Genesee Public Records / Genesee County Arrest Records

Genesee County Arrest Records

Are Arrest Records Public in Genesee County

Arrest records in Genesee County are considered public information under Michigan law. The Michigan Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), codified at MCL § 15.231, establishes the public's right to access government records, including those related to arrests. This statute presumes that all records are accessible unless specifically exempted by law.

It is important for members of the public to understand the distinction between arrest records and conviction records. An arrest record documents that an individual was taken into custody by law enforcement based on probable cause that they committed a crime. A conviction record, by contrast, indicates that the individual was found guilty of a criminal offense through the judicial process. Under Michigan law, both types of records are generally accessible to the public, though certain exemptions may apply.

The Michigan State Police maintains the central repository for criminal history record information in the state, including arrest data from Genesee County law enforcement agencies. Pursuant to MCL § 28.242, law enforcement agencies are required to report arrest information to the state repository within 72 hours of the arrest.

Certain arrest records may be subject to exemptions under FOIA, particularly those that would:

Interfere with law enforcement proceedings
Deprive a person of the right to a fair trial
Constitute an unwarranted invasion of personal privacy
Disclose the identity of a confidential source
Endanger law enforcement personnel

What's in Genesee County Arrest Records

Arrest records maintained by Genesee County law enforcement agencies typically contain comprehensive information about individuals who have been taken into custody. The content of these records is standardized in accordance with MCL § 28.243, which governs the collection and maintenance of criminal justice information. A complete arrest record generally includes the following components:

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)
Fingerprints
Photograph (mugshot)
Address at time of arrest
Social Security Number (partially redacted in public records)

Arrest Details:

Date and time of arrest
Location of arrest
Arresting agency
Names and badge numbers of arresting officers
Circumstances leading to arrest
Whether force was used during arrest

Charge Information:

Criminal charges filed
Statutory citations for alleged violations
Classification of charges (felony or misdemeanor)
Charge severity level

Warrant Information (if applicable):

Warrant number
Issuing court
Date of issuance
Judge who signed the warrant

Booking Information:

Booking date and time
Booking facility
Booking number or identification
Property inventory

Bond/Bail Information:

Bond amount
Bond type (cash, surety, personal recognizance)
Bond conditions
Whether bond was posted

Court Information:

Court of jurisdiction
Case number
Scheduled court appearances
Judge assigned to case

Custody Status:

Current detention status
Facility where detained (if applicable)
Release date (if applicable)

Additional Information May Include:

Prior criminal history
Probation or parole status at time of arrest
Vehicle information (if relevant to arrest)
Victim information (often redacted in public records)
Witness information (often redacted in public records)

How To Look Up Arrest Records in Genesee County in 2026

Members of the public seeking arrest records in Genesee County may utilize several methods to obtain this information. The county processes all public record requests pursuant to the provisions of the Michigan Freedom of Information Act. Individuals may follow these steps to access arrest records:

Submit a FOIA Request to the Appropriate Agency
- Determine which law enforcement agency made the arrest (Genesee County Sheriff's Office, Flint Police Department, or another municipal police department within the county)
- Complete the agency's FOIA request form, which can be obtained from the agency's website or office
- Provide specific information about the record being sought, including the name of the arrestee and approximate date of arrest
- Submit the request via mail, email, fax, or in person

Genesee County Sheriff's Office
1002 S. Saginaw Street
Flint, MI 48502
(810) 257-3407
Genesee County Sheriff's Office

Visit the Law Enforcement Agency in Person
- Go to the records division of the appropriate law enforcement agency during business hours
- Complete a records request form
- Provide identification
- Pay any applicable fees for record retrieval and copying
Request Records from the Genesee County Clerk's Office
- For court records related to arrests and subsequent proceedings

Genesee County Clerk's Office
900 S. Saginaw Street
Flint, MI 48502
(810) 257-3225
Genesee County Clerk

Contact the Michigan State Police for Criminal History Records
- Submit a request for a Criminal History Record Check
- Provide fingerprints if required
- Pay the required fee

Michigan State Police Criminal Records Unit
P.O. Box 30634
Lansing, MI 48909
(517) 241-0606
Michigan State Police

Requestors should be prepared to pay fees associated with record retrieval and copying. Under FOIA, agencies may charge reasonable fees for search, retrieval, review, and copying of records. The first $20 of the fee is waived for individuals who submit an affidavit stating they are receiving public assistance or are unable to pay due to indigence.

How To Find Genesee County Arrest Records Online

Genesee County provides several digital resources for accessing arrest records and related information online. These electronic systems enhance public accessibility while maintaining compliance with state disclosure laws. Members of the public may utilize the following online resources:

Genesee County Inmate Lookup
- The Genesee County Sheriff's Office maintains an online inmate search tool
- This database provides information on currently incarcerated individuals
- Search by name to find booking information, charges, and custody status
- Updated regularly to reflect current inmate population
Michigan Offender Tracking Information System (OTIS)
- The Michigan Department of Corrections OTIS database provides information on offenders who are currently incarcerated, on parole, or on probation
- Search by name, offender number, or other identifiers
- Records include physical description, current status, and offense information
- Does not include individuals who have completed their sentences
Michigan Courts Case Search
- The Michigan Courts website offers a centralized portal for accessing court records
- MiCOURT Case Search provides case information from participating courts throughout Michigan, including Genesee County
- Search by name or case number to find court proceedings related to arrests
- Information typically includes case status, scheduled hearings, and case disposition
Genesee County Court Records
- The 7th Circuit Court and 67th District Court maintain online case lookup systems
- Access information about criminal cases stemming from arrests in Genesee County
- Search by name or case number
- Records typically include charges, hearing dates, and case status
Michigan State Police ICHAT
- The Internet Criminal History Access Tool (ICHAT) provides criminal history record information
- Requires creation of an account and payment of fees
- Provides official criminal history information, including arrests and dispositions
- Available at Michigan State Police ICHAT

When using online systems, users should be aware that information may be incomplete or may not reflect recent updates. For the most comprehensive and current information, direct contact with the relevant agency is recommended.

How To Search Genesee County Arrest Records for Free?

Members of the public have several options for accessing Genesee County arrest records without incurring fees. While some comprehensive searches may require payment, the following methods provide free access to basic arrest information:

Visit the Genesee County Sheriff's Office Website
- The Sheriff's Office maintains a free online inmate lookup system
- This resource provides information on currently incarcerated individuals
- Search by name to find booking information and current charges
- This service is provided at no cost to the public
Utilize Public Access Terminals at Government Offices
- The Genesee County Clerk's Office provides public access terminals
- These terminals allow free searches of court records related to arrests
- Available during regular business hours
- Staff assistance may be available for navigating the system

Genesee County Clerk's Office
900 S. Saginaw Street
Flint, MI 48502
(810) 257-3225
Genesee County Clerk

Access Court Records Through MiCOURT
- The Michigan Courts' online case search system provides free access to court records
- Search by name to find criminal cases stemming from arrests
- Information includes case status, scheduled hearings, and case disposition
- No fees are required for basic searches
Review Public Notices and Police Blotters
- Local newspapers and news websites often publish police blotters
- These public notices include recent arrest information
- Available through newspaper archives or websites
- Provides basic information about recent law enforcement activity
Submit a FOIA Request with Fee Waiver
- Under MCL § 15.234(2), the first $20 of FOIA fees must be waived for individuals who submit an affidavit stating they are:
  - Receiving public assistance
  - Unable to pay due to indigence
- This waiver allows economically disadvantaged individuals to access records without cost
- The waiver is limited to two requests per calendar year

When utilizing free resources, members of the public should be aware that information may be limited compared to paid services. Free resources typically provide basic arrest information but may not include comprehensive criminal history data or detailed case information.

How To Delete Arrest Records in Genesee County

Michigan law provides mechanisms for the expungement (legal erasure) or sealing (restricting public access) of arrest records under specific circumstances. These processes are governed by the Michigan Set Aside Law, codified at MCL § 780.621, which was significantly expanded by the Clean Slate legislation that took effect in April 2021.

Expungement vs. Sealing:

Expungement legally erases the record, removing it from public view and most government databases
Sealing restricts public access to the record while maintaining it for law enforcement purposes
In Michigan, the term "set aside" is commonly used for the expungement process

Eligibility for Expungement: Individuals may be eligible to have arrest records expunged under the following circumstances:

Arrests Without Charges
- If an individual was arrested but never charged with a crime
- The arrest record may be expunged after a waiting period (typically one year)
- Requires filing a petition with the court in the jurisdiction where the arrest occurred
Dismissed Charges
- If criminal charges were dismissed
- The arrest record may be eligible for immediate expungement
- Requires court petition and hearing
Convictions
- Under the expanded Clean Slate law, individuals may be eligible to expunge:
  - Up to three felonies (with restrictions on types of offenses)
  - Unlimited misdemeanors (with certain exceptions)
- Waiting periods apply (3-7 years depending on offense severity)
- Some offenses are ineligible, including serious violent crimes and criminal sexual conduct

Steps to Expunge Arrest Records:

Obtain Criminal History Record
- Request a certified copy of criminal history from the Michigan State Police
- Fingerprinting may be required
- Pay applicable fees
Obtain Certified Court Records
- Contact the court where the case was handled
- Request certified copies of court documents related to the arrest and case disposition
Complete Application to Set Aside Conviction
- Obtain form MC 227 (Application to Set Aside Conviction) from the Michigan Courts website
- Complete all sections accurately
- Include required supporting documentation
File Petition with Court
- Submit completed application to the court where the case was handled
- Pay filing fee (fee waivers available for eligible individuals)
- Court will set hearing date

Genesee County Circuit Court
900 S. Saginaw Street
Flint, MI 48502
(810) 424-4355
Genesee County Circuit Court

Serve Copies on Required Parties
- Provide copies of petition to:
  - Michigan State Police
  - Attorney General's Office
  - Prosecuting attorney who handled the original case
Attend Court Hearing
- Present case before judge
- Judge will consider factors including:
  - Nature of offense
  - Criminal history
  - Evidence of rehabilitation
  - Potential risk to public safety
If Granted, Ensure Implementation
- Court will forward order to Michigan State Police
- Verify that records are updated in relevant databases
- May need to notify private background check companies separately

Individuals seeking expungement may benefit from legal assistance. The Legal Services of Eastern Michigan provides free legal aid to eligible low-income residents of Genesee County.

What Happens After Arrest in Genesee County?

Following an arrest in Genesee County, individuals enter a structured criminal justice process governed by Michigan law and court procedures. This process includes several distinct phases from initial custody through case disposition:

Booking Process
- Upon arrest, individuals are transported to a detention facility
- Law enforcement officers record personal information
- Fingerprinting and photographing (mugshot) are completed
- Personal property is inventoried and secured
- Initial health screening may be conducted
Arraignment
- Occurs within 24-48 hours of arrest for in-custody defendants
- Judge or magistrate formally presents charges
- Constitutional rights are explained to the defendant
- Plea is entered (typically "not guilty" at this stage)
- Bail/bond determination is made
- Court-appointed attorney may be assigned if defendant qualifies
Pretrial Proceedings
- Preliminary examination (for felony cases)
  - Prosecution must demonstrate probable cause
  - Typically held within 14 days of arraignment
  - Case may be bound over to Circuit Court if probable cause is established
- Pretrial conferences
  - Attorneys discuss evidence and potential plea agreements
  - Motions may be filed regarding evidence or procedure
  - Trial date may be set
Plea Bargaining
- Negotiations between prosecution and defense
- May result in reduced charges or sentencing recommendations
- Requires court approval of any agreement
- Approximately 90% of cases are resolved through plea agreements
Trial
- Jury trial or bench trial (before judge only)
- Prosecution presents evidence and witnesses
- Defense may present evidence and witnesses
- Burden of proof is on prosecution ("beyond reasonable doubt")
- Jury or judge renders verdict
Sentencing
- Occurs after guilty plea or conviction at trial
- Pre-sentence investigation report may be prepared
- Judge determines sentence based on:
  - Michigan sentencing guidelines
  - Severity of offense
  - Criminal history
  - Mitigating or aggravating factors
- Sentencing options include:
  - Probation
  - Jail time
  - Prison time
  - Fines and costs
  - Community service
  - Treatment programs
Post-Conviction
- Right to appeal within 21 days of sentencing
- Probation supervision if applicable
- Incarceration in county jail or state prison if ordered
- Payment of fines, costs, and restitution

Throughout this process, arrest records are maintained and updated to reflect the current status of the case. These records become part of the individual's criminal history and are accessible through the methods previously described, subject to any applicable restrictions or expungements.

How Long Are Arrest Records Kept in Genesee County?

Arrest records in Genesee County are maintained according to retention schedules established by Michigan law and administrative rules. The Michigan Department of Technology, Management and Budget oversees the state's records management program, which includes guidelines for criminal justice records retention. The primary statute governing law enforcement records retention is MCL § 750.491, which establishes penalties for the improper destruction of public records.

Standard Retention Periods:

Arrest Records Without Charges
- Generally maintained for at least 5 years
- May be retained longer if part of an ongoing investigation
- Subject to expungement under certain circumstances
Misdemeanor Arrest Records
- Typically maintained for 7 years after case disposition
- Records related to certain offenses (such as domestic violence) may be kept longer
- Digital records may be maintained indefinitely in some databases
Felony Arrest Records
- Maintained for a minimum of 25 years after case disposition
- Records for serious felonies (murder, criminal sexual conduct, etc.) are permanently retained
- Digital fingerprint records are maintained indefinitely in the state's Automated Fingerprint Identification System (AFIS)
Juvenile Arrest Records
- Subject to different retention rules than adult records
- May be sealed or destroyed when the individual reaches age 30, depending on offense severity
- Serious offenses may be retained permanently

Different agencies within Genesee County maintain separate record systems with varying retention policies:

Genesee County Sheriff's Office maintains arrest and booking records according to county retention schedules
Michigan State Police maintains the central repository for criminal history information, including fingerprints and arrest data
Genesee County Prosecutor's Office maintains case files related to prosecutions
Genesee County Courts maintain records of court proceedings related to arrests

The retention of these records serves several important purposes:

Preserves evidence for potential future legal proceedings
Maintains accountability in the criminal justice system
Provides information for background checks and security clearances
Supports law enforcement investigations of related crimes
Enables statistical analysis of crime patterns and trends

It is important to note that even when physical records are destroyed according to retention schedules, digital information may persist in various databases. Additionally, once information has entered the public domain through court proceedings or media reports, it may continue to be accessible even if the official records are no longer maintained.

How to Find Mugshots in Genesee County

What Mugshots Are

Mugshots, also known as booking photographs, are official photographs taken by law enforcement agencies during the booking process following an arrest. These photographs typically include front-facing and profile (side) views of the arrested individual. Mugshots serve as visual identification records within the criminal justice system and are considered part of the official arrest record.

Where Mugshots Are Maintained

In Genesee County, mugshots are primarily maintained by:

Arresting Law Enforcement Agency
- The agency that made the arrest (Sheriff's Office, Flint Police Department, etc.) maintains the original booking photographs
- These images are stored in the agency's records management system
- Access is controlled according to departmental policies and state law
Genesee County Jail
- Booking photographs are taken during the intake process at the county jail
- These images become part of the inmate's custody record
- Maintained by the Genesee County Sheriff's Office

Genesee County Sheriff's Office
1002 S. Saginaw Street
Flint, MI 48502
(810) 257-3407
Genesee County Sheriff's Office

Michigan State Police
- Copies of booking photographs may be forwarded to the state's central records repository
- Maintained as part of the individual's criminal history record
- Access is regulated by state law and administrative rules

Finding Mugshots

Members of the public seeking access to mugshots in Genesee County have several options:

Submit a FOIA Request
- File a formal request under the Michigan Freedom of Information Act
- Specify the individual's name and approximate date of arrest
- Submit request to the arresting agency or Genesee County Sheriff's Office
- Pay applicable fees for search and reproduction
Check the Genesee County Inmate Lookup
- The Sheriff's Office online inmate search may include booking photographs
- Limited to currently incarcerated individuals
- Provides basic identifying information along with the mugshot
Review Court Records
- In some cases, mugshots may be included in court files
- Access court records through the Genesee County Clerk's Office
- Not all court files will contain booking photographs

Can Mugshots Be Found Online?

The availability of mugshots online varies:

Official Government Sources
- Some law enforcement agencies post recent booking photos on their websites
- The Genesee County Sheriff's Office may include photos in their online inmate lookup
- These official sources typically remove photos once individuals are released
Third-Party Websites
- Commercial mugshot websites collect and publish booking photos
- These sites are not affiliated with government agencies
- May charge fees for removal of photos
- Michigan law MCL § 445.1711 prohibits charging fees for removing mugshots under certain circumstances

Restrictions on Mugshot Access

Access to mugshots is subject to several important limitations:

Privacy Considerations
- Law enforcement agencies may redact or withhold mugshots that would constitute an unwarranted invasion of privacy
- Juvenile mugshots are generally not publicly available
Active Investigations
- Mugshots related to ongoing investigations may be temporarily withheld
- Release must not interfere with law enforcement proceedings
Expunged Records
- If an arrest record has been expunged, the associated mugshot should no longer be accessible
- Individuals who have obtained expungements should verify that mugshots have been removed from public access
Commercial Use Restrictions
- Michigan law restricts the commercial use of mugshots, particularly websites that charge removal fees
- These restrictions aim to prevent exploitation of individuals who were arrested but never convicted

Lookup Arrest Records in Genesee County

Genesee County Freedom of Information

Michigan State Police Records

Michigan Offender Tracking Information System

Michigan Courts Case Search

MiCOURT Case Search System

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