Oakland County Michigan Free Public Records, Criminal Records And Court Records

About Oakland County, Michigan

Spanning 906 square miles, Oakland County, Michigan is the second most populous county in the state, boasting a population of approximately 1,202,362 residents. Pontiac serves as the county seat, and the county is home to several major cities, including Troy, Southfield, Farmington Hills, and Royal Oak. Known for its rich automotive history, Oakland County was host to the first Ford Motor Company plant in Highland Park, signifying its importance in shaping the automotive industry. Additionally, the Detroit Zoo, established in Royal Oak in 1928, adds to the region’s cultural and recreational appeal, while Grosse Pointe holds the distinction of hosting the first automobile race in the United States back in 1895.

Public safety and law enforcement in Oakland County are primarily managed by the Oakland County Sheriff's Office, which oversees a comprehensive range of services including patrol, investigations, and community policing efforts. Local municipalities are served by independent police departments, each addressing the unique needs of their neighborhoods. For individuals involved in criminal cases, the Oakland County Jail accommodates those awaiting trial or serving short sentences. Arrest and criminal records are maintained by both the Sheriff's Office and local police departments, with a standardized process for booking and inmate searches available online, making it straightforward for families and legal representatives to locate individuals who may be in custody.

Oakland County History & Notable Events

1. The Oakland County Courthouse was built in 1884.

2. The first automobile race in the United States was held in Grosse Pointe in 1895.

3. The first Ford Motor Company plant opened in Highland Park in 1910.

4. The Detroit Zoo opened in Royal Oak in 1928.

5. The first shopping mall in the United States, Northland Center, opened in Southfield in 1954.

Emergency & Safety

EMERGENCY: 911

Sheriff Non-Emergency Emergency Alert System FEMA Disaster Resources DHS Threat Level LOW

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the county seat and when was Oakland County established?

Oakland County was established in 1819. The county seat is Pontiac.

What court handles cases in Oakland County and where is it located?

Oakland County Circuit Court is located in Pontiac, Michigan. It is the trial court with the broadest powers in Michigan. It has jurisdiction over all civil cases with claims of more than $25,000, all criminal cases involving felonies, and all domestic relations cases. The address is 1200 N Telegraph Rd, Pontiac, MI 48341. Oakland County Michigan Court is located at 1200 North Telegraph Road, Pontiac, Michigan 48341. It is a circuit court with jurisdiction over civil and criminal cases. It also has jurisdiction over family law, probate, juvenile, and traffic cases. The court is open Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

How do I obtain vital records in Oakland County?

Vital records — birth certificates, death certificates, marriage licenses, and divorce decrees — are maintained by the Oakland County Clerk-Recorder in Pontiac. Certified copies can be requested in person, by mail, or online. State law determines which records are public and which require proof of relationship.

Where can I find property and tax records for Oakland County?

Property records in Oakland County are maintained by the county Assessor and Recorder office. You can search property ownership, tax assessments, deed transfers, and mortgage liens online through the county portal. The Treasurer-Tax Collector manages property tax payments.

Official Government Sources