Wexford County Arrest Records
How To Look Up Arrest Records in Wexford County in 2026
WexfordRecords.us provides access to publicly available information related to arrest records in Wexford County, Michigan. Members of the public may find booking details, charge information, custody status, and related court case data through this resource. Available record categories include arrest logs, booking records, mugshots, bond information, and associated criminal case filings. Information presented reflects what has been made available through official sources and may not reflect the most current status of a case.
Records may be searched through official resources, clerk offices, public access terminals, and online tools. The following methods are available to members of the public seeking arrest record information in Wexford County.
Online Methods:
1. County Sheriff's Office Arrest Records
The Wexford County Sheriff's Office maintains booking and arrest information for individuals processed through the county jail. Members of the public may access the current jail roster and recent arrest information through the Wexford County Sheriff's Office official website. Available information includes arrestee name, charges, booking date, and custody status. The jail roster is updated on a regular basis, reflecting current inmate population and recent bookings.
2. Local Police Departments
The Cadillac Police Department serves as the primary municipal law enforcement agency within Wexford County. Press releases and arrest logs may be published periodically through the department's official communications. Members of the public may contact the Cadillac Police Department directly for information regarding arrests made within city limits.
Cadillac Police Department
133 E. Cass Street
Cadillac, MI 49601
Phone: (231) 775-0181
Cadillac Police Department
3. County Clerk of Court Case Search
Arrest records are frequently linked to criminal court cases filed in the 28th Circuit Court or the 84th District Court. Members of the public may search for associated court cases using the Michigan Courts Case Search portal, which allows searches by name and date of birth. Court case records reflect charges filed following an arrest and provide information on case disposition, hearing dates, and judicial assignments.
4. State Law Enforcement Database
The Michigan State Police maintains the Criminal Justice Information Network (CJIN), which serves as the state-level repository for criminal history records. Members of the public may request a criminal history background check through the Michigan State Police ICHAT system. The fee for a public ICHAT search is currently $10.00 per subject. Results include arrests and dispositions reported by law enforcement agencies statewide.
In-Person Access:
Sheriff's Office:
Wexford County Sheriff's Office
401 N. Lake Street
Cadillac, MI 49601
Phone: (231) 779-9210
Wexford County Sheriff's Office
- Records Division is located at the main office address above
- Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
- Requestors should bring a valid government-issued photo identification
- Specific information about the arrest, including full name and approximate date, is required
- Copy fees apply per page; cash and check are accepted
Clerk of Court:
Wexford County Clerk's Office
437 E. Division Street
Cadillac, MI 49601
Phone: (231) 779-9450
Wexford County Clerk
- Criminal records division handles court case file requests
- Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
- Case file inspection is available during regular business hours
- Copy fees are assessed per page for reproduced documents
By Mail:
Written requests for arrest records may be submitted to the Wexford County Sheriff's Office at 401 N. Lake Street, Cadillac, MI 49601. Requests should include the arrestee's full legal name, date of arrest if known, booking number if available, and the requestor's full contact information. Payment for applicable copy fees should be included with the written request. Processing time varies based on request volume and record availability.
By Phone:
- Sheriff's Office: (231) 779-9210
- Basic arrest information may be provided by phone, subject to staff availability
- Requestors should have the subject's full name, date of birth, and approximate arrest date available
- Detailed records and certified copies require in-person or written requests
Through Legal Channels:
Attorneys may submit formal records requests on behalf of clients. Subpoenas may be issued for detailed records in the context of civil or criminal litigation. Discovery procedures in pending criminal cases are governed by the Michigan Court Rules and provide access to arrest-related documentation through the prosecuting attorney's office.
Information Needed for Search:
- Full legal name (first and last name at minimum)
- Date of birth or approximate age
- Approximate date of arrest
- Booking number, if known
- Jurisdiction of arrest (Sheriff's Office, Cadillac Police, or other agency)
Are Arrest Records Public in Wexford County
Arrest records in Wexford County are public records under Michigan law. Pursuant to the Michigan Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), MCL § 15.231 et seq., members of the public have the right to inspect and obtain copies of public records maintained by government agencies, including law enforcement. Arrest records are made available to promote government transparency, support public safety awareness, facilitate journalism and research, assist in background screening, and serve as documentation in legal proceedings.
What Arrest Information Is Public:
- Arrestee name and aliases
- Date and time of arrest
- Location of arrest
- Arresting agency
- Charges filed at time of arrest
- Booking number
- Mugshot/booking photograph
- Bond and bail information
- Current custody status
- Basic demographic information including age and physical description
Limitations on Public Access:
- Juvenile arrest records are restricted or sealed under Michigan law
- Expunged arrest records are removed from public access following a court order
- Sealed records are subject to court-ordered confidentiality
- Information related to active investigations may be withheld
- Undercover officer identities are protected
- Confidential informant information is exempt from disclosure
- Victim identifying information may be withheld in certain cases
- Witness protection participants are not identified in public records
Constitutional and Legal Basis:
The Michigan Constitution and the Michigan Freedom of Information Act establish the legal framework for public access to government records. Courts have recognized the First Amendment interest of the press and public in accessing arrest information. Access is balanced against individual privacy rights and due process considerations, particularly where charges have not resulted in conviction.
Who Can Access Arrest Records:
- General public
- Media organizations
- Employers, subject to restrictions under the federal Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA)
- Landlords, subject to applicable restrictions
- Licensing agencies
- Background check companies
- Attorneys and legal professionals
- Academic researchers
Restrictions on Use:
The Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA), 15 U.S.C. § 1681 et seq., governs the use of arrest records in employment and housing decisions. Employers and landlords using background check reports must comply with FCRA requirements, including adverse action procedures. Michigan law distinguishes between arrests and convictions, and the use of arrest records without conviction in employment decisions may be subject to challenge under applicable state and federal anti-discrimination frameworks.
What's in Wexford County Arrest Records
Personal Identification Information:
- Full legal name
- Aliases or "also known as" names
- Date of birth
- Age at time of arrest
- Sex/gender
- Race/ethnicity
- Height and weight
- Eye color and hair color
- Identifying marks such as scars or tattoos
- Address at time of arrest, which may be limited in public records
Arrest Details:
- Arrest date and time
- Location of arrest by street address or general area
- Arresting agency, which may be the Sheriff's Office, Cadillac Police Department, Michigan State Police, or another agency
- Arresting officer name and badge number, where available
- Booking date and time
- Booking number or arrest number
- Warrant information, if applicable
Charges Information:
- Specific criminal charges
- Michigan statute numbers violated
- Charge descriptions
- Classification as felony or misdemeanor, including degree or class
- Number of counts for each charge
- Domestic violence designation, if applicable
- Gang-related designation, if applicable
Booking Information:
- Booking facility name and location
- Intake process timestamp
- Booking photograph (mugshot)
- Fingerprints are collected during booking but are not typically included in public records
Custody and Bond Information:
- Current custody status, including whether the individual is in custody, released, or bonded out
- Bond amount set by the court
- Bond type:
- Cash bond
- Surety bond
- Personal recognizance (PR bond)
- No bond
- Release date and time, if released
- Release conditions, where public
Court Information:
- Court case number assigned
- Court jurisdiction (28th Circuit Court or 84th District Court)
- Scheduled arraignment date
- Court location
- Judge assignment, where available
What's Typically NOT in Public Arrest Records:
- Detailed narrative of the arrest from the police report
- Witness statements
- Victim information
- Evidence collected
- Investigative techniques
- Medical or mental health information
- Social Security number, which is redacted
- Bank account or financial information
Difference Between Arrest Records and Related Documents:
- Police reports: Contain more detailed incident narratives and are subject to separate FOIA review
- Court records: Document legal proceedings that occur after arrest
- Criminal records: Reflect convictions and sentences imposed
- Background checks: Comprehensive screenings drawing from multiple sources
How Much Does It Cost to Get Arrest Records in Wexford County?
Under the Michigan Freedom of Information Act, MCL § 15.234, public bodies may charge fees for the labor, duplication, and mailing costs associated with fulfilling records requests. Current standard fees applicable to arrest record requests in Wexford County are as follows:
| Fee Type | Amount |
|---|---|
| Paper copies (per page) | $0.10–$0.25 per page (varies by agency) |
| Certification of records | Varies by office |
| Electronic format copies | May be provided at reduced or no cost |
| Search/labor fees | Charged at the hourly rate of the lowest-paid employee capable of fulfilling the request |
| ICHAT criminal history search (state) | $10.00 per subject |
| In-person inspection | No charge for inspection only |
- Accepted payment methods at the Sheriff's Office and Clerk's Office include cash, check, and money order payable to the respective agency
- Fee waivers may be available for indigent requestors or in cases where disclosure is determined to be in the public interest, subject to agency discretion
- Inspection of records during regular business hours is available at no charge; fees apply only to reproduction and associated labor costs
- Electronic records, where available, may be provided at a lower cost than paper copies
How To Delete Arrest Records in Wexford County
Michigan law provides two primary mechanisms for limiting public access to arrest records: expungement, which results in the legal erasure of the record, and sealing, which restricts public access while preserving the record for law enforcement purposes. Under the Michigan Clean Slate Act, MCL § 780.621 et seq., individuals may petition the court to set aside certain convictions and arrests, making those records non-public.
Eligibility for Expungement:
- Arrests that did not result in conviction are eligible for expungement, including cases where charges were dismissed, the individual was acquitted, or the prosecutor declined to file charges
- Certain misdemeanor and felony convictions are eligible for expungement after applicable waiting periods
- Serious violent offenses, certain sex offenses, and traffic offenses are generally not eligible
- Michigan's automatic expungement provisions, effective under the Clean Slate Act, provide for the automatic setting aside of certain eligible convictions without a petition, subject to statutory waiting periods
Steps to Petition for Expungement:
- Obtain a copy of the arrest record and any associated court records from the Wexford County Clerk's Office
- Confirm eligibility under MCL § 780.621 based on the nature of the offense and time elapsed
- Complete the Michigan expungement petition form, available through the Michigan Courts self-help resources
- File the petition with the 28th Circuit Court or 84th District Court, depending on the level of the original offense
- Serve copies of the petition on the Michigan Attorney General's Office, the prosecuting attorney, and the arresting law enforcement agency
- Attend the scheduled hearing; the court will consider the petition and may grant or deny the request
- If granted, the court order is transmitted to the Michigan State Police, which updates the state criminal history repository
Contact Information for Expungement Proceedings:
Wexford County Clerk's Office
437 E. Division Street
Cadillac, MI 49601
Phone: (231) 779-9450
Wexford County Clerk
84th District Court
437 E. Division Street
Cadillac, MI 49601
Phone: (231) 779-9460
84th District Court
28th Circuit Court
437 E. Division Street
Cadillac, MI 49601
Phone: (231) 779-9450
28th Circuit Court
Following a granted expungement, the record is removed from public access through the Michigan State Police ICHAT system. Third-party commercial databases may not update immediately and may require separate notification or dispute filings under the FCRA.
What Happens After Arrest in Wexford County?
Immediate Post-Arrest Process:
1. Transport to Jail
Following an arrest in Wexford County, the arrested individual is transported to the Wexford County Jail, located at 401 N. Lake Street, Cadillac, MI 49601. Transport time varies based on the location of the arrest within the county. The individual remains in restraints during transport and may be held briefly at the scene if investigation activities require completion prior to transport.
2. Booking Process
Upon arrival at the Wexford County Jail, the booking process is initiated. The process typically takes between one and four hours depending on facility volume. Steps in the booking process include:
- Recording of personal identification information
- Advisement of Miranda rights, if not previously administered
- Booking photograph (mugshot) taken
- Fingerprints collected and submitted to state and federal databases
- Criminal history and outstanding warrant checks conducted
- Personal property inventoried and stored
- Clothing exchanged for jail-issued attire
- Medical screening completed
- Brief mental health screening conducted
- Housing classification determined
3. First Appearance/Initial Hearing
Michigan law requires that an arrested individual be brought before a magistrate or judge for an initial appearance within a reasonable time following arrest, and in most circumstances within 48 hours. At the initial appearance:
- The individual is formally notified of the charges
- The right to appointed counsel is addressed for those who qualify as indigent
- Bond or bail is determined
- Rights are reviewed
- The hearing may be conducted via video conference
The 84th District Court handles initial appearances for most arrests in Wexford County.
Bond/Bail Process:
Types of Bond:
Cash Bond:
- The full bond amount must be paid in cash or certified funds
- The amount is refunded upon conclusion of the case, minus applicable fees
- Amount is set by the presiding judge or magistrate based on the bond schedule and individual circumstances
Surety Bond:
- A licensed bail bondsman posts the full bond amount on behalf of the defendant
- The defendant pays a non-refundable premium, which is 10% of the bond amount under Michigan practice
- The bondsman assumes financial responsibility for the defendant's appearance
Personal Recognizance (PR Bond):
- The individual is released on a written promise to appear at all court dates
- No monetary payment is required
- Eligibility is based on community ties, employment status, criminal history, nature of charges, and assessed flight risk
No Bond:
- The individual is held without bond pending further proceedings
- Grounds include serious violent offenses, demonstrated flight risk, danger to the community, probation or parole violations, immigration holds, or out-of-state warrants
Conditions of Release:
Release conditions may include regular check-in requirements, travel restrictions, no-contact orders, drug and alcohol testing, GPS monitoring, and pretrial supervision through the court's pretrial services program.
4. Release or Continued Detention
If Bond Posted:
- Processing for release typically takes between one and eight hours following bond payment
- Personal property is returned upon release
- A written notice of court dates and conditions of release is provided
- Failure to appear at scheduled court dates results in bond forfeiture and issuance of a bench warrant
If Bond Not Posted:
- The individual remains in custody at the Wexford County Jail
- Housing assignment is made following classification
- Inmate orientation covers commissary, phone privileges, and visitation schedules
Accessing Legal Representation:
Public Defender:
Individuals who qualify as indigent under Michigan standards are entitled to appointed counsel. The Wexford County public defense function is administered through the county's assigned counsel program.
Wexford County Public Defender / Assigned Counsel
437 E. Division Street
Cadillac, MI 49601
Phone: (231) 779-9450
Wexford County Courts
Private Attorney:
Individuals have the right to retain private counsel at any stage of the proceedings. The State Bar of Michigan Lawyer Referral Service provides referrals to licensed attorneys. Attorney visits at the Wexford County Jail are conducted in designated confidential consultation areas.
Charging Decision:
Prosecutor's Review:
The Wexford County Prosecutor's Office reviews each arrest and determines whether to file formal charges. The prosecutor may file an information, request additional investigation, decline to prosecute, or file different or additional charges based on the evidence presented.
Wexford County Prosecutor's Office
437 E. Division Street
Cadillac, MI 49601
Phone: (231) 779-9450
Wexford County
Arraignment:
At arraignment, the formal charges are read, the defendant enters a plea, and future court dates are scheduled. Most defendants enter a not guilty plea at arraignment, preserving the right to negotiate or proceed to trial.
Court Process Overview:
Pretrial Phase:
Discovery involves the exchange of evidence between the prosecution and defense, including police reports, witness statements, physical evidence, and audio or video recordings.
Pretrial motions may include motions to suppress evidence, motions to dismiss, and motions for additional discovery. Hearings are scheduled by the court.
Plea negotiations may result in an offer from the prosecutor for reduced charges or a recommended sentence. The defendant retains the right to accept or reject any plea offer and proceed to trial.
Case Resolution Options:
- Dismissal: Charges are dropped due to insufficient evidence, witness unavailability, or legal deficiencies; dismissed cases may be eligible for expungement
- Diversion Programs: Eligible defendants may participate in pretrial intervention, drug court, mental health court, or veterans court; successful completion results in dismissal of charges
- Plea Agreement: The defendant accepts a guilty or no contest plea to agreed charges; a sentencing hearing is scheduled
- Trial: The defendant exercises the right to a jury or bench trial; the prosecution and defense present their cases; a verdict of guilty or not guilty is returned
Sentencing (if convicted):
The sentencing judge may impose incarceration, probation, fines and costs, restitution to victims, community service, treatment programs, or a combination of these options. Credit is applied for time served in pretrial detention. Appeal rights are explained at sentencing.
Timeline Overview:
- Arrest to first appearance: Within 48 hours
- First appearance to arraignment: Days to several weeks
- Arraignment to trial or resolution: Several months, varying by case complexity
- Misdemeanors: Resolved within weeks to a few months in most cases
- Felonies: May take six months to over one year depending on complexity
- Michigan's constitutional right to a speedy trial applies throughout the process
Rights Throughout Process:
- Right to remain silent
- Right to an attorney
- Right to a speedy trial
- Right to confront witnesses
- Right to present a defense
- Right against self-incrimination
- Right to appeal a conviction
What to Do If You're Arrested:
- Remain calm and cooperative with law enforcement
- Do not physically resist arrest
- Politely invoke the right to remain silent
- Request an attorney immediately and do not answer questions without counsel present
- Do not discuss the case with anyone other than your attorney
- Contact family or friends to assist with bail if needed
- Attend all scheduled court dates without exception
- Comply with all conditions of bond or release
How Long Are Arrest Records Kept in Wexford County?
Records Retention Overview:
Retention of arrest records in Wexford County is governed by Michigan law and the records retention schedules established by the Michigan Department of Technology, Management and Budget. The Michigan Records Management Services publishes retention schedules applicable to law enforcement and court records. Under Michigan's General Records Retention Schedule for Law Enforcement Agencies, retention periods vary based on the type of record and the outcome of the associated case.
Arrest Records Retention by Type:
Active Arrest Records (Conviction Resulted):
Felony Convictions:
- Retained permanently by the Sheriff's Office, Clerk of Court, and the Michigan State Police criminal history repository
- Accessible through the Michigan State Police ICHAT system indefinitely
- Reported to the FBI's Interstate Identification Index (III) and retained at the federal level
Misdemeanor Convictions:
- Retained permanently or for an extended period by local law enforcement and the court
- State repository retains records in accordance with Michigan criminal history reporting requirements
- Appear on background checks subject to FCRA and applicable state law
Arrest Records (No Conviction):
Dismissed Charges:
- Local law enforcement retains booking records for a period consistent with the applicable retention schedule, which is several years in most cases
- Court records may be retained permanently unless expunged
- State repository retains the record unless expungement is granted and reported
Acquittals (Not Guilty):
- Local law enforcement retains records for the applicable retention period
- Court records are often retained permanently
- The individual may petition for expungement of the arrest record under MCL § 780.621
Charges Not Filed:
- Booking records are retained for the applicable period, which is shorter than conviction records
- The individual may be eligible for expungement or administrative removal in some circumstances
Digital vs. Physical Records:
Physical Records:
- Booking paperwork and fingerprint cards are retained for the applicable schedule period
- Photographs are retained consistent with the booking record retention period
- Evidence retention varies based on case outcome and applicable law
Digital Records:
- Computer-aided dispatch (CAD) records and records management system entries are often retained for extended periods
- Court electronic records are frequently retained permanently
- Mugshot databases maintained by third parties are not subject to law enforcement retention schedules
Third-Party Databases:
- Commercial background check companies may retain arrest records indefinitely
- These databases are not controlled by law enforcement and may not reflect expungements or dismissals
- The FCRA requires that consumer reporting agencies maintain accurate and current information
Retention by Agency:
Sheriff's Office:
Wexford County Sheriff's Office
401 N. Lake Street
Cadillac, MI 49601
Phone: (231) 779-9210
Wexford County Sheriff's Office
- Booking records and arrest reports are retained per the Michigan law enforcement records retention schedule
- Investigative files are retained based on case type and outcome
Clerk of Court:
Wexford County Clerk's Office
437 E. Division Street
Cadillac, MI 49601
Phone: (231) 779-9450
Wexford County Clerk
- Felony case files are retained permanently
- Misdemeanor case files are retained for a period consistent with the Michigan Trial Court Records Management Standards
- Electronic court records are retained permanently in most instances
State Repository:
The Michigan State Police maintains the state criminal history repository, which includes arrest and disposition records reported by all law enforcement agencies in Michigan. Retention policy is governed by state statute and administrative rule. Members of the public may access their own records through the Michigan State Police ICHAT system.
FBI Database:
The FBI's National Crime Information Center (NCIC) and Interstate Identification Index (III) retain arrest records reported by Michigan agencies. Federal retention is permanent. These records are accessible to law enforcement agencies nationwide and are used in employment background checks for positions requiring federal clearance and in firearms purchase background checks.
Effect of Disposition on Retention:
- Conviction: Permanent retention in all major databases; appears on background checks indefinitely
- Dismissal: Remains in databases unless expunged; local retention varies by agency
- Expungement: Physical records are sealed or destroyed at the local level; the Michigan State Police updates the state repository; the FBI database may retain a notation accessible only to law enforcement
- No Charges Filed: Subject to the shortest retention periods; may be purged automatically after the applicable schedule period
Accessing Historical Arrest Records:
- Recent arrests are available online through the Sheriff's Office website and the Michigan Courts case search portal
- Older arrests may require an in-person request at the Sheriff's Office or Clerk's Office
- Very old records that predate digitization may exist only in paper form in the county archives and may require additional processing time and fees
- Members of the public may contact the Sheriff's Records Division at (231) 779-9210 for information about specific historical records
Impact on Background Checks:
- Standard employment background checks under the FCRA cover a seven-year period for most positions, though convictions may be reported indefinitely
- Michigan law and applicable federal guidance restrict the use of arrest records without conviction in certain employment and housing contexts
- Expungement does not guarantee removal from all third-party commercial databases, and individuals may need to submit dispute requests directly to those companies following a granted expungement order