The 23rd Judicial Circuit Court one of the largest circuits, geographically, in the State of Michigan. The 23rd Circuit Court covers the Counties of Alcona, Arenac, Iosco and Oscoda and has two Circuit Judges.
The 23rd Circuit Court has jurisdiction over all civil cases involving over $25,000, all criminal cases where the offense is a felony or serious misdemeanor, all domestic relations cases, all child abuse, neglect and delinquency cases and other case types.
The Circuit Court also hears appeals from District Court; appeals from local government boards such as zoning appeals; and appeals from some administrative agencies of state government such as the Driver’s License Appeal Division of Secretary of State.
Circuit Court
County Clerk
Ann Galbraith
311 S. Morenci Ave.
PO Box 399
Mio, MI 48647
989-826-1109
agalbraith@oscodacountymi.com
All Circuit Matters and Filings are held in the Courthouse located at:
Central Filing Office
Phone: 989-826-1111
Fax: 989-826-1124
105 Court St.
Mio, MI 48647
Hours of Operation
Mon – Fri 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Closed on Saturday and Sunday
Casandra Morse-Bills
Presiding Judge
Oscoda County Courthouse Annex
105 S. Court Street
P.O. Box 399
Mio, MI 48647
David C. Riffel
Circuit Court Judge
422 West Lake Street
P.O. Box 609
Tawas City, Michigan 48764
989-362-4441
Fax: 989-984-1006
Brenna Kirkpatrick
Trial Court Administrator
ADA Coordinator
105 S. Court Street
P.O. Box 399
Mio, MI 48647
989-826-1107
Fax: 989-826-1158
FRIEND OF THE COURT
Amy Dawson
Friend of the Court Supervisor
105 S. Court Street
P.O. Box 399
Mio, MI 48647
989-826-3548
Fax: 989-826-3564
COURT STAFF
Cheryl Southworth
Assignment Clerk/Judicial Secretary for Judge Riffel
989-362-3485
Fax: 989-984-1006
Melissa Pugh
ADR Clerk
989-846-6131
Fax: 989-846-6757
Deborah Hill
Court Reporter for Judge Riffel
989-984-1004
Circuit/Central Filing
Myrtle Ellis
989-826-1111
Fax: 989-826-1124
Circuit Scheduling
Transcript Request
Sherry Fleszar
989-826-1122
Fax: 989-826-1158
Family Division Scheduling and Collections
Allison Herrell
989-826-1166
Fax: 989-826-1158
Probate (Filing and Scheduling)
Shelly Barkatt
989-826-1159
Fax: 989-826-1158
For District Court Matters please refer to this link: https://www.oscodacountymi.com/district-court
Legal Services of Northern Michigan
1-800-872-8432
Legal Service of Northern Michigan (LSNM) is a non-profit organization which provides legal assistance in civil matters (non-criminal) to eligible low income persons. LSNM does not charge for its service. However, clients may be required to pay court costs if the Court does not grant a waiver of those costs. Applicants must meet LSNM’s income and asset guidelines. Only persons who meet the income and asset guidelines can be considered for services.
Legal Hotline for Michigan Seniors
1-800-347-5297
This service offers free telephone advice for persons over age 60 and, depending on your income, possibly Pro Bono or reduced fee referrals to private attorneys.
“Underground Railroad, Inc” Civil Legal Assistance Program
1-888-399-8385
PO Box 2451
Saginaw, Michigan 48605
989-755-0413
This program helps victims of domestic violence with civil legal advice and representation. The staff consists of three attorneys and one paralegal. Advice, referrals and help with completing forms is free to all qualifying clients. Clients requiring services will be asked to provide income information. Representation will be provided for free to clients meeting certain guidelines. However, all clients may be expected to pay court costs unless waived by the Court. Payment plans can be arranged.
Courthouse Security:
- No weapons are allowed in the Oscoda County Courthouse. This prohibition does not apply to court security personnel in the performance of their official duties or law enforcement officers who are transporting prisoners. The Chief Judge may authorize additional exceptions in extraordinary circumstances.
- All persons and their belongings and all parcels are subject to screening by the Oscoda County Sheriff Department or the Court Bailiff for the purpose of keeping weapons from entering the facility. If at any time there is an articulated or reasonable suspicion that a weapon may be found, a person or object is subject to search. The search shall be no more intrusive than necessary to protect against the dangers presented.
- Notice is posted that “No weapons are permitted in the Oscoda County Courthouse. All persons and parcels are subject to a search for weapons and restricted items as a condition of entry. Persons in violation of this order may be held in contempt of court”.
- All cellular phones and pagers must be turned off before entering the courtroom.
- The following will not be tolerated while in the courtroom: A) eating food of any kind B) chewing gum C) drinking beverages D) talking.
Attire in courtroom:
Litigants, witnesses, and jurors shall be appropriately attired when attending a session of court. Proper attire for gentlemen could include; button shirt, sweater, slacks, shoes and stocking. Proper attire for women could include dress, blouse, sweater, skirt, slacks, suit and shoes. No bare feet, bare midriff or shorts will be allowed.
Seeking Legal Advice:
Lawyer Referral Services
State Bar of Michigan
1-800-968-0738
Jury Duty:
Jurors are an essential part of the American Judicial System. Most people who serve on jury duty find it to be worthwhile and extremely helpful in understanding how the legal system works. Without jurors, the jury system cannot work. We know that jury service means rearranging schedules, canceling appointments and, often times, missing work. Your public service as a juror protects our right as Americans to have a trial by an impartial jury of our peers. Should you be called to serve as a juror in Oscoda County, we will make every effort to make your experience valuable and to cause you the least inconvenience possible.
If you have been selected to serve on a jury, you may call 989-826-9169 after 5:00 PM the evening before your report date to receive the latest information regarding your trial.