Court records in Clinton County, Michigan, can be searched through several channels. ClintonMICourt.us can help find publicly available information about court cases filed in the county. Additional access points include the state's online case-search tools, the court clerks' offices in St. Johns, and public-access terminals available at the courthouse. Whether you need to look up a pending case, check a hearing date, or request a certified document, the resources below explain where to start and what to expect.
Clinton Court System & Jurisdictions
Clinton County is served by two trial-level courts, each handling distinct case types:
29th Circuit Court
The Circuit Court is the county's general-jurisdiction trial court. It hears:
- Felony criminal cases
- Civil lawsuits with claims over $25,000
- Family division matters — divorce, custody, parenting time, child support, paternity, juvenile delinquency, child protective proceedings, and adoptions
- Appeals from District Court and administrative agencies
65A District Court
The 65A District Court handles a broad range of lower-level matters:
- Misdemeanor criminal cases
- Civil disputes up to $25,000
- Small claims (up to $6,500)
- Landlord-tenant and land-contract disputes
- Traffic and ordinance violations
- Arraignments and preliminary examinations for felony cases before they are bound over to Circuit Court
Probate Court
Clinton County Probate Court manages:
- Decedent estates and wills
- Guardianships and conservatorships
- Mental health commitments
- Trust proceedings
Clinton Court Calendar & Upcoming Hearings
To find today's, tomorrow's, or this week's court schedule in Clinton County, you have several options:
- MiCOURT Case Search — The MiCOURT online case search lets you look up individual cases by party name or case number. Each case record typically shows upcoming hearing dates, times, and the assigned judge. Note that some courts only display criminal conviction information for sentencing that occurred within seven years of the search date.
- Contact the clerk's office directly — Call the 29th Circuit Court at 989-224-5190 or the 65A District Court at 989-224-5152 to ask about a specific hearing or the day's docket.
- Public terminals at the courthouse — Walk-in access is available at the Clinton County Courthouse, 100 E. State St., St. Johns. Public computer terminals in the clerk's area let you search scheduled hearings.
Court calendars can change on short notice due to continuances, settlements, or emergency motions. Always confirm the date and time with the clerk before traveling to the courthouse.
How to Get a Copy of a Clinton Court Document
Clinton County court clerks maintain case files for their respective courts. You can obtain copies through three channels:
In Person
Visit the appropriate clerk's office at the Clinton County Courthouse in St. Johns. Bring the case number or enough identifying information (party names, approximate filing date) so staff can locate the file. You can usually review the file and request photocopies or certified copies on the spot.
By Mail
Send a written request that includes:
- Your full name and return mailing address
- The case number (if known) or party names and case type
- A description of the specific document(s) you need
- Whether you need certified or uncertified copies
- A check or money order payable to the appropriate court for the estimated fees
Mail requests to:
Online Filing System
Michigan's MiFILE system allows electronic filing in participating Clinton County courts. If you are a party to a case or an attorney of record, you may be able to access and download documents through this portal. General public document requests still typically go through the clerk's office.
Certified vs. Uncertified Copies
- Certified copies carry the court's official seal and the clerk's signature. They are usually required for legal proceedings, government applications, or official business.
- Uncertified copies are plain photocopies suitable for personal reference. They cost less but are not accepted where authentication is required.
Certain records are restricted from public access, including juvenile case files, sealed records, and some family-court documents. Ask the clerk whether the document you need is available for public release.
For vital records such as birth, death, marriage, or divorce certificates, contact the Michigan Division for Vital Records or the Clinton County Clerk's office.
Clinton Court Records Fees & Payment
Michigan court fees are set by statute and court administrative orders. The table below lists common charges you may encounter when requesting Clinton County court records. Fees can change — confirm current amounts with the clerk before submitting payment.
| Service | Approximate Fee |
|---|---|
| Copies (per page, uncertified) | $1.00 |
| Certified copy of a court document | $10.00 (first page) + $1.00 each additional page |
| Case search / record lookup (by clerk) | $10.00 |
| Certification / exemplification | $10.00 |
| Court filing fees (civil — Circuit Court) | $150.00 – $175.00+ |
| Court filing fees (civil — District Court) | $65.00 – $150.00 |
| Small claims filing fee | $30.00 – $70.00 (varies by amount claimed) |
Payment methods: Most Clinton County court offices accept cash, checks, and money orders. Some accept credit or debit cards, though a convenience fee may apply. For mail-in requests, send a check or money order payable to the specific court (e.g., "29th Circuit Court" or "65A District Court").
Additional state-level searches are available through Michigan State Police, which maintains Sex Offender Registry lookups and criminal history record requests. The Michigan Department of Corrections Offender Tracking Information System (OTIS) provides information on individuals currently under state supervision or incarcerated in state prisons — it does not cover county jail inmates.
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