Facing a legal issue in Genesee County? You're not powerless. Whether you're dealing with criminal charges, family court matters, or need to help someone who's been arrested, this guide gives you the knowledge to navigate the system confidently.
Is My Case District or Circuit Court?
67th District Court - Multiple Locations
- Central District Court (Downtown Flint): 630 S Saginaw St, Flint, MI 48502
- Other locations: Flushing, Davison, Mt. Morris, Fenton, Grand Blanc
- Find your specific location: Check your court paperwork or visit the Genesee County website for the complete list of district court locations
- Handles: Misdemeanors, traffic tickets, small claims up to $7,000, preliminary hearings for felonies
- Covers: All of Genesee County
7th Circuit Court
- Location: 900 S Saginaw St, Flint, MI 48502
- Handles: All felonies, divorces, child custody, CPS cases, appeals from district court
- Covers: All of Genesee County
- Important: More in-person appearances required compared to other counties
Still Not Sure Which Court?
- Check your court paperwork - it will specify district or circuit court and the exact location
- Call the court clerk offices - they're helpful in directing you
- Traffic tickets will show which court location on the citation
- Felonies and family matters go to Circuit Court downtown
Someone You Love Was Arrested - Now What?
First 24 Hours: Step-by-Step Guide
Step 1: Find Out Where They Are
- Genesee County Jail: 1002 S Saginaw St, Flint, MI 48502
- Flint Police Department: 1140 Harrison St, Flint, MI 48502 (temporary holding)
- Other local police departments: May hold temporarily before transfer to county jail
Step 2: Check If They've Been Processed
- Genesee County Jail information: 810-257-3422
- Online roster: Available through Genesee County Sheriff website
- What you need: Full legal name, date of birth if possible
Step 3: Understand the Timeline
- Arraignment: Must happen within 72 hours (excluding weekends/holidays)
- Weekend arrests: Arraignment typically Monday morning at appropriate district court
- Holiday arrests: First business day after holiday
Step 4: Bail/Bond Information
- Cash bond: Full amount paid to court
- 10% bond: Pay 10% to bondsman, they cover the rest
- Personal recognizance: Released on promise to appear
- Bond posting: Available 24/7 at Genesee County Jail
- Bond location: 1002 S Saginaw St, Flint, MI 48502
Step 5: What Information Helps
- Bring to jail: Valid ID, exact cash amount for bond
- Don't bring: Cell phone, weapons, large bags (security restrictions)
- Parking: Limited downtown parking, plan extra time
- Jail visiting hours: Check current schedule before arriving
When to Call an Attorney:
- Immediately if: Felony charges, domestic violence, repeat offenses
- Can wait until morning if: Minor misdemeanor, first offense, person is coherent
- Genesee County note: In-person appearances often required, less Zoom flexibility than other counties
Legal Emergencies: When You Can't Wait
⚠️ EMERGENCY DISCLAIMER: If you or someone else is in immediate physical danger, call 911 first. This section covers legal emergencies that require urgent action but are not life-threatening situations.
Emergency Protection Orders (24/7)
- After hours: Call Genesee County Sheriff dispatch: 810-257-3422
- Weekends: Emergency magistrate available through dispatch
- What qualifies: Immediate physical danger, threats of violence
- Required: Specific incidents, dates, witnesses if available
Emergency Child Custody
- When needed: Child in immediate danger, parental kidnapping
- After hours process: Through Genesee County Friend of the Court
- Required documentation: Existing custody orders, police reports
- Timeline: Emergency orders typically last 7-14 days until full hearing
- Court location: 7th Circuit Court downtown
CPS Emergency Situations
- Report immediately: 855-444-3911 (24-hour hotline)
- When to call: Child abuse, neglect, abandonment
- What happens next: Investigation within 24 hours for emergencies
- Your rights: Request investigator name and case number
- Genesee County CPS: Local office can be reached during business hours
Immediate Warrant Issues
- Outstanding warrants: Can be resolved 24/7 at Genesee County Jail
- Bench warrants: Must go through issuing court during business hours
- Traffic warrants: Appropriate district court location during business hours
- Payment location: Court clerk offices at respective courthouse locations
⚠️ Remember: For life-threatening emergencies, always call 911 first. These resources are for urgent legal matters that need immediate attention but are not medical or safety emergencies.
Beyond County Courts: When to Contact State Agencies
Michigan Attorney General (Consumer Protection)
- When to contact: Scams, fraud, unfair business practices
- Phone: 877-765-8388
- Online: mi.gov/ag
- What they handle: Consumer complaints, civil rights violations, charitable organization fraud
Genesee County Prosecutor's Office
- Location: 900 S Saginaw St, Flint, MI 48502
- Victim Services: 810-257-3215
- When to contact: Restitution issues, victim rights questions, plea negotiation concerns
- Services: Victim advocacy, court accompaniment, safety planning
Michigan Secretary of State (License Issues)
- Driver License Problems: 888-767-6424
- When to bypass local: License restoration appeals, medical review hearings
- Online services: michigan.gov/sos
- Genesee County offices: Multiple locations available for routine license services
Department of Health & Human Services
- CPS Appeals: Different from emergency reports
- Benefit Issues: Food assistance, Medicaid, cash assistance
- Phone: 855-275-6424
- When to escalate: Local office not responsive, complex multi-county cases
Michigan Civil Rights Commission
- Discrimination complaints: Housing, employment, public accommodations
- Phone: 517-335-3165
- Timeline: File within 180 days of incident
- Free service: No cost for filing complaints
Getting Legal Help in Genesee County
Genesee County Considerations:
- More in-person court appearances typically required
- Multiple district court locations - know which one handles your case
- Experienced local representation familiar with Genesee County procedures and judges
Free 30-Minute Consultation
- Honest assessment of your situation
- Clear explanation of which court handles your case
- Discussion of court appearance requirements for your case type
- No pressure, just information to help you decide
Payment Plans Available
- 40% down payment, remaining balance over 3-12 months
- Same quality representation regardless of payment method
- Use our online calculator to see exact costs