Kent County Criminal Court Records

Kent County criminal court records are kept at the 17th Circuit Court and the Kent County Clerk's Office in Grand Rapids. This page explains how to search for criminal cases, request copies, and find the right office for your needs.

Kent County Clerk's Office

The Kent County Clerk's Office handles criminal court records for the 17th Circuit Court. You can go in person, call, or mail a request. The clerk's office stores felony case files and keeps the official record of all circuit court proceedings. Staff can help you find cases and make copies.

Kent County is the most populated county in West Michigan. Grand Rapids is the county seat. The clerk's office is located in the heart of downtown Grand Rapids, close to the main courthouse. The 17th Circuit Court sits at 180 Ottawa Ave. NW, just a short walk from the clerk's office at 300 Monroe Ave. NW.

The county website at accesskent.com has links to court departments and services. You can find phone numbers and office details there. For criminal case records, the clerk's office is your first stop.

The 17th Circuit Court handles felony criminal cases. District courts in Kent County handle misdemeanors and civil infractions. There are several district courts spread across the county, including the 61st, 62A, 62B, and 63rd. Each one keeps its own records. If your case is a misdemeanor, you need to contact the right district court for that area.

Search Kent County Criminal Records

Kent County criminal court records can be found through the state's online search tool or in person at the courthouse. MiCOURT is the free case lookup system run by the Michigan Supreme Court. You can use it to look up case numbers, party names, and docket entries.

The county website at accesskent.com is a good starting point. From there you can find contact info and links to court departments. The screenshot below shows what the site looks like when you visit it to start your search for Kent County criminal court records.

The Kent County website connects you to court services and the clerk's office. Use it to find the right department for your request. For case-level searches, MiCOURT is the main tool.

The statewide MiCOURT case search lets you search by name or case number at no charge. Coverage varies by court, but Kent County is well represented. You can view case status, hearing dates, and basic docket entries. The image below shows the MiCOURT search interface.

MiCOURT provides free access to basic case data for Kent County and other Michigan courts. Some records may be sealed or restricted. Full documents require an in-person visit or written request. Under Michigan Court Rule MCR 8.119, court records are separate from FOIA and must be requested through the clerk.

To search in person, go to 300 Monroe Ave. NW in Grand Rapids. Staff can look up cases by name or case number. Bring your ID. You can view records at the counter and request paper copies. Note: An appointment may be required, so call ahead at (616) 632-7700 before visiting.

Kent County Court Record Fees

Standard copy fees apply to criminal court records in Kent County. Certified copies cost more than plain ones. Fees are set by state guidelines, though individual courts may vary slightly. Always ask the clerk about current rates before you request copies.

General fees for court records in Michigan include:

• Plain copies: $1.00 per page
• Certified copies: $10.00 for first copy, $5.00 for each additional
• ICHAT criminal history search: $10.00 per name
• FOIA requests: $0.10 to $1.00 per page (labor and search fees may apply)

The ICHAT system from the Michigan State Police lets you run a name-based criminal history check for $10. This gives you a statewide view of arrests and convictions on record. It is separate from court case files.

If you can't afford fees, ask about a fee waiver. Under MCL 15.234, the first $20 of FOIA fees may be waived for people who qualify as indigent. Court record fees have separate rules. Ask the clerk for an affidavit of indigency form if you need one.

Note: Certified copies are needed for legal purposes like court filings, employment checks, and licensing. Plain copies are fine for personal review.

Online Tools for Kent County Records

Michigan offers several online tools for accessing criminal records. Each one covers different types of information. Knowing which tool to use saves time. MiCOURT covers court cases. ICHAT covers criminal history. MiFILE handles e-filing for active cases.

The MiFILE e-filing system shows which courts accept electronic filings. Kent County courts are part of this system. If you are an attorney or party in a case, you can use MiFILE to file documents. This page also shows you which local courts are active on the platform.

Michigan Legal Help at michiganlegalhelp.org is a free resource for people who don't have a lawyer. It has guides for finding court records, understanding criminal charges, and filing forms. It is not affiliated with Kent County specifically but covers all Michigan courts. The Michigan Courts website gives you an overview of the whole state court system and has links to each court's page.

FOIA vs. Court Records in Kent County

Many people confuse FOIA requests with court record requests. They are not the same. Court case records in Kent County are governed by MCR 8.119, not the Michigan Freedom of Information Act. You request court records from the clerk, not through a FOIA portal.

FOIA under MCL 15.231 applies to records held by government agencies outside the court system. For example, if you want police reports, incident records, or investigative files from the Kent County Sheriff or a local police department, you submit a FOIA request to that agency. Response time is 5 business days, with up to 10 more days allowed for complex requests.

Court records are different. They sit with the clerk of the court. You ask for them in person, by mail, or through MiCOURT. Some court records are public under MCL 28.241a, which defines criminal history records as public information. Others may be sealed by a judge's order. If a record is sealed, the clerk will tell you it is not available.

Note: If you want police department records for Kent County specifically, contact the Kent County Sheriff or the Grand Rapids Police Department directly. They have their own FOIA contacts.

Legal Help in Kent County

If you need help understanding criminal court records or navigating the court system, several resources are available in Kent County. Legal aid groups serve low-income residents at no charge or reduced cost.

West Michigan Legal Services offers free civil legal help to people who qualify by income. Call (616) 774-0672 or visit their office. They serve Kent County and several surrounding counties. Their staff can help with record-related questions and refer you to the right place. Michigan Legal Help has online self-help tools and plain-language guides for common legal questions. The State Bar of Michigan runs a lawyer referral service as well. If you need someone to pull records for you or interpret what they contain, a local attorney can help.

Cities in Kent County

Kent County has two qualifying cities with their own pages. Both cities file criminal cases at the 17th Circuit Court and the applicable Kent County district courts.

Other communities in Kent County include Walker, Kentwood, East Grand Rapids, Rockford, and Lowell. Criminal cases from all these areas go through the Kent County court system.

Nearby Counties

Kent County borders several other counties in West Michigan. If you are not sure which county handles your case, check the address of the incident or the party's residence at the time of the case.