Criminal records in Macomb County, Michigan, are available through several channels. MacombCourt.us allows you to quickly find publicly available information about criminal cases. Additionally, official state court portals, county law enforcement agencies, and the Clerk's Office provide access to case materials, charge histories, and court outcomes. Below is a practical guide to searching, requesting, and understanding criminal records in this county.
How to Search Criminal Records in Macomb
Start by determining what exactly you need: information about a specific case, a criminal history check, or an inmate status. This will determine which tool to choose.
Online Search
- MacombCourt.us — enter the person's first and last name to view publicly available information about court cases in Macomb County.
- MiCOURT Case Search — the official portal of Michigan state courts. Select "Macomb Circuit Court" or the appropriate district court, enter the name or case number. Some courts display data on criminal convictions only for the last seven years.
- ICHAT (Internet Criminal History Access Tool) — the Michigan State Police system allows you to check a person's public criminal history by name and date of birth. Results include records from across the state, not just one county.
- OTIS (Offender Tracking Information System) — search for individuals under the supervision of the Michigan Department of Corrections. Information about inmates in county jails is not displayed here.
In-Person Visit
The Macomb County Clerk's Office maintains official court records for the county court. Visit the courthouse in Mount Clemens to use public access terminals or submit a request directly to the clerk. District courts — for example, the 41-A District Court in Sterling Heights — also have their own offices with criminal cases.
Written Request
Send a request under the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) to the appropriate authority. For court records, to the court clerk's office. For police reports, to the Macomb County Sheriff's Records Office. For a state-level criminal history check, a mail request to the Michigan State Police, Criminal Justice Information Center.
What you need to start a search:
- Full name of the person (preferably exact spelling)
- Date of birth (mandatory for ICHAT)
- Case number (if known — speeds up the search in MiCOURT)
Search Macomb Criminal Cases by Case Number
In Michigan, a case number has a standard structure that is useful to understand before searching. The typical format for Macomb County Circuit Court:
YYYY-NNNNNN-TT
- YYYY — year the case was opened (e.g., 2024)
- NNNNNN — sequential case number
- TT — case type code
Main criminal case type codes:
| Code | Case Type |
|---|---|
| FH | Felony (serious crime) |
| FY | Felony (alternative code in some courts) |
| SM | Misdemeanor (less serious crime) — district court |
| SD | Traffic offense — district court |
For example, the number 2023-004521-FH means: a felony case opened in 2023 under sequential number 004521. Enter this number into the MiCOURT portal, selecting Macomb Circuit Court in advance, and the system will show the status, hearing dates, and court decision.
Charges, Case Status, Hearings, and Court Results in Macomb
Charges
Each charge is tied to a specific article of the Michigan Compiled Laws (MCL). The court classifies it by severity:
- Felony — serious crime, punishment over one year of imprisonment
- Misdemeanor — less serious crime, punishment up to one year
- Infraction / Civil infraction — violation without criminal status (e.g., traffic fine)
A charge may be amended by the prosecutor — for example, a felony may be reduced to a misdemeanor as part of a plea bargain.
Case Status
| Status | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Pending | Case is open, decision not yet made |
| Active | Case is under consideration, hearings scheduled |
| Disposed | Court has made a final decision |
| Closed | All obligations fulfilled, case closed |
Types of Hearings
- Arraignment — first appearance of the accused before the court; reading of charges, determination of bail
- Preliminary Hearing / Examination — judge decides if there is enough evidence to transfer the case to the circuit court (applies to felonies)
- Pre-trial Conference — meeting of the parties before the trial to discuss evidence and possible agreements
- Trial — court hearing on the merits
- Sentencing — sentencing after a guilty plea or conviction
- Review Hearing — review of compliance with probation conditions or other obligations
Court Results
- Guilty — found guilty
- Not Guilty — acquitted
- Dismissed — case closed without a decision on the merits
- Nolle Prosequi — prosecutor declined to prosecute
- Acquitted — full acquittal after trial
In Michigan, there is also a mechanism for expungement (set aside), which allows for the removal of a conviction from the public record under certain conditions.
How to Request Certified Criminal Records in Macomb
Certified copies are officially certified documents with a court or relevant authority seal. They are usually required for employers, attorneys, or immigration procedures.
Where to Apply
- Macomb County Clerk / Register of Deeds — for circuit court records
- Office of the appropriate district court — for misdemeanor and traffic violation cases
- Michigan State Police, CJIC — for an official state-level criminal history report
- Macomb County Sheriff's Records Office — for police reports and arrest records
Ways to Submit a Request
- In-person — visit the court clerk's office in Mount Clemens with a photo ID (driver's license or passport)
- By mail — send a written request with the full name, date of birth, case number (if known), and a copy of the ID
- Through FOIA — for police reports, you can submit a Freedom of Information Act request
- Online — a criminal history check through ICHAT can be ordered on the state police website
Necessary forms for expungement and other court procedures are available on the SCAO Forms page.
Contact Information
Macomb County Clerk's Office
Macomb County Sheriff's Records Office
Fees, Copy Costs, and Processing Times for Criminal Records in Macomb
The cost depends on the type of record and the issuing authority. Below are approximate rates based on current prices.
| Service | Cost | Source |
|---|---|---|
| ICHAT search (state criminal history) | $10.00 | Michigan State Police |
| Copy of court document (per page) | $1.00 | Macomb County Clerk |
| Document certification | $10.00 | Macomb County Clerk |
| Copy of police report | Depends on volume; calculated by FOIA | Sheriff's Records Office |
Payment at the court clerk's office is usually accepted in cash, money order, or card. For mail requests, include a self-addressed envelope and prepayment.
Processing Times
- ICHAT online — results appear within minutes
- Copies of court documents (in-person) — usually the same day or within a few business days
- Mail requests — from 5 to 15 business days
- FOIA requests — Michigan law requires a response within 5 business days, with the possibility of an extension for another 10 days
Rates may change. Before submitting a request, confirm the current cost directly with the court clerk's office or on the relevant agency's website.