Novi Police, Oakland County Jail and 52-1 District Court Search
A Novi arrest can create separate records at three local agencies. Novi Police maintains the incident, arrest, accident and local background-check file; Oakland County Jail provides current inmate, bond and family-service information; and the 52-1 District Court maintains arraignment, bond conditions, misdemeanor cases and the first stages of felony proceedings.
This guide shows how to locate someone arrested in Novi, verify the formal charge and court date, request a police or historical jail record, recover an impounded vehicle, and handle urgent family needs involving medication, legal counsel, calls, visitation, commissary, mail, property, release or transfer.
POLICE
COURT
JAIL
MATCHED
What to do immediately after a Novi arrest
A person may remain at Novi Police during identification, warrant review, fingerprinting, interview, medical clearance or paperwork before being released or transferred to Oakland County Jail.
Call Novi Police
Use the 24-hour non-emergency number at 248-348-7100. Provide the full legal name, date of birth and approximate arrest time and location.
Ask about the custody destination
Confirm whether the person remains at the Police Department, was released, was taken for medical treatment or was transferred to Oakland County Jail.
Search Oakland County Jail
If the person was transferred, use the official inmate locator. A newly transferred person may not appear immediately.
Save the current inmate number
Record the inmate number, listed charge, bond, court, booking date and any hold. Family-service providers require the current number.
Check the 52-1 District Court
Search for the criminal case and call the court when the case is too new. Ask whether arraignment occurred and whether bond conditions changed.
Verify every case and detainer
A person may have several charges, warrants or probation holds. Paying one bond may not produce release.
Report urgent medical risks
Contact the current custodial facility for dangerous withdrawal, self-harm risk, pregnancy, seizures, insulin, psychiatric medication or another serious condition.
Determine attorney status
Ask the court whether an attorney appeared or whether appointed-counsel screening is underway. Do not discuss evidence on an ordinary jail call.
Set up official family services
Reach Smart Communications through Oakland County’s official pages. Telephone, video, trust and bond funds are not interchangeable.
Recheck before paying or traveling
Confirm current custody, bond, court transport and visit status immediately before making a payment or driving to Pontiac.
“I am trying to locate [full legal name], date of birth [date], who may have been arrested by Novi Police on [date and approximate time]. Was the person released, taken for medical treatment or transferred to Oakland County Jail?”
Choose the correct office for the record you need
| Information needed | Correct office | What it provides | What it does not replace |
|---|---|---|---|
| Immediate custody location | Novi Police or Oakland County Jail | Whether the person remains in local processing, was released or entered county custody. | The formal criminal case. |
| Novi incident or arrest report | Novi Public Safety Records | Available police, fire, accident, arrest and related local records. | The court complaint or county jail file. |
| Video, dispatch or investigative material | Novi Police and Fire FOIA | Available nonexempt records identified in a focused request. | Criminal discovery supplied to a defendant or attorney. |
| Current inmate, calls or visits | Oakland County Jail | Current inmate number, custody information and family-service procedures. | Court verification of the charge or bond type. |
| Novi misdemeanor or new felony case | 52-1 District Court | Arraignment, district charge, bond, attorney, hearings and disposition. | The Novi Police investigative file. |
| Felony after bindover | Oakland County Sixth Circuit Court | Circuit felony case, judge, hearings, plea, trial and sentence. | The earlier 52-1 District Court record. |
| Historical jail file | Oakland County Sheriff Records Unit | Available inmate jail files and retained sheriff records. | The Novi Police report. |
| Statewide Michigan history | Michigan State Police ICHAT | Publicly available reportable Michigan criminal-history information. | Current custody, warrants or certified court records. |
Get a Novi arrest, incident or accident report
Novi Police Department
45125 Ten Mile Road
Novi, MI 48375
Police non-emergency: 248-348-7100
Public Safety Records: 248-347-0510
Records hours
The Public Safety Records Section lists regular hours of Monday through Friday, 8 a.m.–5 p.m., excluding holidays.
Copies of available police, fire and accident reports may be obtained during regular business hours. Call first to confirm that the report is completed and releasable.
Police-report micro-steps
- Find the Novi Police report number when available.
- Call 248-347-0510.
- Provide the incident date, approximate time, location and involved name.
- Ask whether the report is completed and publicly releasable.
- Confirm identification, authorization and fee requirements.
- Visit during Public Safety Records hours or follow the provided delivery instructions.
- Review the copy for supplements, photographs or missing attachments.
- Use FOIA when additional records are required.
Officer narrative
May include dispatch details, statements, officer observations, alleged conduct, property and releasable investigative information.
CLEMIS online copy
The city directs users to Oakland County CLEMIS for online accident-report purchases. Insurance companies must use CLEMIS.
Arrest-related impound
Bring proof of ownership and identification to obtain a vehicle release. Novi currently lists a $20 release fee when the vehicle was impounded because of an arrest.
Request Novi body-camera, dispatch or additional police records
Use a focused FOIA request when you need material beyond a routine report copy, including body-camera footage, dash-camera video, dispatch logs, photographs, audio, supplements or defined investigative records.
Novi Police and Fire FOIA steps
- Use Novi’s online FOIA Request Center when possible.
- Select or clearly identify the Novi Police or Public Safety record.
- Enter the police report number, incident date, time and location.
- Provide the involved person’s full name and birth date when relevant.
- List each requested record separately.
- Request electronic copies when practical.
- State a maximum fee before additional approval is required.
- Save the tracking number and check the portal for updates.
Useful request details
- Police report number
- Incident date and time
- Exact Novi location
- Full name and birth date
- Officer name when known
- Vehicle plate or description
- Specific video or audio
- Narrow date range
Possible restrictions
Active-investigation, privacy, juvenile, medical, confidential-source, security and law-enforcement exemptions may limit release. The city may provide a partial record with redactions or explain the legal basis for withheld material.
“Under the Michigan Freedom of Information Act, I request available nonexempt records concerning the arrest or incident involving [full name and date of birth] on [date] at [Novi location], including the incident report, arrest report, dispatch log, body-camera footage, dash-camera footage, photographs and property inventory. The report number is [number]. Please provide an itemized fee estimate before costs exceed $[amount].”
Novi local arrest-record check versus statewide ICHAT
Novi Police local check
A person may visit Novi Public Safety Records with a driver’s license or state identification to request a letter stating whether they have been arrested by Novi Police.
The current published charge is $10 per person.
This search covers Novi Police records, not every county, city, state or federal agency.
Michigan State Police ICHAT
Use ICHAT for publicly available reportable Michigan criminal-history information beyond Novi. ICHAT is a name-based statewide search and is separate from the free county inmate locator.
ICHAT does not provide live custody, warrant status or suppressed records.
Search Oakland County Jail after a Novi arrest
Official Oakland inmate-search steps
- Enter the complete last name first.
- Add the first name only when the result list is too broad.
- Try a maiden name, alias, suffix or alternate spelling.
- Compare the birth date, middle name, booking date and photograph.
- Copy the inmate number, charge, bond, court and custody status.
- Call inmate information when the arrest is recent or the identity is uncertain.
Oakland County Jail
1200 N. Telegraph Road, Building 38E
Pontiac, MI 48341
Inmate information: 248-858-1800
General jail: 248-858-5000
Email: prisonerinfo@oakgov.com
Possible information delay
Oakland County warns that public inmate information may be as much as 72 hours out of date, depending on the day of the week.
Verify a specific charge or bond type with the court of jurisdiction rather than relying solely on the inmate page.
Why a recent Novi arrest may show no inmate result
| Possible reason | What may have happened | Best next step |
|---|---|---|
| Still at Novi Police | Identification, interview, fingerprinting or warrant review remains underway. | Call 248-348-7100. |
| Booking not public yet | Transport, medical screening or system entry remains pending. | Call 248-858-1800 and search again. |
| Released locally | The person may have received a citation, posted interim bond or been released pending court. | Search or call the 52-1 District Court. |
| Medical clearance | The person may remain under police authority at a medical facility. | Ask Novi Police whether transfer is pending. |
| Name variation | The booking uses another surname, alias, suffix or spelling. | Search fewer fields and compare birth date. |
| Another county or agency | An outside warrant or another jurisdiction may control custody. | Ask which agency accepted the person. |
| Transferred to state prison | A later sentence may move the person into MDOC custody. | Search MDOC OTIS. |
Search the Novi 52-1 District Court case
52nd District Court — 1st Division
48150 Grand River Avenue
Novi, MI 48374
Court: 248-305-6460
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
Communities served
The 52-1 District Court serves Novi, Novi Township, South Lyon, Walled Lake, Wixom, Milford, Wolverine Lake and parts or townships within western Oakland County.
For a Novi Police arrest, begin with the 52-1 Criminal Division unless the case has already been transferred to Circuit Court.
Online case-search steps
- Use the court case number for the most precise result.
- When the number is unknown, search the legal name used during booking.
- Compare the filing date and police agency.
- Open the case or register of actions.
- Confirm the filed charge, bond, attorney and next hearing.
- Call the Criminal Division when the case is too new or unavailable online.
- Request a certified court copy when formal proof is needed.
Misdemeanor path
The 52-1 District Court handles misdemeanors with a maximum penalty not exceeding one year in jail.
Felony beginning
The court handles felony arraignment and preliminary examination before a possible transfer to Circuit Court.
Bond Compliance
The court may monitor no-alcohol, no-drug, random-testing, travel or no-contact conditions while the case is pending.
52-1 arraignment, missed-court and warrant steps
Walk-in arraignment hours
The 52-1 Criminal Division currently conducts walk-in arraignments:
- Monday–Friday, 8:30–11:30 a.m.;
- Monday–Friday, 1:30–4 p.m.
Call before traveling to confirm the procedure for the specific charge or warrant.
Missed court date
The court states that failure to appear on a misdemeanor or felony can cause a judge to issue a bench warrant.
When a warrant has been issued, the court directs the person to come to court for arraignment. Legal advice may be useful before appearing, especially when another warrant, probation matter or serious charge is involved.
Understand Novi court bond conditions
52-1 Bond Compliance steps
- Read the signed bond order before leaving custody.
- Identify every no-contact, testing, travel and substance restriction.
- When ordered to Bond Compliance, call 248-305-6460.
- Ask for the Bond Compliance Officer and complete enrollment.
- Use the court’s weekly check-in process when required.
- Complete random testing before the stated deadline; the court generally requires testing before 9 a.m. unless the judge orders otherwise.
- Keep proof of check-ins, tests and approved travel.
- Ask an attorney—not court staff—for legal advice about changing a condition.
Bond Compliance email: 521bondmonitoring@oakgov.com
No alcohol or drugs
The order may prohibit use and require random breath, urine or other testing.
No-contact order
Direct, indirect, electronic or third-party contact may be prohibited.
Travel restriction
The person may need advance approval before leaving Michigan or another defined area.
Tether or reporting
The order may require electronic monitoring, scheduled reporting or regular check-ins.
Follow a Novi felony into Oakland County Circuit Court
When the court changes
A felony generally begins at 52-1. If probable cause is established or the preliminary examination is waived, the matter may be transferred to Oakland County Sixth Circuit Court.
Keep both case numbers because the circuit number may differ from the original district-court number.
Oakland County Sixth Circuit Court
1200 N. Telegraph Road, Department 404
Pontiac, MI 48341
Court: 248-858-0344
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
Court Explorer steps
- Use the circuit case number when known.
- Otherwise search the defendant’s complete legal name.
- Match the result to the Novi or 52-1 case.
- Review the parties, attorney, judge and register of actions.
- Purchase a regular or certified document only when the underlying filing is required.
Court Explorer is a public convenience system and is not the official certified court record or a complete criminal-background report.
How to interpret a Novi arrest, jail or court result
| Record field | What it means | What to verify next |
|---|---|---|
| Novi Police report number | City police identifier for the incident or investigation. | Use it with Public Safety Records, FOIA and vehicle inquiries. |
| Oakland inmate number | County jail identifier for the incarcerated person. | Use it for calls, visits, mail, money and property. |
| 52-1 case number | District-court judicial file number. | Use it for searches, clerk calls, payments and copies. |
| Circuit case number | Felony file number after bindover. | Search Court Explorer and keep the district number separately. |
| Booking charge | Allegation or warrant associated with jail admission. | Compare it with the prosecutor’s formal complaint. |
| Bond amount | Listed release amount for a case or charge. | Confirm the bond type, payment location and every other hold. |
| Hold or detainer | Another court, county, probation office or agency may require custody. | Ask whether it prevents release after the Novi bond is paid. |
| Register of actions | Chronological list of court filings, hearings and orders. | Request the actual document when the summary is insufficient. |
| Released | The person left the listed jail booking. | Determine whether release was to the community, another jail, federal custody or MDOC. |
Verify and post bond after a Novi arrest
Personal recognizance
The defendant may be released on a promise to appear and obey all court conditions.
Cash bond
The full amount is paid, subject to the court’s refund, deduction and forfeiture rules.
10% bond
A percentage may be paid only when the judge’s bond order specifically authorizes it.
Surety bond
An approved bail bond agent may post the bond when surety is permitted.
Paying at Oakland County Jail
- Verify every case, warrant and hold.
- Confirm the current amount with the court or jail.
- Ask whether cash, credit card, cashier’s check or surety is permitted.
- Use the jail Bonding Area, which operates 24 hours.
- Keep the receipt and allow release-processing time.
Cash bonds of $10,000 or more are processed at the court of jurisdiction. Oakland County Jail does not accept cryptocurrency.
Paying at 52-1 District Court
The court’s published payment rules state that court bond payments must be made by cash or cashier’s check.
For a 10% bond, the court retains 10% of the deposited amount. The remaining portion may be returned or applied according to the final court order and outstanding obligations.
Call 248-305-6460 before traveling to confirm the current amount, payee and location.
What family should do after locating the inmate
Save the correct identifiers
Keep the Novi Police report number, Oakland inmate number and court case number separately labeled.
Confirm arraignment and hearings
Check the 52-1 case and call the Criminal Division when the entry is too new or unclear.
Identify legal representation
Ask whether retained counsel appeared or whether a request for appointed counsel was submitted.
Report medication or mental-health risks
Use the Oakland medication hotline, Program Services or Shift Supervisor route listed below.
Create the correct communication account
Use Smart Communications and the current inmate number. Verify whether money is for calls, video or trust funds.
Schedule visitation
Use valid identification and make the appointment at least 24 hours ahead.
Use the approved mail address
Do not send standard personal mail directly to the Pontiac street address.
Recover the vehicle or property
Ask Novi Police about an impounded vehicle and Oakland County about inmate property authorization.
Monitor bond and custody
Recheck after arraignment, preliminary examination, bond review, plea, sentence or transfer.
Prepare for release conditions
Arrange transportation, housing, medication and compliance with no-contact, testing, travel, tether or reporting requirements.
Oakland County inmate calls and visitation
Telephone calls
- Provider: Smart Communications;
- Support: 888-253-5178;
- Published rate: $0.06 per minute;
- One free 15-minute call per inmate per day;
- Initial booking call is limited to three minutes;
- Outgoing calls are recorded;
- Properly registered defense-attorney calls are not recorded.
Video visitation
- One free and one paid visit per inmate per week;
- Schedule at least 24 hours in advance;
- Schedule up to two weeks ahead;
- Visits may be 15 or 30 minutes;
- Onsite visits have no visit charge;
- Remote visits cost $0.11 per minute;
- Valid driver’s license, state ID or passport required.
| Visit category | Current schedule | Important rule |
|---|---|---|
| Social visits | Wednesday–Friday, 1:15–8:15 p.m.; Saturday–Sunday, 9:15 a.m.–7 p.m. | No social visits on Monday or Tuesday. |
| Professional visits | Daily, 7:15 a.m.–8:45 p.m. | Attorneys and approved professionals follow the professional-visit procedure. |
| Visitor limit | One registered adult and one child. | Only the registered adult may participate, and children cannot be left unattended onsite. |
Send money or mail to an Oakland County inmate
Inmate trust deposits
Use Smart Communications for available online deposit methods. Cash or money orders may also be delivered to the Main Jail Visitation area. Checks are not accepted.
Clearly write the inmate’s name and current inmate number on the money order.
Standard personal mail
Oakland County Jail
Inmate Name – Inmate Number
PO Box 9103
Seminole, FL 33775-9103
Do not send ordinary personal mail directly to the jail’s Pontiac street address.
Legal and business mail
Oakland County Jail
Inmate Name – Inmate Number
PO Box 436017
Pontiac, MI 48343
This address is used for qualifying attorney mail, court documents, bank statements, magazines and newspapers.
Common mail restrictions
- No cash or packages;
- No cards or photographs larger than 5×7;
- No tape, glitter, perfume or lipstick;
- No stamps, envelopes or blank paper;
- No instant photographs;
- No more than ten pictures;
- No sexually explicit material;
- No food packages.
Medical, mental-health, property and vehicle help
Medication hotline
Call 248-858-1809 with the inmate’s name, number, medication, dose, pharmacy, prescriber and last known dose.
Program Services
Family or friends concerned about an inmate’s stability or adjustment may call 248-858-1731.
Property line
Call 248-858-8770 and ask whether inmate authorization is required before pickup.
Novi Police release
Bring proof of ownership and identification. A current $20 release fee applies when the vehicle was impounded because of an arrest.
What happens after release or transfer?
Follow the bond order
Confirm the next hearing, no-contact order, testing, Bond Compliance, tether, travel restriction and attorney instructions.
Restart family services
The receiving facility may issue a new inmate number and use different telephone, mail, money and visitation systems.
Switch to MDOC OTIS
After a prison transfer, search by name or MDOC number and use the assigned state facility’s family rules.
Release-day checklist
- Confirm release is final
- Ask about remaining holds
- Confirm pickup location
- Expect processing time
- Arrange transportation
- Bring suitable clothing
- Confirm medication return
- Review no-contact terms
- Save the next court date
- Keep bond receipts
Find an older Novi arrest after release
Novi Public Safety Records
Request the incident or arrest report and use FOIA for defined additional records.
Oakland Sheriff Records
Request an available inmate jail file, booking record or incarceration documentation.
52-1 or Sixth Circuit
Search the district case and any later felony case for formal charges and disposition.
Michigan ICHAT
Use ICHAT when available reportable Michigan criminal history beyond Novi is needed.
Oakland County Sheriff Records Unit
East side of the Oakland County Jail
1201 N. Telegraph Road
Pontiac, MI 48341
Phone: 248-858-5011
Email: ocsorecords@oakgov.com
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:30 a.m.–5 p.m.
Historical jail-record request steps
- Provide the full legal name and date of birth.
- Include the Oakland inmate number when known.
- Give a narrow incarceration date range.
- Identify the exact booking, jail or release document needed.
- Ask whether a routine records request or FOIA is appropriate.
- Request electronic delivery and a fee estimate.
- Use Novi Police for the city incident report.
Dismissals, record errors and Michigan Clean Slate
Dismissed or acquitted case
A police or booking record may exist even when charges were dismissed or the defendant was acquitted. Preserve the final court disposition.
Wrong Novi Police information
Contact Public Safety Records or the assigned investigator with supporting documents or a supplemental statement.
Wrong jail identity
Contact Oakland County Jail or Sheriff Records with identification, booking details and fingerprint information when required.
Wrong court disposition
Contact the 52-1 District Court or Sixth Circuit Court with the case number and certified supporting order.
Wrong state criminal history
Use Michigan State Police correction procedures and provide fingerprints or certified court documents when requested.
Set-aside eligibility
A qualifying conviction may be automatically set aside or may require an application to the sentencing court under Michigan law.
Novi arrest, jail and court contacts
Novi Police Department
45125 Ten Mile Road, Novi, MI 48375
Non-emergency: 248-348-7100
Records: 248-347-0510
Records hours: Monday–Friday, 8 a.m.–5 p.m.
52-1 District Court
48150 Grand River Avenue, Novi, MI 48374
Court: 248-305-6460
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
Oakland County Jail
1200 N. Telegraph Road, Building 38E, Pontiac, MI 48341
Inmate information: 248-858-1800
General jail: 248-858-5000
Novi police, court and Oakland County Jail maps
Common Novi arrest-search mistakes
Searching Oakland Jail too soon
The person may still be at Novi Police or awaiting county transport.
Calling the court for a police report
The incident narrative belongs to Novi Public Safety Records.
Using the police number in court search
The police report, inmate and court case numbers are different identifiers.
Treating a local check as statewide
The $10 Novi letter covers Novi Police records, not every Michigan agency.
Treating the booking charge as final
The formal complaint may contain amended, added or dismissed counts.
Paying bond without checking holds
A second warrant or detainer can prevent release.
Ignoring Bond Compliance
Missing testing or weekly reporting can produce a violation or bond review.
Sending personal mail to Pontiac
Standard mail must use the Smart Communications Seminole address.
Discussing evidence on jail calls
Ordinary calls, messages and visits may be monitored or recorded.
10 essential answers about Novi arrest records
These ten title-specific answers cover Novi Police reports, Oakland County inmates, the 52-1 District Court, bond, records and family next steps.
1. How do I find someone arrested in Novi?
2. Where are people arrested by Novi Police held?
3. How do I obtain a Novi arrest or police report?
4. How do I request Novi body-camera or dispatch records?
5. How much is a Novi local arrest-record check?
6. Which court handles Novi criminal cases?
7. When are walk-in arraignments held at 52-1 District Court?
8. How can family verify and pay a Novi arrest bond?
9. How do I arrange Oakland County inmate calls or visitation?
10. How do I find an older Novi arrest after release?
Official Novi arrest-record resources
Novi police and district court
- Novi Police Department — confirm the 24-hour non-emergency number and department address.
- Novi Public Safety Records — review report, local background-check, fingerprint and vehicle-release procedures.
- Novi FOIA Request Center — submit and track public-record requests.
- File or Obtain a Police Report — access CLEMIS accident reports and qualifying online reporting.
- 52-1 District Court — confirm court contacts, case search and criminal procedures.
- 52-1 Criminal FAQ — review walk-in arraignments, missed hearings and bond-return information.
- 52-1 Bond Compliance — review enrollment, weekly reporting and testing requirements.
Oakland jail, felony and state records
- Oakland County Inmate Information — locate inmates and review bond, telephone, money, mail and release procedures.
- Oakland County Visitation — check schedules, identification and visitor limits.
- Oakland Sheriff Records Unit — request available inmate jail files and sheriff records.
- Oakland Jail Medical Information — use the medication hotline and medical guidance.
- Oakland Court Explorer — follow felony cases after district-court bindover.
- Michigan Criminal History Records — access ICHAT and correction information.
- Michigan MI-VINE — register for qualifying release, transfer or escape notifications.