process governed by Michigan law. This process typically proceeds through several distinct phases:
-
Booking Procedure:
- The arrestee is transported to a local police station or the Macomb County Jail
- Personal information is recorded, including name, address, and date of birth
- Fingerprints and photographs (mugshots) are taken
- Personal property is inventoried and secured
- A preliminary health screening is conducted
-
Initial Detention:
- The arrestee may be held in a temporary holding cell
- For misdemeanors, release on personal recognizance or bail may be available
- For felonies, the individual typically remains in custody until arraignment
- Pursuant to MCL § 764.13, arrestees must be brought before a magistrate "without unnecessary delay"
-
Arraignment:
- Occurs within 24-72 hours of arrest (excluding weekends and holidays)
- The judge or magistrate formally presents charges
- Constitutional rights are explained to the defendant
- Bail is set or denied based on flight risk and public safety considerations
- A plea is entered (though typically "not guilty" at this stage)
- Future court dates are scheduled
-
Pretrial Proceedings:
- Preliminary examination (for felonies) to establish probable cause
- Pretrial conferences to discuss possible plea agreements
- Discovery process where evidence is shared between prosecution and defense
- Motions hearings to resolve legal issues before trial
- Bond may be reviewed and modified based on changing circumstances
-
Trial or Plea Resolution:
- Most cases resolve through plea agreements
- If no agreement is reached, a trial is conducted (bench or jury)
- The prosecution must prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt
- Defendants have constitutional rights to counsel, to confront witnesses, and to present a defense
-
Sentencing (if convicted):
- Presentence investigation report prepared by probation department
- Victim impact statements may be presented
- Judge imposes sentence based on Michigan sentencing guidelines
- Sentences may include probation, jail time, prison time, fines, restitution, or community service
-
Post-Conviction:
- Right to appeal within 21 days of sentencing
- Possible transfer to Michigan Department of Corrections for prison sentences
- Probation supervision for non-incarceration sentences
- Potential eligibility for specialty courts (drug court, veterans court, mental health court)
Throughout this process, defendants have the right to legal representation. Those who cannot afford an attorney may request court-appointed counsel through the Macomb County Public Defender Office, established pursuant to the Michigan Indigent Defense Commission Act (MCL § 780.981 et seq.).
How Long Are Arrest Records Kept in Macomb County?
Arrest records in Macomb County are maintained according to Michigan's record retention requirements, which establish different retention periods based on the type of record and the outcome of the case. These retention schedules are governed by Michigan Records Management Services and the Michigan State Police.
Under MCL § 28.243, law enforcement agencies are required to maintain fingerprints and arrest data in the following manner:
For Arrests Resulting in Conviction:
- Felony convictions: Records are maintained permanently in the Michigan State Police central repository
- Misdemeanor convictions: Records are maintained for at least 7 years after the date of conviction
- High court misdemeanors: Records are maintained for at least 10 years after the date of conviction
- Records may be maintained longer at the discretion of the maintaining agency
For Arrests Not Resulting in Conviction:
- If charges are dismissed before trial: Records may be destroyed after 1 year
- If the person is acquitted at trial: Records may be destroyed after 1 year
- If no charges are filed within the statute of limitations: Records may be destroyed after the statute of limitations expires
- For juveniles not adjudicated: Records may be destroyed when the individual reaches 17 years of age
The Macomb County Sheriff's Office maintains its own departmental records according to the Local Government Records Retention Schedule, which typically requires:
- Incident reports: Minimum 7-year retention
- Arrest logs: Minimum 7-year retention
- Booking photographs: Retention matches the related criminal history record
Court records related to arrests are maintained by the Macomb County Circuit Court and district courts according to the Michigan Supreme Court Records Retention Schedule, which generally requires:
- Felony case files: 20 years after case closure
- Misdemeanor case files: 10 years after case closure
- Traffic case files: 2-7 years after case closure depending on severity
These retention periods ensure that records are available for legitimate law enforcement purposes, statistical analysis, and background checks while balancing privacy concerns. The extended retention of conviction records serves public safety interests, while the shorter retention of non-conviction records helps protect individuals from the ongoing consequences of arrests that did not result in conviction.
How to Find Mugshots in Macomb County
What Mugshots Are
Mugshots, or booking photographs, are official photographs taken by law enforcement during the booking process following an arrest. In Macomb County, these photographs typically include front-facing and profile (side) views of the arrestee. Mugshots serve as visual identification records within the criminal justice system and are considered part of the official arrest record.
Where Mugshots Are Maintained
Mugshots taken in Macomb County are primarily maintained by:
- The arresting law enforcement agency (local police department or sheriff's office)
- The Macomb County Sheriff's Office for individuals booked into the county jail
- The Michigan State Police central records repository
- Court records if submitted as evidence in criminal proceedings
Finding Mugshots
Members of the public seeking mugshots in Macomb County have several potential avenues for access:
- Submit a FOIA request to the arresting agency:
- Prepare a written request specifying the individual's name and arrest date
- Submit the request to the records division of the appropriate agency
- Pay applicable fees for search and reproduction
- Note that some information may be redacted pursuant to privacy exemptions
Macomb County Sheriff's Office
43565 Elizabeth Road
Mount Clemens, MI 48043
(586) 469-5151
Macomb County Sheriff's Office
- Check court records if the case proceeded to trial:
- Visit the court where the case was heard
- Request to view the case file, which may contain booking photographs
- Note that not all court files include mugshots
Can Mugshots Be Found Online
The availability of mugshots online through official sources is limited in Macomb County. The Macomb Correctional Facility and local law enforcement agencies generally do not publish mugshots on their websites as a matter of policy. However, limited information may be available through:
- The Macomb County Jail inmate lookup system (current inmates only)
- The Michigan Department of Corrections Offender Tracking Information System (for convicted individuals)
- Third-party websites that aggregate mugshots (though these are not official sources and may contain outdated or inaccurate information)
Obtaining Mugshots Officially
To officially obtain a mugshot, individuals should:
- Identify the agency that made the arrest
- Submit a formal FOIA request specifically requesting the booking photograph
- Provide sufficient identifying information (full name, date of birth, approximate arrest date)
- Pay required fees (typically $5-20 per photograph)
- Allow 5-15 business days for processing as required by MCL § 15.235
Restrictions on Mugshot Access
Access to mugshots in Macomb County is subject to several restrictions:
- Juvenile mugshots (under age 17) are generally not public records
- Expunged or sealed records are not accessible to the public
- Records pertaining to ongoing investigations may be temporarily withheld
- Privacy exemptions under FOIA may apply to certain elements of the photograph
- Commercial use restrictions may apply under Michigan law
Individuals seeking mugshots should be aware that while these records are generally considered public, agencies have discretion to withhold them if release would constitute an unwarranted invasion of privacy or interfere with law enforcement proceedings.