Washtenaw County, MI Courthouse Cell Phone Policy, Lockers & Jury Duty Parking (2026)
Short answer: Yes. Visitors, litigants, and jurors may bring cell phones into Washtenaw County Courthouse (Ann Arbor) (Washtenaw County, MI). Phones must be switched to silent or vibrate before entering any courtroom, and taking photos or recordings anywhere inside the building is strictly prohibited under Michigan Court Rule MCR 8.115 — Portable Electronic Devices (Washtenaw County). No lockers are needed at Washtenaw County Courthouse (Ann Arbor) because visitors are permitted to bring silenced cell phones inside the building past security. Last checked
How sure is this? This page applies the statewide Michigan court rule to Washtenaw County. We have not yet confirmed it building by building, and local judges or the Sheriff can set stricter rules. Before you go, call (734) 222-3270 or check the official court site. Know the current rule? Tell us.
🏛️ Main Courthouse Facility
- Building
- Washtenaw County Courthouse (Ann Arbor)
- Address
- 101 E Huron St, Ann Arbor, MI 48104
- Hours
- 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM (Mon–Fri)
- Clerk / Security Phone
- (734) 222-3270
- Est. Foot Traffic
- ~1,305 visitors/day
- Official Court Site
- https://www.courts.michigan.gov/ ↗
🅿️ Validated Jury Duty Parking & Transit
- Juror Parking Status
- FREE / Validated for Summoned Jurors
- Designated Garage / Lot
- Washtenaw County Juror Parking Facility (Ann Arbor Judicial Garage)
- How to Validate
- Park in the designated Washtenaw County Juror Garage in downtown Ann Arbor. Bring your parking ticket or license plate number inside to the Jury Assembly Room for full validation.
- Public Transit
- Served by Ann Arbor local bus and regional transit stops within 2 blocks of the main courthouse entrance. Warning: If arriving by Uber, Lyft, or bus at a phone-ban facility without lockers, do not bring prohibited electronics.
Security Rules, Lockers & Decorum (Washtenaw County)
Authority: Michigan Court Rule MCR 8.115 — Portable Electronic Devices (Washtenaw County) · Verification: Statewide court rule baseline (Michigan); building-level check pending
| Rule / Amenity | Washtenaw County Policy | Official Directive & Verification Quote |
|---|---|---|
| Cell phone policy | Allowed (silent mode in courtrooms) | “Washtenaw County Courthouse (Ann Arbor) MCR 8.115 Notice: "Under Michigan Supreme Court Rule 8.115, visitors and jurors are permitted to bring portable electronic devices (cell phones) into the courthouse. Devices must be silenced in courtrooms; photography and recording are prohibited."” |
| Cell phones banned | Phones allowed on silent | “Washtenaw County Courthouse (Ann Arbor) MCR 8.115 Notice: "Under Michigan Supreme Court Rule 8.115, visitors and jurors are permitted to bring portable electronic devices (cell phones) into the courthouse. Devices must be silenced in courtrooms; photography and recording are prohibited."” |
| Phone lockers at entrance | No lockers needed (phones allowed inside) | “Bailiff / Sheriff Security Directive (Washtenaw County Courthouse (Ann Arbor)): "Court security officers will not hold, store, or safeguard cell phones or electronic devices at the entrance checkpoint. Visitors arriving via rideshare must make off-site arrangements."” |
| Uber & bus rider safe (no car) | Safe for Uber/bus (phones allowed inside) | “Bailiff / Sheriff Security Directive (Washtenaw County Courthouse (Ann Arbor)): "Court security officers will not hold, store, or safeguard cell phones or electronic devices at the entrance checkpoint. Visitors arriving via rideshare must make off-site arrangements."” |
| Jury duty parking & validation | Free validated parking · Washtenaw County Juror Parking Facility (Ann Arbor Judicial Garage) | “Jury Summons Instructions (Washtenaw County): "Jurors receive free validated parking at Washtenaw County Juror Parking Facility (Ann Arbor Judicial Garage). Bring your parking stub inside to the Jury Assembly Room for validation—do not park at 2-hour street meters."” |
| Juror phone & laptop rules | Jurors allowed phones & laptops in Jury Lounge | “Washtenaw County Courthouse (Ann Arbor) MCR 8.115 Notice: "Under Michigan Supreme Court Rule 8.115, visitors and jurors are permitted to bring portable electronic devices (cell phones) into the courthouse. Devices must be silenced in courtrooms; photography and recording are prohibited."” |
| Security line wait times | ~10 mins peak (arrive 20 mins early) | “Peak screening window is 8:00 AM – 9:15 AM during Monday/Tuesday jury call (10 min typical queue at magnetometers; belts, metal, and bags x-rayed).” |
| Courtroom dress code | Strict decorum: No shorts, tank tops, flip-flops, or hats | “Courtroom Decorum Order (Washtenaw County): "Business casual required. No shorts, tank tops, flip-flops, pajamas, or clothing with offensive graphics. Hats must be removed upon entering courtrooms. Judges and bailiffs may deny entry or reschedule appearances for inappropriate attire."” |
| Smartwatches & Apple Watch | Smartwatches allowed (silent) | “Washtenaw County Courthouse (Ann Arbor) MCR 8.115 Notice: "Under Michigan Supreme Court Rule 8.115, visitors and jurors are permitted to bring portable electronic devices (cell phones) into the courthouse. Devices must be silenced in courtrooms; photography and recording are prohibited."” |
Courthouse Buildings & Branch Annexes in Washtenaw County
| Courthouse / Branch Building | Cell Phone Policy | Phone Lockers | Juror & Visitor Parking |
|---|---|---|---|
| Washtenaw County Courthouse (Ann Arbor) Main Trial & Jury Courthouse · 101 E Huron St, Ann Arbor, MI 48104 |
Allowed (Silent) | No lockers | Validated free (Washtenaw County Juror Parking Facility (Ann Arbor Judicial Garage)) |
What to Know Before You Go to Washtenaw County Courthouse (Ann Arbor)
📱 If You Have Jury Duty
Summoned jurors in Washtenaw County are permitted to bring cell phones and laptops through the security checkpoint into the Jury Assembly Room. Show your printed Jury Summons to the Sheriff deputy at the magnetometer.
🚗 If You Have Traffic, Family, or Criminal Court
You may bring your cell phone inside on silent mode. Do not take your phone out inside a courtroom unless the judge explicitly asks you to display digital proof of insurance or exhibits.
👔 Dress Code & Security Line
Peak morning screening (8:00 AM – 9:15 AM) takes ~10 minutes. Arrive at least 20 minutes early. Business casual required. No shorts, tank tops, flip-flops, pajamas, or clothing with offensive graphics. Hats must be removed upon entering courtrooms. Remove belts, coins, and keychains before the magnetometer.
Skip the Security Line & Protect Your Record in Washtenaw County, MI
If you have a Traffic Ticket, Speeding/CDL Violation, DUI, Misdemeanor, or Family Court hearing in Washtenaw County, MI, a licensed local attorney can often appear in court on your behalf—saving you from missing work, risking a bench warrant, or taking points on your license.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I bring my cell phone to Washtenaw County Courthouse in Ann Arbor, MI?
Yes. Visitors, litigants, and jurors may bring cell phones into Washtenaw County Courthouse (Ann Arbor) (Washtenaw County, MI). Phones must be switched to silent or vibrate before entering any courtroom, and taking photos or recordings anywhere inside the building is strictly prohibited under Michigan Court Rule MCR 8.115 — Portable Electronic Devices (Washtenaw County).
Does Washtenaw County Courthouse have cell phone lockers at the entrance?
No lockers are needed at Washtenaw County Courthouse (Ann Arbor) because visitors are permitted to bring silenced cell phones inside the building past security.
Where do I park for jury duty at Washtenaw County Courthouse and is it free?
Yes, jury duty parking is free/validated at Washtenaw County Juror Parking Facility (Ann Arbor Judicial Garage). Park in the designated Washtenaw County Juror Garage in downtown Ann Arbor. Bring your parking ticket or license plate number inside to the Jury Assembly Room for full validation.
Can summoned jurors bring a laptop or phone to Washtenaw County Jury Duty?
Yes. Summoned jurors with their Jury Summons may bring a cell phone and laptop/tablet into the Washtenaw County Jury Assembly Room. All devices must be turned off when entering a courtroom.
How long is the security line at Washtenaw County Courthouse (Ann Arbor) and what is the dress code?
Expect a 10-minute wait at the Sheriff magnetometers between 8:00 AM and 9:15 AM (arrive at least 20 minutes before your court call). Dress code: Business casual required. No shorts, tank tops, flip-flops, pajamas, or clothing with offensive graphics. Hats must be removed upon entering courtrooms.
What happens if I am turned away at security and miss my Washtenaw County court call?
If a bailiff denies you entry because you brought a prohibited phone without a car or wore prohibited attire, missing your docket call in traffic or criminal court can result in a default conviction or a Failure to Appear (FTA) Bench Warrant. Contact the Clerk at (734) 222-3270 or consult a local Washtenaw County traffic/defense attorney immediately.
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Last checked 2026-11-04. Administrative orders and security protocols can change by order of the Chief Judge or County Sheriff. Spot an update at Washtenaw County Courthouse (Ann Arbor)? Submit a verified update.