Search Detroit Criminal Court Records
Detroit criminal court records are filed and maintained at the 36th District Court on Madison Street and at the Wayne County 3rd Circuit Court for felony cases. Detroit is the largest city in Michigan, and its courts handle a high volume of criminal cases each year. You can search these records online through MiCOURT, visit the courts in person, or request copies by mail. This page covers how to access case records, police reports, and related criminal justice records in Detroit.
Detroit Overview
Courts That Handle Detroit Criminal Cases
Detroit criminal cases go through two courts depending on the charge level. The 36th District Court handles misdemeanor cases, arraignments, and the early stages of all felony cases. It is one of the busiest trial courts in Michigan. For felonies, once the 36th District Court finds probable cause, the case moves to the Wayne County 3rd Circuit Court for trial.
The 36th District Court is located at 421 Madison St., Detroit, MI 48226. The main phone number is (313) 965-2200. The court's website at 36thdistrictcourt.org has forms, fee schedules, and information on scheduling hearings. The court handles a very large caseload, so calling ahead or using online tools before visiting can save time.
The Wayne County 3rd Circuit Court handles all felony criminal cases and more serious matters from Detroit. The 3rd Circuit is one of the largest circuit courts in Michigan. The Wayne County Clerk's Office maintains the records for circuit court cases. For court contact info and records, visit 3rdcc.org or the Wayne County website at waynecounty.com.
| District Court | 36th District Court |
|---|---|
| Address | 421 Madison St., Detroit, MI 48226 |
| Phone | (313) 965-2200 |
| Website | 36thdistrictcourt.org |
| Circuit Court | Wayne County 3rd Circuit Court |
| Circuit Website | 3rdcc.org |
36th District Court Criminal Records
The 36th District Court is the largest district court in Michigan. It serves the city of Detroit and handles thousands of criminal cases each year. Misdemeanor offenses, traffic crimes, and all felony arraignments come through this court first. Records at the 36th District Court include case filings, docket entries, bond information, and sentencing data for misdemeanor convictions.
The court keeps records under Michigan Court Rules MCR 8.119, which governs public access to court files. Most criminal records are open to the public. Sealed records, juvenile files, and certain protected cases are not available. To access a record, you can visit the clerk's window during business hours or use the online search tool. The court's case lookup and online services are listed on the 36th District Court website.
The 36th District Court website at 36thdistrictcourt.org has information on case fees, forms, and how to get copies of records. You can also look up case status and docket entries for cases handled there.
How to Search Detroit Criminal Court Records
MiCOURT is the state's free online case search system at micourt.courts.michigan.gov/case-search/. It covers both the 36th District Court and the Wayne County 3rd Circuit Court. Search by full name, case number, or attorney name. You get back case status, docket entries, and party names. Some documents are not viewable online and require an in-person visit or copy request.
If you need certified copies or full case documents, visit the clerk's office at the 36th District Court at 421 Madison St. Bring the case number or the full name of at least one party. Staff can pull up the file and make copies for you. The copy fee is typically $1.00 per page. Certified copies carry an additional charge. Confirm exact fees when you call (313) 965-2200 before visiting.
For felony cases at the 3rd Circuit Court, contact the Wayne County Clerk's Office for record access. The county website at waynecounty.com has contact information for the clerk's criminal division.
The city of Detroit's main website at detroitmi.gov links to city departments including the police department and records-related resources.
Detroit Police Records and FOIA
The Detroit Police Department handles FOIA requests for police records including incident reports, arrest reports, and accident reports. Under Michigan's Freedom of Information Act, MCL 15.231, most police records are public. The police department page at detroitmi.gov/departments/police-department has contact details and instructions for submitting a FOIA request.
Detroit Police non-emergency line is (313) 267-4600. For FOIA requests to the police department, you can submit in writing to the FOIA Coordinator at the department. Michigan law requires a response within 5 business days. Complex requests can be extended by up to 10 additional business days. Copy fees run from $0.10 to $1.00 per page plus labor charges. If you qualify as indigent under MCL 15.234, you can ask for a fee waiver by submitting a DIR-103 Affidavit.
Remember that police reports and court case records are different things. Court records go through the court clerk, not the police department. You may need to make separate requests to get both types of documents.
State-level FOIA requests to the Michigan State Police can be submitted through their online portal at michigan.gov/msp/services/foia.
Fees and Record Request Procedures
Getting copies of Detroit criminal court records involves fees set at the court level. Standard paper copies run about $1.00 per page at Michigan district and circuit courts. Certified copies, which carry a court seal and signature, cost more. The 36th District Court can confirm their current fee schedule when you call (313) 965-2200.
For ICHAT name-based criminal history searches through the Michigan State Police, the fee is $10 per search. You pay by card online at michigan.gov/ichat. This gives you a summary of the person's criminal history as recorded by the state police. It does not replace a full court record search, but it is quick and covers the whole state.
Mail requests to the 36th District Court should include the case number or party name, the documents you need, and a check or money order for the estimated copy cost. Call first to confirm the fee. Do not send cash. Allow extra processing time for mail requests during busy periods.
Legal Resources for Detroit Residents
Detroit has several legal aid and self-help resources for people dealing with criminal court matters. Michigan Legal Help at michiganlegalhelp.org offers free guides and forms for people representing themselves. The site covers topics like understanding criminal charges, expungement under Clean Slate laws, and how to request court records.
The Michigan Courts homepage at courts.michigan.gov has links to court forms, rules, and information about the court system. The MiFILE system at mifile.courts.michigan.gov allows electronic filing for courts that participate in the program. Check the available courts list to see if the 36th District Court or 3rd Circuit Court accepts e-filings for your case type.
Note: Legal help organizations can explain the law, but they cannot file papers on your behalf unless they take your case. For active criminal cases, having a licensed attorney is strongly advisable.
Wayne County Criminal Court Records
Detroit is the county seat of Wayne County. Felony cases from Detroit are handled by the Wayne County 3rd Circuit Court. The county page covers the full range of Wayne County courts, record access procedures, and how to contact the county clerk's office for criminal case files.
Nearby Cities
Other cities near Detroit also have criminal court records pages with local court and police records information.