Detroit Criminal Records
Detroit criminal records are maintained by multiple agencies across the city and Wayne County. The Detroit Police Department handles local arrest records and incident reports through its FOIA process, while Wayne County's 3rd Circuit Court holds felony case files. Michigan State Police ICHAT provides statewide criminal history background checks for Detroit residents. This guide covers every way to search, request, and access criminal records in Detroit, Michigan's largest city with about 630,000 residents.
Detroit Overview
Wayne County Court Records for Detroit
Detroit criminal cases at the felony level go through Wayne County's 3rd Circuit Court. This is the main trial court for serious criminal matters in the city. The Wayne County Clerk's Criminal Division holds the case files and can provide copies of court records. The court is at 2 Woodward Avenue in downtown Detroit, the same building as the Detroit Law Department.
| Court | Wayne County 3rd Circuit Court |
|---|---|
| Address | 2 Woodward Avenue, Detroit, MI 48226 |
| Criminal Division Phone | (313) 224-5140 |
| Hours | Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM |
| County Records Page | Wayne County Criminal Records |
Misdemeanor cases in Detroit go through the 36th District Court, which is Michigan's largest district court by case volume. The district court handles offenses punishable by up to one year in jail. Both courts are accessible through MiCOURT Case Search, which lets you look up case status, docket entries, and scheduled hearings online at no cost.
Under MCL 15.231, Michigan's Freedom of Information Act, most court records are public. Some records are sealed by court order or withheld under statute. If you need a certified copy for legal or employment purposes, contact the Wayne County Clerk directly. They can tell you what's available and the cost for copies before you make the trip downtown.
Detroit Police Department Records
The Detroit Police Department maintains arrest records, incident reports, and other law enforcement records for the city. DPD splits its FOIA process into two tracks depending on the type of record you need. Routine records go to the DPD Law Unit. Non-routine records involving serious incidents go to the City Law Department.
Routine police records available through DPD include 911 audio recordings, police incident reports, dash-cam videos, simple arrest reports, mug shots, and 911 CAD reports. You can submit a request online at the Detroit Police FOIA page. The site walks you through the form step by step. You can also email DPDFOIA@detroitmi.gov, fax to 313-224-5505, or mail a written request to the City of Detroit Law Department, Coleman A. Young Municipal Building, 2 Woodward Avenue, Suite 500, Detroit, MI 48226.
Non-routine records require a different path. Incidents involving homicide, narcotics, gang activity, criminal sexual conduct, fatal accidents, or critical injuries go to the Law Department directly. Email those requests to FOIA@detroitmi.gov. DPD has five business days to respond, with a possible 10-day extension for complex requests. If the cost is over $50, a deposit may be required before they begin processing.
Note: Detroit residents with low income may request a waiver of the first $20 in FOIA fees by submitting an Affidavit of Indigency with their request.
The Detroit Police FOIA page at detroitmi.gov lists which records go through each channel. Check it before submitting so your request goes to the right office and avoids delays.
Detroit's Police FOIA portal at detroitmi.gov lets you submit requests online for routine police records including arrest reports and incident files.
The routine police FOIA page explains which records DPD processes directly and provides the online submission form.
How to Search Detroit Criminal Records
Several tools let you search Detroit criminal records online. The Michigan State Police ICHAT system is the most comprehensive. It provides statewide criminal history records based on fingerprint-verified data. Go to apps.michigan.gov/ichat to run a name-based search. Each search costs $10 and covers convictions reported statewide. Name-based searches can return results for people who share the same name, so they are not definitive for background check purposes.
MiCOURT is the state court system's public case search tool. You can find it at micourt.courts.michigan.gov. Search by name, case number, or date of birth to find criminal cases filed in Wayne County courts. The tool shows case status, charges, hearing dates, and docket entries. It covers both the 3rd Circuit Court and the 36th District Court, which handle Detroit's felony and misdemeanor cases.
The Michigan Department of Corrections OTIS system at mdocweb.state.mi.us tracks current and past inmates in state custody. If someone was convicted of a felony in Detroit and sent to a state prison, OTIS will have their inmate record. The Michigan Sex Offender Registry at michigan.gov/psor is a separate public tool for finding registered sex offenders in Detroit by name or address.
FOIA Requests for Detroit Criminal Records
Detroit's FOIA process is governed by MCL 15.231. The law gives residents the right to request public records from city agencies. DPD and the Law Department both respond to FOIA requests within five business days. That window can extend by 10 days if the request is large or complex. You get written notice either way.
The Detroit general FOIA page covers non-police records held by city departments other than DPD and explains submission options.
Copy fees in Detroit are $0.10 per page for standard 8.5 by 11-inch or legal-size copies. Color copies and irregularly sized documents are billed at actual cost. Labor fees are charged at the hourly rate of the lowest-paid city employee capable of doing the work. If the total estimate exceeds $50, a deposit of up to 100% may be required upfront. The City Clerk's Archive Division charges $0.25 per page for archived records. You can review the full archive fee schedule at detroitmi.gov.
FOIA denial appeals in Detroit go to the Corporation Counsel or Deputy Corporation Counsel. You have the right to appeal in writing. Provide the reason you believe the denial was wrong and cite the records you need. Under MCL 15.240, you also have the right to seek judicial review in circuit court if the appeal is denied.
Legal Aid Resources in Detroit
Detroit residents facing criminal matters or needing help with record expungement have several places to turn. Michigan allows expungement of many criminal convictions under MCL 780.621. This process removes a conviction from your public record and can open up housing and job opportunities. Legal help is often essential for completing the process correctly.
Wayne County Legal Services and the State Bar of Michigan Lawyer Referral Service both serve Detroit residents. The state bar can connect you with a criminal defense or expungement attorney. Michigan Legal Help at michiganlegalhelporg has guides on criminal records and expungement forms. The Michigan Advocacy Program and Michigan Immigrant Rights Center also serve Detroit's diverse communities with legal support. Call 2-1-1 to find the right legal aid office based on your income and situation.
Note: Michigan expanded expungement eligibility in 2021 under the Clean Slate Act, allowing more offenses to qualify and creating an automatic expungement process for some convictions.
Wayne County Criminal Records
Detroit is the county seat of Wayne County. All felony criminal cases filed in Detroit are heard by Wayne County's 3rd Circuit Court. For the full county court directory, courthouse details, and additional resources, visit the Wayne County criminal records page.
Nearby Cities in Wayne County
Other qualifying cities in Wayne County also have criminal records pages with local court and police information.