Grand Traverse County Court and Criminal Records: A Complete Lookup Guide

Whether you're a Traverse City attorney preparing a case file, a family member trying to understand a loved one's legal history, or a journalist tracking a public official's record, knowing where Grand Traverse County keeps its court documents — and how to get them — can save hours of frustration. The county and state offer multiple access points, from walk-in terminals at the courthouse to statewide digital portals, but each comes with its own limitations and procedures worth understanding before you start.

Where Records Live and Who Maintains Them

Court records in Grand Traverse County are maintained at the courthouse where each case was originally processed. For Circuit and Family Court matters, that means the Grand Traverse Circuit Court at 328 Washington Street, Suite 300, in Traverse City. The court clerk at each courthouse is responsible for preserving those records, including all case documentation and court actions. For questions about civil records, criminal filings, vital statistics, and more, the central contact point is County Clerk Bonnie Scheele, whose office is located at 400 Boardman Avenue, Suite 101, Traverse City, MI 49684, reachable at (231) 922-4760, Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM.

The Clerk's office is responsible for more than just court cases. Under Michigan law, the Grand Traverse County Clerk maintains and issues records of births, deaths, assumed names, co-partnerships, military discharge papers, and marriage licenses — making it a first stop for a wide range of public record needs beyond criminal or civil litigation.

Online Access: What's Available and Where to Find It

Grand Traverse County offers several digital platforms for searching court records without leaving home. The Grand Traverse County Online Records Portal and the county's court case webpage allow electronic searches across civil and criminal filings. From those pages, users can click into specific court record categories, including Circuit and Family Court Records and District Court Records, which encompasses the Small Claims Division of the 86th District Court and Informal Probate Proceedings.

Michigan Courts Case Search is a separate statewide platform that complements the county's own portal and can surface records across multiple jurisdictions. For criminal record checks that go beyond a single county, the Michigan State Police ICHAT Portal allows anyone to search by providing an individual's first name, last name, and date of birth. If an online search isn't producing results, the Michigan State Police Central Records Division can be reached directly at (517) 241-0606.

The Public Act 193 Limitation — and What to Do About It

One of the most important caveats for anyone using the county's online criminal search: it will not return every case. As the county states directly on its website, "Our Criminal Records Search will not show all cases, as we work to comply with Public Act 193 of 2020. If you suspect the record you are searching for is not appearing in the search, please contact our office and we will be happy to assist you in looking further."

Public Act 193 of 2020 is Michigan's Clean Slate law, which allows certain criminal records to be set aside or shielded from public view after qualifying waiting periods. The county's website points users to Michigan Clean Slate for more information on which convictions qualify. The practical takeaway: if you're searching for a record that should exist but isn't showing up, call the Clerk's office at (231) 922-4760 before concluding the record doesn't exist. The gap may be a legal restriction rather than a data error.

In-Person Access: What to Expect at the Courthouse

Visiting the courthouse in person remains the most comprehensive option for accessing paper records. Public access terminals are available at the courthouse, and visitors can inspect case files directly. There is one logistical wrinkle to plan around: research of court files may be restricted between noon and 2:00 PM because older case files are stored away from the main office due to space constraints. Scheduling a visit outside that window will minimize the risk of delays.

When requesting records in person or by mail, expect fees to apply for copies and certified documents. Those fees are established pursuant to MCL § 600.2546 and vary depending on the document type and whether certification is required. Basic in-person inspection of records, use of public access terminals, and review of court calendars and dockets are generally available without charge. Fees typically arise when you need physical copies or certified versions for legal proceedings.

Using FOIA to Request Records

When standard search tools don't surface what you need, the Michigan Freedom of Information Act provides a statutory backstop. As state law specifies, "residents of Grand Traverse County have the right to inspect and copy public records unless the requested record is exempt from disclosure." FOIA requests can be submitted to the county in person, by email, or by mail, but they must be directed to the custodian of the specific record you're seeking. A FOIA request for court records goes to a different office than one for property deeds or health department documents, so identifying the right custodian before filing saves time.

Courts of Record and Why the Distinction Matters

Not every Grand Traverse County court carries the same weight when it comes to appeals. The legal distinction between courts of record and courts not of record has direct consequences for how appeals are handled. As one reference source explains, "appeals from courts not of record typically involve a completely new hearing (trial de novo) rather than a review of the existing record, as specified in Michigan Court Rule 7.103." If you're involved in litigation and considering an appeal from a lower court, understanding whether that court is a court of record can determine whether the appellate court reviews an existing transcript or starts fresh.

Key Contacts at a Glance

The Grand Traverse County Governmental Center at 400 Boardman Avenue houses multiple departments relevant to different types of records requests. Direct lines for the most commonly needed offices include:

• County Clerk (Bonnie Scheele): (231) 922-4760
• District Court: (231) 922-4580
• Family Court: (231) 922-4640
• Probate Court: (231) 922-6862
• Register of Deeds: (231) 922-4753
• Sheriff: (231) 995-5000
• Jail: (231) 922-4530
• General County Information: (231) 922-4700
• Michigan State Police Central Records Division: (517) 241-0606

The MSP ICHAT Portal and the Grand Traverse County Online Records Portal are free to search and accessible around the clock, making them the logical first stop for most inquiries. For records that predate digital filing systems or that have been restricted under Public Act 193, the Clerk's office at 400 Boardman Avenue remains the most reliable path to a complete answer.