Sangamon County court records in Illinois are available through several channels. SangamonCourt.us allows you to search for public information on court cases in the county. Additionally, official records can be found through the online tools of the Circuit Clerk's office, public terminals in the courthouse, and directly at the clerk's office. Below is a practical guide to the court system, hearing calendar, obtaining documents, and fees.
Sangamon Court System & Jurisdictions
Sangamon County is part of the Seventh Judicial Circuit of Illinois. The only court of general jurisdiction here is the Circuit Court, but within it, cases are distributed among several divisions depending on the type.
- Criminal Division — handles felonies and misdemeanors. Courtrooms are located on the 5th, 6th, and 7th floors of the Sangamon County Complex.
- Civil Division — lawsuits for significant amounts, contract disputes, damage claims.
- Small Claims — civil disputes up to $10,000, where parties often represent themselves.
- Family Division — divorces, child custody, alimony, protection orders. Certified copies of divorce decrees are issued by the Circuit Clerk's office in the county where the decision was made.
- Probate — wills, estate management, guardianship of incapacitated persons.
- Traffic — speeding fines, traffic violations, DUI.
All these categories are served by one Circuit Clerk, who maintains the official register of each case. Video monitors in the courthouse will guide you to the appropriate courtroom.
Sangamon Court Calendar & Upcoming Hearings
To find out which hearings are scheduled for today, tomorrow, or the week, refer to several sources.
- Circuit Clerk's Office — Room 405 in the Sangamon County Complex. There is an e-filing kiosk and public terminals where you can view the schedule of hearings. Contact the clerk's office for up-to-date information.
- County Courts Page — the Sangamon County Courts portal contains links to the Seventh Judicial Circuit Court, jury commission, and probation service, as well as contact details for schedule clarification.
- Statewide Portal — the Office of the Illinois Courts includes a court directory and public resources, including information on electronic filing in the state.
The schedule of hearings may change without notice. If your presence is required, call the clerk's office the day before to confirm the time and courtroom.
How to Get a Copy of a Sangamon Court Document
The Circuit Clerk maintains the official records of all cases heard by the county courts. Copies come in two types:
- Uncertified Copy — a regular printout without the court seal. Suitable for familiarization.
- Certified Copy — bears the seal and signature of the clerk, confirming the document's authenticity. Required for submission to other institutions, banks, or courts.
How to Order
- In Person — visit the Circuit Clerk's office in Room 405 of the Sangamon County Complex. Bring the case number or the full name of the party and the approximate filing date. Forms for record searches are available on the court forms page.
- By Mail — send a written request specifying the case details, type of copy, and a check or money order to the clerk's office address.
- Electronic Filing — Sangamon County is connected to the statewide Electronic Filing Manager system. Registered users can view documents in their cases through this platform.
Some records have restricted access — juvenile cases, sealed criminal cases, certain family proceedings. Check with the clerk if the document you need is available for public viewing.
Sangamon Court Records Fees & Payment
Fees for searching and copying records are set according to Illinois law and the internal rules of the clerk's office. According to information on the Seventh Judicial Circuit Court forms page, a record search costs $4.00 per year of search.
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Registry search (per year) | $4.00 |
| Regular document copy (per page) | $0.50 – $2.00* |
| Certified copy | $6.00 – $10.00* |
* Exact amounts for copying and certification may vary depending on the document type. Contact the Circuit Clerk's office to confirm current rates.
Payment Methods
- Cash — accepted for in-person visits.
- Check or money order — made payable to Sangamon County Circuit Clerk.
- Credit or debit card — check with the clerk's office if a processing fee applies.
If you order copies by mail, include payment in the form of a check along with your written request and a self-addressed stamped envelope. Processing of mail requests usually takes several business days.