Livingston County Arrest Records

In Livingston County, Michigan, arrests are crucial in maintaining public safety and enforcing the law. Law enforcement officers are authorized to arrest individuals when there is sufficient evidence of criminal activity, particularly when serious felonies have been committed or when there is a risk that a suspect may flee. Under Michigan law, a private citizen can also make an arrest if a crime is committed in their presence, per MCL 764.16.

When a person is arrested in Livingston County, Michigan law requires the arresting officer to document the incident thoroughly. According to MCL 28.243, the arresting officer must collect and forward biometric data—including fingerprints—and report the charges and offenses involved. This information is sent to authorized criminal justice entities and becomes part of the individual's official "arrest record".

Arrest records are typically reviewed when determining bail, sentencing, or other legal decisions. Law enforcement agencies primarily maintain them, but arrest information may be featured within Livingston County Court Records if the record-holder proceeds to court.

Are Arrest Records Public in Livingston County?

Yes, arrest records are generally available to the public in Livingston County under Michigan's FOIA, which grants the public the right to access records held by Michigan public agencies, including law enforcement. However, not all records are publicly accessible. For instance, arrest records related to juveniles, sealed cases, or ongoing investigations may be restricted.

What Do Public Arrest Records Contain?

Public arrest records in Livingston County typically contain the following details:

• Personal Information: Name, aliases, gender, date of birth, address, and physical descriptors (such as height, weight, race, hair, and eye color).
• Arrest Details: Date, time, and location of the arrest, the circumstances leading to the arrest, the arresting officer's name and badge number, and a summary of the incident.
• Booking Information: Booking number, time, date, and the detention facility where the arrestee was held.
• Charges: A description of the offenses, including the criminal code violated and whether the charges are felonies or misdemeanors.
• Court Information: Scheduled court date, type of court (e.g., Circuit or District), and the court's name and location.
• Bail Information: Details regarding the bond type, bail amount, and any conditions for release.
• Release Information: Date of release (if applicable) and whether the individual is out on bond or held in custody.

Livingston County Crime Rate

Livingston County, like many counties in Michigan, faces crime-related challenges, which are reflected in its annual crime statistics. The Michigan State Police compiles these figures through the Criminal Justice Information Center (CJIC). In 2022, the county's law enforcement reported 4,505 offenses, 1,094 index crimes, and 3,411 non-index crimes. The breakdown of incidents per crime is as follows:

• Property Crimes - 915
  • Arson: 7
  • Motor Vehicle Theft: 74
  • Larceny: 682
  • Burglary: 159
• Violent Crimes - 172
  • Aggravated Assault: 106
  • Robbery: 6
  • Rape: 60

Livingston County Arrest Statistics

According to the Michigan 2022 Annual Arrest Report, law enforcement agencies in Livingston County made 1,258 arrests, with 192 arrests for index crimes and 1,066 for non-index crimes. The breakdown of these offenses is as follows:

• Retail Fraud Theft: 60 arrests
• Larceny (Other): 16 arrests
• Larceny Theft of Motor Vehicle Parts: 3 arrests
• Larceny theft from building: 9 arrests
• Burglary or its attempt (No forced entry): 3 arrests
• Burglary (forced entry): 14 arrests
• Arson: 1 arrest
• Aggravated/felonious assault: 68 arrests
• Robbery: 5 arrests
• Sexual offenses - 5 Arrests

Find Livingston County Arrest Records

To find arrest records in Livingston County, Michigan, inquirers may begin by identifying the law enforcement agency responsible for the arrest. This may be the Livingston County Sheriff's Office, local police departments, or even federal agencies operating in the region. Next, contact the arresting agency in person, via mail, or online.

Typically, the following agencies will process requests for arrest records in Livingston County:

Livingston County Sheriff's Office

The Livingston County Sheriff's Office manages arrest records and inmate information for individuals held at the Livingston County Jail. Inquirers may contact the Central Records Division of the Sheriff's Office at (517) 546-2440 or visit their office at:

150 S. Highlander Way,
Howell, MI 48843
Fax: (517) 545-9627

Local Police Departments

Local Police Departments Livingston County contains several municipalities with their own police departments, such as Howell Police Department and Brighton Police Department. These local departments can provide police reports, including arrest records, subject to FOIA requests under MCL § 15.231. Most FOIA requests for police reports may require completing a form, which can be submitted in person or online, depending on the agency.

Michigan Department of Corrections (MDOC)

The Michigan Department of Corrections (MDOC) operates the Offender Tracking Information System (OTIS), which provides details on individuals who have been sentenced to prison or are on parole or probation. OTIS does not include those held in county jails or individuals who have not yet been sentenced. Keep in mind that OTIS is limited to individuals under MDOC supervision.

Federal Agencies

For federal arrests made in Livingston County, such as those by the FBI or U.S. Marshals Service, inquirers may use the Bureau of Prisons' (BOP) Federal Inmate Locator. This system tracks federal inmates but may not provide detailed information beyond basic incarceration details. If more specific information is required, interested persons may submit a FOIA request to the specific federal agency concerned.

Free Arrest Record Search in Livingston County

Most law enforcement agencies will process requests for arrest information at no cost unless the requestor requires physical copies of the record or finding the record requires extensive research. Several third-party websites also compile public arrest records and provide search services across multiple jurisdictions, including Livingston County. These services often offer broader search options but may charge a fee for full access to reports.

Get Livingston County Criminal Records

Livingston County criminal records are maintained and disseminated by the Michigan State Police under MCL §§ 28.241-28.246. The Internet Criminal History Access Tool (ICHAT) is available for the public to perform name-based criminal history checks for a fee of $10 per search. ICHAT provides a report that includes arrest, charge, and conviction information for offenses punishable by more than 93 days, as required by Michigan law. To request a criminal history report, visit the ICHAT website or contact the Michigan State Police at:

Michigan State Police Criminal Justice Information Center
P.O. Box 30634
Lansing, MI 48909
Phone: (517) 241-0606

Each criminal record includes physical descriptions, arrest segments, charge segments, and judicial segments detailing the case's outcome. If the subject has no record, ICHAT will provide criteria for the next steps if there's reason to believe a record exists.

Livingston County Arrest Records Vs. Criminal Records

Although arrest records and criminal records are related, they differ in scope. Arrest records document an individual's detention and apprehension without implying guilt and are typically limited to the arrest incident itself. In contrast, criminal records provide a comprehensive history of an individual's interactions with law enforcement, prosecution, and the courts, detailing charges, convictions, and sentences.

How Long Do Arrests Stay on Your Record?

Arrest records in Livingston County remain on a person's criminal record indefinitely unless the individual takes legal steps to have the record sealed or expunged. Michigan law does not provide for the automatic removal of arrest records, meaning they persist unless a motion for expungement is successfully filed. Under Michigan's Clean Slate Law (MCL 780.621g), certain eligible convictions can be set aside after a designated waiting period, but this does not automatically apply to all arrests or charges.

Expunge Livingston County Arrest Records

The provisions for the expungement of arrest records in Livingston County are as specified in MCL 780.621g. According to its provisions, a felony conviction is eligible for expungement after 10 years have passed from the date of sentencing or the completion of any prison term, whichever is later. Similarly, misdemeanor convictions are eligible for expungement after 7 years from sentencing. However, an individual cannot have more than 4 misdemeanor convictions or 2 felony convictions in their lifetime to be eligible for expungement. Convictions involving severe crimes like human trafficking, child abuse, or second-degree criminal sexual conduct do not qualify for expungement under MCL 780.621(2).

To initiate the expungement process in Livingston County, follow these steps:

• Determine Eligibility: Review the conviction to confirm whether it qualifies for expungement under MCL 780.621.
• Complete the Application (Form MC 227): Download and complete Form MC 227a (Application to Set Aside Conviction) from the Michigan State Court Administrative Office (SCAO) website or pick it up at the criminal court where the case was originally decided.
• Obtain Certified Copies of Convictions: Acquirer certified copies of each conviction from the court clerk's office where the case was heard. In Livingston County, this will likely be at the 53rd District Court, located at 204 S. Highlander Way, Howell, MI 48843.
• Fingerprinting: Petitioners must be fingerprinted on a standard fingerprint card (RI-008) at the nearest law enforcement agency. The Livingston County Sheriff's Office can assist with fingerprinting for a small fee.
• Submit the Application: After collecting the necessary documents, submit five copies of the application and supporting materials to the court clerk. Applicants will also need to pay a $50 processing fee.
• Mail Copies to Relevant Agencies: In addition to submitting your application to the court, you must mail copies to:
• Michigan State Police
• Michigan Attorney General's Office
• The Livingston County Prosecutor's Office
• Proof of Service: Complete the Proof of Service section on the application form, indicating that all required parties have received copies of the application.
• Court Hearing: After applying, the court may schedule a hearing to review your request. Be prepared to attend the hearing and explain why the conviction should be set aside.
• After the hearing, the petitioner will be informed of the court's decision. If the court grants the expungement, the arrest record will no longer be accessible to the public but will remain in law enforcement databases.

Livingston County Arrest Warrants

A Livingston County arrest warrant is a legal document issued by a judge or magistrate that authorizes law enforcement to arrest an individual. Warrants are typically issued based on evidence provided by law enforcement or a prosecutor, which demonstrates probable cause that a person has committed a crime.

Livingston County Arrest Warrant Search

Livingston County residents can check for active arrest warrants by visiting the Sheriff's Office or contacting the court where the warrant was issued. Additionally, the Michigan Department of Corrections (MDOC) provides a list of wanted absconders and escapees across the state, which can be searched through its online databases.

Do Livingston County Arrest Warrants Expire?

No, arrest warrants in Livingston County do not expire. Once issued, an arrest warrant remains active until the individual is apprehended, the court cancels the warrant, or the person voluntarily turns themselves in to law enforcement.