What are Michigan court records?
Courthouse records in Michigan are classified as the established documents with material related to that specific courthouse and all court cases which occurred there. The information within the court records depends on the particulars of the case and charges being reported. The four main sorts of court proceedings are Civil, Criminal, Family, and Traffic. A large number of court records are available for general population observing, however hypersensitive information concerning case specifics like medical specifics, psychological wellbeing, domestic violence, and sexual assault are automatically covered.
Michigan Court Docket vs. Actual Michigan Court Records
A docket is the log of what took place during proceedings at a court case. Any jurisdiction includes their own central process of managing dockets. For this reason, a couple dockets from two unique areas may appear fairly different and feature different types of details.
On top of that, many jurisdictions are more inclined to make docket specifics accessible for general public use while some may prohibit use. A number of jurisdictions have at the moment implemented digital filing procedures that make dockets obtainable via an web based data bank. In other jurisdictions, the only way to apply to receive docket data is to go to the courthouse and ask for the hard copy data. No matter what, it can be beneficial to have the real docket record number to help obtaining the proper Michigan report.
Public Access Terminals For Michigan Court Records
As the title suggests, a Public Access Terminal, or PAT, is a portal where by allowed parties may gain access to court records, dockets, case records and similar court managed documents accessible to individual access.
In most cases, open public access terminals can be found at the county courthouse itself. When using PATs to find Michigan criminal records, having the full legal name and birth date of the individual can be quite helpful.
Michigan State Court Record Resources.
Supreme Court
Opinions of the Michigan Supreme Court – https://courts.michigan.gov/courts/michigansupremecourt/clerks/pages/opinions.aspx
Court of Appeals
Case Search – https://courts.michigan.gov/opinions_orders/case_search/Pages/default.aspx
Circuit Court (Court Record Types – Felony, Civil, Family, Juvenile)
Online Docket Search (Free, Not All Counties) – https://micourt.courts.michigan.gov/CaseSearch/CourtSelection
Trial Court Online Services Directory – https://courts.michigan.gov/self-help/directories/pages/online-services-directory.aspx
District Court (Court Record Types – Misdemeanor, Civil to $25000, Small Claims $5,000, Eviction, Traffic)
Online Docket Search (Free, Not All Counties) – https://micourt.courts.michigan.gov/CaseSearch/CourtSelection
Trial Court Online Services Directory – https://courts.michigan.gov/self-help/directories/pages/online-services-directory.aspx
Municipal Court (Court Record Types – Ordinance)
Trial Court Online Services Directory – https://courts.michigan.gov/self-help/directories/pages/online-services-directory.aspx
Probate Court (Court Record Types – Probate)
Online Docket Search (Free, Not All Counties) – https://micourt.courts.michigan.gov/CaseSearch/CourtSelection
Trial Court Online Services Directory – https://courts.michigan.gov/self-help/directories/pages/online-services-directory.aspx
County Trial Court
Trial Court Online Services Directory – https://courts.michigan.gov/self-help/directories/pages/online-services-directory.aspx
Common Types of Michigan Court Records.
Michigan Criminal Court Records.
Every time a person gets officially charged with a Michigan criminal offense, this is whats called an indictment. After officially charged with a major criminal offense, a felony, or a misdemeanor, the accused will need to defend his or her case. The case will get prosecuted by the United States Of America Attorney’s Office. Criminal history records may include things like driving intoxicated, thievery, break-ins, assault, menacing, domestic violence, harassment, contempt of court, and also other various criminal activities.
Michigan Civil Court Records.
When someone is involved with an enterprise or personal conflict, this sort of case will get handled by Michigan civil courts. Civil filings help deal with disagreements when one party is presumably wronged by another. Popular instances of public problems incorporate issues linked to non support of minors, legal care problems, divorce filings, home damages, personal injury, contract violations, and other associated cases governed by the civil court system.
Michigan Bankruptcy Court Records.
The bankruptcy procedure is laid out at the federal level. There are several categories of bankruptcy for people and businesses, even so all types of bankruptcy situations share the same aspiration: calling off the debt collectors and providing a means out in cases of over-bearing and unsolvable money obligation.
Bankruptcy cases in Michigan are observed by federal judges in a federal court facility. Bankruptcy court centers are exceptionally particular. They legally represent one particular department of the district court system.
Michigan Small Claims Court Records.
Michigan small claims court is an additional kind of specialized courthouse that works on specifically on hearing and resolving incidents that entail disputes over minor fiscal amounts. Typically, the plaintiff(s) and defendant(s) are going to defend/represent themselves and not hiring an attorney to do this on their behalf. Contrary to other court systems, small claims court has a more relaxed procedure for showing evidence, arguments and judgment administration. Even so, a judgment handed down in a small claims court is equally as legal and binding as a judgment given by any other court. Once the judgment is made, the impacted people are expected to swiftly comply. With regards to noncompliance, legally certified collection practices (i.e. liens, paycheck garnishing) may be instituted.
Michigan Family Court Records.
A Michigan family court is yet another sort of specialized courthouse that only takes care of situations in relation to families. A couple of widespread illustrations of family associated legal situations encompass married couples petitioning to separation and divorce, custody proceedings and conflict proceedings, domestic abuse, paternity and child support. Family courts will be governed by state law and/or local law. In some jurisdiction, a family court is known as domestic court.
Michigan Traffic Court Records.
Traffic court in Michigan facilities are usually freestanding structures that sit aside from normal courthouses. Occasionally, the normal courthouse will book one courtroom for a single day of the week for hearing traffic associated incidents. On the whole, traffic courts take care of primarily traffic law cases and problems.
Michigan Probate Court Public Records.
Probate court in Michigan governs over matters such as estate management, wills and probate, conservatorships, and guardianships. Probate courts hold the work of organizing a deceased individuals property and assets. Probate makes sure financial obligations and taxation in the estate get recompensed, in addition to disbursing the rest of the estate to the named recipients. In case there are any statements from the will, this is actually the court that settles the demand.
Michigan Court Structure Explained.

Michigan Supreme Court
There’s a Michigan Supreme Court in each and every state that assesses the judgements made at a state trial and appeals courts for concurrence with the laws of the state and the constitution. However, not each state calls their highest court the Supreme Court. Conclusions produced by these courts may be appealed directly to the Supreme Court of the U.S.
Michigan Appellate / Appeals Court
When either party in a Michigan civil case, or defendant of a criminal court case, does not go along with the verdict drawn by the trial court, they can inquire about an appeal. An appeal means that there’s a request for the court case to be observed by a different court. An individual who is found responsible for a crime is offered the capability to submit one automatic appeal of their case, employing a legal representative provided if required.
US District Courts
The United States has 94 district courts (trial courts). This circuit of courtrooms is called the U.S. District Courts. Such courts are federal trial courts who hear both civil and criminal affairs. The aim of district courts would be to resolve cases by discovering each of the case particulars and implementing existing laws and regulations to establish a decision. All cases heard by district courts, regardless of whether civil or criminal in nature, are federal government affairs.
Circuit Courts in Michigan
Contrary to district courts, circuit courts are Michigan state trial courts. These kinds of courts will hear civil or criminal situations which come up among two people or involving businesses. State law as outlined in each state’s constitution governs findings and rulings in circuit courts. In almost all cases, a circuit court judgement could be appealed and can then go on to the appellate court system within that state.
Michigan County Courts
County courts in Michigan render legal concerns on a county wide level. From time to time referred to as the people’s court, County courts preside over a wide selection of civil and criminal issues. Quite often, when folks submit a legal action in opposition to someone else, it is less complicated and cheaper to present the case in the community zone. County courts in most cases oversee minimal incidents, while more significant courts take care of more considerable situations, such as considerable civil cases or felony occurrences.
Municipal Court in Michigan
Within counties or townships are municipal courts in Michigan. Municipal courts generally work with traffic law incidents and trivial criminal offenses.
Neighboring States.
Illinois Court Records, Indiana Court Records, Minnesota Court Records, Ohio Court Records, Wisconsin Court Records