Riverview City Court Records Michigan cover all legal cases filed within city limits and Wayne County. Residents of Riverview, Michigan live in Wayne County.
Their court cases go through the 23rd District Court. The Wayne County Clerk keeps the official files. Anyone can look up these records. You do not need a reason to search. The law in Michigan treats court records as public. This page shows you how to search, where to go, what to pay, and what to expect in 2026.
What Are Riverview City Court Records
Riverview City Court Records are written files about legal cases. They include papers, dates, and decisions from the court. These records cover civil cases, criminal cases, traffic tickets, small claims, and other matters. The 23rd District Court handles most cases from Riverview. Felony cases go to the Wayne County Circuit Court.
Each record has a case number. The number helps the clerk pull the right file. Records also have the names of people involved. They show the judge, the lawyers, and the outcome. Court records are public under Michigan law. You can look at most of them without asking permission.
The 23rd District Court Serving Riverview
The 23rd District Court serves Riverview and nearby cities. This court is part of Michigan’s trial court system. It handles misdemeanors, civil cases under $25,000, traffic tickets, and small claims. The court covers the city of Riverview, the city of Woodhaven, and Brownstown Township.
The 23rd District Court sits at 23555 Allen Road in Woodhaven, Michigan 48183. This is the main location for all cases from Riverview. Even though the city of Riverview has its own clerk office, court cases go to the district court in Woodhaven. The court address is short to drive to from most parts of Riverview.
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Court Name | 23rd District Court |
| Street Address | 23555 Allen Road, Woodhaven, MI 48183 |
| Phone Number | (734) 671-0200 |
| Website | https://www.23rddistrictcourt.net |
| Hours | Monday to Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM |
How to Search Court Records Online
You can search Riverview court records from home. The state of Michigan runs a free search tool called MiCOURT. The website is at courts.michigan.gov. You can also use the Wayne County court portal. Both tools let you search by name or case number.
To search online, you need at least one piece of information. A full name works best. A case number gives the fastest result. The search returns a list of cases. Click on a case to see the docket. The docket lists every filing, hearing, and order in the case.
MiCOURT covers every Michigan court. You can search district, circuit, probate, and appellate courts. The Wayne County portal focuses on cases in Wayne County. Riverview cases show up in both tools. Court records online go back many years. Older paper records from before 1990 may not be on the site.
Steps for Online Search
- Open the MiCOURT website at courts.michigan.gov
- Click on “Case Search” or “Public Records”
- Type the last name and first name of the person
- Pick Wayne County from the list of counties
- Press the search button
- Look through the list of cases that come up
- Click on a case to see full details
Types of Cases Filed in Riverview Court
Riverview City Court Records cover many case types. The 23rd District Court handles most of them. Felony cases move up to the Wayne County Circuit Court. Knowing the case type helps you search the right court file.
Criminal Cases
Criminal cases include misdemeanors and felonies. Misdemeanors stay at the district court. Felonies move to the circuit court after a preliminary hearing. Common criminal cases in Riverview include drunk driving, retail fraud, assault, and drug possession. The court keeps records of charges, pleas, and sentences.
Civil Cases
Civil cases happen when one person sues another. The 23rd District Court hears civil cases up to $25,000. Disputes over contracts, property damage, and unpaid debts go here. Each civil case has a plaintiff and a defendant. The court records show the claims, the evidence, and the court’s order.
Traffic and Driving Cases
Traffic tickets are common court cases in Riverview. Speeding, running a red light, and driving without a license all create court files. Some drivers choose to fight their tickets. Others pay the fine. The court records show the ticket, the plea, and the final result.
Small Claims Cases
Small claims cases cover disputes up to $6,500. People file these cases without a lawyer. Landlords, tenants, and small businesses use small claims court. The 23rd District Court handles these cases. The court clerk can help you file a small claims case.
Probate and Family Cases
Probate and family cases go to the Wayne County Probate Court. Divorce, child custody, and estate matters file in probate court. These records sit in a different court system. The Wayne County Probate Court is at 1301 Coleman A. Young Municipal Center in Detroit.
Contact the Riverview City Clerk
The Riverview City Clerk handles city records, not court records. The clerk office keeps council minutes, birth and death records for people born in Riverview, and city business records. For court records, you need to contact the 23rd District Court or the Wayne County Clerk.
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Office Name | Riverview City Clerk |
| Street Address | 14100 Civic Park Drive, Riverview, MI 48193 |
| Phone Number | (734) 281-4241 |
| Office Hours | Monday to Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM |
| Website | https://www.cityofriverview.com |
Contact the Wayne County Clerk
The Wayne County Clerk keeps the master court files. The clerk’s office records all cases filed in Wayne County courts. Riverview cases sit in this office. You can visit the clerk, call, or write to request records.
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Office Name | Wayne County Clerk |
| Street Address | 2 Woodward Avenue, Detroit, MI 48226 |
| Phone Number | (313) 224-6262 |
| Office Hours | Monday to Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM |
| Website | https://www.waynecounty.com/elected/clerk |
Search Court Records by Name
You can search by full legal name. A name search works on MiCOURT and the Wayne County portal. You get results faster when you add a date of birth. A middle name helps too. The search returns cases where the person is a defendant, a plaintiff, a witness, or a lawyer.
If you share a name with someone else, you may see their cases. Check the date of birth, the address, and the case number to confirm the right person. The system lists cases from all Wayne County courts. Criminal cases, civil cases, and traffic cases all show up in one search.
Search Court Records by Case Number
A case number search gives one result. Every case has a unique number. The format looks like this: 23-2024-CR-12345. The first part is the court number. The year comes next. The case type appears third. The last part is the case number itself.
You find the case number on court papers, tickets, and notices. If you do not know the case number, call the 23rd District Court at (734) 671-0200. The clerk can look up the number for you. The clerk needs a full name and a rough date to search.
Free vs Paid Court Records
Searching court records online is free. You can see the docket, the parties, and the hearing dates at no cost. Some documents cost money to view. The fee covers the cost of copying and certifying the papers.
| Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| Online docket search | Free |
| View case summary online | Free |
| Regular copy of a document | $1.00 per page |
| Certified copy of a document | $11.00 per document |
| Exemplified copy (with court seal) | $22.00 per document |
| Audio recording of a hearing | $30.00 per CD |
How to Get Certified Court Records
A certified copy has the court seal. Banks, employers, and government agencies ask for certified copies. The seal proves the record is real. You can order certified copies from the Wayne County Clerk.
To order a certified copy, visit the clerk’s office in person. Bring a photo ID. Pay the fee. The clerk pulls the file, makes the copy, and adds the seal. The process takes about 15 to 30 minutes. You can also mail in a request. Include a check or money order for the fee.
Mail-In Court Record Requests
You can ask for court records by mail. Send a written request to the Wayne County Clerk. Include the full name, the case number if you have it, and the year of the case. Tell the clerk which documents you want. Send a self-addressed stamped envelope. Include a check for the copy fees.
Mail requests take 7 to 14 business days. The clerk mails the records back to you. The clerk office stamps the return envelope. Make sure to write your return address clearly. The clerk office cannot return records without proper postage.
In-Person Records Requests
You can visit the Wayne County Clerk office in person. The office sits in the Coleman A. Young Municipal Center in downtown Detroit. Take a photo ID. Find the case on a public computer. Ask the clerk for the file. Pay the copy fee. The clerk hands you the papers.
The downtown office is busy. Plan to wait in line. Arrive early in the day. Avoid Mondays and Fridays. The middle of the week has the shortest lines. Parking costs money in downtown Detroit. The clerk office is on the 2nd floor of the building.
Privacy and Sealed Court Records
Some court records are sealed. Sealed records do not show up in public searches. A judge orders the seal. Common reasons include juvenile cases, mental health commitments, and adoption records. Victims of certain crimes can also ask for sealed records.
Expunged records are different from sealed records. Expunged records are deleted from the public system. A person must ask the court to expunge a record. The court holds a hearing. The judge decides whether to grant the request. After expungement, the record does not show up in any search.
Michigan Court Records Portal Updates in 2026
Michigan courts started updating court forms in 2026. The Michigan Supreme Court ordered the change. The old forms were hard to read. The new forms use plain language. Self-represented people find the new forms easier to fill out.
The Michigan Supreme Court Justice for All Commission runs the project. The Commission released the first batch of new forms in June 2026. More forms will follow. Court records themselves did not change. The format and content of court records stay the same. Only the forms used to file cases have new designs.
Juvenile Court Records in Riverview
Juvenile records are private. The Wayne County Family Court handles juvenile cases. Juvenile records do not show up in public searches. Only the young person, the parents, the lawyers, and the judge can see the records. Some juvenile records get sealed when the person turns 18.
Adoption records are also private. Adult adoptees can ask for their original birth certificates through the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services. Court records about an adoption stay sealed forever. The Riverview City Clerk keeps a sealed file for adoptions that took place in the city.
Criminal Background Checks
You can run a criminal background check on someone. The Michigan State Police run the Internet Criminal History Access Tool, called ICHAT. The website is at apps.michigan.gov. You pay a small fee for each search. The tool shows arrests, charges, and convictions across Michigan.
ICHAT is faster than searching court records one by one. The tool covers the whole state. ICHAT shows open cases and closed cases. The tool does not show expunged records. ICHAT is the best option for employers, landlords, and volunteer groups that need a full criminal check.
Federal Court Records for Riverview
Federal cases are different from state cases. Federal cases go to the United States District Court. The Eastern District of Michigan sits in Detroit. Federal cases include federal crimes, civil rights cases, and bankruptcy. The court address is 231 W. Lafayette Boulevard in Detroit.
Federal court records live in the PACER system. PACER stands for Public Access to Court Electronic Records. The website is at pacer.uscourts.gov. You pay a small fee to use PACER. New users get free access for a limited amount of pages. Federal records cover bankruptcy, civil rights, and federal criminal matters.
Court Transcript Requests
Court transcripts are written records of what was said in court. A court reporter creates the transcript. You must order the transcript from the court reporter. The 23rd District Court uses digital recording. You can order a copy of the audio recording for $30.
Written transcripts cost more. A regular transcript runs $3.50 per page. An expedited transcript costs more. You can ask the court for a transcript at any time. The court reporter has 30 days to finish a regular order. Rush orders take less time but cost more.
Records of Court Hearings
Court hearings are open to the public. You can sit in the gallery of the 23rd District Court and watch a hearing. The court schedule is posted online. Click on the “Court Schedule” link on the court’s website. The schedule shows the time, the courtroom, and the case name.
You cannot record court hearings without permission. The court may allow a journalist to record. The judge decides who can take notes. A simple notebook and pen are fine. Phones must stay on silent. The judge may ask you to leave if you disrupt the court.
How Long the Court Keeps Records
The court keeps records for different lengths of time. Traffic tickets stay on file for at least 7 years. Civil cases stay on file for 10 years after the final order. Criminal cases stay on file forever. Felony convictions remain in the system for life. Misdemeanor convictions stay on file for at least 10 years.
Older paper records from the 1980s and earlier may sit in storage. You can ask the clerk to pull a file from storage. The clerk needs 3 to 5 business days to find old records. The fee for pulling a file from storage is $30. The copy fees still apply on top of the pull fee.
Third-Party Record Search Sites
Many private companies offer court record searches. Sites like CourtCaseFinder, OpenPublicRecords, and RecordsFinder pull public data. These sites charge a fee. The fee covers the cost of the search and the report. Third-party sites work fast and offer customer support.
State-run tools like MiCOURT and PACER give the same data for free. You do not need a third-party site to search court records. The Michigan courts and the federal courts both offer free public access. Third-party sites are useful for users who want a simple report format.
Common Reasons to Search Court Records
People search court records for many reasons. Employers check criminal backgrounds before hiring. Landlords check for eviction cases. Lenders check civil judgments. Lawyers check the other party’s history. Family members check the status of a relative’s case.
Journalists use court records for stories. Researchers use court records for studies. Private investigators use court records for legal work. Adopted adults use court records to learn about biological parents. Whatever the reason, Michigan law treats the records as public.
What You Cannot See in Public Records
Michigan law protects some information. The court system removes Social Security numbers from public records. Bank account numbers stay private. Credit card numbers stay private. Medical records stay private. Home addresses of certain victims stay private.
Juvenile records stay private. Mental health records stay private. Adoption records stay private. Sealed records stay private. Trade secrets in business cases stay private. Personal safety information for judges and witnesses stays private. The clerk office can tell you what information is hidden from a specific file.
Riverview Court Case Statistics
Riverview sees thousands of court cases every year. The 23rd District Court handles most of the cases. Traffic tickets make up the largest group. The court processes over 10,000 traffic tickets each year. Misdemeanor criminal cases come next. Civil cases round out the list.
The Wayne County court system has been releasing new data. Measures for Justice released Michigan court data in June 2026. The data covers case processing times, clearance rates, and sentencing trends. The public can view this data on the Measures for Justice website.
Appeals and Appellate Records
A person can appeal a court decision. The appeal goes to a higher court. In Michigan, appeals from the 23rd District Court go to the Wayne County Circuit Court. Appeals from the circuit court go to the Michigan Court of Appeals. The Michigan Supreme Court hears the most important cases.
Appellate records sit in a different system. The Michigan Court of Appeals keeps its own files. You can search appellate records at courts.michigan.gov. The same search tool covers all Michigan courts. Appellate records show the briefs, the arguments, and the final ruling.
Paying Court Fines and Fees
You can pay court fines online. The 23rd District Court uses a payment portal. The website is at www.23rddistrictcourt.net. Click on “Pay Fines” and enter your case number. Pay with a credit card or a debit card. A small processing fee applies.
You can also pay in person. The court accepts cash, money order, and credit cards. Personal checks are not accepted. The court payment window is open during regular business hours. Pay fines on time to avoid extra fees. Late fees add up fast.
FAQs About Riverview City Court Records Michigan
Court records raise many questions. Below are answers to the most common questions about Riverview City Court Records in Michigan. The answers cover the search process, the costs, and the privacy rules. Read through the questions to learn more about Michigan’s public court record system.
How do I search Riverview City Court Records online for free?
You can search for free at courts.michigan.gov. The site is the official Michigan court search tool. Type the full name of the person. Pick Wayne County. The system returns a list of cases. Click on a case to see the full docket. You can also use the Wayne County court portal. The Wayne County portal is at waynecounty.com. The same search rules apply. Both tools are free. You do not need to register or pay a fee to view basic case data.
What is the difference between a sealed and expunged record?
A sealed record is hidden from public view. The court keeps the file, but the public cannot see it. Only the judge, the lawyers, and the parties can see a sealed file. An expunged record is destroyed. The court removes the file from the public system. The record does not show up in any search. A judge must order either action. The court holds a hearing before sealing or expunging a record. Most people ask for expungement after completing their sentence.
Can I get a copy of my own court record?
Yes. You have a right to see your own court record. Visit the 23rd District Court in person. Bring a photo ID. The clerk pulls your file. You can read the file at the clerk’s office. You can also order copies. Regular copies cost $1 per page. Certified copies cost $11 per document. You can mail in a request. Send a written request to the Wayne County Clerk. Include your name, date of birth, and case number. Enclose a check for the copy fee.
How long does it take to get court records by mail?
Mail requests take 7 to 14 business days. The clerk processes requests in the order they arrive. Add time for the postal service. The clerk mails the records back to you. The clerk office cannot rush mail requests. The office charges extra for expedited processing. You can pay for a courier service. UPS and FedEx deliver faster than the postal service. The clerk office accepts prepaid mailers from UPS and FedEx.
Are traffic ticket records public in Riverview?
Yes. Traffic ticket records are public. The 23rd District Court keeps a file for every traffic case. The file shows the ticket, the plea, and the result. You can search the case on MiCOURT. The docket shows the hearing dates. The judgment shows the fine amount. Some traffic cases are sealed. Juvenile traffic cases stay private. Some drivers ask the court to seal a traffic case. The judge decides whether to grant the request.
What should I do if I find a mistake in my court record?
File a motion with the court. A motion is a written request to fix a mistake. You can use the standard court forms. The Michigan court website has the forms. The Wayne County Law Library can help you fill out the forms. The court holds a hearing. The judge decides whether to fix the record. Bring proof of the mistake. Court papers, police reports, and other documents help your case. The judge can order the clerk to change the file.
Can I look up court records for someone who lives outside Riverview?
Yes. The Michigan court search tool covers all Michigan counties. The Wayne County court portal covers all Wayne County cases. Riverview cases sit in both systems. You can search by name, case number, or attorney bar number. The system returns cases from every court. The list may include cases from other counties. Filter the results by county, case type, or year. The filter helps you find the right case fast.