Find Someone in the Washtenaw County Jail and Make the Next Decision Without Guessing
A Washtenaw County arrest may involve an Ann Arbor, Ypsilanti, township, university, sheriff or state-police agency—but the jail, first court, bond order and police report may be controlled by different offices.
This guide organizes the process in the order a family actually needs it: confirm custody, record the booking number, identify the correct court, verify bond, obtain counsel, protect medication needs and arrange approved calls, visits, funds, mail and release transportation.
For a new Washtenaw County arrest
Do These Eight Things Before Paying Anyone
Identify the arresting agency
Determine whether the arrest involved Ann Arbor Police, Ypsilanti Police, Washtenaw County Sheriff, a township agency, university police or Michigan State Police.
Confirm where the person was transported
Do not assume every local arrest immediately appears at the same location. Ask the arresting agency which facility received the person.
Allow intake information to appear
Fingerprinting, medical screening, photographs and data entry can occur before the public-facing custody information updates.
Save the booking number
Record the booked name, inmate or booking number, facility, charges, bond status, holds and next court.
Report urgent medication needs
Call the facility and ask for its approved medical-information process. Do not arrive with medication unless staff specifically instructs you.
Wait for a confirmed bond order
Verify the amount, bond type, court and every hold directly with the jail or court. A dollar amount alone does not guarantee release.
Request counsel immediately
The defendant should request appointed counsel at arraignment if unable to afford a lawyer. Families hiring privately should provide the booking and court numbers.
Do not discuss the case on an ordinary jail call
Keep calls focused on health, children, housing, work, transportation, counsel and court reminders—not witnesses, evidence or explanations.
Washtenaw-specific decision tool
Which Jail and Court Route Should You Follow?
Current Washtenaw custody
How to Confirm a Washtenaw County Jail Booking
Open the county’s incarcerated-person information
Washtenaw County organizes bond, mail, money, phone, visitation, property and other custody procedures through its official Sheriff pages.
Open Official Incarcerated-Person Information- Confirm that the page is on washtenaw.org.
- Look for the current custody or incarcerated-person search route.
- Use the person’s full booked name.
- Try a middle name, maiden name or spelling variation if needed.
- Save the booking number before opening family-service pages.
- Use MI-VINE or the Sheriff contact route if no live result appears.
Create a verified custody note
- Full name exactly as booked
- Date of birth or age
- Booking or inmate number
- Booking date and time
- Arresting agency
- Charge wording and statute
- Bond amount and type
- Hold or detainer
- District court and case number
- Next hearing date
- Release or transfer status
Arrest record
Shows an accusation or custody event. It is not proof of guilt.
Jail record
Shows booking, current custody, bond or release information.
Court record
Shows hearings, charge changes, disposition and sentence.
Make the call productive
Exactly What to Ask the Washtenaw County Jail
- Is the person physically in Washtenaw County custody?
- Is intake and booking complete?
- What is the booking number?
- Which facility or unit currently holds the person?
- Has a judge set bond?
- What is the exact bond type?
- Does another hold or detainer exist?
- Which court handles the first hearing?
- How should urgent health information be submitted?
- Which official providers handle calls, deposits and visits?
One page for the whole family
Washtenaw Custody Worksheet
The arrest location controls the first court
Washtenaw County Criminal Court Routing
| Arrest or offense location | Likely first court | What that court handles | What family should do |
|---|---|---|---|
| City of Ann Arbor | 15th District Court | Ann Arbor misdemeanors and early felony proceedings, including arraignment and probable-cause stages. | Search the case, record the hearing and confirm whether attendance is in person or remote. |
| Ypsilanti Township | 14B District Court | District-court criminal proceedings arising within Ypsilanti Township. | Use the official township court route and verify the case number before traveling. |
| City of Ypsilanti | Appropriate 14A District Court division | Misdemeanor and early felony stages for the assigned local jurisdiction. | Confirm the specific 14A location shown on the booking or arraignment record. |
| Other Washtenaw cities and townships | Appropriate 14A District Court division | District-court matters outside Ann Arbor and Ypsilanti Township. | Do not assume every 14A case is heard at the same building. |
| Felony after bindover | Washtenaw Trial Court / 22nd Circuit Court | Felony case after transfer from district court. | Search the circuit-court record and save the new case number. |
15th District Court
Address:
301 E. Huron Street
Ann Arbor, MI 48104
Phone:
734-794-6750
Select the Traffic/Criminal option for criminal-case questions.
Published clerk hours:
Monday–Thursday: 8:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
Friday: 8:30 a.m.–3:00 p.m.
- Select Case Search or Daily Calendars.
- Search the case number when available.
- Confirm the date, courtroom and attendance method.
- Call before traveling if the schedule recently changed.
14A and 14B District Courts
Washtenaw’s district-court location depends on where the incident occurred. Use the official county court directory rather than selecting a courthouse by distance.
Open 14A District Court- Open the court locations section.
- Match the case to the assigned division.
- Use the case number from booking or arraignment.
- Confirm the physical courtroom before travel.
- Choose the 14B District Court section.
- Open its docket, calendar or contact information.
- Confirm that the case belongs to Ypsilanti Township.
Washtenaw Trial Court
When a district-court record shows that a felony was bound over, the next proceedings may appear under the Washtenaw Trial Court.
Open Washtenaw Trial Court- Choose Search Cases and Calendar.
- Search the person or circuit-court case number.
- Open the register of actions.
- Record the judge, hearing and attorney.
- Request certified records from the clerk when needed.
MiCOURT search sequence
Open Michigan MiCOURT- Select the correct Washtenaw court.
- Search by case number whenever possible.
- If searching by name, compare filing date and location.
- Open the full case—not only the result row.
- Check bond, scheduled events and disposition.
- Search circuit court if a felony record shows bindover.
Verify all holds before paying
Washtenaw County Bond Decision Center
No bond payment
Release is based on the promise to appear and obey conditions.
Confirm the required deposit
A judge may authorize a percentage deposit. Washtenaw provides separate instructions for 10% bond handling and release.
Full payment may be required
A cash or cash-only order may require the entire authorized amount.
Two possible payment routes
The court may allow full payment or an eligible surety arrangement.
Money cannot produce release
A later hearing, judicial review or case resolution may be required.
Another authority controls release
Another court, county, probation office, MDOC or agency may have a hold.
Use Washtenaw’s bond page
Open Official Bonding Information- Match the displayed bond type to the court order.
- Confirm where payment is accepted.
- Check required identification.
- Ask about payment fees and receipts.
- Confirm whether another hold prevents release.
- Read refund or release rules before paying.
Stop if a caller requests
- Gift cards
- Cryptocurrency
- Cash delivered by courier
- Payment to a personal social account
- Secrecy from the court or family
- Immediate payment without a case number
Independently reopen the official Sheriff or court page and call the published contact.
Appointed and private representation
How to Get a Lawyer After a Washtenaw County Arrest
Request appointed counsel
- Answer financial questions accurately.
- Return required forms promptly.
- Ask who is assigned.
- Record the lawyer’s name and office.
- Tell the lawyer the client remains in custody.
Washtenaw County Public Defender
Washtenaw County operates a public-defender office independent of the judiciary. Eligibility and assignment depend on the court’s appointed-counsel process.
Open Public Defender Page- Choose Initial Interviews, Online Forms or Contact.
- Confirm that counsel was formally appointed.
- Provide the booking and case numbers.
- State the next hearing date.
- Do not send detailed case facts through public contact forms.
State Bar Lawyer Referral
Phone:
800-968-0738
Hours:
Monday–Friday, 8:30 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
Published referral charge:
$25 administrative fee for an initial consultation of up to 25 minutes.
- Select criminal defense.
- Provide Washtenaw County and the court name.
- State that the person remains in custody.
- Ask whether bond review is included.
- Get the full fee agreement in writing.
Questions to ask private counsel
- Do you regularly practice in this Washtenaw court?
- Can you meet the client while in custody?
- Will you address bond promptly?
- Who returns urgent family calls?
- What work is included in the quoted fee?
- Are investigators or experts separate?
Do not damage the case
- Do not delete texts or social posts.
- Do not coach a witness.
- Do not retrieve or move evidence.
- Do not create an alibi.
- Do not post the accusation online.
- Do not promise a guaranteed outcome.
Medication, withdrawal and disability needs
How to Report an Urgent Medical Need
Call the facility
Ask for the approved process to deliver urgent health information.
Give precise facts
State the medication, dosage, last dose, condition, prescriber and pharmacy.
Do not bring pills
Do not arrive with medication unless jail staff expressly instructs you.
Escalate emergencies
Call 911 for immediate life-threatening danger and identify the facility.
Prepare this health note
- Full name and booking number
- Medication name and dosage
- Last dose taken
- Prescriber’s name
- Pharmacy telephone number
- Allergies
- Seizure, diabetes or heart risk
- Alcohol or substance-withdrawal risk
- Suicide or self-harm concern
- Mobility, hearing or communication need
Do not do these things
- Do not hide medication in mail or property.
- Do not publish private health details online.
- Do not assume a home bottle can be accepted.
- Do not delay reporting insulin or seizure needs.
- Do not tell the person to share medication.
Contact and video visitation
Washtenaw County Jail Visitation Steps
Available for eligible incarcerated people
Washtenaw County states that contact visitation is now available for eligible incarcerated individuals. Eligibility, scheduling, visitor approval and operational restrictions must be checked before travel.
Review Contact Visitation- Confirm the incarcerated person is eligible.
- Check whether visitor registration or approval is required.
- Review accepted identification.
- Check adult and child visitor rules.
- Read dress and prohibited-item rules.
- Confirm the visit immediately before travel.
Use the county’s automated system
The Sheriff describes video visitation as a fully automated process. Confirm whether the appointment is remote or at an on-site terminal.
Open Video Visitation Instructions- Create the required visitor account.
- Use the correct inmate or booking identifier.
- Select an available appointment.
- Review identification and connection requirements.
- Test camera, audio and internet before the session.
- Do not discuss alleged case facts during the visit.
Bring only approved items
- Accepted government identification
- Appointment confirmation
- Only items specifically permitted
Expect security screening
- Arrive early
- Follow staff instructions
- Secure prohibited electronics
Visits can be interrupted
- Emergency lockdown
- Operational need
- Rule violation
Approved family-service procedures
Phone Calls, Voicemail, Money, Commissary, Mail and Property
| Service | Washtenaw procedure | What family needs | Important warning |
|---|---|---|---|
| Phone calls and voicemail | Securus Technologies is identified by the county for calls and voicemails. | Correct inmate identity, account and payment details | Ordinary jail communications may be monitored or recorded. |
| Money and accounting | The county directs deposits and mandated payments through eXpress Account instructions. | Booked name, inmate number and verified transaction type | Confirm fees and identifier before submitting. |
| Commissary | Purchases depend on the account balance, jail rules and ordering schedule. | Available balance and correct inmate account | A deposit may not become spendable immediately. |
| Use the county’s current inmate-mail address and formatting rules. | Full booked name, inmate number and exact mailing format | Do not send cash, staples or irreplaceable originals. | |
| Property release | The incarcerated person initiates release by sending a kite to ITR naming the approved pickup person. | Named recipient and accepted identification | A family member cannot start the process by sending a kite to the visiting officer. |
- Confirm the county’s current Securus route.
- Create or fund the correct account.
- Verify the inmate identifier.
- Review charges before payment.
- Keep case discussions for counsel.
- Identify whether the payment is a deposit or mandated payment.
- Use the exact booked name and inmate number.
- Review service fees.
- Save the transaction confirmation.
- Do not send money through an unsolicited caller.
- Copy the current mailing format exactly.
- Add the inmate number where required.
- Review prohibited enclosures.
- Use photocopies for important documents.
- Do not mail cash or contraband.
The incarcerated person must start the process
The person submits a kite to ITR
The request identifies the person authorized to collect the property.
Family confirms readiness
Wait until the release has been approved or processed.
The named person brings identification
Confirm pickup hours and the required ID before traveling.
Prepare before driving to Hogback Road
Washtenaw County Release-Day Plan
Confirm every hold
Bond payment does not clear a separate court, probation or agency hold.
Confirm pickup location
Ask which entrance or release point should be used.
Bring essentials
Phone, charger, clothing, food, transportation and identification.
Read conditions
Obtain the next date and every written release condition.
Before leaving the facility
- Next court date
- Correct court address
- Attorney name and phone
- No-contact terms
- Travel restrictions
- Drug or alcohol testing
- Pretrial reporting
- Electronic monitoring instructions
- Property receipt
- Medication plan
First 24 hours after release
- Read every condition aloud.
- Enter the court date in two calendars.
- Contact counsel.
- Report to pretrial services when ordered.
- Do not contact protected people.
- Restore medication and medical care.
- Arrange stable housing and transportation.
Release notifications and personal safety
MI-VINE Alerts for Victims and Families
Register through MI-VINE
MI-VINE provides free, confidential custody information and notifications involving release, transfer or escape where available.
Phone registration:
800-770-7657
Availability: 24 hours
- Continue to VINELink.
- Search the legal name and Michigan.
- Confirm the correct facility and identity.
- Select a safe notification method.
- Keep the PIN or account private.
Do not use family instructions when safety is at risk
- Call 911 for immediate danger.
- Do not meet the defendant for property exchange.
- Preserve threatening messages.
- Contact the prosecutor’s victim-witness personnel.
- Ask how release conditions will be communicated.
- Keep your location and notification details private.
Police report versus jail and court record
How to Obtain the Arrest Report
Request it from the agency that created it
The Washtenaw County Jail controls custody information. The arresting police or sheriff agency generally controls its incident report. The court controls its own case record.
- Incident or report number
- Date and approximate time
- Incident location
- Arrested person’s name
- Specific documents requested
- Preferred delivery method
Washtenaw County Sheriff report copies
Open Official Report Instructions- Confirm that the Sheriff created the report.
- Choose the appropriate request method.
- Include the report number if known.
- Describe the record narrowly and clearly.
- Respond to any identity or fee requirement.
- Request a court-certified disposition separately if needed.
When the search does not work
Why a Washtenaw County Inmate Search Shows No Result
| Possible reason | What it means | Exact next action |
|---|---|---|
| Booking is not complete | The person may be in custody before public data appears. | Call the booking contact and recheck later. |
| Name variation | The record may use a middle name, maiden name or different spelling. | Try broader name forms and confirm date of birth. |
| Wrong county or facility | The person may have been transported elsewhere. | Call the arresting agency and ask where transport occurred. |
| Released | A current-custody page may no longer display the person. | Check MI-VINE and the district-court case. |
| Transferred | Another county, MDOC or federal agency may now have custody. | Ask the jail for the receiving agency and transfer date. |
| State-prison custody | County-jail information does not cover MDOC prisons. | Search MDOC OTIS. |
| Federal custody | Michigan local systems may not show the person. | Use the Federal Bureau of Prisons locator and federal court records. |
| Restricted information | Juvenile, sealed or otherwise restricted information may not be public. | Contact the court or records custodian; do not try to bypass restrictions. |
| Felony moved courts | The district-court case may end after bindover. | Search the Washtenaw Trial Court next. |
Local facilities and statewide help
Washtenaw County Jail, Court and Legal Contacts
Washtenaw County Jail
Location:
2201 Hogback Road
Ann Arbor, MI 48105
Use the Sheriff’s official directory to confirm the current booking, visitation, property or corrections contact before calling or traveling.
15th District Court
Address:
301 E. Huron Street
Ann Arbor, MI 48104
Phone: 734-794-6750
State Bar of Michigan
Lawyer Referral:
800-968-0738
Monday–Friday, 8:30 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
Michigan Indigent Defense Commission
Phone:
517-657-3066
Address:
611 W. Ottawa Street, 4th Floor
Lansing, MI 48933
MIDC sets defense standards but does not assign the lawyer in an individual case.
Before traveling to the jail or court
- Confirm the physical address.
- Confirm the public entrance.
- Check current public hours.
- Ask whether an appointment is required.
- Bring accepted identification.
- Review phone and recording restrictions.
- Check parking and accessibility.
- Confirm that a visit or property release is approved.
10 urgent local questions