Greene County Court Records Lookup
Greene County court records are maintained by the Circuit Clerk in Carrollton, the county seat, as part of the 7th Judicial Circuit in west-central Illinois. The office holds civil, criminal, traffic, small claims, and family case files that are open to the public under Illinois law. This page covers how to search Greene County cases online, how to contact the clerk, how to request copies of documents, and where to find free legal help in the area.
Greene County Circuit Clerk Office
Shirley A. Thornton serves as the Greene County Circuit Clerk. The office is at 519 North Main Street in Carrollton. The clerk's office accepts all court filings, maintains the official case index, and provides certified copies of court documents to members of the public who request them. Staff are available during regular business hours.
| Circuit Clerk | Shirley A. Thornton |
|---|---|
| Address | 519 North Main Street, Carrollton, IL 62016 |
| Phone | (217) 942-3421 |
| Fax | (217) 942-5431 |
| Hours | Mon-Fri 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM |
How to Search Greene County Court Records Online
Judici is the free online case search tool for Greene County court records. It draws from the 7th Circuit database and lets you search by party name or case number. You can find civil, criminal, traffic, and family cases without creating an account. Results include basic case information such as filing date, case type, and party names.
Judici provides free online case search for Greene County court records.
Search by party name or case number to find civil, criminal, traffic, and family cases.
The re:SearchIL portal is another statewide option. It combines records from multiple circuits and works well if you need to check more than one county. The Find Your Court map on the Illinois Courts website confirms courthouse details and judge assignments for Greene County.
What Records Does the Greene County Clerk Maintain?
The Circuit Clerk in Carrollton maintains all case types filed in the 7th Judicial Circuit's Greene County division. The vast majority of these records are open to the public. A small number are restricted under Illinois law.
Civil records include general lawsuits, small claims disputes, eviction actions, and contract cases. Criminal records cover felony and misdemeanor charges, bond records, plea entries, and sentencing orders. Traffic and ordinance cases are common and generally searchable online through Judici. Family law records such as divorce decrees and custody orders are mostly public, though some attached financial records may be restricted. Adoption and juvenile records are sealed by law. Mental health adjudications and certain guardianship filings also carry legal restrictions on public access.
If you need a record and are not sure whether it is publicly available, call the clerk at (217) 942-3421. Staff can confirm what is on file and what steps you need to take to get a copy of the document you are looking for.
Getting Copies of Greene County Court Records
You can get copies of court records from the Greene County Circuit Clerk in person or by mail. In-person visits are typically faster. Go to 519 North Main Street in Carrollton during business hours. Bring a valid photo ID and know the case name or number. The clerk will locate the record and give you copies. Certified copies carry a court seal and are required for legal proceedings.
To request records by mail, write to the clerk at 519 North Main Street, Carrollton, IL 62016. State the case name or number, list the specific documents you need, and enclose a self-addressed stamped envelope. Include a check or money order for any applicable copy fees, made payable to the Greene County Circuit Clerk.
Attorneys and self-represented litigants can submit new filings electronically through eFileIL. This state system lets you file documents online and track case activity without making a trip to Carrollton. Multiple certified e-filing providers connect to the system.
Free Legal Resources for Greene County
Illinois Legal Aid Online is a free site with legal guides, forms, and a chat tool. It covers family law, housing issues, debt, employment disputes, and more. If you are handling a court matter without a lawyer, this site can walk you through what to expect and what forms you may need to file.
Illinois Court Help operates a free hotline at (833) 411-1121. Staff are available Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 3:00 PM. They explain court procedures in plain language, help callers identify the right forms, and refer people to legal aid services near Carrollton and the surrounding area.
The Illinois Courts forms page has downloadable forms for many common case types. Use the most recent version of any form before filing. The clerk's office can reject filings on obsolete form editions, which delays your case.
Illinois Laws Governing Court Records Access
The Clerks of Courts Act at 705 ILCS 105 is the primary statute covering the duties of Illinois circuit clerks. It sets out what records must be kept and what can be disclosed to members of the public. This law applies to Shirley A. Thornton's office in Carrollton.
The Illinois Freedom of Information Act at 5 ILCS 140 gives residents a legal right to request government records. The Illinois Records Act at 5 ILCS 160 sets retention schedules that determine how long court files must be kept before disposal.
Sealed and expunged records are not public and will not show up in any online search. To petition to have a record sealed or expunged, you must file with the Greene County Circuit Court in Carrollton. The clerk's office can provide information about the forms and steps involved.
Cities in Greene County
Carrollton is the county seat of Greene County and its largest community. White Hall is another notable town in the county. Neither community meets the 50,000 population threshold for a dedicated city page. All Greene County residents can access court records through the Carrollton clerk's office or through Judici online.