Grand Traverse County Arrest Records

Grand Traverse County arrest records contain details of a person’s detention at the hands of state and local law enforcement agencies. Section 764.15 of Michigan’s Code of Procedure gives police officers the power to arrest any person, with or without a warrant, they reasonably suspect of committing a crime. Parties should note that an arrest record cannot pass as proof of criminal activity. It only indicates that the police arrested a suspect. Arrest records are processed and kept at the Grand Traverse County Sheriff’s Office. The Sheriff’s Office is not the only place to find arrest records, as they can be found in Grand Traverse County Court Records, which the County Clerk’s Office keeps.

Are Arrest Records Public in Grand Traverse County?

Yes. According to Michigan’s Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), the public may view records of public agencies generated while performing their statutory duties. Therefore, record seekers may access arrest records held by the Grand Traverse County Sheriff’s Office. The only individuals denied FOIA rights in Michigan are those detained in a local or state correctional facility.

However, this rule has several exemptions, as outlined in the FOIA. As a result, public agencies can seal or erase exempted information. Record custodians will only release such records to eligible persons. The exemptions under the Act are as follows:

• Arrest records that may interfere with police investigations;
• Arrest records that may impede a fair trial;
• Arrest records which would infringe on a person’s right to privacy if it is released;
• Arrest records that expose confidential sources or information;
• Arrest records that may leave a particular individual unsafe if it is disclosed;
• Sensitive information such as an individual's Social Security Number (SSN).

What Do Public Arrest Records Contain?

An individual may find different details on an arrest record, from the arrestee’s name to date of birth. An arrest record in Michigan includes the following information:

• The arrestee's name, gender, birth date, and other identifying information.
• The location, date, and time of the arrest.
• An explanation of the alleged crime that resulted in the arrest.
• Name of the law enforcement official making the arrest.
• The name and address of the state detention facility or county/city jail where the arrestee is being held.

Grand Traverse County Arrest Statistics

According to the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Crime Data Explorer, the Grand Traverse County Sheriff’s Office made 353 arrests between January 2023 and January 2024. Of these 353 arrests, 252 were for male offenders, while 101 were for female offenders. Men aged 40-44 saw the highest number of arrests, with 46 arrests. The same age group had the highest number of arrests for female arrestees (18). All Other Offenses had the most arrests of all offenses in the county, with 183 arrests. DUIs, simple assault, theft, and nonviolent family offenses saw 51, 37, 24, and 18 arrests, respectively.

Find Grand Traverse County Arrest Records

The Grand Traverse County Sheriff’s Corrections Division houses all county inmates within its facilities. The Division also keeps a record of inmates within its facilities. Record seekers must fill out an online Freedom of Information Act Request Form to search for information on a particular inmate. The requester will need to input pertinent information, such as the first and last name of the inmate. A standard prisoner record includes the inmate's name, date of arrest, reason for incarceration, length of sentence, and bond information. Individuals can also visit the Sheriff’s Office to search for inmate records in person. The Sheriff’s Office is located at:

Grand Traverse County Sheriff's Office

851 Woodmere Avenue
Traverse City, MI 49686
Phone: (231) 995-5000

Free Arrest Record Search in Grand Traverse County

The Grand Traverse County Sheriff's or Clerk's Office allows citizens to search for arrest records for free. Additionally, interested parties can visit third-party websites to get Grand Traverse County arrest records. These websites have curated information from different government websites so that people can easily and freely access them. However, persons using these sites should note that since government agencies do not own them, they may contain incorrect or outdated information. Additionally, accessing these websites may need a subscription.

Grand Traverse County Arrest Records Vs. Criminal Records

Arrest and criminal records may sound similar, but they are different. For instance, a person's criminal court cases and the decisions made concerning them make up their criminal record. A criminal record will contain details like the case number and the court's decision. It would also include whether the offender is currently incarcerated, on probation, or has had the case dismissed. In addition, criminal records are kept in custody and are the responsibility of federal, county, and local courts.

Conversely, an arrest record only documents the specifics of an arrest. One can view details like the name of the detainee, the arrest site, and the arresting officer's name. Unlike court rulings, arrest records do not provide additional information.

How Long Do Arrests Stay on Your Record?

The specifics of the arrest remain on record indefinitely. By implication, an arrest record will last as long as a person does not take any steps to remove it. The record custodian can seal or expunge an arrest record upon application after being charged with a crime.

Expunge Grand Traverse County Arrest Records

In Grand Traverse County, people who have had their charges dismissed or have been acquitted will have their arrest records automatically expunged. However, if convicted after an arrest, they may be eligible for expungement under Michigan Public Act 193 of 2020 or Michigan Combined Law (MCL) 780.621.

According to the Michigan Public Act 193 of 2020, records, including arrest records associated with convictions, are automatically deleted once they meet specific criteria after a waiting period. These convictions and their associated waiting period include:

• A 7-year waiting period for any misdemeanor offense punishable by a sentence of fewer than 92 days;
• A 7-year waiting period for a maximum of four "4" misdemeanors punishable by 93 days or more jail time;
• A 10-year waiting period for a maximum of two "2" felonies.

Meanwhile, people may apply for an expungement order for specific qualifying crimes under MCL 780.621. Convictions that are not expungeable are noted in MCL 780.621c. These include:

• Convictions for offenses involving child sexual abuse.
• Human trafficking offenses.
• Traffic-related offenses.
• Domestic abuse.
• Second-degree child abuse.
• Second-degree sexual offenses.

To request an expungement order for an eligible conviction in Grand Traverse County, interested parties may complete form MC 227 or form MC 227a (for misdemeanor marijuana convictions) and file it with a court having relevant jurisdiction.

Grand Traverse County Arrest Warrants

A judge will issue an arrest warrant if there is reasonable suspicion that a person has committed a crime and has to be placed under arrest so that law enforcement can look into the matter. The police must submit to the court an affidavit outlining the alleged offense and any evidence that might point to the perpetrator to acquire an arrest warrant. After reviewing the affidavit, the judge determines whether sufficient evidence warrants an arrest. If it is, a warrant is issued.

Do Grand Traverse County Arrest Warrants Expire?

Generally, arrest warrants in Grand Traverse County do not expire. They remain in effect until the suspect is arrested, the warrant is recalled by the magistrate or court that issued it, or the charges are dropped.