Delta County Criminal Court Records

Delta County criminal court records are kept by the County Clerk at the courthouse in Escanaba. The 25th Circuit Court handles felony cases in Delta County, while the 94th District Court covers misdemeanors. You can search for criminal cases in person, by mail, or through state online tools. This page explains how to find and request records from both courts.

Delta County Clerk and Court Office

The Delta County Clerk's Office is your main contact for criminal court records in this county. The clerk keeps case files for the 25th Circuit Court and works alongside the 94th District Court. Staff can help you find cases by name, case number, or date. Walk-in visits are welcome during regular business hours.

The courthouse sits at 310 Ludington Street in Escanaba. Both the county clerk and the circuit court have offices inside the same building. You can call the clerk at (906) 789-5105 or the circuit court directly at (906) 789-5103. The 94th District Court, which handles misdemeanor and traffic cases, can be reached at (906) 789-5106. Mail requests go to the same Ludington Street address.

Delta County is part of Michigan's Upper Peninsula. The 25th Circuit covers only Delta County. For most felony case filings and records, the circuit court clerk is your starting point.

25th Circuit Court Felony Jurisdiction

The 25th Circuit Court in Delta County handles all felony criminal cases. Felonies are crimes that carry more than one year in state prison. Common examples include assault with intent, drug trafficking, breaking and entering, and weapons offenses. The circuit court also handles appeals from the district court.

Circuit court records include felony complaints, warrants, arraignment documents, bond orders, plea agreements, sentencing records, and final judgments. These records are part of the public court file under MCR 8.119, which governs access to Michigan court records. The clerk maintains these files and can make copies for anyone who requests them. Sealed records and juvenile matters are not available to the public.

The 94th District Court handles misdemeanors, which are crimes punishable by up to one year in county jail. District court records are kept separately and have their own filing procedures. Call (906) 789-5106 to reach district court staff about misdemeanor cases.

Search Delta County Criminal Records

You have several ways to look up Delta County criminal court records. The easiest online option is the state's free MiCOURT case search. This tool lets you search by name, case number, or party. Results show basic case info, docket entries, and court dates. Not every court in Michigan participates fully, so some cases may need an in-person follow-up.

The Michigan State Police ICHAT system at michigan.gov/ichat offers name-based criminal history searches. ICHAT pulls data from law enforcement agencies across the state, including Delta County. The fee is $10 per search. Results show arrests and convictions on file with the Michigan State Police. This is useful for background checks and general criminal history lookups. You need to register before searching, and payment is by credit or debit card.

For in-person searches, go to the Delta County Courthouse at 310 Ludington Street in Escanaba. Bring the full name and date of birth of the person you are looking up, or the case number if you have it. Staff can pull up case records at the counter. You can also mail a written request with the same details to the clerk's office.

Fees and Record Request Procedures

Delta County charges $1.00 per page for standard copies of court records. Certified copies cost $10.00 for the certification fee plus $1.00 per page for each additional page. Certification adds the court's official stamp and signature to the document. You need a certified copy for legal proceedings, court filings in other courts, or immigration matters.

To request records, bring your request to the clerk's office or mail a written request with the case name and number. Include a check or money order payable to Delta County Clerk. Call (906) 789-5105 to confirm current fees before sending payment. The clerk can also tell you whether your request can be handled by mail or requires an in-person visit.

Under MCL 15.231, Michigan's Freedom of Information Act governs access to government records. However, court records are handled separately under MCR 8.119, not FOIA. You request court records directly from the clerk, not through a formal FOIA submission. FOIA applies to law enforcement agency records, like police reports, which come from the Escanaba Police Department or the Delta County Sheriff.

Online Tools for Delta County Case Lookup

Several online tools help you find criminal court records tied to Delta County. The Michigan Courts website gives an overview of the state court system and links to case search tools. It also lists each court's contact info and explains how the courts are organized.

The Michigan Courts homepage connects you to MiCOURT, court forms, and information about each circuit in the state. Use it to learn which court handles your type of case in Delta County.

MiFILE at mifile.courts.michigan.gov is Michigan's e-filing platform. It shows which courts accept electronic filings. Delta County courts may participate in e-filing for certain case types. Check the MiFILE available courts list to see what is active for Delta County before you file anything electronically.

For help understanding criminal court records, Michigan Legal Help has plain-language guides on court procedures. The site covers what to expect at each stage of a criminal case and how to access records without a lawyer.

FOIA vs. Court Record Access in Delta County

People often confuse FOIA requests with court record requests in Michigan. They are two different processes. FOIA, governed by MCL 15.231, applies to records held by government agencies like the sheriff, police departments, and county offices. You submit a FOIA request to the agency that holds the record. The Delta County Sheriff and the City of Escanaba Police Department handle FOIA for their records.

Court records fall under MCR 8.119 and are separate from FOIA. You do not file a FOIA request to get a court case file. Instead, you ask the court clerk directly. The clerk provides copies for a fee. Some records are sealed by court order and not available to the public, including cases involving juveniles and certain protected matters. Under MCL 28.241a, the definition of criminal history record includes arrests and convictions maintained by law enforcement agencies, which ties back to ICHAT for that type of search.

If you need police reports or arrest records from the Delta County Sheriff, you submit a FOIA request to their office. The Michigan State Police FOIA portal at michigan.gov/msp/services/foia handles state police records. Know which agency holds the record you need before you submit a request.

The MSP FOIA portal allows you to submit requests online, track their status, and pay any fees electronically. The standard processing fee is $2.00, with copy charges on top of that.

Legal Help Resources in Delta County

If you need help with a criminal case in Delta County, several resources are available at no cost or low cost. Michigan Legal Help at michiganlegalhelp.org offers guides for people who represent themselves. The site covers criminal court procedures, forms, and what to expect at each hearing.

The Michigan State Bar's lawyer referral service can connect you with a criminal defense attorney in the Upper Peninsula region. Call the State Bar at (800) 968-0738 to ask about referrals in the area. Legal aid organizations serving the Upper Peninsula may also be able to help people who qualify based on income. Ask the clerk's office for a current list of local legal aid contacts if you need one.

Court forms for criminal cases are available through the Michigan Courts website. Many standard forms are free to download. The clerk can tell you which forms apply to your situation and where to file them.

Cities in Delta County

Escanaba is the county seat and the main city in Delta County. All criminal court filings for Delta County go through the courthouse in Escanaba. Other communities in the county include Gladstone, Bark River, and Ford River. None of these cities currently meet the population threshold for a dedicated records page.

Nearby Counties

Delta County borders several other Upper Peninsula counties. If you are not sure which county handles a case, check the address where the crime occurred or where the person lives.