Illinois Public Records /Illinois Court Records Online

Illinois Court Records Online

Are Court Records in Illinois Open to the Public?

Yes, most court records in Illinois are open to the public. Under the Illinois Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), citizens have the right to access non-confidential court records without stating the purpose of their request. To receive these records, requesters must provide specific details such as the case number, names of the parties involved, and the filing date. Court clerks are generally responsible for maintaining these records, and requests can be made in person, by mail, or online. However, access can be restricted for certain records, such as juvenile and adoption cases, if authorized by the court or state law.

What Information Appears in an Illinois Court Records Search?

Docket information
Pleadings and motions
Court decisions and orders
Evidence introduced in court
Transcripts of hearings
Case status and case type
Names of parties involved

How To Find Court Records in Illinois

To obtain court records in Illinois, the first step is to identify the custodian of the specific record needed. Generally, court clerks are responsible for maintaining these records. Requests can be made in person by visiting the courthouse where the case was heard. Applicants must fill out a request form and provide valid identification.

For mail-in requests, send a written request to the court clerk, including a stamped, self-addressed envelope and a copy of a valid I.D. Some records may also be available online through the court's electronic case management system. Fees for obtaining records may vary, with specific costs outlined in the Clerks of Courts Acts.

Public Access to Illinois Court Records

Public access to court records in Illinois is facilitated through various means. Many records can be accessed online via the e-FileIL system and re:SearchIL portal. These platforms allow users to search for cases filed in the Supreme, Appellate, and Circuit Courts. Additionally, some counties offer online search portals for accessing court records. In-person requests can be made at the courthouse where the case was filed.

Searching Illinois Court Records by Name

To search for court records by name, visit the Illinois Association of Court Clerks' website or the specific Office of the Circuit Clerk. Select the county where the case was handled, and follow the link to the Clerk's webpage. There, you can perform a name search by entering the first and last name of the involved parties.

Alternatively, one can directly visit the courthouse where the case was filed and request a search by providing the name of a party involved. Some courthouses also offer electronic case management terminals for public use. Depending on the county, these searches may be free or subject to a fee.

How To Access Court Records Online for Free in Illinois

In Illinois, 81 out of 102 counties subscribe to a government-approved private vendor that offers free online record searches. Interested individuals can visit the Circuit Clerk's webpage and select the 'public record' option. For example, Brown County residents can access records through the Circuit Clerk's website.

Counties not subscribed to the private vendor may provide alternative online case management systems. Information on accessing records is typically available on the Office of the Court Clerk's website. While some services may be free, others might require creating an account or paying a nominal fee.

Exemptions for Illinois Court Case Lookup

Certain records are exempt from public disclosure:

Impounded Records: Accessible only to parties involved in the case.
Confidential Records: Accessible only to those filing the case or submitting documents.
Expunged Records: Available only by court order.
Sealed Records: Obtainable only by court order, such as adoption records.

These exemptions ensure privacy and confidentiality for sensitive information.

Finding a Court Docket in Illinois

To access court dockets, visit the Illinois state court webpage and navigate to the "Dockets and Briefs" section. From there, you can narrow down your search by term, call of the dockets, or docket book archive.

Court dockets provide a summary of case proceedings and filings, including names and addresses of parties involved, courthouse locations, appearance dates, presiding judge's name, and attorney information. This information helps in tracking the status of a case and serves as a guide for similar cases.

What Information Is Found in Illinois Judgment Records?

Names of the parties
Brief description of the complaint or charges
Judge's name
Court's judgment per charge

Judgment records are public under the Illinois Freedom of Information Act. To obtain these records, visit the court that issued the judgment and provide necessary details such as the case number, litigants' names, and judgment year.

Are Bankruptcy Records in Illinois Publicly Accessible?

Yes, bankruptcy records in Illinois are publicly accessible. Requesters must provide information such as the case file number, Federal Record Center accession number, box number, and case file name. These records include tax returns, income documentation, mortgage statements, and bank account statements. However, certain debts like government loans and child support are not discharged in bankruptcy.

How To Search Bankruptcy Records in Illinois

Bankruptcy records can be searched through the electronic case filing system via PACER, managed by the Bankruptcy District courts. For records before 1988, requests must be made in person or by mail from the Federal Record Center. Requesters need to provide specific details such as the case file number and Federal Record Center location number. PACER charges a fee if usage exceeds $30 per quarter.

Different Types of Courts in Illinois

Circuit Court/Trial Court: Handles most cases, except those under Supreme Court jurisdiction.
Appellate Court: Divided into 5 judicial districts, handles appeals from Circuit Courts.
Supreme Court: The highest court, handles bankruptcy cases and appeals from the Appellate Court.

Understanding the Differences Between Civil and Small Claims Courts in Illinois

Illinois Civil Courts handle lawsuits involving conflicts between individuals and businesses, often over monetary disputes up to $25,000. Cases include personal injury, property damage, defamation, and landlord-tenant disputes.

The Illinois Small Claims Court, a subset of the Civil Court, addresses smaller legal controversies involving claims up to $10,000. These courts have simplified rules and allow residents to file lawsuits without attorney representation, though filing fees apply and vary by claim amount.

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