Bay County, Michigan Court Records
Bay County court records are official documents generated during legal proceedings in the county. They document all events in a legal case, from filing through final resolution. In Bay County, these records are created and preserved by the clerk of the court where a matter was filed, such as the 18th Judicial Circuit Court, the 74th District Court, and the Bay County Probate Court.
Although distinct, Bay County court records can sometimes connect to and complement other county records. For example, criminal court records, alongside Bay County arrest records, constitute a major portion of the county's criminal justice records. Furthermore, a criminal court record includes arrest information, such as charges, and also provides the outcomes of those charges.
Are Bay County Court Records Public?
Yes. Bay County court records are public records pursuant to the Michigan Freedom of Information Act (MCL 15.231 to 15.246) and MCR 8.119(H). As a result, Bay County court records are open to public inspection and copying by interested persons through the court clerks. However, a record may be inaccessible if restricted under statutory provisions, court rules, or court orders. Records that are typically restricted include adoption records (MCL 710.67), juvenile delinquency records, mental health commitment files, and records sealed by legal orders.
What Information is Available in Bay County Court Records?
The type of information available in public Bay County court records will depend on the case. However, the following are common in these records.
- Case information (e.g., involved party names, case number, filing dates, case type)
- Pleadings and motions (including complaints, claims, and petitions filed by parties)
- Criminal charges
- Register of Actions (ROA)/docket
- Court orders/decrees/judgments
- Transcripts
- Exhibits and briefs
- Warrants/summonses (where applicable)
- Sentencing information
Bay County Court Records Search
Individuals can search Bay County court records online, in person, or by mail or phone request.
Online Access
For online access to Bay County court records, use the Bay County Courts Case Files portal. The portal allows individuals to search records of the circuit and district courts by last name, first name, or case number. It also allows users to filter results by judge or jurist. Additionally, the MiCourt Case Search portal, which provides searchable access to public court records across Michigan, can be used to search for and access Bay County court records. The search criterion is name or case number. However, note that online access to records may vary by case type and portal used. For example, the MiCourt Case portal does not provide district court records prior to 07/31/2014.
In-Person Access
Individuals who prefer to obtain records or conduct searches in person can visit the Bay County court where the case was filed. These include the 18th Judicial Circuit Court, the 74th District Court, and the Bay County Probate Court. Visit these courts Monday through Friday, between 8:00 am and 5:00 pm, to search records or request copies. The Bay County Clerk serves as the clerk of the 18th Judicial Circuit Court; therefore, record seekers can visit the clerk's office in person to conduct searches or request copies of circuit court records using the party's name or case number.
- 18th Judicial Circuit Court-1230 Washington Avenue, Suite 725, Bay City, Michigan 48708-5737
- 74th District Court-1230 Washington Avenue, Suite 747, Bay City, Michigan 48708-5737
- Bay County Probate Court-1230 Washington Ave., Suite 715, Bay City, Michigan 48708-5737
Mail and Phone Requests
Individuals who do not want to visit can instead send mail or phone requests to the respective Bay County courts for court records. For example, to obtain 18th Judicial Circuit Court records, mail requests to:
18th Judicial Circuit Court
1230 Washington Avenue, Suite 725
Bay City, Michigan 48708-5737
Processing times for mail requests vary. Requesters should send mail requests in self-addressed, stamped envelopes, along with any applicable search or copy fees in cash or check. To request records by phone, call:
- Circuit Court - (989) 895-4265
- District Court - (989) 895-4232
- Probate Court - (989) 895-4205
Fees for Court Records in Bay County
Under MCL 600.2546, the fee for obtaining court records is $1.00 per page for regular copies and $10.00 plus $1.00 per page for certified or exemplified copies. This fee is intended to cover printing costs. However, when no copies are needed, it is free to inspect court files-whether in person or online.
Bay County Courthouse Locations
There are 3 courts in Bay County, all housed in a single building. The courts are as follows.
1230 Washington Avenue, Suite 725
Bay City, Michigan 48708-5737
Phone: (989) 895-4265
1230 Washington Avenue, Suite 747
Bay City, Michigan 48708-5737
Phone: (989) 895-4232
1230 Washington Ave., Suite 715
Bay City, Michigan 48708-5737
Phone: (989) 895-4205
Criminal Records Access in Bay County
To access criminal case records for felony and misdemeanor matters filed in the Bay County 18th Judicial Circuit Court and the 74th District Court, interested persons should use the Bay County Courts Case Files portal. This portal allows users to search for and inspect a criminal case record by the defendant's name or case number. In addition, these records can be accessed via the MiCourt Case Search portal or in person at the respective courthouse through the clerk's office.
However, access to official statewide criminal records is not handled by county courts but by the Michigan State Police's Criminal Justice Information Center (CJIC). The CJIC provides access to these records through the Internet Criminal History Access Tool (ICHAT).
Bay County Probate Records
Bay County probate records are official documents created during legal proceedings to administer a deceased person's estate. They also document wills, adult and minor guardianships, conservatorships, and adoptions. Bay County probate records are mostly public, though records involving adoption, mental health proceedings, and minors are typically confidential.
Individuals seeking to access Bay County probate records should use theMiCourt Case Search portal. The portal allows users to search case indexes and the Register of Action (ROA) maintained by probate courts across Michigan. Recent filings may be accessible through the portal. Alternatively, individuals should visit or call the Bay County Probate Court at (989) 895-4205.
Bay County Family Court Records
Bay County family court records document domestic relations cases handled in the Circuit Court, including divorce, child custody and support, and personal protection orders (PPOs). They also document child neglect and abuse cases and juvenile delinquency proceedings handled in the Family Division of the Circuit Court.
Interested persons can search for or request certified copies of Bay County family court records in person at the circuit court. They can also request these records through the Bay County Clerk, who maintains all circuit court files. Alternatively, Bay County family court records can be searched online using the Bay County Courts Case Files portal or the MiCourt Case Search portal.
Note that fees apply when requesting certified copies. Additionally, family court records involving minors and certain domestic violence cases may be confidential.
Federal Court Records in Bay County
Federal court records refer to court records of cases adjudicated under federal law. These include files and documents of civil rights violations, federal drug offenses, bank fraud, and diversity jurisdiction cases. Federal court records in Bay County are typically accessed throughPACER (Public Access to Court Electronic Records), an electronic portal that allows users to view and obtain copies of federal court files and documents across the U.S.
Additionally, a federal court record can be obtained by making an in-person request to the clerk of the federal court where the case was filed. In Bay County, federal cases are filed in the Bay City courthouse of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan.
