Sterling Heights Criminal Records
Sterling Heights criminal records are filed with the Macomb County 16th Circuit Court for felony cases and through the 41-A District Court for misdemeanors. The Sterling Heights Police Department runs a Records Bureau that handles local arrest reports and FOIA requests. With about 133,000 residents, Sterling Heights is one of Michigan's largest cities. This page covers how to search and request criminal records from every available source in Sterling Heights.
Sterling Heights Overview
Courts Handling Sterling Heights Criminal Records
Sterling Heights is in Macomb County. Felony criminal cases from the city go through the Macomb County 16th Circuit Court. Misdemeanor and traffic cases are handled by the 41-A District Court, which is based in Sterling Heights and specifically serves the city. The 41-A District Court handles the bulk of criminal filings at the local level, including arraignments, bond hearings, and lower-level offenses.
| Felony Court | Macomb County 16th Circuit Court |
|---|---|
| Misdemeanor Court | 41-A District Court |
| Criminal Division | (586) 446-2550 |
| Civil Division | (586) 446-2535 |
| Traffic Division | (586) 446-2575 |
The 41-A District Court in Sterling Heights makes public records viewable through its online portal. You can view the Register of Actions for any case. For case searches covering both the district and circuit courts, use MiCOURT Case Search at micourt.courts.michigan.gov. This free state tool shows case history, charge information, and court dates. Under MCL 15.231, public criminal records must be released upon request unless a specific exemption applies.
Court records requests for certified copies go to the Macomb County Clerk's office. The Sterling Heights 41-A District Court also processes its own records requests. Email court records requests for the district court to 41ARecordsRequest@sterling-heights.gov. Allow up to 10 days for processing. For urgent matters, call the Criminal Division at (586) 446-2550 to ask about availability.
Sterling Heights Police Records Bureau
The Sterling Heights Police Department Records Bureau is the starting point for local police report copies, incident records, and FOIA requests. The bureau is open Monday through Friday, 9 am to 4:30 pm. Plan to arrive by 4:15 pm. The Records Bureau is at 40333 Dodge Park Road, Sterling Heights, MI 48313. Call 586-446-2900 to reach the bureau or the FOIA Coordinator, Chief Andrew Satterfield.
To get police reports or other police records in Sterling Heights, you can submit a FOIA request by mail, fax, or in person. The fax number is 586-276-4069. Email for general records is pdrecords@sterling-heights.net. FOIA-specific requests go to shpdfoia@sterling-heights.net. The police FOIA request form is available online at sterlingheights.gov. Report copies are $1.00 per page. Certified copies cost $10 for the certification plus $1.00 per page. Payment by cash, check, Visa, Mastercard, or Discover is accepted.
Police reports in Sterling Heights are generally available at least three days after the incident. Open investigations are not released until they are closed. Accident reports for Sterling Heights crashes can be obtained online through buycrash.lexisnexisrisk.com.
The Michigan State Police FOIA portal at michigan.gov handles statewide criminal history requests covering Sterling Heights cases.
How to Search Sterling Heights Criminal Records
Michigan State Police ICHAT at apps.michigan.gov/ichat provides statewide name-based criminal history searches for $10 each. This tool covers conviction records reported from courts across the state, including Sterling Heights cases in both the 41-A District Court and the 16th Circuit Court. For a more reliable fingerprint-based search, contact MSP Central Records at 517-241-0606.
The 41-A District Court makes its public case records available online. Go to sterlingheights.gov for information on how to request court records from the district court. For all Macomb County court cases, MiCOURT lets you search by name or case number without a fee. The results include charge details, case status, and scheduled hearing dates.
Note: Sterling Heights police reports are not released while investigations are open; wait until the case is closed before submitting a FOIA request for those records.
For offender lookups, use the Michigan Department of Corrections OTIS system at mdocweb.state.mi.us to search for inmates and parolees. The Michigan Sex Offender Registry at michigan.gov/psor is searchable by name or address and includes registered offenders in Sterling Heights.
FOIA Requests for Sterling Heights Records
Sterling Heights has two separate FOIA coordinators. Police records go to Chief Andrew Satterfield at 586-446-2900 or shpdfoia@sterling-heights.net. Non-police city records go to Melanie D. Ryska at 586-446-2420 or foia@sterlingheights.gov. The non-police FOIA coordinator is at the City Clerk's office, 40555 Utica Road, PO Box 8009, Sterling Heights, MI 48311. More information is at sterlingheights.gov.
FOIA requests in Sterling Heights follow MCL 15.231. The city has five business days to respond with a grant, denial, partial grant, or request for an extension. Under MCL 15.243, certain records are exempt, including open investigation files and records that could endanger individuals. If denied, you get a written explanation. You can appeal the denial or seek judicial review.
Police clearance letters are also available from the Sterling Heights Police Department. Contact the Records Bureau for current fees and procedures. These letters confirm whether an individual has any local arrest or conviction history and are often needed for immigration purposes or professional licensing. Call 586-446-2900 for details on the process and turnaround time.
Legal Resources in Sterling Heights
Sterling Heights residents can pursue expungement of criminal records under MCL 780.621. Michigan's Clean Slate Act expanded eligibility so more people can apply to have older convictions set aside. A cleared record can make it easier to find housing, keep a professional license, or get a job. Legal aid organizations in Macomb County can help you review your eligibility and file the petition.
The State Bar of Michigan Lawyer Referral Service connects residents with a local attorney for an affordable first session. Michigan Legal Help at michiganlegalhelporg has self-help guides on expungement and criminal records. The Macomb County Circuit Court self-help center is another option for people filing paperwork without a lawyer. Call 2-1-1 to get matched with Macomb County legal aid based on your income and situation.
Macomb County Criminal Records
Sterling Heights is in Macomb County. Felony cases go to the Macomb County 16th Circuit Court. For the full county guide including courthouse information and additional resources, visit the Macomb County criminal records page.
Nearby Cities in Macomb County
Other Macomb County cities with qualifying criminal records pages are listed below.