LaSalle County Court Records

What Is LaSalle County Court Records

Court records in LaSalle County encompass all official documentation generated during legal proceedings within the county's court system. These records serve as the comprehensive documentation of judicial activities and are maintained pursuant to Illinois Supreme Court Rules and the Illinois Local Records Act (50 ILCS 205/).

LaSalle County court records typically include:

• Case files containing pleadings, motions, and other filed documents
• Docket sheets chronicling case events and filing history
• Court orders and judgments issued by presiding judges
• Hearing and trial transcripts
• Evidence and exhibits admitted during proceedings
• Sentencing information in criminal matters
• Marriage and divorce decrees
• Probate and estate documentation

These judicial records differ from other public records maintained by LaSalle County, such as property records, vital statistics (birth/death certificates), and tax documents, which are typically maintained by the LaSalle County Clerk's office rather than the court system.

The LaSalle County Circuit Court, as part of Illinois' 13th Judicial Circuit, maintains records for various case types including:

• Civil litigation (both major and minor)
• Criminal proceedings (felonies and misdemeanors)
• Family law matters (divorce, custody, support)
• Probate cases (wills, estates, guardianships)
• Traffic violations
• Small claims disputes

Under § 16 of the Clerks of Courts Act (705 ILCS 105/16), the Circuit Court Clerk serves as the official custodian of all court records in LaSalle County, responsible for their maintenance, preservation, and accessibility.

Are Court Records Public In LaSalle County

Court records in LaSalle County are generally accessible to the public in accordance with the Illinois Constitution and statutory provisions. Article I, § 6 of the Illinois Constitution establishes the right of the people to examine public records, while the Illinois Freedom of Information Act (5 ILCS 140/) further codifies public access rights.

The following court records are typically available for public inspection:

• Civil case files (with certain exceptions)
• Criminal case files (post-charging)
• Court orders and judgments
• Docket sheets and case indices
• Hearing schedules and calendars
• Marriage and divorce records

However, certain records may be restricted from public access pursuant to § 7 of the Illinois Freedom of Information Act and various court rules. These restrictions typically apply to:

• Juvenile court proceedings
• Adoption records
• Mental health proceedings
• Cases sealed by court order
• Records containing sensitive personal information
• Grand jury proceedings
• Certain domestic violence matters

The Illinois Supreme Court has established specific rules governing public access to court records, including Electronic Access Policy for Circuit Court Records (effective January 1, 2020), which standardizes access protocols across the state's judicial circuits.

It is important to note that federal court records for cases heard in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois (which has jurisdiction over LaSalle County) are governed by federal access rules rather than state provisions, and are accessible through the federal PACER system.

How To Find Court Records in LaSalle County in 2026

Members of the public seeking court records in LaSalle County may utilize several methods to locate and access these documents. The LaSalle County Circuit Clerk's office serves as the primary custodian of court records and provides multiple access options.

To obtain court records in person:

1. Visit the LaSalle County Circuit Clerk's office during regular business hours.
2. Complete a record request form, providing case number, party names, or other identifying information.
3. Present valid photo identification.
4. Pay applicable copy fees ($0.50 per page for standard copies, with certified copies available for additional fees).

LaSalle County Circuit Clerk
119 W. Madison Street
Ottawa, IL 61350
(815) 434-8671
LaSalle County Circuit Clerk

For remote requests:

1. Submit a written request via mail, including case information and a self-addressed stamped envelope.
2. Include payment for estimated copy fees (money order or cashier's check).
3. Allow 5-10 business days for processing.

Electronic access is available through the LaSalle County Records Online portal, which provides search capabilities for many court records. Users may search by:

• Case number
• Party name
• Filing date
• Case type

For criminal record searches, requestors may also contact:

LaSalle County Sheriff's Office
707 E. Etna Road
Ottawa, IL 61350
(815) 433-2161
LaSalle County Sheriff

Pursuant to Illinois Supreme Court Order M.R. 18368, certain standardized court forms are available through the Illinois Courts website, which may assist in preparing record requests.

How To Look Up Court Records in LaSalle County Online?

LaSalle County provides digital access to court records through several online platforms. The primary resource for electronic court record searches is the LaSalle County Records Online system, which offers comprehensive search capabilities for public court documents.

To conduct an online search:

1. Navigate to the LaSalle County Records Online portal.
2. Select the appropriate record type (civil, criminal, traffic, etc.).
3. Enter search criteria such as case number, party name, or date range.
4. Review search results and select specific cases to view available documents.
5. Pay any applicable access fees for document viewing or downloading.

The Illinois Judicial Branch also maintains a statewide case information system that includes LaSalle County cases. This system provides basic case information including:

• Case numbers and filing dates
• Party names
• Scheduled court dates
• Case status and disposition
• Judge assignment

For access to criminal history information, the Illinois State Police maintains a Criminal History Record Information (CHRI) system, which requires fingerprint submission and payment of statutory fees.

Additional online resources include:

• Illinois Courts e-Filing system (for attorneys and registered users)
• LaSalle County Circuit Clerk's website (for forms and general information)
• Illinois Department of Corrections Inmate Search (for offender information)

Users should note that pursuant to Illinois Supreme Court Order M.R. 18368, certain sensitive information may be redacted from online records, and some case types may have restricted online access in accordance with privacy protections established under Illinois law.

How To Search LaSalle County Court Records for Free?

Public inspection of court records in LaSalle County is available at no cost, as guaranteed by the Illinois Freedom of Information Act (5 ILCS 140/6(a)), which states that "Each public body shall make available to any person for inspection or copying all public records."

Free access options include:

• In-person inspection at the LaSalle County Courthouse during regular business hours (Monday-Friday, 8:00 am - 4:30 pm)
• Public access terminals located in the Circuit Clerk's office
• Basic case information searches through the LaSalle County Records Online portal

LaSalle County Courthouse
119 West Madison St.
Ottawa, IL 61350
(815) 434-8671
LaSalle County Courthouse

While inspection is free, reproduction fees apply for copies of documents:

• Standard paper copies: $0.50 per page
• Certified copies: $5.00 for the first page, $1.00 for each additional page
• Electronic copies (when available): $0.25 per page

Fee waivers may be available for qualifying individuals pursuant to § 5-105 of the Illinois Code of Civil Procedure (735 ILCS 5/5-105), which provides for waiver of court fees for indigent persons. The Illinois Supreme Court provides standardized fee waiver application forms.

Law libraries offering free access to court records include:

LaSalle County Law Library
119 West Madison St., 3rd Floor
Ottawa, IL 61350
(815) 434-8671

What's Included in a LaSalle County Court Record?

LaSalle County court records contain comprehensive documentation of judicial proceedings. The specific contents vary by case type but generally include the following components as prescribed by Illinois Supreme Court Rules and the Circuit Courts Act (705 ILCS 105/).

For civil cases, records typically contain:

• Complaint or petition initiating the action
• Summons and proof of service
• Responsive pleadings (answers, counterclaims)
• Motions and supporting memoranda
• Discovery documents (when filed with the court)
• Court orders and judgments
• Exhibits admitted into evidence
• Transcripts of hearings (when prepared)
• Financial records of payments and disbursements
• Final disposition documents

Criminal case files generally include:

• Charging documents (indictment, information, or complaint)
• Arrest warrant or summons
• Bond information
• Defendant's appearance and plea
• Pretrial motions and rulings
• Evidence inventory
• Jury selection records (in jury trials)
• Verdict or finding
• Sentencing information
• Post-conviction proceedings
• Probation or supervision reports (when applicable)

Family court records may contain:

• Petitions for dissolution of marriage
• Parenting plans and custody agreements
• Child support calculations and orders
• Financial affidavits and property settlements
• Orders of protection
• Guardian ad litem reports
• Mediation agreements

Probate records typically include:

• Wills and codicils
• Petitions for letters of administration
• Inventories of estate assets
• Claims against estates
• Accountings
• Distribution plans
• Guardianship appointments and reports

Each case file also contains a docket sheet, which serves as a chronological index of all filings, hearings, and court actions. The LaSalle County Circuit Clerk maintains these records in accordance with established retention schedules.

How Long Does LaSalle County Keep Court Records?

LaSalle County retains court records according to schedules established by the Illinois Supreme Court and the Local Records Commission under authority of the Local Records Act (50 ILCS 205/). These retention periods vary based on case type and document classification.

Standard retention periods include:

• Felony cases: Permanently maintained
• Misdemeanor cases: 10 years after disposition
• Traffic violations: 7 years after disposition
• Civil cases (major): 20 years after final disposition
• Civil cases (minor): 10 years after final disposition
• Small claims: 10 years after judgment
• Probate matters: 20 years after estate closing
• Juvenile records: Until subject's 21st birthday (with exceptions)
• Domestic relations: Permanently maintained
• Mental health proceedings: 20 years after case closure

Certain records are designated for permanent retention, including:

• Murder case files
• Historically significant cases
• Adoption records
• Naturalization records (pre-1906)
• Land title cases
• Wills and estate inventories
• Judgment dockets and indexes

Pursuant to § 4 of the Local Records Act, no public records may be disposed of without authorization from the Local Records Commission. The LaSalle County Circuit Clerk must submit applications for disposal of records that have satisfied retention requirements.

The Illinois Supreme Court Electronic Filing Standards have established protocols for long-term preservation of electronic court records, ensuring their authenticity and accessibility throughout their retention period.

Records designated for destruction are disposed of in a manner that protects confidentiality, typically through secure shredding or electronic data wiping in compliance with established security protocols.

Types of Courts In LaSalle County

LaSalle County's court system operates within Illinois' unified court structure as part of the 13th Judicial Circuit. The county hosts several court divisions that handle various case types according to established jurisdictional parameters.

LaSalle County Circuit Court
119 West Madison St.
Ottawa, IL 61350
(815) 434-8671
LaSalle County Circuit Court
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 am - 4:30 pm

The Circuit Court serves as the court of original jurisdiction for most matters and is divided into specialized divisions:

Criminal Division
119 West Madison St.
Ottawa, IL 61350
(815) 434-8671
Circuit Clerk's Criminal Division
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 am - 4:30 pm

Civil Division
119 West Madison St.
Ottawa, IL 61350
(815) 434-8671
Circuit Clerk's Civil Division
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 am - 4:30 pm

Family Court
119 West Madison St.
Ottawa, IL 61350
(815) 434-8671
Circuit Clerk's Family Division
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 am - 4:30 pm

Probate Court
119 West Madison St.
Ottawa, IL 61350
(815) 434-8671
Circuit Clerk's Probate Division
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 am - 4:30 pm

Traffic Court
119 West Madison St.
Ottawa, IL 61350
(815) 434-8671
Circuit Clerk's Traffic Division
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 am - 4:30 pm

Appeals from LaSalle County Circuit Court decisions are heard by the:

Illinois Third District Appellate Court
1004 Columbus Street
Ottawa, IL 61350
(815) 434-5075
Third District Appellate Court
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 am - 4:30 pm

The final level of appeal is to the:

Illinois Supreme Court
200 East Capitol Avenue
Springfield, IL 62701
(217) 782-2035
Illinois Supreme Court
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 am - 4:30 pm

Court operations in LaSalle County are governed by the Circuit Court Rules established by the Chief Judge of the 13th Judicial Circuit, which supplement the Illinois Supreme Court Rules.

What Types of Cases Do LaSalle County Courts Hear?

The LaSalle County court system adjudicates a diverse range of legal matters in accordance with jurisdictional parameters established by the Illinois Constitution and the Illinois Compiled Statutes. As part of the 13th Judicial Circuit, LaSalle County courts have jurisdiction over the following case categories:

The Criminal Division handles:

• Felony prosecutions (Class X, 1, 2, 3, and 4)
• Misdemeanor cases (Class A, B, and C)
• Ordinance violations
• Traffic offenses
• Conservation violations
• DUI proceedings
• Preliminary hearings and arraignments
• Bond hearings
• Post-conviction proceedings

The Civil Division adjudicates:

• Law cases (claims exceeding $50,000)
• Law-Magistrate cases ($10,000-$50,000)
• Small Claims (up to $10,000)
• Eviction proceedings
• Administrative review
• Tax matters
• Municipal ordinance violations
• Civil orders of protection
• Eminent domain proceedings
• Mechanics liens

The Family Division presides over:

• Dissolution of marriage (divorce)
• Legal separation
• Civil unions and their dissolution
• Allocation of parental responsibilities
• Child support establishment and enforcement
• Parentage determinations
• Adoption proceedings
• Juvenile matters (abuse, neglect, dependency)
• Juvenile delinquency
• Domestic violence proceedings

The Probate Division handles:

• Decedent estates
• Will contests
• Guardianships (minors and disabled adults)
• Conservatorships
• Trusts
• Mental health commitments
• Elder care matters

Pursuant to § 9 of the Circuit Courts Act (705 ILCS 105/9), the LaSalle County Circuit Clerk maintains separate dockets for each case type, ensuring proper categorization and processing of all matters filed with the court.

Cases are assigned to judges based on specialized call assignments established by the Chief Judge's Office through administrative orders that govern court operations throughout the 13th Judicial Circuit.

How To Find a Court Docket In LaSalle County

Court dockets in LaSalle County provide chronological listings of scheduled court proceedings and filed documents. Members of the public may access docket information through several methods established by the LaSalle County Circuit Clerk.

To access court dockets online:

1. Visit the LaSalle County Records Online portal.
2. Select the appropriate case type (civil, criminal, traffic, etc.).
3. Enter search criteria (case number, party name, date range).
4. Review docket entries showing filing dates, document titles, and scheduled hearings.

For in-person docket access:

1. Visit the Circuit Clerk's office during business hours.
2. Request docket information at the public service counter.
3. Provide case number or party names to facilitate the search.
4. Review docket sheets on public access terminals or request printed copies.

LaSalle County Circuit Clerk
119 West Madison St.
Ottawa, IL 61350
(815) 434-8671
LaSalle County Circuit Clerk
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 am - 4:30 pm

Daily court call schedules are typically posted:

• On bulletin boards near courtroom entrances
• At the Circuit Clerk's office
• On the LaSalle County Circuit Court website

Attorneys registered with the Illinois Courts Electronic Filing System receive electronic notifications of docket entries in their cases pursuant to Illinois Supreme Court Rules.

For specialized docket information:

• Criminal docket: Contact the Criminal Division at (815) 434-8671
• Civil docket: Contact the Civil Division at (815) 434-8671
• Family docket: Contact the Family Division at (815) 434-8671
• Probate docket: Contact the Probate Division at (815) 434-8671

The Illinois Supreme Court has established standardized docketing procedures through its administrative orders, ensuring consistency in record-keeping practices across all circuit courts in the state.

Which Courts in LaSalle County Are Not Courts of Record?

In the Illinois judicial system, courts are classified as either "courts of record" or "not of record" based on statutory definitions and procedural requirements. Pursuant to Article VI, § 1 of the Illinois Constitution, the judicial power is vested in a Supreme Court, an Appellate Court, and Circuit Courts, all of which are courts of record.

A "court of record" maintains formal documentation of all proceedings, including verbatim transcripts when required, and follows strict procedural rules. Appeals from these courts are based on the record established during the original proceedings.

In contrast, courts "not of record" typically do not maintain comprehensive verbatim records, and appeals from these courts often result in trials de novo (new trials) rather than reviews of existing records.

Under the current Illinois judicial structure established by the Judicial Article of 1964 and subsequent amendments, LaSalle County does not have any courts classified as "not of record." All judicial proceedings in LaSalle County take place within the Circuit Court system, which is statutorily designated as a court of record.

Prior to judicial reorganization, LaSalle County had several courts not of record, including:

• Justice of the Peace Courts (abolished 1964)
• Police Magistrate Courts (abolished 1964)
• Municipal Courts (consolidated into Circuit Court system)

Currently, administrative tribunals that operate in LaSalle County but are not part of the judicial branch include:

• Local electoral boards
• Administrative hearing officers for municipal ordinance violations
• Property tax assessment review boards

These administrative bodies, while performing quasi-judicial functions, are not courts and do not possess judicial authority as defined by § 1-101 of the Illinois Code of Civil Procedure (735 ILCS 5/1-101).

All formal judicial proceedings in LaSalle County are conducted by the Circuit Court of the 13th Judicial Circuit, which maintains complete records of its proceedings in accordance with Supreme Court Rules and the Circuit Courts Act (705 ILCS 105/).

Lookup Court Records in LaSalle County

LaSalle County Circuit Clerk's Office

LaSalle County Courthouse Information

LaSalle County Records Online Portal

LaSalle County Circuit Court Rules

LaSalle County Clerk's Office

Illinois Courts Official Website

Illinois Circuit Court Information

Illinois Court Approved Forms