Criminal records in Washtenaw County, Michigan, are available through several channels. WashtenawCourt.us allows quick access to public information about criminal cases in the county. Additionally, records can be obtained through official state court portals, law enforcement agencies, and the court clerk's office. Below is a detailed overview of each search method, the types of data in cases, and the procedure for obtaining certified copies.
How to Search Criminal Records in Washtenaw
Start by determining what specific information you need — a court case, a person's criminal history, or an inmate's status. This will determine where to go.
Online Search
- WashtenawCourt.us — enter a name or case number to view publicly available information about county criminal cases.
- MiCOURT Case Search — statewide portal of the Michigan Supreme Court. Select "Washtenaw Circuit Court" or "Washtenaw District Court" and search by party name or case number. The data is informational and does not replace the official court record.
- Cases, Opinions & Orders — an alternative entry point to court records covering Washtenaw Circuit Court, Juvenile Division, and Probate Court.
- Michigan Courts ePAY — Ticket/Case Search — for searching tickets and minor violations in Washtenaw.
- ICHAT (Internet Criminal History Access Tool) — a public tool by the Michigan State Police for checking a person's criminal history. Requires full name and date of birth.
- OTIS (Offender Tracking Information System) — search for individuals under the supervision of the Michigan Department of Corrections. For information on local jails, contact the county sheriff.
In-Person Request
The Washtenaw County Trial Court Clerk's Office (22nd Circuit Court) provides access to public records through terminals in the courthouse.
The clerk can help locate a case if you provide the defendant's full name or case number. Bring identification with you.
Written Request
- To the Court Clerk's Office — send a letter specifying the person's full name, date of birth (if known), and case number. Include a self-addressed stamped envelope.
- To Michigan State Police — to obtain an official criminal history, submit a request through the FOIA portal or use ICHAT.
To start a search, you typically need:
- Full name (first and last name)
- Date of birth — recommended
- Case number — if known
Search Washtenaw Criminal Cases by Case Number
The case number is the most accurate way to find a specific record. In Michigan, criminal case numbers follow a standard format:
Example: 2024-001234-FH
- 2024 — year the case was filed
- 001234 — sequential case number within the court
- FH — case type code
Main criminal case type codes in Michigan:
| Code | Case Type |
|---|---|
| FH | Felony |
| FY | Felony — Jury Case |
| SM | Misdemeanor |
| SD | Ordinance/Civil Infraction |
If you know the case number, enter it on the MiCOURT portal or at the court clerk's office — the system will immediately show the corresponding record without the need to filter results by name.
Charges, Case Status, Hearings, and Court Results in Washtenaw
Each criminal case contains several key elements. Here's what they mean in practice.
Charges
| Element | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Statute Code | Reference to a specific section of the Michigan Compiled Laws (MCL), e.g., MCL 750.110a — breaking and entering |
| Severity | Felony, Misdemeanor, Civil Infraction |
| Amended charge | Modified charge — the prosecutor may reduce or change the charge during negotiations |
Case Status
- Pending — the case is open, and a decision has not yet been made
- Active — the case is currently being heard in court
- Disposed — the court has rendered a final decision
- Closed — all obligations have been fulfilled, and the case is closed
Hearings
A typical criminal case in the 22nd Circuit Court goes through several stages:
- Arraignment — first court appearance, reading of charges, setting of bail
- Preliminary Hearing — the judge decides if there is enough evidence to transfer the case to Circuit Court (felonies only)
- Pre-Trial Conference — parties discuss the possibility of a plea deal or prepare for trial
- Trial — substantive hearing of the case
- Sentencing — issuance of a sentence after a guilty plea or conviction
- Review Hearing — checking compliance with conditions (probation, etc.)
Court Results
| Result | What It Means |
|---|---|
| Guilty | Found guilty |
| Not Guilty | Acquitted |
| Dismissed | Case closed without a verdict |
| Nolle Prosequi | Prosecutor dropped the charges |
| Withheld Judgment | Court postponed the verdict — often with a probation condition |
| Acquitted | Complete acquittal after a substantive hearing |
How to Request Certified Criminal Records in Washtenaw
A certified copy is an official document with the court's seal, accepted by employers, attorneys, and government agencies. A regular printout from an online portal does not have this status.
Where to Apply
- Washtenaw County Trial Court Clerk's Office — for certified copies of court decisions, indictments, records
- Michigan State Police (CJIC) — for an official state-level criminal history check via ICHAT or fingerprints
Ways to Submit a Request
- In Person — visit the court clerk's office at the address above. Present a photo ID (driver's license or passport).
- By Mail — send a written request specifying the case number, party's full name, and the type of document needed. Include a check or money order for the appropriate amount and a self-addressed envelope.
- Online — the county online resources page contains links for case searches and warrant viewing. Ordering certified copies may require an in-person visit.
Necessary forms can be downloaded from the Michigan court forms catalog. Some forms are specific to Washtenaw County — check with the clerk's office.
Fees, Copy Costs, and Processing Times for Criminal Records in Washtenaw
Costs depend on the type of document and the method of obtaining it. Below are approximate rates set according to Michigan Court Rules and MCL 600.1986.
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Copy of court document (per page) | $1.00 |
| Certification fee | $10.00 |
| ICHAT search (public access) | $10.00 |
| Criminal history check via fingerprints (MSP) | Depends on the type of request |
Processing Times
- ICHAT Online Search — results typically appear within minutes
- Certified copy at the court clerk's office (in-person) — often same day, depending on workload
- Mail request — 5 to 15 business days
- FOIA request to Michigan State Police — up to 5 business days by law, with the possibility of extension to 10 days
Payment is accepted by check, money order, or — in some cases — credit card. Confirm acceptable payment forms directly with the clerk's office before visiting.