Question 1

How do I look up a Wayne County court case?

Accepted Answer

Use **MiCOURT** (micourt.courts.michigan.gov/case-search) — the official Michigan statewide case lookup. For 36th District Court matters (misdemeanors, traffic, civil under $25,000), use the 36th District Court Case Inquiry portal. Civil and family cases at the Wayne County 3rd Circuit are also searchable through the Wayne County Clerk's Case Information Online (CIO) system at records.wayneclerkofcourts.org.

Question 2

How can I find a good lawyer in Detroit?

Accepted Answer

Browse our attorney directory by specialty (Criminal Defense, OWI, Family, Personal Injury). Each profile links to the lawyer's State Bar of Michigan record. For sliding-scale or pro bono representation, use the **State Bar of Michigan Lawyer Referral Service** at (800) 968-0738 or **Legal Aid & Defender Association (LAD)** at (313) 967-5800.

Question 3

How does the Detroit judge strictness rating work?

Accepted Answer

Each Wayne County judge has a 0–100 strictness score derived from publicly available sentencing patterns, diversion rates, and courtroom demeanor reports. 0–39 is lenient, 40–59 moderate, 60–100 firm. These are community-perception estimates and not official judicial evaluations.

Question 4

Where is the Wayne County Courthouse?

Accepted Answer

Civil and family matters are heard at the **Coleman A. Young Municipal Center**, 2 Woodward Ave, Detroit, MI 48226. Criminal felony matters are heard at the **Frank Murphy Hall of Justice**, 1441 St. Antoine St. The **Lincoln Hall of Justice** (1025 E. Forest Ave) houses the Juvenile Section. Main switchboard: (313) 224-5510.

Question 5

How do I check for an active warrant in Wayne County?

Accepted Answer

Michigan does not offer a single free public warrant database. Start with **MiCOURT Case Search** — open cases with an outstanding warrant flag will appear. Then confirm with the **Wayne County Sheriff's Office** at (313) 224-2222 or the **Detroit Police Major Crimes Bureau** at (313) 596-2200. A defense attorney can also verify on your behalf without exposing you to immediate arrest.

Question 6

How do I find out if someone is in the Wayne County Jail?

Accepted Answer

Use the **Wayne County Sheriff Inmate Inquiry** at inmateinquiry.waynecounty.com. You can search by name, booking number, or facility (Wayne County Jail, ADF, or Electronic Monitoring). For state prisoners, use the Michigan DOC **OTIS** system at michigan.gov/corrections/otis.

Question 7

What is the Detroit AI Court Assistant?

Accepted Answer

An AI tool trained on Michigan Court Rules, 3rd Judicial Circuit local rules, SCAO forms, and standard procedure. It explains what a charge means, what to expect at arraignment, deadlines for responsive pleadings, and where to find the right form. It is not legal advice and does not replace an attorney.

Question 8

Can I file a motion without a lawyer?

Accepted Answer

Yes — pro se (self-represented) parties may file motions under MCR 2.119. Use the AI Motion Generator to draft from a Michigan-format template, then file in person at the Wayne County Clerk's office or electronically via **MiFILE** (mifile.courts.michigan.gov) for civil cases.

Question 9

Does Detroit have Drug Court or other diversion programs?

Accepted Answer

Yes. The 3rd Judicial Circuit operates **Adult Drug Treatment Court**, **Mental Health Court**, and **Veterans Treatment Court**. The 36th District Court also operates Sobriety Court, Mental Health Court, and Veterans Court. Successful completion can result in dismissal of the underlying charge under MCL 600.1076. Talk to your defense attorney about eligibility.

Question 10

How do I expunge (set aside) a Michigan conviction?

Accepted Answer

Use SCAO Form **MC 227** (Application to Set Aside Conviction) under **MCL 780.621** (the 2021 Clean Slate Act). Many convictions are now eligible automatically after 7–10 years; serious felonies and assaultive crimes require a petition and hearing. Michigan Legal Help offers a free interactive expungement tool.

Question 11

How do I attend a Wayne County court hearing by Zoom?

Accepted Answer

The 36th District Court publishes daily Zoom links at 36thdistrictcourtmi.gov/online-services/virtual-court-room. For 3rd Circuit matters, contact the assigned judge's clerk — most civil and family judges hold motions virtually unless a witness must testify in person.

Frequently Asked Questions