Sterling Heights Felony Records Search
Sterling Heights felony records are processed through the 41A District Court and the Macomb County Circuit Court. Sterling Heights is the fourth largest city in Michigan and consistently ranks among the safest large cities in the state. Felony preliminary examinations happen at the 41A District Court before cases move to the circuit court in Mount Clemens. The 41A District Court offers walk-in arraignments, a text reminder system for court dates, and an online case search tool for public records access.
Sterling Heights Overview
41A District Court Sterling Heights
The 41A District Court at 40111 Dodge Park Road serves Sterling Heights and handles all felony preliminary examinations for the city. The court is open Monday through Friday from 8:30 AM to noon and 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM. You can reach the court at (586) 446-2500, fax (586) 276-4074. The criminal division line is (586) 446-2550 and the traffic division is (586) 446-2575. The probation office can be reached at (586) 446-2565.
Walk-in arraignments are available Monday through Friday from 8:30 to 9:30 AM. This makes it easy to appear for a first court date without a scheduled appointment. The court uses a text reminder system so defendants and attorneys get automatic notices about upcoming court dates. A Clean Slate expungement program is also available through the 41A District Court for qualifying cases. The court website is at sterling-heights.net.
| Court | 41A District Court |
|---|---|
| Address | 40111 Dodge Park Rd, Sterling Heights, MI 48313 |
| Phone | (586) 446-2500 |
| Fax | (586) 276-4074 |
| Hours | Mon-Fri 8:30 AM to noon and 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM |
| Walk-In Arraignments | Mon-Fri 8:30 to 9:30 AM |
| Court Website | sterling-heights.net/41A-District-Court |
Note: The 41A District Court covers Sterling Heights only. For nearby Utica and Shelby Township, a different district court has jurisdiction.
Macomb County Circuit Court
Felony cases from Sterling Heights that are bound over after the preliminary examination go to the Macomb County Circuit Court in Mount Clemens. The court is at 40 N Main in Mount Clemens and can be reached at (586) 469-7171. The circuit court handles all felony trials, pleas, and sentencing for Sterling Heights and all other Macomb County communities. This court also handles appeals from the 41A District Court and oversees probation for felony offenders in the county.
You can search Macomb County circuit court cases through the MiCOURT portal by name or case number. For in-person access, visit the circuit court clerk's office in Mount Clemens during regular business hours. The drive from Sterling Heights to Mount Clemens is about 15 minutes. Bring a photo ID and the name or case number for the records you need.
How to Search Sterling Heights Felony Records
Finding felony records for Sterling Heights cases takes only a few steps. Online tools work well for most basic searches. Going in person gives you full file access and certified copies the same day.
The free MiCOURT portal is a good starting point. It covers both the 41A District Court and Macomb County Circuit Court records and lets you search by name or case number. You can see charges, court dates, and case status without any fee. For a complete criminal history across all Michigan courts, use the Michigan State Police ICHAT system, which costs $10 per search and requires a full name and date of birth.
For in-person access to 41A District Court records, go to 40111 Dodge Park Road during business hours. For circuit court records, visit the Macomb County Circuit Court in Mount Clemens. Staff can look up cases and make copies for you. Call ahead to confirm hours and fees before you make the trip.
What Sterling Heights Felony Records Contain
A felony case file for a Sterling Heights case includes the charging document, motions, court filings, hearing records, the plea or verdict, and the sentencing order. The record moves with the case from the 41A District Court through the Macomb County Circuit Court, building a complete record of all proceedings. If you need copies of specific documents from either court, you can request them from the clerk's office where that part of the case was handled.
Records typically show the defendant's name and date of birth, the exact charges and Michigan statute numbers, the case number, dates of all court events, the judge's name, the final outcome, and the sentence. Restitution amounts, probation terms, and fines are part of the record. Some documents can be sealed by court order. Personal victim information is typically redacted before copies are released. Juvenile cases are not public records under Michigan law.
Public access to these court records is governed by Michigan court rules and the Freedom of Information Act under MCL 15.231.
Sterling Heights Resources for Felony Records
The City of Sterling Heights website is the main source for city services, including links to the 41A District Court and the Sterling Heights Police Department.
This screenshot of the Sterling Heights city portal at sterling-heights.net shows the city's official resources, including access to district court information and links to city departments involved in criminal records.
The 41A District Court page on the city site has direct access to court services, forms, and the online case search tool.
This screenshot shows the 41A District Court page at sterling-heights.net/41A-District-Court, where you can find court contact information, hours, arraignment procedures, and links to the MiCOURT case search portal.
For police-related FOIA requests, the Sterling Heights Police Department uses an online portal at cityofsterlingheightsmipd.nextrequest.com.
This screenshot shows the Sterling Heights Police Department FOIA portal, where residents can submit online requests for police reports and arrest records related to felony cases in the city.
Expungement in Sterling Heights
Michigan's Clean Slate law provides a path to clear felony records for many Sterling Heights residents. Under MCL 780.621, you can file a petition with the Macomb County Circuit Court to set aside a felony conviction after the required waiting period. The waiting period starts at the end of your sentence, probation, or parole. How long you wait depends on the type of offense and your prior record.
The 2021 Clean Slate amendments under MCL 780.621g added automatic expungement for some lower-level felonies. After enough time without a new offense, certain convictions may clear without a petition. Serious violent felonies and crimes against minors are excluded. The 41A District Court also operates a Clean Slate expungement program for eligible cases. Michigan Legal Help provides free guides and forms for the petition process.
FOIA Requests in Sterling Heights
The Michigan Freedom of Information Act under MCL 15.231 gives you the right to request records from Sterling Heights public agencies. Police report and arrest record requests go to the Sterling Heights Police Department through their online portal at cityofsterlingheightsmipd.nextrequest.com. For court records not available through MiCOURT, contact the 41A District Court or the Macomb County Circuit Court clerk. Agencies must respond within five business days, with possible extensions. Fees may apply for copying and staff search time.
Nearby Cities
These nearby Michigan cities have felony records pages with local court and search information.
Macomb County Felony Records
Sterling Heights is in Macomb County. All felony cases from Sterling Heights go through the Macomb County court system. For full county-level information on courts, search tools, and resources, visit the Macomb County felony records page.