Criminal records in Oakland County, Michigan, are available through several channels. OaklandCourt.us allows for 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 practical guide to finding, understanding, and obtaining criminal records in this county.
How to Search Criminal Records in Oakland
There are several ways to find criminal records in the county. Here are step-by-step instructions for each method.
Through OaklandCourt.us
- Go to OaklandCourt.us.
- Enter the full name of the person or the case number.
- Review the search results — public information about criminal cases is available.
Online through Official Portals
- MiCOURT Case Search — Michigan's judicial system portal. You can search for criminal, civil, family, and other cases here. Note: some courts only show information about criminal convictions from the last seven years.
- ICHAT (Internet Criminal History Access Tool) — a Michigan State Police tool for searching public criminal history records. You need to enter the name and date of birth.
- OTIS (Offender Tracking Information System) — a database of the Michigan Department of Corrections. It contains information about individuals under state supervision but not about those incarcerated in local jails.
In Person
The Oakland County Circuit Court Clerk's Office accepts record search requests. You can also use public access terminals in the courthouse.
By Mail
A written request can be sent to the county court clerk's office or to the Michigan State Police Criminal Justice Information Center. Include the full name of the person, date of birth (if known), and case number in the request. Fingerprints are required for an official criminal history check through MSP.
What You Need to Start a Search
- Full name (first and last name)
- Date of birth (preferably)
- Case number (if available)
Search Oakland Criminal Cases by Case Number
A case number in Michigan typically has a format that includes the year of filing, case type code, and sequential number. For example, in the Oakland Circuit Court, a criminal case might look like this:
2024-123456-FH
- 2024 — the year the case was opened.
- 123456 — the sequential number.
- FH — the case type code. "FH" means felony. Other codes: "FY" — serious felony, "SM" — misdemeanor.
If you have the case number, enter it directly into the search field on the court portal. This is the fastest way to get accurate data — a name without a case number sometimes yields multiple matches, and you will need to verify each one.
Charges, Case Status, Hearings, and Court Results in Oakland
Charges
| Element | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Statute code | Reference to the specific Michigan law that was violated, for example, MCL 750.110a — unlawful entry |
| Severity | Felony (serious crime), Misdemeanor (less serious crime), Infraction |
| Amended charges | The prosecutor may change or reduce the charges during the process — the amended charge is displayed as a separate line |
Case Status
- Pending — the case is open, and a decision has not yet been made.
- Active — the case is actively being processed.
- Disposed — the court has made a final decision.
- Closed — all procedures are complete, and the case is closed.
Hearings
A criminal case in Oakland goes through several stages:
- Arraignment — the first hearing, where the charges are read to the defendant, and they plead guilty or not guilty.
- Preliminary hearing — the judge determines if there is enough evidence to transfer the case to the Circuit Court (applies to felonies).
- Pre-trial — the parties discuss evidence and possible agreements.
- Sentencing — the sentencing hearing.
- Review hearing — checking compliance with the terms of the sentence, such as probation.
Court Results
| Result | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Guilty | Found guilty |
| Not Guilty | Found not guilty |
| Dismissed | The case was closed without a verdict |
| Nolle Prosequi | The prosecutor dropped the charges |
| Acquitted | Acquitted by the court or jury |
Records that have been expunged under the Clean Slate program or by court order do not appear in public databases. If you believe you are eligible for expungement, contact the Michigan Attorney General's Office.
How to Request Certified Criminal Records in Oakland
Certified copies of criminal records are documents with the court's official seal, accepted as evidence in other institutions. The Oakland County Clerk's Office issues such copies for Circuit Court cases.
How to Submit a Request
- In Person — visit the clerk's office at the address provided above. Bring a photo ID (driver's license or passport).
- By Mail — send a written request including the full name, case number, document type, and a copy of your ID. Include payment in the form of a money order or cashier's check.
- Online — for a state-level criminal history check, use the ICHAT system. This is not a certified copy but an informational report.
For a complete official criminal history check (e.g., for immigration or adoption), Michigan State Police require fingerprinting.
Fees, Copy Costs, and Processing Times for Criminal Records in Oakland
Fees for copies and certifications are set by Michigan law and may change. Below are approximate amounts.
| Service | Cost | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Copy of court document | $1.00 per page | Standard rate according to MCL 600.2546 |
| Certification | $10.00 | Per certified document |
| Search via ICHAT | $10.00 | Online criminal history check through Michigan State Police |
| Fingerprint check | From $30.00 to $50.00+ | Depends on the type of request and agency |
Processing Time
- In Person — copies are usually issued the same day or the next business day.
- By Mail — from 5 to 15 business days, depending on the clerk's office workload.
- ICHAT — results are available immediately after online payment.
Check current fees directly with the court clerk's office, as rates may be revised. For appellate-level cases, searches are available through the Michigan Supreme Court portal.