Massac County Court Records
Massac County court records are filed with the 1st Judicial Circuit Clerk in Metropolis, Illinois. This office maintains civil, criminal, traffic, small claims, and family case records for the county. Anyone may search these records in person at the courthouse or through online tools like Judici. This page covers how to find case records, contact the clerk's office, and use free legal resources available to Massac County residents.
Massac County Overview
| Population | 13,627 |
|---|---|
| County Seat | Metropolis |
| Judicial Circuit | 1st Judicial Circuit |
| Circuit Clerk | Marcus Grace |
Circuit Clerk Office
The Massac County Circuit Clerk maintains all court case files for the county. Marcus Grace serves as clerk. The office is on the second floor of the courthouse at One Superman Square in Metropolis. Walk-in access is open during regular business hours. Staff can help you locate a case file or direct you to the correct filing window.
| Circuit Clerk | Marcus Grace |
|---|---|
| Address | One Superman Square, Room 2D, Metropolis, IL 62960 |
| Phone | (618) 524-5011 |
| Fax | (618) 524-4850 |
| Hours | Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM |
| Website | Not available |
Search Massac County Records Online
Judici provides free online case search for Massac County court records. You can look up cases by party name, case number, or attorney name. Results show civil, criminal, traffic, and small claims filings. This is the fastest way to check if a case exists without driving to the courthouse.
Search by name or case number to find civil, criminal, traffic, and family cases. Judici is free to use and pulls data directly from the Massac County circuit court system. Case details may include hearing dates, dispositions, and party names.
Types of Records Kept
The Massac County Circuit Clerk keeps records for every type of case filed in the county court system. This includes civil lawsuits, small claims, criminal cases, traffic violations, domestic relations, juvenile matters, and probate filings. Each file holds documents such as the original complaint or charge, court orders, judgments, and any motions filed by the parties.
Public access to most case files is available in person at Room 2D. Certain records are sealed by court order or statute and cannot be viewed by the general public. If you need a certified copy of a court order or judgment, the clerk's office can provide one for a fee. Call (618) 524-5011 to confirm what documents are on file before you visit.
Criminal case records include charge information, plea history, and sentencing details. These records are part of the public file unless a court order restricts access. Background check requests sometimes rely on these files. Court staff do not conduct background checks, but they can confirm what cases are filed under a name.
How to Get Copies
You can get copies of court records in person or by mail. In-person requests are processed the same day in most cases. Mail requests take longer because staff must locate the file and process payment before sending copies. The clerk accepts checks or money orders for mail requests. Do not send cash by mail.
To request copies by mail, send a written request to One Superman Square, Room 2D, Metropolis, IL 62960. Include the full name of at least one party, the approximate year the case was filed, and the case type if known. Include payment with your request or ask the clerk to send an invoice first. The standard copy fee applies per page.
If you need a certified copy for legal use, such as for a court filing in another state or for a government agency, ask specifically for a certified copy. Certified copies carry the clerk's official seal. The fee for certified copies is higher than plain copies. The clerk can tell you the exact cost when you call.
Electronic Filing in Massac County
Illinois courts require attorneys to file documents electronically through the eFileIL system. The eFileIL portal is the official state platform for this. Self-represented parties in Massac County may also file electronically, though in-person filing at Room 2D is still accepted. If you are not sure whether to file in person or online, call the clerk's office first.
Electronic filing is not available for all case types. Some filings, such as initial small claims or certain family court documents, may still need to be filed in person. The clerk's office can confirm which filings require in-person submission.
Court Forms
The Illinois Courts website provides free, standardized court forms for many case types. You can download forms for small claims, eviction, name changes, orders of protection, and more from the Illinois Courts forms page. These forms are approved for use in all Illinois circuit courts, including Massac County. Read the instructions on each form carefully before you fill it out.
The Massac County clerk's office does not provide legal advice on which form to use or how to complete it. For that kind of help, contact Illinois Legal Aid Online or the Illinois Court Help hotline. Court staff can accept your filing but cannot guide you through the legal process.
Legal Help for Massac County Residents
Free legal resources are available if you cannot afford an attorney. Illinois Legal Aid Online offers guides and self-help tools for civil and family law matters. The Illinois Court Help hotline at (833) 411-1121 is open Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 3:00 PM. Staff can answer questions about court procedures and help you understand your options.
These services are not a substitute for an attorney in complex cases. If your case involves criminal charges, custody disputes, or large sums of money, you should try to find a licensed attorney. The Illinois State Bar Association referral service can connect you with lawyers who handle cases in southern Illinois.
1st Judicial Circuit
Massac County is part of the 1st Judicial Circuit, which covers several counties in far southern Illinois. Circuit judges hear felony, major civil, and domestic relations cases. Associate judges handle misdemeanors, small claims, and traffic matters. The chief judge of the 1st Circuit sets local court rules that may affect how cases proceed in Massac County.
You can find the full list of Illinois courts, including circuit contact information, on the Illinois Courts website. Local rules for the 1st Judicial Circuit are also posted there. Review them if you are representing yourself, as local rules can differ from general state procedures.
re:SearchIL Case Search
The re:SearchIL portal is the official Illinois court records system. It provides access to case records from courts across the state, including Massac County. You can search by name, case number, or citation. Some records require a free account to view full details. re:SearchIL is a good backup if Judici does not show the case you are looking for.
Cities in Massac County
Metropolis is the county seat and the largest city in Massac County. No cities in the county meet the 50,000 population threshold for a dedicated city page. If you live in Metropolis or another community in Massac County, use the county-level resources on this page to find court records and get help with filings.