Lenawee County Criminal Court Records

Lenawee County criminal court records are held at the County Clerk's Office in Adrian. The circuit court handles felony criminal cases for the county. This page explains how to search for records, request copies, and use the state's online tools from home or in person.

Lenawee County Clerk's Office

The Lenawee County Clerk's Office is at 301 N. Main St. in Adrian. The clerk maintains all criminal court case files for the county's circuit court. The office handles in-person requests and mail submissions. If you are looking for felony criminal records, this is the right office. Misdemeanor records are held at the district court serving that area of the county.

Adrian is the county seat and the main hub for court services in Lenawee County. The courthouse holds both the clerk's office and the circuit court. Call (517) 264-4590 to ask about specific cases or to find out what forms you need before visiting. The county website at lenawee.mi.us has department pages, office hours, and contact details.

The county website gives you access to department contacts and service info. Below is a screenshot of the site as it appears when you visit to find Lenawee County criminal court records.

Use the county site to confirm office hours and find specific department pages before you visit or call. Hours may change for holidays or staff availability.

Searching Lenawee County Criminal Records

You can search Lenawee County criminal court records in person at the clerk's office or online through MiCOURT. In-person visits let you see the full file and request copies on the same day. Online searches work best for basic case information and checking whether a record exists.

The statewide MiCOURT case search covers many Michigan courts including Lenawee County. Search by name or case number. The system shows case status, docket entries, and scheduled hearings. It is free and available 24/7. Below you can see the MiCOURT interface for finding criminal records.

MiCOURT is a good first stop. Not every case or document shows up online, especially older records. For complete and certified information, contact the clerk directly. Go to 301 N. Main St. in Adrian, or call (517) 264-4590 to ask about your request before visiting.

For mail requests, include the full name of the person, the approximate date of the case, and a money order or check for the estimated fee. The clerk will reach out if more information is needed. Allow at least one to two weeks for mail requests to process and return.

Lenawee County Record Fees

Lenawee County follows the Michigan standard fee schedule for court records. Plain copies cost $1.00 per page. Certified copies are $10.00 for the first document and $5.00 for each additional. These fees are paid directly to the clerk when you pick up records or are included in your mail request as a check or money order.

For a statewide criminal history check, the ICHAT system from the Michigan State Police charges $10 per name. This covers arrest and conviction data across Michigan, not just Lenawee County. ICHAT requires registration and accepts credit or debit card payment. It is useful when you need a broader background check.

Fee waivers under MCL 15.234 may cover the first $20 of FOIA request fees for people who qualify as indigent. For court record fees, ask the clerk directly about waiver options.

Online Tools for Lenawee Records

Michigan provides state-level online tools that work for Lenawee County residents. Use them to get basic information before contacting the clerk for certified copies or full documents.

The Michigan Courts website lists all county courts with contact information, including the circuit and district courts in Lenawee. Michigan Legal Help has free self-help guides that explain how to find criminal records, what documents to request, and how to understand what you find. The MiFILE system handles e-filing for courts that participate. If you are a party or attorney in a current Lenawee case, check whether your court is listed. The MSP FOIA portal is separate and handles requests for Michigan State Police records.

FOIA vs. Court Records in Lenawee County

Court records at the Lenawee County Clerk are not FOIA records. They are governed by MCR 8.119 and must be requested directly from the clerk. FOIA under MCL 15.231 covers records held by public agencies outside the court system.

If you want police reports, arrest reports, or investigative files from the Lenawee County Sheriff or a city police department, submit a FOIA request to that agency. The standard response time is 5 business days with up to 10 more for complex requests. Copy fees under FOIA range from $0.10 to $1.00 per page. Labor charges may apply for searches that take time. Fee waivers under MCL 15.234 are available for qualifying requesters.

Criminal history records defined under MCL 28.241a are public unless sealed. These include arrest records, charges filed, and court judgments. The public has a right to access them through the clerk's office or through ICHAT.

Note: Juvenile records, certain mental health-related case details, and records sealed by a judge are restricted from public access.

Legal Help in Lenawee County

Lenawee County residents can get legal help through several regional resources. Legal Services of South Central Michigan serves Lenawee and nearby counties. They offer free civil legal help to people who meet income guidelines. Call (517) 736-4051 for more information. Michigan Legal Help offers free online tools, including guides for accessing criminal court records and applying for expungements. If you need a licensed attorney, the State Bar of Michigan's referral service can connect you with someone in the area who handles criminal records or related matters. Many offer a reduced-cost initial consultation.

Cities in Lenawee County

Lenawee County has no qualifying cities with dedicated pages on this site. Adrian is the county seat. Criminal cases from across the county, including Tecumseh, Blissfield, and Morenci, are filed with the County Clerk in Adrian.

Nearby Counties

Lenawee County is in southeast Michigan. If your case involves a bordering county, check the clerk's office in the right location.