Alger County, MI Courts and Public Records
- Arrest Records
- Judgments
- Bankruptcies
- DUIs & DWIs
- Felonies
- Warrants
- Jail Records
- Lien Records
- Sex Offenses
- Misdemeanors
- Criminal Records
- Federal Dockets
The Circuit Court for Alger County is part of the 11th Judicial Circuit and hears felonies, larger civil claims, and family and juvenile matters. The District Court and Probate Court also serve the county and keep their own records.
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Court Name | Circuit Court (General Division and Family Division), District Court, and Probate Court |
| Judicial Circuit | The 11th Judicial Circuit Court |
| Records Keeper | County Clerk, who is the Clerk of the Circuit Court. District and Probate Courts keep their own records. |
| Handles | Circuit Court: felonies, civil claims over $25,000, appeals from District and Probate Court, divorce, custody, support, and juvenile matters. District Court: misdemeanors, traffic and ordinance violations, felony preliminary examinations, civil claims up to the District Court limit, small claims, and landlord-tenant cases. Probate Court: estates, trusts, guardianships, and mental health matters. |
| Does NOT Handle | Federal cases (U.S. District Court for Michigan), claims against the state (Michigan Court of Claims), and parking tickets (issuing agency) |
| Online Case Search | courts.michigan.gov (statewide, not specific to this county) |
| Criminal Records Requests | Contact the County Clerk's office or the court that holds the case |
How to Search Alger County Court Records
Have the full name, the case number if known, and approximate dates ready. The County Clerk keeps Circuit Court records.
Online
Go to courts.michigan.gov for statewide court information and links.
Search by name or case number where a court offers online access.
Check the county website for county-specific record information.
Best for: Starting a statewide search
In Person
Visit the County Clerk's office at the county courthouse.
Bring the full name, case number, and approximate dates if you have them.
Ask the clerk which division keeps the record you need.
Best for: Records and copies not available online
By Phone
Call the County Clerk's office using the number on the county's official website.
Ask which court holds the case type you are searching.
Confirm the phone number on the official website before calling.
Best for: Confirming which court holds a record
Search by Name on MichiganCourts.org
Go to MichiganCourts.org and enter a full name.
Search across record types without a case number.
Confirm results with the court, since they are not official court records.
Best for: Finding leads without a case number
Alger County Court Statistics (CY 2025)
Alger County courts received 2,005 new cases in CY 2025 and disposed of 1,670, a clearance rate of 83.3%. Filings fell 8.7% from 2,196 in CY 2024.
2,005
Total filings in CY 2025
1,670
Total dispositions in CY 2025
~2,005
Filings per judicial position (1 estimated positions)
-8.7%
Change in total filings vs CY 2024
| Metric | CY 2025 | CY 2024 | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Filings | 2,005 | 2,196 | -8.7% |
| Total Dispositions | 1,670 | 1,717 | -2.7% |
| Criminal Filings | 501 | 538 | -6.9% |
| Civil Filings | 339 | 356 | -4.8% |
| Family Law Filings | 91 | 77 | +18.2% |
| Probate Filings | 69 | 74 | -6.8% |
| Mental Health Filings | 22 | 16 | +37.5% |
| Juvenile Filings | 35 | 26 | +34.6% |
| Authorized Judicial Positions | ~1 | ~1 | ~+0.0% |
The largest movement was in criminal filings (538 to 501); the total also includes 948 civil infraction and parking filings; rows marked ~ are estimates.
How Have Court Filings Changed in Alger County?
Total filings in Alger County rose 9.7% between CY 2021 and CY 2025, from 1,827 to 2,005.
| Fiscal Year | Total Filings | Total Dispositions | YoY Filing Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| CY 2025 | 2,005 | 1,670 | -8.7% |
| CY 2024 | 2,196 | 1,717 | -8.0% |
| CY 2023 | 2,387 | 2,104 | +27.3% |
| CY 2022 | 1,875 | 1,656 | +2.6% |
| CY 2021 | 1,827 | 1,645 | ~+10.5% |
Total filings rose 9.7% over five years, from 1,827 in CY 2021 to 2,005 in CY 2025. The largest annual change was +27.3% in CY 2023. The latest change of -8.7% was driven by criminal filings, and dispositions were 1,670 against 2,005 filings.
What Types of Cases Are Filed in Alger County?
Criminal cases are the largest category in Alger County, at 47.4% of filings in CY 2025.
| Case Type | Filings CY 2025 | Share of Total | YoY Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Criminal | 501 | 47.4% | -6.9% |
| Civil | 339 | 32.1% | -4.8% |
| Family law | 91 | 8.6% | +18.2% |
| Probate | 69 | 6.5% | -6.8% |
| Juvenile | 35 | 3.3% | +34.6% |
| Mental health | 22 | 2.1% | +37.5% |
Mental health cases grew fastest (+37.5%) and criminal cases fell fastest (-6.9%); rows marked ~ are estimates.
How Does Alger County Compare With Michigan Overall?
Alger County accounts for 0.05% of the 3,677,054 cases filed in Michigan courts in CY 2025, with 0.09% of the state's population.
| Metric | Alger County | Michigan | Comparison |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total filings | 2,005 | 3,677,054 | 0.05% of statewide filings |
| YoY change in filings | -8.7% | +7.9% | Lower than state |
| Filings per judicial position | ~2,005 | ~6,531 | Estimated using positions from earlier data |
| Dispositions per judicial position equivalent | ~1,670 | ~5,493 | Estimated using positions from earlier data |
| Criminal share of filings | 25.0% | 25.3% | Below state |
| Civil share of filings | 16.9% | 23.8% | Below state |
| Family law share of filings | 4.5% | 3.8% | Above state |
Alger County files cases at a lower rate per resident than Michigan (232.0 against 363.1 per 1,000), and its filings fell 8.7% against +7.9% statewide. Its criminal and civil shares of filings are both below the state's; rows marked ~ are estimates.
Alger County Crime Statistics (2025)
These figures are Michigan statewide totals as reported to the FBI, not counts for Alger County. Agency reporting may be incomplete, and county crime counts are not available here. Statewide violent and property crimes combined fell 8.7% from 2024 to 2025. In 2025, reporting agencies covered about 97.3% of Michigan's population, so year-over-year changes can partly reflect which agencies reported.
42,285
Violent crimes, Michigan statewide, 2025
127,513
Property crimes, Michigan statewide, 2025 (includes arson)
417.5
Violent crime rate per 100K, Michigan statewide, 2025 (population 10,127,884)
-8.7%
Change in total violent plus property crimes, Michigan statewide, 2025 vs 2024 (169,798 vs 185,956)
| Offense | 2025 | Rate per 100K | 2024 | YoY Change |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Murder | 442 | 4.4 | 492 | -10.2% |
| Rape | 5,446 | 53.8 | 5,777 | -5.7% |
| Robbery | 2,692 | 26.6 | 3,173 | -15.2% |
| Aggravated assault | 33,705 | 332.8 | 34,537 | -2.4% |
| Violent crimes total | 42,285 | 417.5 | 43,979 | -3.9% |
| Burglary | 15,726 | 155.3 | 19,316 | -18.6% |
| Larceny-theft | 92,281 | 911.2 | 97,850 | -5.7% |
| Motor vehicle theft | 18,406 | 181.7 | 23,544 | -21.8% |
| Property crimes total | 127,513 | 1259.0 | 141,977 | -10.2% |
Rates use the Michigan 2025 population of 10,127,884. County-level rates are not published, so this section does not compare Alger County with the state. The property crimes total includes arson, so it is larger than the sum of the property offenses listed above.
Alger County Courthouse Locations
Alger County court proceedings are held at the Alger County Courthouse. Check your notice or case paperwork to confirm the courthouse assigned to your case before you go.
| Courthouse | Address | Phone | Verified Services |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alger County Courthouse | 101 Court Street, Munising, MI 49862 | (906) 387-2080 | See location page |
Addresses and phone numbers come from public directory listings and may change, so confirm them with the clerk before you visit.
Which Court Handles Your Case in Alger County?
Most cases in Alger County are heard by the Circuit Court, the District Court, the Probate Court, or the Family Division of the Circuit Court. Federal cases go to the U.S. District Court for Michigan.
| Your Situation | Go To | Key Details |
|---|---|---|
| Traffic ticket | District Court | Traffic and ordinance violations are heard in District Court. |
| Parking ticket | The agency that issued the ticket | Parking tickets are not handled by the court. |
| Misdemeanor | District Court | District Court hears misdemeanor criminal cases. |
| Felony | Circuit Court | District Court holds preliminary examinations before felony cases move to Circuit Court. |
| DUI | District Court or Circuit Court | The charge level decides the court: misdemeanor in District Court, felony in Circuit Court. |
| Domestic violence | District Court or Circuit Court | The charge level decides which court hears the criminal case. |
| Civil lawsuit | Circuit Court or District Court | The amount claimed decides the court, with smaller claims in District Court. |
| Small claims | District Court | Small claims are heard in the District Court small claims division. |
| Eviction | District Court | Landlord-tenant cases are heard in District Court. |
| Divorce | Family Division of the Circuit Court | Divorce cases are heard in the Family Division. |
| Child custody or support | Family Division of the Circuit Court | Friend of the Court handles support and parenting time, but it is not a court. |
| Probate or estate | Probate Court | Estates, trusts, and guardianships are heard in Probate Court. |
| Juvenile case | Family Division of the Circuit Court | Juvenile matters are heard in the Family Division. |
| Appeal | Circuit Court or Michigan Court of Appeals | Circuit Court hears appeals from District and Probate Court; higher appeals go to the Court of Appeals or Supreme Court. |
Are Alger County Court Records Public?
Yes, most Michigan court records are public, with exceptions set by Michigan Court Rules MCR 8.119 and other law. Restricted records are not open to the public.
Public records
The Michigan Freedom of Information Act (MCL 15.231 et seq.) covers public body records in general terms. Most court case files are open to inspection under Michigan Court Rules.
Restricted or confidential records
Juvenile, sealed, expunged, adoption, and mental health records are not publicly available. Records restricted by a protective order are also not public.
Online access
Statewide case search links are available at courts.michigan.gov. Online results may show case information rather than every document, and not every case type is shown.
In-person access
Visit the County Clerk's office for Circuit Court records in Alger County. District and Probate Courts keep their own records, so contact those court offices directly to request copies.
How to Search Alger County Court Records Online
Search Alger County court records by case type, using statewide tools where the county does not publish its own online search.
- Identify the case type and the court that handles it.
- Open courts.michigan.gov for statewide search links.
- Search by party name or case number and note the case number from the results.
- Review the case details for status, parties, and scheduled dates.
- Contact the County Clerk or the court office to request documents that are not online.
| Case Type | Where to Search | What You'll Find | Limits |
|---|---|---|---|
| Criminal | Statewide links at courts.michigan.gov | Case information where the court publishes it online | Full documents may require the court office |
| Traffic | Statewide links at courts.michigan.gov | Case information where the court publishes it online | Traffic payments are made to the court, not through the search |
| Civil | Statewide links at courts.michigan.gov | Case information where the court publishes it online | Sealed or restricted filings are not shown |
| Small claims | Statewide links at courts.michigan.gov | Case information where the court publishes it online | Documents may require the court office |
| Family law | Statewide links at courts.michigan.gov | Case information where the court publishes it online | Confidential details are restricted |
| Probate | Probate Court office for the county | Estate and guardianship case information | Not part of the statewide case search; contact the Probate Court |
| Juvenile | Contact the court office directly | Limited case information through the court | Juvenile proceedings are confidential and are not publicly searchable |
How to Pay Fines & Citations in Alger County
Traffic tickets, criminal fines, and parking tickets are paid through different offices in Alger County, so confirm the office listed on your ticket before paying.
- By phone: Find the phone number for the District Court or the County Clerk on the county's official website and call to confirm payment options and amounts.
- In person: Visit the court office that holds your case at the county courthouse, after confirming the address and hours on the county's official website.
Parking tickets are paid to the agency that issued the ticket, not to the court.
Alger County Court Records FAQ
How do I search Alger County court records?
Start at courts.michigan.gov for statewide search links, or contact the County Clerk or the court office that holds the case.
Are Alger County court records public?
Most are, under Michigan Court Rules MCR 8.119, but juvenile, sealed, and other confidential records are restricted.
How do I find a criminal case?
Search by name on MichiganCourts.org, then confirm the case with the court that holds it, since results are not official court records.
How do I find a court date?
Check your ticket or notice, then contact the court that holds your case.
How do I pay a traffic ticket?
Contact the District Court by phone using the number on the county's official website. Parking tickets are paid to the issuing agency.
How many cases are filed in Alger County each year?
County filing counts are not published on this page. The county population was 8,641 in 2025.
What is the most common type of case in Alger County?
County case type counts are not available here, so this page cannot name the most common case type.
Is crime in Alger County rising or falling?
County crime counts are not available here. Statewide, reported violent crimes fell 3.9% to 42,285 in 2025 from 43,979 in 2024, and property crimes fell 10.2% to 127,513 from 141,977, as reported to the FBI. These are Michigan statewide figures, and reporting coverage changed between years.
Courts in the County
Alger County Circuit CourtMore Info
| Address: | 101 Court Street, Munising, MI, 49862 |
| Phone Number: | 906-387-7053 |
| Fax: | 906-387-2156 |
| Website: | https://www.algercounty.gov/courts/circuit_court.php |
Useful Links
- Alger County Courthouse: Information and Services - Access court records, court services, and other information related to the Alger County Courthouse, Michigan.
- Michigan Courts: One Court of Justice - Official website of the Michigan judicial branch providing comprehensive resources for courts, judges, and legal professionals.
- Michigan Department of Corrections - Access public records and offender information managed by the Michigan Department of Corrections with search tools available.
- Michigan Legal Help - A nonprofit providing legal information and self-help tools for Michigan residents facing common legal issues without a lawyer.
- State Bar of Michigan - Official website of the State Bar of Michigan offering resources for lawyers, legal professionals, and the general public.
- Access to Michigan District Courts - Locate information specific to district courts across Michigan to help manage case records and court schedules online.
- Can I Vote? By NASS - Provides voting information by state, including how to find election-related court decisions relevant to Michigan voters.
- ACLU Voting Rights - Learn about legal cases and advocacy work protecting the right to vote in Michigan and across the United States.
- Cornell Law School's Legal Information Institute - Provides extensive resources on law topics, including explanations of Michigan law and court decisions.
- The Michigan Sex Offender Registry - Provides public access to information about registered sex offenders within the state of Michigan, including Alger County.
- National Center for State Courts - Learn about court improvements, innovations, and news relevant to state courts, including those in Michigan.
- Michigan Probate Courts - Understand probate court services, including estate administration, guardianships, and conservatorships in Michigan, for relevant family legal matters.
- NAMI HelpLine Information and Resource Referral - Provides mental health resources and legal assistance information for Michigan residents involved in the court system.
- Equal Justice Initiative - Michigan - Advocates for criminal justice reform and support for individuals facing court cases within Michigan's judicial system.
- Kent County Probate Court - Access probate court resources and services applicable to individuals in Alger County, managed by relevant government entities.
- Ballotpedia: Michigan - Comprehensive information on Michigan's judicial elections, including details about Alger County court budgets and administrative rules.
- U.S. House of Representatives - Find Your Representative - Find legislative details impacting Alger County court systems and Michigan's overall judicial infrastructure.
- United States Courts - Offers resources for accessing federal judiciary information relevant for state courts and Alger County legal processes.
- LexisNexis: Legal Research - An extensive legal research tool covering Michigan law, court records, and legal precedents pertinent to Alger County cases.
Table of Contents
- Alger County, Courts and Public Records
- How to Search Alger County Court Records
- Alger County Court Statistics (CY 2025)
- How Have Court Filings Changed in Alger County?
- What Types of Cases Are Filed in Alger County?
- How Does Alger County Compare With Michigan Overall?
- Alger County Crime Statistics (2025)
- Alger County Courthouse Locations
- Which Court Handles Your Case in Alger County?
- Are Alger County Court Records Public?
- How to Search Alger County Court Records Online
- How to Pay Fines & Citations in Alger County
- Alger County Court Records FAQ
- Courts in the County
- Useful Links