Access Jo Daviess County Court Records
Jo Daviess County court records are maintained by the Circuit Clerk in Galena under the 15th Judicial Circuit. Civil, criminal, traffic, and family law cases filed in the county are open to the public, and many can be searched at no cost through Judici. This page explains how to find records, contact the clerk, and request copies of court documents.
Jo Daviess County at a Glance
Circuit Clerk Office
Kathy A. Phillips is the Circuit Clerk for Jo Daviess County. Her office in Galena holds all official court records filed with the 15th Judicial Circuit in the county. The clerk's office is the right place to go when you need copies of case documents, want to check a case status, or need to file new documents in person.
| Circuit Clerk | Kathy A. Phillips |
|---|---|
| Address | 330 North Bench Street, Galena, IL 61036 |
| Phone | (815) 777-0037 |
| Fax | (815) 776-9146 |
| Hours | Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM |
The office is open during regular weekday business hours. Calling ahead before you visit is a good idea if you need specific documents or have questions about a case. Staff can tell you which documents are available, what forms you need, and what copy fees apply.
Online Case Search
Judici provides free online case search for Jo Daviess County court records.
Search by name or case number to find civil, criminal, traffic, and family cases.
Judici is a nonprofit tool that gives free access to many Illinois circuit court records. You can search Jo Daviess County cases by name, case number, or filing date. Results include the case type, parties listed, court dates, and status. You do not need an account to search.
For records from cases appealed to the Illinois Appellate Court or Supreme Court, use re:SearchIL. This platform is free and covers cases from April 2025 forward at those levels, with some older documents also available.
The Illinois Courts website has a directory of all Illinois circuit courts and a court map to confirm courthouse details. You can also download official court forms for use statewide.
Civil Cases
Civil court filings in Jo Daviess County cover small claims, debt collection, evictions, property disputes, and contract matters. Most civil case files are public. You can view case information through Judici or request physical copies from the Circuit Clerk in Galena.
Small claims cases handle disputes up to $10,000. They are designed to be accessible without an attorney. Forms are available at the clerk's office and on the Illinois Courts forms page. Filing fees depend on the amount in dispute.
Civil judgments become part of the permanent public record. If a judgment is entered against you in Jo Daviess County, it can affect wages, bank accounts, and real property. Search the clerk's records or Judici to check whether a judgment exists in a specific case.
Criminal Records
Criminal cases filed in Jo Daviess County are public. Felony and misdemeanor charges, pleas or verdicts, and sentences are all part of the court record. These stay with the Circuit Clerk after the case closes unless the record is later expunged or sealed.
Certified copies of criminal records are available from the clerk's office. Bring the case number or identifying information so staff can locate the file. Certified copies carry the court's official stamp and are accepted for use in other courts, employment applications, and background checks.
Illinois Legal Aid Online has guides on expungement and record sealing eligibility if you are trying to clear a criminal record from the Jo Daviess County Circuit Court.
Traffic Cases
Traffic violations issued in Jo Daviess County go through the circuit court. This includes moving violations on county roads and state routes throughout the county, including routes in the Galena area and along the Mississippi River corridor. Judici lets you look up traffic case status by name or case number free of charge.
An unpaid traffic fine can lead to a license suspension under Illinois law. If you have an open traffic case, contact the clerk's office to confirm what is owed and how to resolve it. Acting quickly can prevent additional penalties.
Family Law Records
Family court cases in Jo Daviess County include divorce, child custody and support, orders of protection, adoption, and guardianship. Most of these are public records. Some documents involving minors or sensitive personal data may be restricted by the court.
Divorce decrees and final custody orders are part of the official case record. Copies may be needed for financial transactions, relocations, or future legal matters. The clerk's office can provide certified copies of final orders and other key documents.
If you need help starting or responding to a family law case, Illinois Legal Aid Online has free step-by-step guides. The Illinois Court Help line at (833) 411-1121 can also answer questions about what to do and what forms to file.
Probate and Estate Records
Probate cases in Jo Daviess County are also filed with the Circuit Clerk. These include estate administrations, will proceedings, and guardianship matters for adults. Probate records are public, and wills admitted to probate can be copied from the clerk's office.
If you are searching for an estate filed in Jo Daviess County, the clerk can look up the case by the name of the deceased. You will need to pay the standard copy fee to receive copies of any documents on file.
Getting Copies of Records
In-person requests are handled at 330 North Bench Street in Galena. Bring the case number if you have one. If you only know a name, staff can search the records. Standard copies cost a per-page fee. Certified copies carry the court seal and cost more, but they are necessary when official documentation is required.
Mail requests are accepted. Write out your request, include the case number, the document name, and a check or money order for the estimated fee. Include a self-addressed stamped envelope so the clerk can return the copies. Allow extra time for mailing and processing.
Most case types in Jo Daviess County support electronic filing through eFileIL. Attorneys file electronically as required by Illinois rules. Self-represented litigants may also use the system for eligible filings.
Free Legal Help
Illinois Legal Aid Online provides free guides on court topics including small claims, eviction, family law, and criminal records. The site has chat support and form-building tools to help you prepare documents without hiring an attorney.
Illinois Court Help at (833) 411-1121 is a free phone service available Monday through Friday from 8:30 AM to 3:00 PM. Staff can explain what steps to take and point you to resources for your specific situation.
Illinois Open Records Law
Illinois court records are public under the Freedom of Information Act at 5 ILCS 140. The Circuit Clerk Act at 705 ILCS 105 defines how the clerk manages and provides access to those records. Some records are closed by law, including juvenile cases, sealed cases, and adoption filings. The clerk will inform you if a record is restricted.
Cities in Jo Daviess County
Jo Daviess County includes Galena, East Dubuque, Elizabeth, Stockton, and other small communities. None of these cities exceed the 50,000 population threshold for a dedicated page on this site. All court records for Jo Daviess County addresses are maintained by the Circuit Clerk in Galena.