Macomb Township Criminal Court Records
Macomb Township criminal court records are held at Macomb County Circuit Court for felony cases and at local district courts for misdemeanor matters. This page explains how to search those records, request police reports through the Township's FOIA process, and use state tools like MiCOURT and ICHAT to look up case history for individuals who have been charged or convicted in Macomb Township, Michigan.
Macomb Township Overview
Courts Handling Macomb Township Criminal Cases
Felony criminal cases originating in Macomb Township go to the Macomb County Circuit Court. The Circuit Court is the trial court of general jurisdiction in the county and handles all felony charges, major criminal trials, and appeals from the district courts. The Clerk's office at 40 N. Main St. in Mount Clemens keeps all felony case files and can be reached at (586) 469-5351.
Misdemeanor and civil infraction cases are handled at the district court level. The 42nd District Court covers portions of Macomb County and handles lower-level criminal matters, traffic violations, and small claims. For case lookup, the statewide MiCOURT system covers many Macomb County courts and lets you search by name or case number at no cost.
| Felony Court | Macomb County Circuit Court |
|---|---|
| Address | 40 N. Main St., Mount Clemens, MI 48043 |
| Phone | (586) 469-5351 |
| County Clerk | macombgov.org - Clerk's Office |
Note: Not every Macomb County court is fully indexed in MiCOURT, so older or sealed cases may not appear in online results.
District Court for Macomb Township
The district court serving Macomb Township handles misdemeanor criminal charges, ordinance violations, and civil infractions. District courts in Michigan are governed by Michigan Courts and operate under the Michigan Court Rules, including MCR 8.119, which sets the rules for court record access. District court records are public with limited exceptions for sealed or expunged matters.
You can search district court records through MiCOURT. The free tool lets you look up case numbers, party names, and docket entries. Some records have restricted access by court order. To get certified copies of district court documents, contact the district court clerk directly. Fees for copies vary but are set by the court.
The Michigan e-filing system, MiFILE, shows which courts accept electronic filings and can help confirm which court has jurisdiction over a specific case type. Attorneys and self-represented parties can both use MiFILE to file documents and track case progress.
How to Search Macomb Township Criminal Court Records
There are two main ways to search criminal court records tied to Macomb Township. Online tools work for basic case info. In-person visits to the Macomb County Circuit Court clerk give you full file access and allow you to order certified copies.
Start with MiCOURT at micourt.courts.michigan.gov. You can search by name, case number, or attorney. The tool shows case status, scheduled hearings, and docket entries. It is free. Keep in mind it does not show sealed records or cases from courts that have not joined the system.
For a broader criminal history search, the Michigan State Police operates ICHAT, the Internet Criminal History Access Tool. ICHAT costs $10 per search and runs a name-based check against MSP's criminal history database. It includes arrests and convictions from participating agencies across Michigan, not just Macomb County. This is useful when you need a statewide view rather than just court case details.
To get the actual case file for a Macomb County felony, visit or write to the Circuit Court Clerk at 40 N. Main St., Mount Clemens, MI 48043. Bring the case number if you have it. Copy fees run $0.10 to $1.00 per page depending on the document type. Certified copies cost more.
Police Records and FOIA in Macomb Township
Police incident reports, arrest records, and other law enforcement documents in Macomb Township are obtained through the Michigan Freedom of Information Act, MCL 15.231 et seq. Court case records, however, are governed by MCR 8.119 and must be requested from the Clerk of Court, not the police department.
The Macomb Township FOIA Coordinator handles public records requests. You can submit your request by email to FOIA@macomb-mi.gov or visit the township office at 54111 Broughton Rd., Macomb, MI 48042. The township's phone number is (586) 992-0710. The FOIA request page is at macomb-mi.gov/186.
Under Michigan FOIA law, public bodies have 5 business days to respond. That window can extend up to 10 more days for complex requests. Copy fees are $0.05 per page at Macomb Township, which is lower than the statewide standard of $0.10 per page. Labor charges apply when staff must search, separate, or review records. If you have low income, you can submit an affidavit to have the first $20 of fees waived under MCL 15.234.
Note: FOIA applies to police records. Active criminal investigation files may be withheld if release would interfere with an ongoing case or endanger law enforcement.
Record Copy Procedures and Fees
Getting copies of criminal court records in Macomb Township means going to different offices depending on what you need. Felony case files live at the Macomb County Circuit Court Clerk. Misdemeanor records are at the relevant district court. Police reports go through Macomb Township's FOIA process.
For court records, call the Macomb County Circuit Court at (586) 469-5351 to ask about the process and current fees before you make the trip. Bring a government-issued photo ID. If you know the case number, have it ready. You can also write a letter requesting a copy and mail it to 40 N. Main St., Mount Clemens, MI 48043, with payment.
For Macomb Township police records, the fee is $0.05 per page. Send your written FOIA request to the township or email FOIA@macomb-mi.gov. Include your name, contact info, and a clear description of the records you need. The more specific your request, the faster the response. Include the incident date, report number, or parties involved if you know them.
Legal Resources for Macomb Township
Several free and low-cost resources can help people dealing with criminal court records in Macomb Township. Michigan Legal Help is the best starting point. It has plain-language guides on how to search court records, file FOIA requests, and understand your rights under Michigan law. The site covers criminal records, expungement, and more.
The Michigan State Police FOIA portal at michigan.gov/msp/services/foia handles requests for state police records. The MSP Records Resource Section can be reached at (517) 241-1934 or by email at MSPRecords@Michigan.gov. If you need a statewide criminal history check for yourself, ICHAT at michigan.gov/ichat costs $10 and gives you what MSP has on file.
The Macomb County Bar Association can refer you to local criminal defense attorneys. Legal aid organizations in Southeast Michigan also serve Macomb County residents who meet income requirements. Contact Michigan Legal Help to find the nearest provider.
Macomb County Criminal Court Records
Macomb Township is in Macomb County. All felony criminal cases from the township go through the Macomb County Circuit Court in Mount Clemens. The county page has more detail on the Circuit Court, the county clerk's office, local fees, and other resources across the county.