ChippewaMICourt.us can help you find publicly available information about court cases filed in Chippewa County, Michigan. You can also search records through official state court portals, the Chippewa County Clerk's office, and public-access computer terminals located at the courthouse during normal business hours. The sections below explain which courts handle which cases, how to view upcoming hearings, and how to obtain copies of court documents.
Chippewa Court System & Jurisdictions
Chippewa County is served by two trial-level courts, both housed at 319 Court Street in Sault Ste. Marie, MI 49783.
50th Circuit Court
The 50th Circuit Court is the county's general jurisdiction court. It handles:
- Felony criminal cases
- Civil cases with amounts in controversy exceeding $25,000
- Family division matters — divorce, custody, parenting time, child support, paternity, personal protection orders, and juvenile proceedings
- Appeals from the 91st District Court and administrative agencies
The 50th Circuit Court also operates a Drug Court program for eligible defendants.
91st District Court
The 91st District Court covers:
- Misdemeanor criminal cases
- Civil cases up to $25,000
- Small claims (up to $6,500 under Michigan law)
- Landlord-tenant disputes and land contract forfeitures
- Traffic and parking violations
- Arraignments for felony cases before they are bound over to Circuit Court
Probate Court
Chippewa County Probate Court handles estates, guardianships, conservatorships, mental health commitments, and related matters. Probate cases can be searched through the Michigan Courts case search portal by selecting "Chippewa Probate Court."
Chippewa Court Calendar & Upcoming Hearings
Both Chippewa County courts publish docket schedules that show today's, tomorrow's, and upcoming hearings.
- Circuit Court docket: Visit the 50th Circuit Court page and look for the "Court Docket" link. The docket lists scheduled hearing dates, case numbers, party names, and hearing types.
- District Court docket: The District Court Docket page provides a calendar view — click on a date to see that day's scheduled proceedings, including arraignments, pretrial conferences, and sentencing hearings.
For statewide case information — including case numbers, party names, and hearing dates across all Chippewa County courts — use the MiCOURT Case Search tool. Select the appropriate Chippewa court (Circuit, District, Probate, or Juvenile Division) to narrow results. Note that some courts only display criminal conviction data online, and certain records are restricted under Michigan and federal law.
How to Get a Copy of a Chippewa Court Document
The method for obtaining court documents depends on which court handled the case.
Circuit Court Records (Criminal & Civil)
The Chippewa County Clerk's office maintains files for criminal and civil matters from the 50th Circuit Court. Most of these records are open to the public. To request copies:
- In person: Visit the Clerk's office at the courthouse during business hours. Staff can pull the file and provide copies on the spot.
- By mail: Send a written request specifying the case number (if known), party names, and the type of document needed to:
- Online search: Use MiCOURT Case Search to look up basic case information. Full document copies typically still require a request to the Clerk's office.
District Court Records
For 91st District Court records, the court maintains its own files. A public-access computer is available at the courthouse during normal business hours for searching local District Court records. Contact the 91st District Court directly for copies.
Certified vs. Uncertified Copies
- Uncertified copies are standard photocopies suitable for personal reference.
- Certified copies bear the court seal and clerk's signature. These are usually required for legal proceedings, background checks, or filing in another court.
When requesting by mail, include payment for applicable fees and a self-addressed stamped envelope. Specify whether you need a certified or uncertified copy.
Restricted Records
Certain records are not available to the general public, including:
- Sealed or expunged cases
- Juvenile delinquency records (generally confidential)
- Some mental health and guardianship proceedings
- Records restricted by court order
According to Michigan's court records management policy, electronic public records are generally limited to case numbers, party names, and dates of birth.
Chippewa Court Records Fees & Payment
Michigan court fees are set by statute and local administrative order. The table below lists common fees for Chippewa County court record requests. Contact the Clerk's office or the 91st District Court to confirm current amounts, as fees may be updated by administrative order.
| Service | Fee | Authority |
|---|---|---|
| Copy of court document (per page) | $1.00 | MCL 600.2546 |
| Certified copy — certification fee | $10.00 | MCL 600.2546 |
| Court record search (by Clerk) | $10.00 | MCL 600.2546 |
| Exemplification of record | $1.00 per page plus certification | MCL 600.2546 |
Payment methods: Contact the Chippewa County Clerk's office to confirm accepted forms of payment. In-person requests typically accept cash, check, or money order. Mail requests should include a check or money order payable to "Chippewa County Clerk."
For criminal background checks beyond local court records, the Michigan State Police ICHAT system provides statewide public criminal history searches for a fee. The Michigan Department of Corrections Offender Tracking Information System (OTIS) allows free searches of individuals currently or formerly in state prison custody.