Search Washtenaw County Felony Records

Washtenaw County felony records are held at the 22nd Circuit Court in Ann Arbor. This court handles all felony criminal cases filed in the county. You can search Washtenaw County felony records online through MiCOURT or at the court's own case search portal. The Michigan State Police ICHAT tool gives you a statewide criminal history report for any person. This page explains the courts involved, how to search records, and what the records contain.

22nd Circuit Court Felony Records

The 22nd Circuit Court is located at 101 E Huron Street in Ann Arbor and handles all felony criminal cases in Washtenaw County. Felony charges begin in district court with arraignment and a preliminary examination before moving to circuit court. The circuit court clerk keeps the full case file for every felony, including charging documents, motions, court orders, plea agreements, and sentencing records.

The Washtenaw County Clerk's Records Unit can be reached at (734) 222-3024. Staff handle records requests and can locate case files by name or case number. One key policy: per Administrative Order 2015-01J, requests for Washtenaw County records require a specific case number or party name. Broad or open-ended searches are not accepted. Cases closed before August 5, 2006, must be requested directly from the court rather than through online systems.

The 15th District Court at 301 E. Huron Street, reachable at (734) 794-6750, handles misdemeanor matters and felony preliminary examinations. Its website at a2gov.org offers a public case search tool for district court records.

How to Search Washtenaw County Felony Records

Use MiCOURT to search Washtenaw County cases online. The Michigan Supreme Court runs this portal and it covers all participating courts statewide. Search by party name or case number. The register of actions for each case lists every filing and court event in date order. MiCOURT is free and runs at all hours.

For a statewide criminal history report, go to ICHAT from the Michigan State Police. A search costs $10 and requires a full name and date of birth. The system searches the Criminal Justice Information Center and returns felony arrests, convictions, and pending charges from all 83 counties. Results appear in minutes and stay available for seven days. ICHAT does not include federal, juvenile, or out-of-state records.

The OTIS database from the Michigan Department of Corrections is free. It covers state prisoners, parolees, and probationers under MDOC supervision. If someone was sentenced to state prison on a Washtenaw County felony, they may appear in OTIS. The database retains records for three years after discharge.

Washtenaw County felony case types use specific codes: FY for felony criminal, FD for felony drunk driving, and FT for felony traffic. Knowing these codes can help narrow your search in MiCOURT when searching by case number format.

Note: Cases closed before August 5, 2006 are not available through online search. Call the clerk's records unit at (734) 222-3024 to request those files directly.

What Washtenaw County Felony Records Contain

A felony case file in Washtenaw County starts with the complaint or information setting out the charges. Arrest warrants and arraignment notes are included. As the case moves forward, the file grows with pretrial motions, plea agreements, transcripts, and court orders. The register of actions is a dated list of every event in the case and is often the first thing to review when researching a case.

Sentencing records show the crime of conviction, the sentence imposed, fines, restitution, and probation conditions. Presentence investigation reports under MCL 771.14 are filed with the court but are generally not open to the public. The rest of the case file is public under MCL 15.231 unless a court has sealed specific portions.

An ICHAT report gives a shorter summary with offense type, MCL code, conviction date, and sentence. It is a fast check but does not replace the full court file for detailed information.

Michigan Felony Records Search Resources

The Michigan Courts website connects you to MiCOURT, circuit court contact information, and downloadable court forms for all 83 counties in the state.

This resource covers the 22nd Circuit Court and connects to all the tools you need to search Washtenaw County felony records and statewide criminal history databases.

Expungement in Washtenaw County

Under MCL 780.621, eligible people can petition to have felony convictions set aside and removed from public view. For Washtenaw County convictions, file the petition at the 22nd Circuit Court in Ann Arbor. The process requires form MC 227, a $50 processing fee paid to the Michigan State Police, and service of copies on the prosecuting attorney and the Michigan Attorney General.

Michigan's automatic expungement law under MCL 780.621g may clear some felony convictions automatically after ten years. Not all offenses qualify. Violent crimes and crimes against minors are excluded. Check Michigan Legal Help for a free eligibility tool and step-by-step guidance through the process.

FOIA Requests for Washtenaw County Records

Under MCL 15.231, the public has the right to request records from government agencies. Most felony case records are public. Direct court document requests to the county clerk. Arrest and incident records go to the Washtenaw County Sheriff's Office. Your written FOIA request must describe the records in enough detail for staff to find them, and must include the subject's name, date of birth, and the approximate date of the case or arrest. Agencies must respond within five business days.

Cities in Washtenaw County

Ann Arbor is the largest city in Washtenaw County and has its own dedicated felony records page.

Nearby Counties

Washtenaw County borders these counties. Each has its own circuit court for felony cases. Check the right county if you are not sure where a case was filed.