What Is a Public Urination Charge in Michigan?

Unlike some other states, Michigan doesn’t have a statewide statute specifically titled “public urination.” However, local city ordinances frequently prohibit it—and those ordinances carry the force of law. For example, cities like Ann Arbor, Ypsilanti, Detroit, and Grand Rapids all have local laws making it illegal to relieve oneself in public spaces.

Most often, a person charged with public urination in Michigan is facing a misdemeanor under a city ordinance. These charges may fall under titles like “public nuisance,” “disorderly conduct,” or “urinating in public.”

Offenses might occur at events like:

• Electric Forest in Rothbury
• Arts, Beats & Eats in Royal Oak
• Hash Bash in Ann Arbor
• Movement Music Festival in Detroit
• Any local music or beer festival across metro Detroit or West Michigan

So, even if no one saw you and you thought you were hidden behind a tree or trailer, if an officer spots you—or someone complains—you may be cited or arrested on a misdemeanor charge.

Consequences of a Public Urination Charge

The legal implications of a public urination charge in Michigan can vary depending on the circumstances and where the offense took place. But even though it might seem harmless, the consequences can be bigger than you expect.

Misdemeanor Criminal Record

Most public urination charges are misdemeanors. These are criminal offenses—not just civil infractions or tickets—and they can show up on public records. That means if someone runs a background check on you for a job, housing, or education opportunity, this kind of charge could turn up.

Jail Time and Fines

In some cities, a public urination charge can carry exceptions as high as 90 days in jail and/or fines of several hundred dollars. While it’s rare for judges to hand down jail time for a first offense, it is legally possible. Every case depends on the judge, court, and your past record.

Sex Offender Concerns

This is rare—but we have seen prosecutors in Michigan initially charge someone caught urinating in public with indecent exposure, a sex crime. While these charges often get reduced, failure to take them seriously can have lasting consequences. If convicted on an indecent exposure charge, you may be forced to register as a sex offender. Don’t take the risk.

Can You Get a Public Urination Charge Dismissed or Reduced?

Yes, with the right legal strategy, there are several ways to avoid a criminal conviction from showing up on your record.

Negotiating With the Prosecutor

One of the first things your Michigan criminal defense lawyer will do is find out what options are on the table. Many city prosecutors are open to reducing a public urination charge to a non-criminal civil infraction—something that won’t appear on your criminal record. Other times, your lawyer may negotiate a deferred sentence or delayed sentence agreement which allows the charges to be dismissed after completing certain court requirements.

HYTA and 7411 Eligibility

For younger individuals (typically between 17 and 26 years old), Michigan law offers protections like HYTA—the Holmes Youthful Trainee Act. Under HYTA, eligible individuals can keep certain convictions off their record entirely, provided they complete probation and other conditions. Similarly, Michigan law section 333.7411 sometimes offers relief in drug-related cases, but it's worth reviewing with your attorney to see if your charge fits the criteria.

Filing for Dismissal

If your case is weak—i.e., no clear evidence that you urinated, or if your actions were misinterpreted—it may be possible to challenge the evidence and file a motion for dismissal before it even goes to trial. That’s where having an experienced Michigan lawyer is key.

The Michigan Court Process for a Misdemeanor Charge

A public urination charge follows the same legal process as other misdemeanors in Michigan. Here’s what to expect:

Step 1: Arraignment

This is your first formal court appearance where charges are read. A plea (usually Not Guilty) is entered, and the judge sets bond conditions. With a lawyer, you might be able to waive this step and avoid appearing in court.

Step 2: Pretrial Conference

Here’s where most cases are resolved. Your attorney and the prosecutor will negotiate options. If there’s an opportunity to reduce or dismiss the charge, this is often where it happens.

Step 3: Motions / Hearings

If your lawyer believes the charge is flawed or the police acted improperly, they may file motions challenging the case. This could lead to evidence being suppressed or the charge getting dismissed entirely.

Step 4: Trial

If no agreement is reached, you have the right to a trial. That means a judge—or sometimes a jury—will hear the facts and determine guilt or innocence.

Cleaning Up Your Record After a Charge

If you’ve already been convicted of public urination in Michigan—or you pled guilty to just resolve the situation—there may still be hope to clean your record through expungement.

Michigan Clean Slate Law

Recent reforms to Michigan’s expungement laws have expanded eligibility and made cleaning up your record easier. As of April 2023, many misdemeanor offenses are automatically eligible for expungement if you remain conviction-free for a certain number of years.

That said, if you don’t want to wait years for automatic expungement—or if your offense doesn’t qualify automatically—you may still petition the court to clear it early. Our law office helps with both standard and expedited expungement options.

Protecting Your Future

Whether you're applying to graduate school, renewing a professional license, or going through a background check for your dream job, having a public urination charge on your criminal history could create red flags. Getting it reduced, dismissed, or expunged is essential.

Why a Michigan Criminal Defense Attorney Matters

Handling a public urination charge on your own might seem tempting to save costs. But the wrong move—such as pleading guilty without understanding the consequences—can end up costing you for years.

Here’s how an experienced Michigan criminal lawyer helps:

• Knows the local court system and judges (especially if your case is in Plymouth, Ann Arbor, Lansing or Detroit)
• Negotiates directly with prosecutors to get your charge reduced or dismissed
• Files the right motions to challenge evidence or police procedure
• Helps protect your future by avoiding a conviction or clearing your record later

Need help now? Call us today at (734) 453-7806 to schedule a free consultation. We're available and ready to help you navigate your case step-by-step with compassion and experience.

Whether this is your first encounter with the legal system or you’ve dealt with charges before, you deserve a second chance. Don’t let one night hurt your job prospects, college applications, or reputation. We’ve helped people across Michigan get reduced sentences, deferred prosecution, and full dismissals—let’s see what we can do for you.

Take Steps Now to Avoid a Criminal Record

If you’ve been charged with public urination in Michigan, don’t brush it off. These “minor” infractions have a way of popping up at the worst times—when you're applying for jobs, housing, or renewing a license. Fortunately, there are options to prevent a conviction or legally remove one from your record.

If your incident happened after a festival or large event, mention that to your attorney—context matters. We’ll build your defense around your specific facts and pursue every opportunity for dismissal or reduction.

Ready to take action? Visit our criminal defense attorney homepage or call our office directly at (734) 453-7806. You shouldn't have to carry the weight of a minor mistake for years to come. Let’s explore your options together.