Clare County Traffic Records Search
Clare County traffic ticket records are kept at the courthouse at 225 W Main Street in Harrison, Michigan. Both the Circuit Court and the District Court share this building in Harrison, the county seat. All traffic citations issued in Clare County are processed here, from basic civil infractions to serious felony traffic charges. You can search cases online through MiCOURT, call the clerk directly, or make an in-person visit to get copies. US-127 and M-61 run through the county and are common locations for traffic stops that generate cases in the Harrison courts.
Clare County Overview
Clare County Courts in Harrison
The Clare County courthouse at 225 W Main Street in Harrison houses both the Circuit Court and the District Court. The Circuit Court at (989) 539-7131 handles felony traffic charges. The District Court at (989) 539-2775 processes civil infractions and misdemeanor traffic violations, which makes up the bulk of traffic ticket cases in the county.
If you got a speeding ticket or other moving violation in Clare County, your case is at the District Court level. Civil infractions under MCL 257.907 are not criminal charges. You can pay the fine shown on your ticket by the deadline, request an informal hearing, or request a formal hearing before a judge. The response deadline is printed on the citation itself. Missing that deadline can result in additional fees and a potential license impact.
US-127 is one of Michigan's major north-south highways and passes directly through Clare County. The highway is a key route for travelers heading north toward Houghton Lake or south toward Lansing, and enforcement is consistent. Clare County also sees traffic from hunters and anglers during seasonal peaks. Citations from these areas are all processed in Harrison.
| Address | 225 W Main Street, Harrison, MI 48625 |
|---|---|
| Circuit Court Phone | (989) 539-7131 |
| District Court Phone | (989) 539-2775 |
| Region | Mid-Michigan |
Note: The Circuit Court and District Court share the address at 225 W Main Street but use different phone numbers. Call the District Court line for most standard traffic ticket questions.
Search Clare County Traffic Cases on MiCOURT
Clare County traffic ticket records can be found online through MiCOURT Case Search, which is free to use. This statewide system covers both the Clare County Circuit and District Court. Accept the terms, complete the CAPTCHA, and search by name or case number. Results show the charge, case type, filing date, and current status. The system is administered by Michigan Courts.
MiCOURT is helpful for confirming a case number before you call or for checking whether a conviction has been entered. It does not provide downloadable document copies. For actual records, contact the District Court clerk at (989) 539-2775. The clerk can tell you the current fee for copies and how to submit a mail request if you cannot come in person.
Michigan Courts and Clare County Traffic Records
The Michigan Courts website is the administrative hub for all court activity in Michigan, including the Clare County courts in Harrison. This site connects you to MiCOURT and provides self-help resources for people navigating traffic ticket cases.
If you plan to contest a Clare County traffic ticket, the Michigan Courts site has guides on hearing procedures, court forms, and what to expect. Self-represented parties can find step-by-step instructions there before their court date in Harrison.
Clare County Traffic Convictions and Your Driving Record
A conviction from the Clare County District Court is reported to the Michigan Secretary of State. The SOS then assigns points to your driving record under MCL 257.320. The number of points depends on what you were convicted of. Most standard traffic violations are civil infractions carrying 2 to 4 points. Serious offenses like reckless driving or OWI are criminal charges that carry 6 points.
Points stay on your record for two years from the conviction date. The SOS applies sanctions at 12 points in two years, requiring a driver reexamination. Failing the exam can mean restrictions on your license. At 18 points, suspension is possible. These thresholds apply to all Michigan drivers including Clare County residents and out-of-state drivers who got a ticket here.
To check your current point total, use ExpressSOS to order your Michigan driving record for $12. The record must include all convictions, license status, and accumulated points as required by MCL 257.328. You can also visit any SOS branch office in Michigan to get the record in person or send a mail request with form BDVR-154 to the Secretary of State Record Sales Unit in Lansing.
Nearby Counties
Clare County sits in mid-Michigan and shares borders with several surrounding counties, each with its own traffic courts.