Muskegon 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 Muskegon County, part of the 14th Judicial Circuit, hears felonies, civil claims above the District Court limit, divorce, child custody and support, juvenile matters, and appeals from District and Probate Court. The District Court handles misdemeanors, traffic and ordinance violations, small claims, and landlord-tenant cases.
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Court Name | Circuit Court, 14th Judicial Circuit (serving Muskegon County), and District Court for Muskegon County |
| Handles | Felonies, civil claims above the District Court limit, divorce, child custody and support, juvenile matters, and appeals from District and Probate Court in Circuit Court; misdemeanors, traffic and ordinance violations, small claims, and landlord-tenant cases in District Court |
| Does NOT Handle | Federal cases (U.S. District Court for Michigan), estate and guardianship matters (Probate Court), and parking tickets (issuing city or agency) |
| Online Case Search | courts.michigan.gov (statewide court information, not specific to Muskegon County) |
How to Search Muskegon County Court Records
Have the full name, case number if known, and approximate dates ready. Muskegon County records are kept by the County Clerk, Clerk of the Circuit Court.
Online
Go to courts.michigan.gov for statewide court information and links.
Check which court handles your case type before you search.
Confirm details with the court office, since online listings may be incomplete.
Best for: Statewide court information and links
In Person
Visit the County Clerk's office at the Muskegon County courthouse in the county seat.
Bring the full name, case number, and approximate dates.
Ask the clerk which division keeps your case type.
Best for: Copies and records not found online
By Phone
Call the County Clerk's office, which keeps Circuit Court records.
Find the current number on the county's official website.
Ask which court holds the case before you call.
Best for: Confirming where a case is filed
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
Muskegon County Court Statistics (CY 2025)
Muskegon County courts received 48,620 new cases in CY 2025 and disposed of 40,796, a clearance rate of 83.9%. Filings rose 6.1% from 45,811 in CY 2024.
48,620
Total filings in CY 2025
40,796
Total dispositions in CY 2025
~4,862
Filings per judicial position (10 estimated positions)
+6.1%
Change in total filings vs CY 2024
| Metric | CY 2025 | CY 2024 | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Filings | 48,620 | 45,811 | +6.1% |
| Total Dispositions | 40,796 | 39,064 | +4.4% |
| Criminal Filings | 12,686 | 13,201 | -3.9% |
| Civil Filings | 16,057 | 15,121 | +6.2% |
| Family Law Filings | 2,959 | 2,835 | +4.4% |
| Probate Filings | 1,071 | 1,119 | -4.3% |
| Mental Health Filings | 423 | 710 | -40.4% |
| Juvenile Filings | 932 | 1,207 | -22.8% |
| Authorized Judicial Positions | ~10 | ~10 | ~+0.0% |
The largest movement was in civil filings (15,121 to 16,057); the total also includes 14,492 civil infraction and parking filings; rows marked ~ are estimates.
How Have Court Filings Changed in Muskegon County?
Total filings in Muskegon County rose 16.8% between CY 2021 and CY 2025, from 41,636 to 48,620.
| Fiscal Year | Total Filings | Total Dispositions | YoY Filing Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| CY 2025 | 48,620 | 40,796 | +6.1% |
| CY 2024 | 45,811 | 39,064 | -6.8% |
| CY 2023 | 49,148 | 42,057 | +7.6% |
| CY 2022 | 45,678 | 38,123 | +9.7% |
| CY 2021 | 41,636 | 33,582 | ~+10.5% |
Total filings rose 16.8% over five years, from 41,636 in CY 2021 to 48,620 in CY 2025. The largest annual change was +9.7% in CY 2022. The latest change of +6.1% was driven by civil filings, and dispositions were 40,796 against 48,620 filings.
What Types of Cases Are Filed in Muskegon County?
Civil cases are the largest category in Muskegon County, at 47.0% of filings in CY 2025.
| Case Type | Filings CY 2025 | Share of Total | YoY Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Criminal | 12,686 | 37.2% | -3.9% |
| Civil | 16,057 | 47.0% | +6.2% |
| Family law | 2,959 | 8.7% | +4.4% |
| Probate | 1,071 | 3.1% | -4.3% |
| Juvenile | 932 | 2.7% | -22.8% |
| Mental health | 423 | 1.2% | -40.4% |
Civil cases grew fastest (+6.2%) and mental health cases fell fastest (-40.4%); rows marked ~ are estimates.
How Does Muskegon County Compare With Michigan Overall?
Muskegon County accounts for 1.32% of the 3,677,054 cases filed in Michigan courts in CY 2025, with 1.76% of the state's population.
| Metric | Muskegon County | Michigan | Comparison |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total filings | 48,620 | 3,677,054 | 1.32% of statewide filings |
| YoY change in filings | +6.1% | +7.9% | Lower than state |
| Filings per judicial position | ~4,862 | ~6,531 | Estimated using positions from earlier data |
| Dispositions per judicial position equivalent | ~4,080 | ~5,493 | Estimated using positions from earlier data |
| Criminal share of filings | 26.1% | 25.3% | Above state |
| Civil share of filings | 33.0% | 23.8% | Above state |
| Family law share of filings | 6.1% | 3.8% | Above state |
Muskegon County files cases at a lower rate per resident than Michigan (273.3 against 363.1 per 1,000), and its filings rose 6.1% against +7.9% statewide. Its criminal and civil shares of filings are both above the state's; rows marked ~ are estimates.
Muskegon County Crime Statistics (2025)
These figures are Michigan statewide totals as reported to the FBI, not counts for Muskegon 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Homicide | 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 | 1,259.0 | 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 Muskegon County with the state. The property crimes total includes arson, so it is larger than the sum of the property offenses listed above.
Muskegon County Courthouse Locations
Muskegon County court proceedings are held at the Michael E. Kobza Hall of Justice. Check your notice or case paperwork to confirm the courthouse assigned to your case before you go.
| Courthouse | Address | Phone | Verified Services |
|---|---|---|---|
| Michael E. Kobza Hall of Justice | 990 Terrace Street, Muskegon, MI 49442 | (231) 724-6221 | 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 Muskegon County?
Most Muskegon County cases are heard in the Circuit Court, District Court, Probate Court, or the Circuit Court's Family Division. Some matters are handled outside the courts, such as parking tickets.
| Your Situation | Go To | Key Details |
|---|---|---|
| Traffic ticket | District Court | Traffic infractions are heard in District Court. |
| Parking ticket | The city or agency that issued the ticket | Parking tickets are not handled by the District Court. |
| Misdemeanor | District Court | District Court hears misdemeanor criminal cases. |
| Felony | Circuit Court | Felonies are tried in Circuit Court after a preliminary examination in District Court. |
| DUI | District Court or Circuit Court | The charge level decides the court, so check your paperwork. |
| Domestic violence | District Court or Circuit Court | Criminal charges follow the misdemeanor or felony route, and protection orders are filed with the court. |
| Civil lawsuit | Circuit Court or District Court | Circuit Court hears claims above the District Court limit, and District Court hears smaller claims. |
| Small claims | District Court, Small Claims Division | Small claims are heard in the District Court's small claims division. |
| Eviction | District Court | Landlord-tenant cases are heard in 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 | The 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 delinquency and neglect matters are heard in the Family Division. |
| Appeal | Circuit Court or Michigan Court of Appeals | Circuit Court hears appeals from District and Probate Court, and the Court of Appeals hears appeals from Circuit Court. |
Are Muskegon County Court Records Public?
Yes, most Muskegon County court records are public, with exceptions. Michigan Court Rules, MCR 8.119, govern public access to court records, and the Freedom of Information Act (MCL 15.231 et seq.) covers records held by public bodies.
Public records
Most case files in the Circuit Court and District Court are open to the public, including many filings and orders.
Restricted or confidential records
Juvenile, sealed, expunged, adoption, mental health, and protective-order-restricted records are not publicly available.
Online access
Statewide court information is available at courts.michigan.gov. Online results may not show every document, and restricted cases are not shown.
In-person access
Visit the County Clerk's office at the Muskegon County courthouse to view or request records. The County Clerk keeps Circuit Court records, and the District and Probate Courts keep their own records.
Fees
This section does not list copy fees. Contact the court office for current fees before you request copies.
How to Search Muskegon County Court Records Online
Use statewide court information to start, then contact the court office for Muskegon County records that are not available online.
- Identify the case type, such as criminal, traffic, civil, small claims, family law, or juvenile.
- Open courts.michigan.gov to find statewide court information and links.
- Search by party name or case number where the court's system offers it.
- Review the case details, parties, and scheduled dates shown.
- Contact the court office through the county's official website to request documents that are not online.
| Case Type | Where to Search | What You'll Find | Limits |
|---|---|---|---|
| Criminal | courts.michigan.gov, then the court office | Statewide court information and contact details | Case details may require the clerk |
| Traffic | courts.michigan.gov, then the District Court | Statewide court information and contact details | Ticket payment is handled separately |
| Civil | courts.michigan.gov, then the Circuit Court | Statewide court information and contact details | Sealed or restricted filings are not shown |
| Small claims | courts.michigan.gov, then the District Court | Statewide court information and contact details | Documents may require the clerk |
| Family law | Circuit Court, Family Division, through the court office | Case information through the court office | Confidential details are restricted |
| Probate | Probate Court, through the court office | Estate and guardianship files | Not part of the Circuit Court records |
| Juvenile | Family Division, through the court office | Limited case information through the court | Juvenile proceedings are confidential |
How to Pay Fines & Citations in Muskegon County
Traffic tickets, criminal fines, and parking tickets for Muskegon County are paid through different offices, so confirm where your ticket belongs before you pay.
- Phone: Contact the District Court or the County Clerk by phone to confirm how to pay. Find the current number through the county's official website.
Parking tickets are handled by the city or agency that issued them, not by the District Court.
Muskegon County Court Records FAQ
How do I search Muskegon County court records?
Start with courts.michigan.gov for statewide court information, then contact the County Clerk's office for records that are not online.
Are Muskegon County court records public?
Most court records are public under Michigan Court Rules, but juvenile, sealed, expunged, and other confidential records are restricted.
How do I find a criminal case?
Start with the statewide court information at courts.michigan.gov, then contact the court office with the defendant's full name.
How do I find a court date?
Check your ticket or notice first, then contact the court office through the county's official website.
How do I pay a traffic ticket?
Contact the District Court or County Clerk by phone through the county's official website to confirm how to pay.
How many cases are filed in Muskegon County each year?
Court filing counts for Muskegon County are not published in this section. The county had 177,901 residents in 2025.
What is the most common type of case?
County case-type counts are not available here. Circuit Court, District Court, Probate Court, and the Family Division each hear different case types.
Is crime 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
Muskegon County Circuit CourtMore Info
| Address: | 990 Terrace, Muskegon, MI, 49442 |
| Phone Number: | 231-724-6251 |
| Website: | https://www.co.muskegon.mi.us/362/14th-Circuit-Court |
Useful Links
- Circuit Court - Muskegon County, MI The official page for Muskegon County's Circuit Court offers resources, contacts, and information about court services.
- District Court - Muskegon County, MI Access court schedules, contact information, and special services offered by the Muskegon County District Court.
- Probate & Family Court - Muskegon County Provides information on probate cases, guardianship, and family court services available in Muskegon County.
- Michigan Courts Case Search Statewide searchable database of Michigan court opinions and orders, including those from Muskegon County courts.
- Michigan Supreme Court Historical Society Resources Offers educational resources and historical information on the Michigan Supreme Court and its legal precedents.
- Jury Service Information - Muskegon County Explains jury service requirements, processes, and frequently asked questions for jurors in Muskegon County courts.
- Clerk & Register Office - Muskegon County The Clerk's office is responsible for maintaining court records, vital records, and official Muskegon County documents.
- Michigan Legal Help An online resource for legal self-help information and tools, catering to Michigan residents, including Muskegon County.
- Muskegon County Juvenile Court Offering case information, programs, and services related to juvenile court matters in Muskegon County.
- Muskegon County Court Schedule Provides detailed daily schedules and calendars for various Muskegon County courtrooms and judges.
- Muskegon County Courts Directory A directory of court locations, contact information, and relevant services for residents of Muskegon County, Michigan.
- State Bar of Michigan Comprehensive resources for lawyers and clients in Michigan, including professional conduct guidelines and legal aid.
- E-Services - Muskegon County Courts Explore online services available for managing cases, filing forms, and paying fees at Muskegon County courts.
- Muskegon County Court Records Search A search tool for accessing public court records, case documents, and legal filings within Muskegon County.
- Prosecuting Attorneys Association of Michigan Supporting county prosecutors with resources and training to enhance the criminal justice system in Michigan.
- Muskegon County Sheriff Department Resource for legal and protective services, including courthouse security in Muskegon County, Michigan.
- Michigan Indigent Defense Commission Fostering improvements to the legal defense services provided to indigent defendants in Muskegon County and beyond.
- Legal Services of Northern Michigan Provides free legal assistance to low-income residents across Northern Michigan, possibly including Muskegon County.
- ACLU of Michigan: Criminal Justice Focuses on criminal justice reform and defending civil liberties in the legal system, relevant to Muskegon residents.
- Michigan Department of Corrections Manages state correctional facilities and offender rehabilitation, impacting legal cases within Muskegon County.
Table of Contents
- Muskegon County, Courts and Public Records
- How to Search Muskegon County Court Records
- Muskegon County Court Statistics (CY 2025)
- How Have Court Filings Changed in Muskegon County?
- What Types of Cases Are Filed in Muskegon County?
- How Does Muskegon County Compare With Michigan Overall?
- Muskegon County Crime Statistics (2025)
- Muskegon County Courthouse Locations
- Which Court Handles Your Case in Muskegon County?
- Are Muskegon County Court Records Public?
- How to Search Muskegon County Court Records Online
- How to Pay Fines & Citations in Muskegon County
- Muskegon County Court Records FAQ
- Courts in the County
- Useful Links