Bay 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 18th Judicial Circuit Court and the District Court serve Bay County as its main trial courts. They hear felonies, misdemeanors, civil claims, traffic and small claims cases, and family and juvenile matters.
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Court Name | 18th Judicial Circuit Court (Circuit Court) and the District Court serving Bay County |
| Judicial Circuit | The 18th Judicial Circuit |
| Handles | Felonies and civil claims over $25,000 in Circuit Court; misdemeanors, traffic and ordinance violations, small claims, and landlord-tenant cases in District Court; divorce, child custody, support, and juvenile matters in the Family Division |
| Does NOT Handle | Federal cases (U.S. District Court for Michigan), estates, trusts, and guardianships (Probate Court), and parking tickets (the city or agency that issued them) |
| Records Kept By | The County Clerk, who is the Clerk of the Circuit Court, keeps Circuit Court records; District and Probate Courts keep their own records |
How to Search Bay County Court Records
Have the full name, case number if you know it, and approximate dates ready before you search Bay County court records.
Online
Go to courts.michigan.gov for statewide Michigan court information.
Check the County Clerk's official website for any online case search.
Best for: Statewide court information and general lookups
In Person
Go to the County Clerk's office at the county courthouse.
Bring the full name, case number, and approximate dates.
Ask the clerk which office handles your case type.
Best for: Records and copies not available online
By Phone
Find the phone number on the county's official website.
Call the County Clerk's office to confirm the records you need.
Ask the clerk what details a records request requires.
Best for: Confirming a case number or 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
Bay County Court Statistics (CY 2025)
Bay County courts received 21,306 new cases in CY 2025 and disposed of 18,154, a clearance rate of 85.2%. Filings rose 3.7% from 20,546 in CY 2024.
21,306
Total filings in CY 2025
18,154
Total dispositions in CY 2025
~3,551
Filings per judicial position (6 estimated positions)
+3.7%
Change in total filings vs CY 2024
| Metric | CY 2025 | CY 2024 | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Filings | 21,306 | 20,546 | +3.7% |
| Total Dispositions | 18,154 | 17,295 | +5.0% |
| Criminal Filings | 5,109 | 4,823 | +5.9% |
| Civil Filings | 6,627 | 5,866 | +13.0% |
| Family Law Filings | 1,220 | 1,301 | -6.2% |
| Probate Filings | 485 | 450 | +7.8% |
| Mental Health Filings | 442 | 375 | +17.9% |
| Juvenile Filings | 453 | 514 | -11.9% |
| Authorized Judicial Positions | ~6 | ~6 | ~+0.0% |
The largest movement was in civil filings (5,866 to 6,627); the total also includes 6,970 civil infraction and parking filings; rows marked ~ are estimates.
How Have Court Filings Changed in Bay County?
Total filings in Bay County rose 8.7% between CY 2021 and CY 2025, from 19,609 to 21,306.
| Fiscal Year | Total Filings | Total Dispositions | YoY Filing Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| CY 2025 | 21,306 | 18,154 | +3.7% |
| CY 2024 | 20,546 | 17,295 | +4.9% |
| CY 2023 | 19,589 | 16,627 | +5.4% |
| CY 2022 | 18,592 | 15,560 | -5.2% |
| CY 2021 | 19,609 | 16,299 | ~+10.5% |
Total filings rose 8.7% over five years, from 19,609 in CY 2021 to 21,306 in CY 2025. The largest annual change was +5.4% in CY 2023. The latest change of +3.7% was driven by civil filings, and dispositions were 18,154 against 21,306 filings.
What Types of Cases Are Filed in Bay County?
Civil cases are the largest category in Bay County, at 46.2% of filings in CY 2025.
| Case Type | Filings CY 2025 | Share of Total | YoY Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Criminal | 5,109 | 35.6% | +5.9% |
| Civil | 6,627 | 46.2% | +13.0% |
| Family law | 1,220 | 8.5% | -6.2% |
| Probate | 485 | 3.4% | +7.8% |
| Juvenile | 453 | 3.2% | -11.9% |
| Mental health | 442 | 3.1% | +17.9% |
Mental health cases grew fastest (+17.9%) and juvenile cases fell fastest (-11.9%); rows marked ~ are estimates.
How Does Bay County Compare With Michigan Overall?
Bay County accounts for 0.58% of the 3,677,054 cases filed in Michigan courts in CY 2025, with 1.01% of the state's population.
| Metric | Bay County | Michigan | Comparison |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total filings | 21,306 | 3,677,054 | 0.58% of statewide filings |
| YoY change in filings | +3.7% | +7.9% | Lower than state |
| Filings per judicial position | ~3,551 | ~6,531 | Estimated using positions from earlier data |
| Dispositions per judicial position equivalent | ~3,026 | ~5,493 | Estimated using positions from earlier data |
| Criminal share of filings | 24.0% | 25.3% | Below state |
| Civil share of filings | 31.1% | 23.8% | Above state |
| Family law share of filings | 5.7% | 3.8% | Above state |
Bay County files cases at a lower rate per resident than Michigan (208.6 against 363.1 per 1,000), and its filings rose 3.7% against +7.9% statewide. Its criminal share of filings is below the state's and its civil share is above it; rows marked ~ are estimates.
Bay County Crime Statistics (2025)
These figures are Michigan statewide totals as reported to the FBI, not counts for Bay 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 Bay County with the state. The property crimes total includes arson, so it is larger than the sum of the property offenses listed above.
Bay County Courthouse Locations
Bay County court proceedings are held at the Bay County Court Facility. Check your notice or case paperwork to confirm the courthouse assigned to your case before you go.
| Courthouse | Address | Phone | Verified Services |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bay County Court Facility | 1230 Washington Avenue, Bay City, MI 48708 | (989) 895-4265 | 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 Bay County?
Michigan courts split cases by type, so the court depends on the charge or claim. Federal cases are heard by the U.S. District Court for Michigan, not the county courts.
| Your Situation | Go To | Key Details |
|---|---|---|
| Traffic ticket | District Court | Traffic citations are handled by District Court. |
| Parking ticket | The city or agency that issued the ticket | District Court does not handle parking tickets. |
| Misdemeanor | District Court | District Court hears misdemeanor cases. |
| Felony | Circuit Court | District Court holds the preliminary examination before a felony moves to Circuit Court. |
| DUI | District Court or Circuit Court | Check the charge on your paperwork, since felony charges go to Circuit Court. |
| Domestic violence | District Court or Circuit Court | Criminal charges follow the misdemeanor or felony route; ask the court about protection orders. |
| Civil lawsuit | Circuit Court or District Court | Circuit Court hears civil claims over $25,000. |
| Small claims | District Court, Small Claims Division | Small claims are heard in the District Court. |
| Eviction | District Court | Landlord-tenant cases are heard in the District Court. |
| Divorce | Circuit Court, Family Division | Divorce cases are heard in the Family Division of the Circuit Court. |
| Child custody or support | Circuit Court, Family Division | 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 handled by the Probate Court. |
| Juvenile case | Circuit Court, Family Division | Juvenile matters are heard in the Family Division of the Circuit Court. |
| Appeal | Michigan Court of Appeals or Michigan Supreme Court | Appeals from District and Probate Court go to Circuit Court first. |
Are Bay County Court Records Public?
Yes, most Bay County court records are public, with exceptions set by Michigan Court Rule 8.119 and other state law.
Public records
Many court files are open for public inspection under Michigan Court Rule 8.119, unless a law or court order restricts them.
Restricted or confidential records
Juvenile, sealed, expunged, adoption, mental health, and protective-order-restricted records, along with other confidential records, are not publicly available.
Online access
Statewide court information is available at courts.michigan.gov. Whether a specific case is searchable online depends on the court and case type, so confirm with the court or the County Clerk.
In-person access
Visit the County Clerk's office, which keeps Circuit Court records, or the District or Probate Court office that keeps its own records. Copies are requested from the court office.
Fees
This section does not list fees. Ask the court office for current copy fees.
How to Search Bay County Court Records Online
Use the official court websites to search Bay County cases by case type, and ask the court office for documents that are not online.
- Identify the case type, such as criminal, traffic, civil, small claims, family law, probate, or juvenile.
- Find the official court search for that case type on the county's official website, or statewide information at courts.michigan.gov.
- 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 court office to request documents that are not available online.
| Case Type | Where to Search | What You'll Find | Limits |
|---|---|---|---|
| Criminal | Circuit Court (felonies) or District Court (misdemeanors) | Case information from the court that holds the case | Confidential records are not public |
| Traffic | District Court | Traffic case information | Documents may require a request to the court |
| Civil | Circuit Court (claims over $25,000) or District Court | Case information from the court that holds the case | Sealed or restricted filings are not available |
| Small claims | District Court, Small Claims Division | Case information from the court | Documents may require a request to the court |
| Family law | Family Division of the Circuit Court | Case information for divorce, custody, and support | Protected details are restricted; Friend of the Court is not a court |
| Probate | Probate Court | Estate, trust, and guardianship case information | Contact the Probate Court directly |
| Juvenile | Family Division of the Circuit Court | Not in general public access | Juvenile records are confidential |
How to Pay Fines & Citations in Bay County
Traffic citations, criminal fines, and parking tickets are paid through different offices, so confirm where to pay for Bay County before you go.
- Phone: Call the court that issued the ticket, found through the county's official website, to ask which payment methods it accepts.
- In person: Visit the court office that holds your case, using the address listed on the county's official website, to pay or ask about payment options.
Parking tickets are paid to the city or agency that issued the ticket, not to the District Court Traffic Division.
Bay County Court Records FAQ
How do I search Bay County court records?
Search statewide court information at courts.michigan.gov, or contact the County Clerk's office for records held by the Circuit Court.
Are court records in Bay County public?
Yes, most are, under Michigan Court Rule 8.119, but juvenile, sealed, and other confidential records are restricted.
How do I find a criminal case?
Contact the Circuit Court or District Court office that holds the case, or the County Clerk, and give the defendant's full name or case number.
How do I find a court date?
Check your ticket or notice first, then contact the court office that issued it.
How do I pay a traffic ticket?
Call the court that issued the ticket, found through the county's official website, to ask which payment methods it accepts.
How many court cases are filed in Bay County each year?
Court filing counts for Bay County are not published in this section. The county had 102,123 residents in 2025 according to Census Bureau estimates.
What is the most common type of case?
County-level caseload by case type is not available in this section. Michigan courts hear criminal, civil, family, probate, and juvenile matters, as listed in the case types table above.
Is crime in Bay 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
Bay County Circuit CourtMore Info
| Address: | 1230 Washington Avenue, Bay, MI, 48708 |
| Phone Number: | 989-895-4250 |
| Website: | https://www.baycounty-mi.gov/CircuitCourt/ |
Useful Links
- Bay County Courts - Comprehensive information about the courts in Bay County including contact details, court procedures, and services offered.
- Bay County Circuit Court - Provides details about the Circuit Court operations, case types handled, and how to access court services and records.
- Bay County District Court - Information on District Court services including small claims, traffic citations, and misdemeanor cases with procedural guidance.
- Bay County Probate Court - Resources related to probate cases, estate management, guardianships, and conservatorships managed by the Probate Court.
- Michigan Courts - The official site for Michigan courts, covering statewide court systems, rules, forms, and self-help guides.
- State Court Administrative Office (SCAO) - Provides administrative support and policy implementation for Michigan's judicial branch with resources for court personnel.
- Michigan Supreme Court Historical Society - A non-profit organization focusing on the history and impact of the Michigan Supreme Court through various educational programs.
- Bay County Circuit Court Contact Information - Listing of contact details and location information for the Bay County Circuit Court with hours of operation.
- Michigan Legal Help - Provides free legal information and self-help tools for Michigan residents handling common civil legal problems without a lawyer.
- Bay County Vital Records - Offers services to obtain birth, marriage, and death records for events that occurred in Bay County, Michigan.
- Bay County Prosecutor's Office - Provides an overview of the responsibilities and functions of the Prosecutor's Office within Bay County, Michigan.
- Michigan Department of Corrections - State resource for correctional facilities and offender information, including probation and parole services in Michigan.
- State Bar of Michigan - Professional organization offering resources for Michigan attorneys and the public, including a lawyer directory and legal news.
- ACLU of Michigan - Non-profit advocating for individual rights and liberties in Michigan through litigation and education.
- Bay County Clerk Records Lookup - Online service for searching various public records maintained by the Bay County Clerk's Office, including property and court records.
- Bay County Elections - Detailed information about voting and elections in Bay County, offering resources for voters and election results.
- Sword Solutions Inc. - Company providing software solutions designed for government agencies in Michigan, enhancing public access to court services.
- National Court Reporters Association - Professional association that promotes court reporting excellence and provides educational resources for reporters nationwide.
- Macomb County Circuit Court - Example of neighboring county court site offering valuable procedural information, making it a good comparative legal resource.
- Bay County Sheriff - Official page for the Bay County Sheriff's Office providing law enforcement services and community safety information.
Table of Contents
- Bay County, Courts and Public Records
- How to Search Bay County Court Records
- Bay County Court Statistics (CY 2025)
- How Have Court Filings Changed in Bay County?
- What Types of Cases Are Filed in Bay County?
- How Does Bay County Compare With Michigan Overall?
- Bay County Crime Statistics (2025)
- Bay County Courthouse Locations
- Which Court Handles Your Case in Bay County?
- Are Bay County Court Records Public?
- How to Search Bay County Court Records Online
- How to Pay Fines & Citations in Bay County
- Bay County Court Records FAQ
- Courts in the County
- Useful Links