Grand Traverse Public Records / Grand Traverse County Arrest Records

Grand Traverse County Arrest Records

Are Arrest Records Public in Grand Traverse County

Arrest records in Grand Traverse County are considered public information under Michigan law. Pursuant to the Michigan Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), specifically MCL § 15.231, citizens have the right to inspect, copy, or receive public records maintained by government agencies, including law enforcement entities. This statute establishes the presumption that all records are accessible to the public unless specifically exempted by law.

The Grand Traverse County Sheriff's Office maintains arrest records as part of its official duties. These records document the detention and processing of individuals suspected of criminal activity. It is important for members of the public to understand the distinction between arrest records and conviction records:

Arrest records document that an individual was taken into custody based on probable cause that they committed a crime
Conviction records indicate that an 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 as outlined in MCL § 15.243. These exemptions include information that would constitute an unwarranted invasion of privacy, interfere with law enforcement proceedings, or compromise public safety.

The Michigan State Police maintain the Michigan Criminal History Record Policy, which governs the dissemination of criminal history information throughout the state, including Grand Traverse County.

What's in Grand Traverse County Arrest Records

Grand Traverse County arrest records contain comprehensive documentation of an individual's interaction with law enforcement during and following an arrest. These records typically include the following categories of information:

Arrestee Identifying Information:

Full legal name (including aliases or known nicknames)
Date of birth
Physical description (height, weight, eye color, hair color)
Gender
Race/ethnicity
Home address
Identifying marks (tattoos, scars, etc.)
Fingerprints
Photograph (mugshot)

Arrest Details:

Date and time of arrest
Location of arrest
Arresting agency (e.g., Grand Traverse County Sheriff's Office, Traverse City Police)
Names and badge numbers of arresting officers
Circumstances leading to arrest
Use of force documentation (if applicable)

Charge Information:

Criminal charges filed
Statutory citations of alleged violations
Classification of charges (misdemeanor or felony)
Description of alleged criminal activity

Warrant Information (if applicable):

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

Booking Information:

Date and time of booking
Booking number/case number
Processing officer information
Property inventory (items in possession at time of arrest)

Bond/Bail Information:

Bond amount
Bond type (cash, surety, personal recognizance)
Bond status (posted or not)
Conditions of release (if applicable)

Court Information:

Court of jurisdiction
Scheduled court appearances
Case number

Custody Status:

Current detention status
Facility of incarceration (if applicable)
Expected release date (if sentenced)

Additional Information May Include:

Prior criminal history
Known associates
Vehicle information
Employment information
Emergency contact information

The Grand Traverse County Sheriff's Office maintains these records in accordance with Michigan state law and departmental policies.

How To Look Up Arrest Records in Grand Traverse County in 2026

Members of the public seeking arrest records in Grand Traverse County may utilize several methods to obtain this information. The county provides multiple avenues for accessing these public records:

Submit a FOIA Request:
- Complete the Online FOIA Request Form through the Grand Traverse County website
- Specify the exact records being requested, including names, dates, and any identifying information
- Pay applicable fees for search, retrieval, and copying services
Visit the Grand Traverse County Sheriff's Office in person:

Grand Traverse County Sheriff's Office
851 Woodmere Avenue
Traverse City, MI 49686
(231) 995-5000
Grand Traverse County Sheriff's Office

Public Counter Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM (excluding holidays)
Contact the Records Division:
- Call the Records Division directly at (231) 995-5002
- Provide specific information about the records being requested
- Inquire about processing times and fees
Visit the County Clerk's Office:

Grand Traverse County Clerk's Office
400 Boardman Avenue, Suite 101
Traverse City, MI 49684
(231) 922-4760
Grand Traverse County Clerk

Public Counter Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM (excluding holidays)
Mail a Written Request:
- Send a detailed written request to the Sheriff's Office Records Division
- Include specific information about the records being sought
- Enclose a self-addressed stamped envelope for response
- Include payment for applicable fees (call ahead to determine amount)

Pursuant to MCL § 15.234, agencies may charge reasonable fees for providing copies of public records. These fees are limited to the actual cost of mailing, copying, and labor directly associated with producing the requested records.

How To Find Grand Traverse County Arrest Records Online

Grand Traverse County provides several digital resources for accessing arrest records online. These electronic systems offer convenient alternatives to in-person requests:

Criminal Records Database:
- Access the Criminal Records Database through the Grand Traverse County website
- Enter search criteria such as name, date of birth, or case number
- Review results for relevant arrest information
- Note that some records may not be available online due to legal restrictions
Civil & Criminal Records Search:
- Utilize the county's Civil & Criminal Records Search portal
- Search by name, case number, or filing date
- Access public court records related to criminal cases
- Download available documents for a nominal fee
Michigan ICHAT System:
- Visit the Michigan Internet Criminal History Access Tool (ICHAT) at Michigan.gov/ICHAT
- Create an account or log in as a guest
- Pay the required fee ($10 per search currently)
- Receive official criminal history information from the Michigan State Police
Michigan Public Sex Offender Registry:
- Access the Michigan Public Sex Offender Registry for information on registered sex offenders
- Search by name, location, or other criteria
- View arrest and conviction information for qualifying offenses
Online FOIA Request Portal:
- Submit electronic FOIA requests through the Online FOIA Request Form
- Specify digital delivery of responsive records
- Pay applicable fees online via credit card

When utilizing online resources, users should be aware that not all arrest records may be available electronically. Records that are sealed, expunged, or subject to specific privacy protections may be excluded from online databases. Additionally, the most recent arrests may not appear immediately in online systems due to processing delays.

How To Search Grand Traverse County Arrest Records for Free?

Grand Traverse County residents and other interested parties may access certain arrest record information without payment through several free resources:

Public Access Terminals:
- Visit the Grand Traverse County Courthouse Law Library
- Use public access terminals to search court records at no cost
- Available during regular courthouse hours (Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM)
Grand Traverse County Courthouse
328 Washington Street
Traverse City, MI 49684
(231) 922-4700
Grand Traverse County Courts
Sheriff's Office Inmate Lookup:
- Access the free Inmate Lookup service on the Sheriff's Office website
- Search for currently incarcerated individuals
- View basic arrest information and charges
- Check custody status and scheduled release dates
Daily Booking Reports:
- Review publicly posted booking reports at the Sheriff's Office lobby
- These reports typically list recent arrests within the past 24-48 hours
- Information includes names, charges, and booking dates
Local Newspaper Police Blotters:
- Check the Traverse City Record-Eagle's police blotter section
- Review published reports of recent arrests and incidents
- Available in print editions and sometimes online
Public Court Hearings:
- Attend public court proceedings at the Grand Traverse County Courthouse
- Court calendars are posted daily in the courthouse lobby
- Arraignments and other hearings provide information about recent arrests
Michigan Offender Tracking Information System (OTIS):
- Access the Michigan Department of Corrections OTIS database
- Search for individuals currently under MDOC supervision
- View conviction information and incarceration status at no cost

While these free resources provide valuable information, they may not offer the comprehensive detail available through official record requests. Additionally, pursuant to MCL § 15.234(2), the first $20 of a FOIA request may be waived for individuals who submit an affidavit demonstrating indigency and receipt of public assistance.

How To Delete Arrest Records in Grand Traverse County

The process of removing arrest records from public access in Grand Traverse County involves either expungement (legal erasure) or sealing (restricting public access). These distinct legal remedies are governed by Michigan state law:

Expungement (Setting Aside a Conviction):

Expungement is the legal process that allows for the removal of criminal records from public view. In Michigan, this process is governed by the Michigan Set Aside Law, specifically MCL § 780.621. To pursue expungement in Grand Traverse County:

Determine eligibility:
- Most misdemeanors and some felonies are eligible after a waiting period
- Multiple convictions have stricter eligibility requirements
- Certain offenses (sexual crimes, traffic offenses, felonies carrying life sentences) are ineligible
Obtain certified copies of conviction records from:

Grand Traverse County Clerk's Office
400 Boardman Avenue, Suite 101
Traverse City, MI 49684
(231) 922-4760
Grand Traverse County Clerk
Complete the Application to Set Aside Conviction form (MC 227)
Obtain fingerprints from:

Grand Traverse County Sheriff's Office
851 Woodmere Avenue
Traverse City, MI 49686
(231) 995-5000
Grand Traverse County Sheriff's Office
File the application with the court where the conviction occurred:

86th District Court
280 Washington Street
Traverse City, MI 49684
(231) 922-4580
86th District Court

or

13th Circuit Court
328 Washington Street
Traverse City, MI 49684
(231) 922-4701
13th Circuit Court
Attend the scheduled hearing before a judge

Sealing Records:

In some cases, records may be sealed rather than expunged. This process:

Restricts public access but maintains records for law enforcement use
Applies to juvenile records automatically in many cases
May be available for certain arrest records that did not result in conviction

Non-Public Disposition:

For arrests that did not result in conviction, individuals may petition for:

Removal from public databases
Restriction of access to law enforcement only
Correction of inaccurate information

The Michigan Clean Slate legislation, which took effect in April 2023, provides for automatic expungement of certain offenses after specified waiting periods without requiring application. This applies to qualifying misdemeanors after seven years and qualifying felonies after ten years, provided there are no new convictions.

Legal assistance is strongly recommended for expungement proceedings. The Michigan Legal Help website provides resources for those who cannot afford an attorney.

What Happens After Arrest in Grand Traverse County?

Following an arrest in Grand Traverse County, individuals enter a structured criminal justice process that includes several distinct phases:

Booking and Initial Detention:
- Arrestees are transported to the Grand Traverse County Corrections Facility
- Processing includes fingerprinting, photographing, personal property inventory, and medical screening
- Initial detention period allows for background checks and verification of identity
- Arrestee information is entered into law enforcement databases
Arraignment:
- First court appearance, typically within 24-48 hours of arrest
- Judge informs the defendant of charges and constitutional rights
- Bail/bond determination is made based on flight risk and public safety considerations
- Plea is entered (though most defendants plead "not guilty" at this stage)
- Future court dates are scheduled
Pretrial Proceedings:
- Preliminary examination (for felonies) to determine if probable cause exists
- Pretrial conferences between prosecution and defense
- Discovery process where evidence is shared between parties
- Motion hearings to address legal issues before trial
- Plea negotiations may occur throughout this phase
Trial:
- Jury selection (voir dire)
- Opening statements by prosecution and defense
- Presentation of evidence and witness testimony
- Closing arguments
- Jury deliberation and verdict (or bench trial decision by judge)
Sentencing:
- Occurs after conviction (either by plea or trial verdict)
- Pre-sentence investigation report prepared by probation department
- Judge imposes sentence based on Michigan sentencing guidelines, offense severity, and criminal history
- Sentences may include incarceration, probation, fines, restitution, or community service
Post-Conviction:
- Incarceration in county jail or state prison depending on sentence length
- Probation supervision for non-incarceration sentences
- Appeal process available for challenging convictions
- Parole consideration for eligible incarcerated individuals

Throughout this process, the Grand Traverse County Sheriff's Office maintains custody records documenting the individual's status and location within the system. The Corrections Division manages the county jail facility and coordinates with the Michigan Department of Corrections for individuals sentenced to state prison.

How Long Are Arrest Records Kept in Grand Traverse County?

Arrest records in Grand Traverse County are maintained according to retention schedules established by Michigan law and administrative regulations. The Michigan Records Management Services oversees these retention requirements through the authority granted by MCL § 18.1285-1292.

Standard Retention Periods:

Arrest Reports: Maintained permanently by the arresting agency
Booking Records: Retained for at least 7 years after the date of arrest
Fingerprint Cards: Maintained permanently by both local agencies and the Michigan State Police
Mugshot Photographs: Retained for the duration of the individual's lifetime
Investigation Reports: Maintained permanently for felonies; 7 years for misdemeanors
Court Records: Retained according to the Michigan Trial Court Records Management Standards:
- Felony cases: 75 years after final disposition
- Misdemeanor cases: 25 years after final disposition
- Juvenile cases: Until age 30 (unless expunged earlier)

Different agencies within Grand Traverse County maintain separate record systems with varying retention requirements:

Grand Traverse County Sheriff's Office:
- Maintains arrest records, booking information, and investigative reports
- Follows the Michigan Law Enforcement Information Network (LEIN) retention guidelines
- Records may be archived but are rarely destroyed completely
County Prosecutor's Office:
- Retains case files according to case type and disposition
- Maintains records of charging decisions and court proceedings
- Archives closed cases after specified periods
County Clerk's Office:
- Maintains official court records and case files
- Follows Michigan Supreme Court record retention schedules
- Implements digital archiving for long-term preservation
Michigan State Police:
- Maintains centralized criminal history repository
- Retains fingerprint and arrest data permanently
- Provides official criminal history records through ICHAT system

These retention periods ensure that records remain available for legitimate law enforcement purposes, including:

Investigation of subsequent offenses
Sentencing considerations for repeat offenders
Background checks for employment and licensing
Statistical analysis and crime pattern recognition

Records that have been expunged through court order are removed from public access but may be retained in sealed files accessible only to law enforcement under limited circumstances as specified in MCL § 780.623.

How to Find Mugshots in Grand Traverse County

What Mugshots Are:

Mugshots, or booking photographs, are official photographs taken during the arrest booking process. These images document the physical appearance of an arrested individual at the time of processing into the Grand Traverse County criminal justice system. Typically, mugshots include front-facing and profile (side) views of the arrestee.

Where Mugshots Are Maintained:

In Grand Traverse County, mugshots are primarily maintained by:

Grand Traverse County Sheriff's Office
851 Woodmere Avenue
Traverse City, MI 49686
(231) 995-5000
Grand Traverse County Sheriff's Office
Corrections Division
320 Washington Street
Traverse City, MI 49684
(231) 922-4536
Corrections Division

Finding Mugshots:

To obtain mugshots in Grand Traverse County, individuals may:

Submit a FOIA request specifically requesting booking photographs:
- Complete the Online FOIA Request Form
- Clearly identify the individual and approximate date of arrest
- Specify that booking photographs are being requested
- Pay applicable fees for search and reproduction
Visit the Sheriff's Office Records Division in person:
- Provide identification and complete a records request form
- Specify the mugshot being requested with as much detail as possible
- Pay the established fee for photographic reproduction

Can Mugshots Be Found Online:

Grand Traverse County does not maintain a public-facing database of mugshots. Unlike some jurisdictions, the county does not publish booking photos on its website as a matter of policy. This approach balances public information access with privacy considerations.

However, mugshots may appear online through:

Media outlets reporting on arrests of public interest
Third-party websites that aggregate booking photos from multiple sources
Court records that sometimes include booking photographs as exhibits

Obtaining Mugshots Officially:

The most reliable method for obtaining official mugshots is through the formal FOIA process. This ensures:

The photograph is authentic and unaltered
The release is documented and legal
The correct individual is identified

Restrictions on Mugshot Access:

Access to mugshots in Grand Traverse County is subject to certain limitations:

Juvenile mugshots are generally not available to the public
Photographs related to ongoing investigations may be temporarily withheld
Expunged records will not include accessible mugshots
Privacy exemptions may apply in certain sensitive cases

The Michigan FOIA law, specifically MCL § 15.243(1)(b), allows agencies to withhold records when release would constitute an unwarranted invasion of privacy. This provision is sometimes applied to mugshots, particularly in cases that did not result in conviction.

Lookup Arrest Records in Grand Traverse County

Criminal Records Database

Online FOIA Request Form

Civil & Criminal Records Search

Corrections Division

Sheriff's Office

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