Washtenaw County District Court Records are public documents that show case details, court dates, charges, judgments, and other legal actions. These records help people track legal matters, verify past court activity, or conduct background checks. Most records are open to the public unless a judge seals them. You can view or request these records online, by mail, or in person at the correct courthouse. The county has three district courts and one circuit court. Each handles different types of cases and serves specific areas. Knowing which court holds your record saves time and avoids delays.
How to Get Washtenaw County District Court Records
You can get Washtenaw County District Court Records through the official county website or by visiting a courthouse. The fastest way is using the Michigan Courts Case Search portal. This free tool lets you search active and closed cases by name, case number, or date. You’ll see docket entries, hearing schedules, and final rulings. For older records, you may need to submit a formal request. The county limits requests to five files per hour per person. Each request must include the record type, date range, and purpose. Use the LAO 2014-08 Inspection Reproduction Creation form for official requests. Fill it out completely to avoid rejection.
Online Access via Michigan Courts Case Search
The Michigan Courts Case Search portal is the main online tool for Washtenaw County District Court Records. It covers all three district courts: 14A, 14B, and the 15th Judicial District. You can search by party name, attorney, judge, or case number. Results show filing dates, charges, court locations, and status updates. Some records include downloadable PDFs of judgments or motions. The system updates daily, so you see the latest info. No login is needed for basic searches. This makes it easy for anyone to check a case quickly.
In-Person Requests at Courthouse Locations
If you prefer face-to-face help, visit one of the district courthouses. The 14A-1 District Court is at 4133 Washtenaw Avenue, Ann Arbor, MI 48108. It serves most of Washtenaw County except Ann Arbor city and Ypsilanti Township. The 14A-2 branch is at 415 West Michigan Avenue, Ypsilanti, MI 48197. It handles cases from parts of Ypsilanti. The 15th Judicial District Court is at 301 East Huron Street, Ann Arbor, MI 48107. It covers city of Ann Arbor cases. Bring a valid ID and know the case number if possible. Staff will help you locate files during business hours.
Types of Records Available
Washtenaw County District Court Records include civil, criminal, traffic, small claims, and landlord-tenant cases. Civil cases involve disputes under $25,000. Small claims go up to $6,500. Criminal records show misdemeanors with jail time up to one year. Traffic tickets, ordinance violations, and felony pre-trial records are also included. Family law matters like protection orders may appear if filed in district court. Each record shows parties involved, charges or claims, court dates, judge names, and final outcomes. Some files include sentencing details or payment records.
Civil and Small Claims Records
Civil case records cover lawsuits between individuals or businesses. These include contract disputes, property damage, or personal injury claims under $25,000. Small claims records are simpler and faster. They handle cases up to $6,500 without lawyers. Both types show plaintiff and defendant names, filing dates, court hearings, and judgments. You can see if a case was settled, dismissed, or went to trial. Payment histories for fines or restitution may also be listed.
Criminal and Traffic Records
Criminal records in Washtenaw County District Court include misdemeanors like theft, assault, or drug possession. These show arrest dates, charges, court appearances, plea deals, and sentencing. Traffic records cover speeding, DUIs, and other moving violations. Felony cases start here before moving to circuit court. You’ll see if charges were reduced, dismissed, or resulted in conviction. Some records include probation terms or license suspensions.
Historic and Archived Records
Records older than 25 years or dated before 1883 are not in the active database. Final orders from these historic cases may still be viewed at the County Clerk’s office. Full collections from 1828 to 1883 are kept at the Michigan State Archives. Call 517-335-2576 to schedule a visit or request mailed copies. These archives hold early court files, land disputes, and territorial records. They are valuable for genealogy, research, or historical projects. Allow extra time for processing since staff must retrieve physical files.
Accessing Pre-1883 Records
To view records from 1828 to 1883, contact the Michigan State Archives. They hold complete collections of early Washtenaw County court files. These include probate, civil, and criminal cases from Michigan’s territorial days. You can visit in person or ask for copies by mail. Provide as much detail as possible: names, dates, case types. Staff will search their catalog and retrieve relevant boxes. There may be fees for copying or shipping. Plan ahead—some requests take weeks.
Court Locations and Contact Info
Washtenaw County has three district courts and one circuit court. The 14A District Court has two branches: 14A-1 in Ann Arbor and 14A-2 in Ypsilanti. The 14B District Court serves Ypsilanti Township. The 15th Judicial District Court handles Ann Arbor city cases. The 22nd Circuit Court manages felonies, divorces, and appeals. Each location offers public access to records, dockets, and calendars. Staff can assist with searches during office hours.
14A District Court Details
The 14A-1 District Court is at 4133 Washtenaw Avenue, Ann Arbor, MI 48108. Phone: 734-973-4545. Probation: 734-973-4883. It covers most of Washtenaw County outside Ann Arbor and Ypsilanti Township. The 14A-2 branch is at 415 West Michigan Avenue, Ypsilanti, MI 48197. Phone: 734-484-6690. Probation: 734-484-6695. Both use the Michigan Courts Case Search portal for online records. They also offer e-filing, fee schedules, and contact lists on their websites.
15th Judicial District Court
The 15th Judicial District Court is at 301 East Huron Street, Ann Arbor, MI 48107. Phone: 734-794-6750. It handles civil cases under $25,000, small claims under $6,500, landlord-tenant disputes, and misdemeanors. Felony cases start here before transfer to circuit court. The court provides online case search, e-filing, and downloadable forms. Visit during business hours for in-person help. Staff can guide you through record requests or docket reviews.
Online Tools and Resources
Washtenaw County offers several online tools for finding court records. The Michigan Courts Case Search portal is the primary resource. It covers all district courts and shows real-time docket info. The county website has links to docket calendars, fee schedules, and request forms. You can also check warrants, probation reports, and employment verification online. These tools save trips to the courthouse and speed up research.
Docket and Calendar Access
Each district court posts daily dockets online. These list hearing times, judge names, case numbers, and courtroom locations. The 14A-1 and 14A-2 calendars are searchable by date or name. The 15th District Court’s site includes traffic, criminal, and civil schedules. Use these to track upcoming hearings or verify past appearances. Calendars update nightly, so you always see current info.
E-Filing and Digital Services
Washtenaw County supports e-filing for new cases and document submissions. Lawyers and self-represented litigants can file motions, answers, or evidence online. The system requires a secure login and payment of filing fees. Digital services also include online warrant checks, monthly probation reports, and record request tracking. These tools make court processes faster and more transparent.
Fees and Processing Times
There is no fee to search records online. Printing or downloading PDFs may cost a small amount per page. In-person requests might have copying or certification fees. Processing times vary. Online searches are instant. Mail or in-person requests can take 3–10 business days. Complex or historic searches may take longer. The county caps requests at five files per hour to manage workload.
Payment Methods
Fees for copies or certifications can be paid by cash, check, or credit card at the courthouse. Online payments use secure portals with fee calculators. Make checks payable to “Washtenaw County.” Keep receipts for your records. Some services, like basic case lookups, remain free.
Privacy and Sealed Records
Most Washtenaw County District Court Records are public. But judges can seal certain files for privacy or safety. Juvenile records, mental health cases, and some protection orders are often restricted. If a record is sealed, you won’t see details without court permission. Always check the docket first—it will note if a file is closed to the public.
How to Request Access to Sealed Files
To view a sealed record, you must file a motion with the court. Explain why you need access and how it serves the public interest. A judge will review your request and decide. This process can take weeks. Consult a lawyer if the case involves sensitive matters.
Common Uses for Court Records
People use Washtenaw County District Court Records for many reasons. Employers check criminal histories during background checks. Landlords review tenant court histories. Lawyers research past cases for strategy. Researchers study legal trends. Individuals verify their own records or track ongoing lawsuits. These uses show why easy access matters.
Background Checks and Employment
Many employers require court record checks before hiring. Washtenaw County records help verify criminal history, civil judgments, or bankruptcy filings. Use the Michigan Courts Case Search portal for quick results. For formal reports, submit a request with the LAO 2014-08 form.
Landlord and Tenant Research
Landlords often check if a tenant has been sued for eviction or property damage. Tenants may look up landlord histories for unfair practices. District court records show past landlord-tenant cases, judgments, and payment issues. This info helps both sides make informed decisions.
Tips for Successful Record Searches
Start with the Michigan Courts Case Search portal. Have the person’s full name, case number, or approximate date ready. If you don’t find results, try alternate spellings or middle names. For older cases, contact the County Clerk or State Archives. Always double-check which court handles the area where the case was filed. Wrong court means missed records.
Avoiding Common Mistakes
Don’t assume all records are online. Pre-1990 files may only be on paper. Don’t skip the purpose field on request forms—it’s required. Don’t exceed the five-file-per-hour limit. And don’t forget to check if the case moved to circuit court. Felonies often transfer after arraignment.
Contact Information and Office Hours
Washtenaw County courthouses are open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Closed on federal holidays. For general questions, call the Records Division at 734-222-3072. The 14A District Court: 734-973-4545. The 15th District Court: 734-794-6750. Michigan State Archives: 517-335-2576. Visit during lunch breaks or early morning for shorter lines.
Official Websites
https://www.washtenaw.org/1034/Records-Access
https://www.washtenaw.org/946/14A-District-Court
https://www.washtenaw.org/1609/Washtenaw-County-Courts
https://www.a2gov.org/departments/15D/pages/default.aspx
https://michigan.staterecords.org/washtenaw
Map of Courthouse Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
Many people have similar questions about Washtenaw County District Court Records. Below are clear, direct answers based on current rules and procedures. These cover access, fees, privacy, and troubleshooting. If you don’t see your question, call the Records Division for help.
Can I get court records for free?
Yes, you can search and view most Washtenaw County District Court Records for free online. The Michigan Courts Case Search portal shows dockets, case numbers, and basic details at no cost. However, printing official copies, getting certified documents, or requesting large batches may involve fees. In-person visits are free, but staff time is limited to five files per hour per person. Always check the county website for the latest fee schedule before submitting a request.
How far back do online records go?
Online records on the Michigan Courts Case Search portal typically go back to the early 1990s. Older files, especially those before 1883 or more than 25 years old, are not in the digital system. Final orders from historic cases may be viewed at the County Clerk’s office. Complete collections from 1828 to 1883 are stored at the Michigan State Archives. You must contact them directly to access these materials. Plan extra time, as retrieval from off-site storage can take days or weeks.
What if I can’t find a case online?
If you can’t find a case online, it may be in a different court, sealed, or not yet entered into the system. Double-check the jurisdiction: Ann Arbor city cases go to the 15th District, Ypsilanti Township to 14B, and the rest to 14A. Felonies often move to the 22nd Circuit Court after initial hearings. Try searching by alternate names or dates. If still unsuccessful, visit the courthouse in person or submit a formal request using the LAO 2014-08 form. Staff can help locate physical files not available digitally.
Are juvenile records public?
No, juvenile records in Washtenaw County are generally not public. They are sealed by law to protect minors’ privacy. Only authorized parties like parents, attorneys, or court officials can access them. If you believe you have a legal right to view a juvenile file, you must petition the court. A judge will review your request and decide based on state law and the child’s best interest. Do not assume these records are available through standard searches.
Can I get a certified copy of a judgment?
Yes, you can request a certified copy of a judgment from the Records Division. Bring valid ID and the case number to the courthouse, or submit a written request with the LAO 2014-08 form. There is a fee for certification, usually a few dollars per document. Certified copies bear the court seal and are accepted for official purposes like immigration or employment. Allow 3–5 business days for processing. Rush services may be available for an extra charge.
How do I check if someone has a warrant?
You can check for active warrants using the online warrant review tool on the Washtenaw County website. Enter the person’s full name and date of birth. The system will show if a bench warrant or arrest order is active. Note that not all warrants appear immediately—some may be pending entry. For confirmation, call the court clerk or visit in person. Never rely solely on online checks for legal decisions.
What’s the difference between district and circuit court records?
District courts handle misdemeanors, small claims, traffic cases, and preliminary felony hearings. Circuit courts manage felonies, divorces, probate, and appeals. Washtenaw County has three district courts (14A, 14B, 15th) and one circuit court (22nd). If a case starts in district court but becomes a felony, it transfers to circuit court. Always check both systems if you’re unsure where a case ended. The Michigan Courts Case Search portal covers both levels.