Washtenaw County Criminal Court Records

Washtenaw County criminal court records are maintained by the County Clerk and the 22nd Circuit Court in Ann Arbor. This page explains how to search case records, request documents, and use the online tools available for Washtenaw County. Whether you need a docket entry or a certified copy of a judgment, the clerk's office and state systems give you several ways to get what you need.

Washtenaw County Clerk's Office

The Washtenaw County Clerk's Office keeps criminal court records for cases filed in the county. The clerk handles filings, stores case documents, and processes requests for certified copies. Staff can help you search by name or case number. The main office is at 200 N. Main Street in Ann Arbor.

The 22nd Circuit Court sits at 101 E. Huron Street in Ann Arbor. This is where felony cases are tried and where those records are stored after the case closes. For lower-level crimes, the District Court handles misdemeanors and ordinance violations. Both courts use the same county clerk system for records. If you are not sure which court handled your case, start with the clerk's office and they can direct you.

The clerk's office is open Monday through Friday during regular business hours. Call before you go to confirm hours, since holiday closures and staffing changes happen through the year. Mail requests are also accepted, but in-person visits are faster for getting certified copies the same day.

Search Washtenaw County Criminal Records

You have a few ways to search Washtenaw County criminal court records. The fastest option for basic case info is online. The state's MiCOURT system at micourt.courts.michigan.gov gives free access to case status, party names, and docket entries for many courts across Michigan. Washtenaw County cases appear in this system, though not every document is available online.

The MiCOURT case search tool lets you look up records by name, case number, or business name. Results show the case type, filing date, charges listed, and hearing dates. It's a good starting point. If you need full documents or a certified copy, you will still need to contact the clerk's office directly.

The MiCOURT interface shown above is the primary online tool for searching Washtenaw County court cases. Use it to find case numbers before contacting the clerk's office.

To search Washtenaw County criminal records in person, go to the clerk's office at 200 N. Main Street. Bring the full name of the person you are searching and the approximate year the case was filed. Case numbers help speed things up if you have them. Staff will pull up the case and let you review what records are available. Certified copies can be ordered on the spot for a fee.

To search or request records by mail, send a written request to the clerk's office at the address above. Include the full name, date of birth if known, and the year or case number. Attach payment for any copy fees. The clerk will send back what they find or let you know if more information is needed.

Fees for Washtenaw County Court Records

Copy fees for court records in Michigan are set by state law. Under MCR 8.119, court clerks may charge for copies of records. Standard per-page copy costs run from $0.10 to $1.00 depending on the type of document and the court. Certified copies cost more than plain copies. Certification adds a seal and signature that makes the document official for legal use.

ICHAT criminal history searches through the Michigan State Police cost $10 per search. This is a name-based search, not a court record search. It covers state-wide arrest and conviction data held by Michigan State Police. For deeper checks, fingerprint-based searches are more thorough but require going through a licensed agency.

Fee waivers are available in some cases. Under MCL 15.234, the first $20 of FOIA-related fees is waived for people who meet the indigency standard. Court record fees are separate from FOIA fees, but the clerk's office may have its own waiver process. Ask when you contact them.

Note: Fees can change. Always confirm current rates with the Washtenaw County Clerk before submitting payment.

Online Tools for Michigan Criminal Records

Several state tools help you find criminal court records without visiting a courthouse. The MiCOURT case search is the main one for court filings. It's free and covers most Michigan counties including Washtenaw. You can search by name, case number, or attorney. Results include the case docket and hearing dates.

The ICHAT tool from the Michigan State Police is a different type of search. It runs a name-based check against statewide criminal history records maintained by MSP. This is useful when you want to see arrest and conviction data across the state, not just from one county's court. Each search costs $10 and requires registration.

MiFILE is Michigan's e-filing platform. Some Washtenaw County courts accept electronic filings through this system. The available courts list shows which courts participate. If you are filing a new case or a motion, check MiFILE first to see if Washtenaw County is on the list.

Michigan Legal Help at michiganlegalhelp.org is a free self-help resource for people without a lawyer. It has guides on how to read court records, how to find your case, and how to handle common situations in criminal cases. It's a good place to start if you are not sure what type of record you need.

The Michigan Courts website shown above is the central hub for court information, rules, and resources across all 83 counties including Washtenaw.

FOIA vs. Court Records in Washtenaw County

People sometimes confuse court records with FOIA requests. They are not the same thing. Court records are governed by Michigan Court Rules, specifically MCR 8.119. You request them directly from the Clerk of the Court, not through a FOIA request. FOIA under MCL 15.231 covers government agency records such as police reports, incident reports, and records from county departments.

If you want a criminal case file, a docket sheet, or a copy of a court order, go to the clerk's office. That's a court record request. If you want a police report from the Ann Arbor Police Department or a Washtenaw County Sheriff's record, that is a FOIA request. The MSP FOIA portal at michigan.gov/msp/services/foia handles requests for state police records. Local agencies have their own processes.

Criminal history records under MCL 28.241a are yet another category. These are maintained by the Michigan State Police and include arrest and conviction data from across the state. Access them through the ICHAT system. Each search is $10 and covers all participating law enforcement agencies statewide.

Legal Help in Washtenaw County

If you need help with a criminal case in Washtenaw County, several organizations offer free or low-cost assistance. Michigan Legal Help at michiganlegalhelp.org has self-help guides and tools for people working without an attorney. The site covers how to read court records, what to do if you have a warrant, and how expungement works in Michigan.

Washtenaw County has local legal aid resources as well. The Washtenaw County Bar Association can connect you with attorneys who take reduced-fee cases. The University of Michigan Law School in Ann Arbor operates clinics that sometimes handle criminal matters for qualifying clients. Contact the county bar for referrals.

For expungement, Michigan's Clean Slate law expanded eligibility for clearing criminal records. If you want to know whether your record qualifies, start at Michigan Legal Help or call the clerk's office to ask about the process. Some types of convictions are eligible; others are not. A legal aid attorney can review your record and tell you where you stand.

Note: Michigan Legal Help does not provide legal advice from an attorney, but its guides are written by lawyers and are a solid starting point for self-represented people.

Cities in Washtenaw County

Ann Arbor is the largest city in Washtenaw County and home to the county seat and the 22nd Circuit Court. All criminal cases for Washtenaw County residents are filed with the county courts regardless of which city the person lives in.

Other communities in Washtenaw County include Ypsilanti, Saline, Chelsea, Milan, and several townships. These communities do not have separate city pages, but their criminal cases are all handled at the Washtenaw County courts in Ann Arbor.

Nearby Counties

These counties border Washtenaw County. If you are unsure which county a case was filed in, check the address of the court in the case documents. Each county has its own clerk and courthouse.