Bay County Criminal Court Records

Bay County criminal court records are maintained at the Bay County Court Facility in Bay City, Michigan. The 18th Judicial Circuit Court handles felony criminal cases for the county. Misdemeanor cases go through the Bay County District Court. You can request records in person at the courthouse, by mail, or by searching online through MiCOURT. This page explains how to find Bay County criminal court records and what to know before you submit a request.

Where to Find Bay County Criminal Court Records

The Bay County Court Facility at 1230 Washington Avenue in Bay City is the main location for criminal court records. Both the 18th Judicial Circuit Court and the Bay County District Court are housed there. The circuit court handles all felony cases in Bay County, while the district court handles misdemeanors, traffic offenses, and arraignments. The facility is open Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM.

One important thing to know about Bay County court records: public documents filed in court cases are NOT subject to the Michigan Freedom of Information Act. If you submit a FOIA request for a court record, it will be denied. Court records must be requested directly from the court. This is a statewide rule under MCR 8.119, but Bay County is explicit about it in their procedures. Contact the appropriate court directly to request case files.

How to Request Bay County Court Records

To get Bay County criminal court records, visit the court facility in person or send a written request by mail. When you visit in person, go to the appropriate court counter, either the circuit court on the upper floors or the district court on the main level. Staff can look up cases by name or case number and make paper copies for you. Fees are based on the actual time spent processing your request rather than a flat per-page rate, so the cost varies.

For mail requests, write to the court at Bay County Court Facility, 1230 Washington Avenue, Bay City, MI 48708. Specify whether you need circuit court or district court records. Include the full name of the party, the approximate year, and your contact information. The court will respond with the fee amount before sending records. This process can take longer for older archived cases.

Bay County's court records request page explains the process for getting case files from the circuit and district courts in Bay City.

Online Search Tools for Bay County

The statewide MiCOURT system at micourt.courts.michigan.gov is the best free online option for searching Bay County criminal court records. You can search by name, case number, or attorney. The system shows docket entries, case status, and hearing dates. Not every case will appear, but it is always the best starting point for an online search before contacting the court directly.

For broader criminal history searches, the Michigan State Police ICHAT system at michigan.gov/ichat provides name-based background searches for $10 per search. ICHAT pulls from the statewide criminal history database and shows arrests and convictions from agencies across Michigan, including Bay County. This is different from a court case search since it aggregates records across multiple cases and agencies.

Some Bay County courts may also participate in MiFILE, the state's e-filing system. Check the available courts list to see if you can file or access documents electronically through that system.

FOIA vs. Court Records in Bay County

Bay County makes a clear distinction between court records and FOIA-covered government records. The Michigan FOIA law at MCL 15.231 applies to county administrative records but does NOT apply to court case files. Bay County explicitly states that any FOIA request for a court document will be denied. If you need a criminal case file, you must contact the court clerk directly, not the county's FOIA coordinator.

For non-court records, Bay County has an online FOIA portal at baycountymi.gov/CorporationCounsel/FOIA.aspx. You can submit requests online, by email, by regular mail, or in person. The county has 5 business days to respond, with a possible 10-day extension for complex requests. Fees apply for copying and staff time. Indigent requesters can seek a fee waiver under MCL 15.234.

For Bay County Sheriff law enforcement records not tied to an open court case, contact the Sheriff's Department directly to ask about their specific records request process.

Bay County's FOIA procedures page explains how to submit requests for county government records that are separate from court case files.

Legal Resources for Bay County

Michigan Legal Help at michiganlegalhelp.org is a free nonprofit resource with plain-language guides on court procedures across all Michigan counties, including Bay. The site covers how to request records, how to understand court filings, and how to pursue expungement under Michigan's Clean Slate law. It is a good resource if you are dealing with a criminal case or trying to understand your own record.

The Michigan State Police MSP FOIA portal at michigan.gov/msp/services/foia handles requests for state police records. Criminal history records are defined under MCL 28.241a as government records containing personal descriptors along with felony and misdemeanor arrests, charges, and convictions.

Cities in Bay County

Bay County's largest city is Bay City, the county seat. Bay City does not have a dedicated city page on this site. All criminal court records for Bay City and the surrounding area are handled through the Bay County court pages and the courts at 1230 Washington Avenue.

Nearby Counties

These counties border Bay County. Check the county where a case was filed if you need records from a neighboring area.