Michigan Court Records

We thank you for visiting this page. We aim to help you find and get Michigan Court Records. Our goal is to give clear facts. We want this page to aid your search for these key public files. We will do our best for you.

https://michiganofficialrecords.com/court-records/ If you need to search for Michigan Court Records right now, you can use this resource. The site helps you start your search fast. Many public records can be found there. It is a good place to begin if you have case details or names. Find the court data you need with their search tool. It helps link you to possible case information.

What Are Michigan Court Records?

Michigan court records are the official files from court cases. They track what happens in a legal suit. This includes papers filed by each side. It also shows orders made by the judge. These records cover many types of cases. Think civil suits, crime cases, and family law matters. They are kept by the court clerk. Most court records are open to the public. This right comes from state law and court rules. The key rule is Michigan Court Rule 8.119. It sets rules for public access to court files. Some data may be kept private by law. This protects kids or hides bank numbers. But most case facts are open for you to see. This helps keep the court process open.

Types of Michigan Court Records

Courts in Michigan handle many kinds of cases. Each case type makes different records. You can find records for these common case types:

• Civil Cases: These are suits between people or groups. They cover debts, deals, or harms. Small claims court records are also civil. Appeals from lower courts fall here too. Files show the claim, the answer, and the final ruling.

• Criminal Cases: These involve acts against the law. They range from small tickets (infractions) to big crimes (felonies). Records list charges, pleas, court dates, and the sentence. Warrants and bail details may be here. Most crime records are public. But some parts can be sealed.

• Family Law Cases: These deal with family issues. Divorce records show how things were split. Custody cases show plans for kids. Personal Protection Orders (PPOs) are here too. These records can hold private facts. Parts may be closed to the public.

• Probate Cases: These handle wills and estates after death. They also cover care plans for those who cannot care for self. This means guardianships for kids or adults. Records show the will, who gets what, and who is in charge.

• Traffic Cases: These include driving tickets and driving crimes. Records show the ticket, fines paid, or court dates for more serious driving acts. Driving records are often kept by the Secretary of State too.

• Appellate Records: These are from higher courts. The Michigan Court of Appeals reviews trial court choices. The Michigan Supreme Court is the top court. Their records include briefs, opinions, and orders.

How to Access Michigan Court Records

You can get Michigan court records in a few ways. The best way depends on the court and what you need. You might look online, go in person, or ask by mail. Each way has its own steps. Know the court that handled the case. This helps you find the right place to ask.

Online Access

Many Michigan courts offer online ways to find case info. This is often the fastest way to start. The main state tool is the MiCOURT Case Search. It covers many circuit and district courts. You can search by name or case number. It shows basic case facts. This includes party names, case type, and dates. You can see the list of actions, called the register of actions.

The Michigan Courts - One Court of Justice website is key too. It has opinions and orders from the Supreme Court and Court of Appeals. Use their search tools for high court cases.

Some local courts have their own websites. These might offer more search options for that specific court. Check the county or city court website. For example, Kent County has a Search Court Records page. Ann Arbor's 15th District Court links to MiCOURT on its Case Search page.

Keep in mind online access has limits. Michigan Court Rule MCR 8.119(H) says courts cannot put full document images online. You get case details, not the actual papers. For full files, you often must go in person. Online search is great for case status checks. It helps find case numbers too. This makes asking for full files easier later.

In-Person Access

Going to the courthouse is the best way to see full Michigan court records. You visit the Clerk of Court's office. This office keeps all official case files. First, find the right court. Was it Circuit Court for a big case? Or District Court for a small one? Maybe Probate Court for a will? The Trial Court Directory can help you find the court address and phone number.

When you arrive, ask the clerk for the case file. You usually need the case number or party names. Some courts have a request form to fill out. You can often view the file right there at the counter. Some courts have special rooms for this. There is no charge just to look at public records. You must follow the clerk's rules for handling files. Do not take files from the office without permission.

Court hours vary. Most county clerk offices are open Monday to Friday. Standard hours might be 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM or similar. Always check the specific court's hours before you go. For instance:

• Kent County Circuit Court Clerk: 180 Ottawa Ave NW, Suite 2400, Grand Rapids, MI 49503. Hours are 8 AM to 5 PM, Monday - Friday. Phone: (616) 632-7640.

• Oakland County Circuit Court Clerk: 1200 N Telegraph Rd, Dept 404, Pontiac, MI 48341. Hours are 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM. Phone: 248-858-0344. Email: CircuitCourt@Oakgov.com.

• Eaton County Clerk: 1045 Independence Blvd, Charlotte, MI 48813. Hours are M-Th, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM (closed 12-1 PM). Phone: 517-543-2426.

Mail Requests

If you cannot go in person, you can ask for records by mail. Contact the court clerk's office first. Ask about their process for mail requests. You will likely need to send a written request. Include the case number and names. Be clear about what documents you need copies of. Many courts have a Record Request Form on their website. Look for forms on the local court or county clerk site.

You must pay for copies sent by mail. Fees are usually per page. You might also pay for postage. Some courts ask you to send a self-addressed stamped envelope. Call the clerk to confirm the total cost and payment method. This way avoids delays. Mail requests take longer than other ways. Allow time for mail and for the clerk to process your ask.

Accessing Records by Court Level

Michigan has several court levels. Each handles different types of cases. Knowing the level helps find records.

Michigan Supreme Court

This is the highest court. It hears appeals from the Court of Appeals. It also makes rules for all state courts. You can find its opinions and orders online. Use the One Court of Justice website. Case information may be on MiCOURT Case Search. For physical records, contact the Clerk's Office.

• Location: Michigan Hall of Justice, 925 W. Ottawa St., Lansing, MI 48915. Phone: (517) 373-0120.

Michigan Court of Appeals

This court hears most appeals from trial courts. Like the Supreme Court, its opinions are online. Check the One Court of Justice website. Use MiCOURT for case docket info. It has multiple district offices. Find contact info on the state court site.

Michigan Circuit Courts

These are the main trial courts. They handle big civil cases (over $25,000). All felony crime cases start here. They also hear family law cases. Appeals from district courts go here. Each county has a Circuit Court. Access records through the County Clerk's office. Many circuit courts now use MiCOURT.

• Example: 6th Circuit Court (Oakland County): 1200 N Telegraph Rd, Pontiac, MI 48341. Phone: 248-858-0344. Open 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM. Provides case look up tools. Check their website.

• Example: 19th Circuit Court (Manistee County): 415 Third St, Manistee, MI 49660. Phone: 231-723-6664. See their webpage for details.

Michigan District Courts

These courts handle smaller cases. This includes civil suits up to $25,000. Small claims court is part of district court. They handle misdemeanors (crimes with jail time up to one year). Traffic tickets and local rule breaks are heard here. Felony cases start here with early hearings. Records are kept at the local district court clerk's office. Many district courts use MiCOURT for online search.

• Example: 15th District Court (Ann Arbor): 301 E. Huron St, Ann Arbor, MI 48107. Phone: 734-794-6750. Offers online case search via MiCOURT. See their website.

• Example: 14A District Court (Washtenaw County): Has locations in Ann Arbor, Ypsilanti, Chelsea. Main Ann Arbor court: 4133 Washtenaw Ave, Ann Arbor, MI 48108. Phone: 734-973-4545. Check their site.

Michigan Probate Courts

These courts handle specific matters. Wills and estates are common probate cases. They appoint guardians for kids and adults who need care. They also handle name changes sometimes. Each county usually has a Probate Court. It might be combined with another court. Access records through the Probate Register's office.

• Check the Trial Court Directory for local Probate Court contact details.

Information Found in Court Records

Court records hold a lot of detail about a case. What you find depends on the case type. Most public records will show:

• Case Number: The unique ID for the case.

• Party Names: Who is involved (plaintiff, defendant, etc.).

• Judge Name: The judge assigned to the case.

• Case Type: Civil, criminal, family, etc.

• Register of Actions (Docket): A list of everything filed or done in the case, with dates.

• Filings: Key papers like the first complaint, the answer, motions filed by lawyers.

• Orders: Decisions made by the judge during the case.

• Judgment or Sentence: The final outcome of the case.

• Hearing Dates: When the case was in court.

For criminal cases, you might also find:

• Specific charges filed.

• Warrants for arrest or search.

• Bail information.

• Plea entered (guilty, not guilty).

• Sentence details (jail time, fines, probation).

Full case files hold much more detail. This includes evidence lists or witness names sometimes. Access to very sensitive data may be limited. Transcripts (word-for-word records of hearings) are often not in the main file unless ordered and paid for.

Fees and Costs for Michigan Court Records

Looking at records in person at the clerk's office is usually free. But getting copies costs money. Fees vary by court but follow state guidelines. Be ready to pay if you need copies.

• Standard Copies: Most courts charge per page. A common fee is $1.00 per page. Some courts might charge slightly more or less. Check the local court's fee schedule. For example, Oakland County Clerk lists $1.00 per page. The 67th District Court also lists $1.00 per page for copies.

• Certified Copies: These copies have a court seal. They prove the copy is true and correct. There is an extra fee for certification. Often it is a flat fee plus the per-page cost. For instance, Oakland County charges $10 for certification, plus $1.00 per page. East Lansing's 54B District Court also lists $10 plus $1.00 per page for certified copies.

• Transcripts: Copies of filed transcripts have a capped fee. MCL 600.2543 limits this to $0.30 per page. If you order a new transcript to be made, the cost is much higher. It depends on the court reporter's rates.

• Online Access Fees: Basic online case search is usually free. Some courts might charge for special online services or bulk data access.

• Payment: Courts usually accept cash, checks, or money orders. Some may take credit cards, possibly with a service fee. Ask the clerk about payment options.

Always check the specific court's fee schedule. You can often find it on their website. Or call the clerk's office directly. Knowing the cost ahead of time helps.

Restrictions and Confidential Records

While most Michigan court records are public, some are not. Access can be restricted by law or court order. This protects privacy and safety.

Michigan Court Rule MCR 8.119(I) allows courts to restrict access. This happens if a specific interest outweighs the public's right to know. Common types of non-public records include:

• Juvenile delinquency and child protective proceedings.

• Mental health commitment records.

• Personal details like Social Security numbers, bank account numbers. These are often redacted (blacked out).

• Information about victims of certain crimes, like sexual assault.

• Records sealed by a judge's order.

• Some details in Friend of the Court records related to custody or support.

Online access is also limited by rule. MCR 8.119(H) states that courts cannot provide public access to document images over the internet. You can see the case history (register of actions) online, but not the documents themselves. You must go to the court to see the full paper or electronic file.

To access restricted or sealed records, you need special permission. You might need to be a party in the case, their attorney, or part of a law enforcement agency. Sometimes, you can petition the court to unseal a record. But you need a very strong reason. The presumption is that court records are open. Restrictions are the exception. Check the Chart of Nonpublic and Limited Access Court Records for more details.

Official Michigan Court Resources

Here are key official resources for Michigan Court Records:

• Michigan Courts - One Court of Justice: https://www.courts.michigan.gov/ - The main portal for the state's judicial branch. Find info on all court levels.

• MiCOURT Case Search: https://micourt.courts.michigan.gov/case-search/ - Search public case records from many participating Michigan courts.

• Michigan Court Rules (MCR): https://www.courts.michigan.gov/courts/michigan-supreme-court/rules/michigan-court-rules/ - Read the official rules governing court procedures, including public access rule MCR 8.119.

• Trial Court Directory: https://www.courts.michigan.gov/administration/trial-court/trial-court-directory/ - Find contact information, addresses, and websites for local Circuit, District, and Probate courts.

• Michigan Legal Help: https://michiganlegalhelp.org/ - A resource for people representing themselves in court. Offers tools and information.

• SCAO Approved Court Forms: https://www.courts.michigan.gov/administration/scao/forms/ - Find official forms approved by the State Court Administrative Office for use in Michigan courts.

• Michigan Legislature Website: http://legislature.mi.gov/ - Access Michigan Compiled Laws (MCL), including statutes about court fees or record access.

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