Jefferson County Court Records

Jefferson County court records feature documents, recordings, and other materials available in digital and hard copy formats that detail court proceedings. These records pertain to civil and criminal cases heard in the county and are maintained by the Circuit Clerk's office.

Jefferson court records offer valuable resources for legal and academic research. They also provide references for future court proceedings and appeals.

Are Court Records Public in Jefferson County?

Yes, court records are public in Jefferson County. 705 ILCS 86 allows members of the public to access case records maintained by the court clerks. However, this law excludes sealed records, sensitive personal information (e.g., SSNs), juvenile records, and other confidential data from public access. Access to restricted records is typically limited to specific entities, including the record owner, law enforcement personnel, and court officials.

Jefferson County Court Records Search

The judiciary in Jefferson facilitates easy access to court records for people who need them. Generally, individuals can access records via the online search platform maintained on the Circuit Clerk's website or using online databases provided by private vendors. Those preferring a traditional approach can also mail a written request to the circuit court or visit the courthouse to find or copy records.

Jefferson County Courts

Jefferson only had one court: a circuit court. This court hears all civil and criminal cases within the county. The court is located at the following address:

Jefferson County Circuit Court
100 South 10th Street
P.O. Box 1266
Mount Vernon, IL 62864
Phone: (618) 244-8007
Fax: (618) 244-8029

Jefferson County Criminal and Civil Records

Civil court records detail the proceedings of noncriminal cases, which typically arise from private disputes or breaches of agreements between individuals and entities. In most instances, civil cases are resolved with the defendant required to pay compensation for damages.

On the other hand, criminal court records comprise documents generated from criminal lawsuits. In such cases, the defendant is arrested for committing a crime and brought before the court to face conviction or acquittal. These Jefferson County criminal records usually include information about the arrest, alleged offense, and the resulting sentence.

Although the Jefferson County Circuit Court manages criminal and civil court records and their public availability depends on the specific record or case. Generally, people can visit the courthouse, contact the Circuit Clerk's office, or access the clerk's online case search tool to find these records.

Criminal records can also be retrieved from law enforcement agencies in Jefferson County. Under 20 ILCS 2635/1 et seq., criminal records are considered part of the Jefferson County public records, but the law permits public access only to conviction information. For individuals seeking complete Jefferson County arrest records, which form a section of a person's criminal history record, it is best to contact the Office of the Sheriff, where information about inmates can also be found.

Researchers can also contact the Illinois State Department to conduct criminal background checks. This department provides a platform to perform name- and fingerprint-based searches.

Civil case records can be retrieved online, via mail, or in person.

Jefferson County Marriage Records

According to 410 ILCS 535/1 and Administrative Code, Title 17, Section 500.20, Jefferson County vital records comprise marriage, birth, and death records and any related information. In Illinois, vital records are generally not public (410 ILCS 535/24). However, marriage records become accessible 75 years after the marriage occurs. Additionally, individuals seeking marriage records for genealogical purposes may access the full record 50 years after the event or a partial record 20 years afterward. The County Clerk and Recorder maintains these vital records.

Typically, only the individuals named on the record and their parents can obtain a complete copy of the Jefferson County marriage certificate. As specified in 410 ILCS 535/25-,(410%20ILCS%20535/25),-Sec.%2025.), upon receipt of the appropriate fee, the custodian must provide the authorized person with the requested vital record once it is located. For a $15 fee, an authorized individual can obtain a Jefferson marriage certificate by providing the names of the couple and the date of the marriage.

These certificates can be ordered online, by mail, or in person. Please note that requests by phone are not accepted, and search results cannot be returned via email.

Jefferson County Divorce Records

Divorce records in Jefferson are public and can be requested by individuals. Like other civil records, they are maintained by the Circuit Clerk.

Those seeking a Jefferson divorce certificate or record can contact the circuit court for inquiries. Individuals can search for the desired record through the online database, send an inquiry via mail, or visit the court in person. Additionally, the Illinois Department of Health offers verification of marriage dissolution for a fee of $5, which can be requested via fax, mail, or in person.

Jefferson County Birth Records

The Illinois Department of Health maintains Jefferson County birth records, although they are also accessible through the county clerk's office by registrants over 18 and their immediate family members.

To obtain a Jefferson birth certificate, requesters must apply for a birth records search. In addition to a completed application form, the requester will need to provide a copy of their current photo identification.

Individuals can obtain a birth certificate in Jefferson through several methods: online, via fax, mail, or in person. The fee for a certificate that includes all information recorded at birth is $15, while a certificate intended for genealogical purposes, which is also valid for legal use, costs $10.

Typically, individuals seek birth records for legal purposes, to claim benefits, or to verify their age for identification cards, school admissions, or other situations requiring age verification.

Jefferson County Death Records

In Jefferson County, death records are considered confidential by law for 50 years following the individual's passing. During this period, access is limited to those with a legal claim to the deceased's property.

To obtain a Jefferson County death certificate, individuals must complete the Application for a Death Certificate. Certificates can be requested using the same methods used to obtain birth certificates. The fee for a certified copy of a Jefferson death certificate is $19, compared to $15 for a birth certificate.

As mentioned earlier, individuals often seek a death certificate to assert a legal claim to benefits, which may include entitlements related to property or insurance.

Jefferson County Probate Court Records

Probate court records in Jefferson, like other court case records, are maintained by the Circuit Clerk's office. Residents seeking access to an open probate record can inquire with the court. These records generally include details related to estates, wills, guardianships, and trusts.

Interested individuals can access available records online using the provided search tool. Additionally, requests for probate records can be made via mail or in person. Researchers should be prepared to provide specific details that will assist in locating the desired record.

Jefferson County Property Records

The County Clerk and Recorder's office maintains property records in Jefferson. These records offer detailed information about properties within the county, including their locations, ownership, value, maps, plats, descriptions, and other relevant details. Conducting a property record search is crucial for investing in or securing a specific property.

Members of the public who wish to obtain a property record can submit a request online through any private contractor approved by the Office of the Recorder. Each vendor may have its own unique process for providing records, allowing residents to choose the service provider that best meets their needs.

Jefferson County Court Records Online

Jefferson County court records can be accessed online on third-party websites established for commercial purposes. These websites provide access to court records at both state and county levels. This convenience allows users to access documents or files from their homes, enhancing the overall search experience.

However, some potential drawbacks must be noted. One significant concern is that the available information may be outdated or inaccurate. Therefore, users should carefully evaluate the reliability of the websites they choose to use. One reputable option for accessing Jefferson court records is Illinoiscourtrecords.us.