Access Stephenson County Court Records
Stephenson County court records are maintained by the Circuit Clerk office in Freeport, Illinois, serving the 15th Judicial Circuit. The clerk handles civil, criminal, traffic, family, and probate cases for the county. This page walks you through how to search those records online and in person, how to get copies, and what free legal resources are available to Stephenson County residents.
Stephenson County Quick Facts
Stephenson County Circuit Clerk Office
Clerk Shanelle Bardell leads the Stephenson County Circuit Clerk office in Freeport. The office maintains the official docket and case files for all matters filed in the 15th Judicial Circuit for Stephenson County. Under 705 ILCS 105/16(6), most court records in Illinois are public. You can ask to view or copy most case files without giving a reason.
The office at 15 North Galena Avenue in Freeport accepts walk-in visitors during regular business hours. You can search by name or case number at the counter. Staff can pull civil records, criminal case files, traffic matters, and family law filings. Probate records are also kept at this office. Call ahead if you need older or archived records, as those may require extra time to retrieve.
| Circuit Clerk | Shanelle Bardell |
|---|---|
| Address | 15 North Galena Avenue, Freeport, IL 61032 |
| Phone | (815) 235-8266 |
| Fax | (815) 233-1576 |
| Hours | Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM |
| Website | Not available |
Online Search for Stephenson County Records
The Judici system at judici.com provides free online access to Stephenson County court records. You can search by party name or case number. Results include case type, status, party names, and docket entries. Judici does not allow you to view full document images, but it gives enough detail to identify a case and decide whether you need the full file from the clerk office.
For appellate-level records, the re:SearchIL portal provides free access to Illinois appellate court documents. The re:SearchIL portal, shown below, provides free remote access to Illinois appellate court documents, including cases from Stephenson County.
Appellate cases filed on or after April 1, 2025 are available free of charge through re:SearchIL. For trial court records in Stephenson County, use Judici or contact the clerk office directly.
Types of Records at the Stephenson County Clerk
The Stephenson County Circuit Court handles a full range of case types. Civil cases include small claims, contract disputes, personal injury suits, and property matters. Criminal cases range from misdemeanors to felonies filed by the Stephenson County State's Attorney. Traffic cases cover violations and citations issued in the county. Family cases include divorce filings, custody disputes, support orders, paternity actions, and protective orders. Probate matters deal with wills, estate administration, and guardianship.
Each case file contains the original filing, all subsequent motions and pleadings, court orders, and the final judgment. These documents are public. If a case is sealed, the clerk will confirm it exists but cannot share the contents without a court order. Juvenile records are not open to the public in most situations. Sealed family cases and mental health filings are also restricted.
If you are unsure whether a record you need is available, call the Freeport clerk office before making the trip. A quick phone call can save time and help you prepare the right request.
How to Get Copies of Stephenson County Court Records
Walk-in requests are accepted at the courthouse in Freeport during business hours. Bring the case number or the names of the parties involved. The clerk office can provide plain copies for personal use or certified copies for legal purposes. Certified copies carry the clerk's seal and signature and are accepted by other courts, lenders, and government agencies.
If you cannot visit in person, mail requests are an option. Write a letter with the case name, case number, and the documents you need. Include payment for the copy fee. Call the office first to confirm the fee amount and that the record is available. The clerk will mail the copies to your return address once the request is processed.
Illinois Legal Aid Online at illinoislegalaid.org offers free guidance on how to find and use court records. The Illinois Court Help line at (833) 411-1121 can also answer your questions about procedures on weekdays from 8:30 AM to 3:00 PM. Visit ilcourthelp.gov for more.
Electronic Filing in Stephenson County
Most civil cases in Illinois now require electronic filing. Stephenson County uses the statewide eFileIL system at efile.illinoiscourts.gov. The platform connects filers to certified e-filing providers. Attorneys must use the system for most civil matters. Self-represented parties can also file online through eFileIL and find step-by-step instructions on the site. Once a filing is accepted, it is docketed by the clerk and becomes part of the official court record.
Criminal matters are typically filed by the state's attorney. Emergency petitions may still use paper filing in some situations. If you are not sure how to file, the clerk office can tell you what is required for your case type.
Illinois Records Law Overview
Court records in Illinois are public by statute. The Circuit Court Clerk Act at 705 ILCS 105 governs how clerk offices operate and sets rules for public access. The broader Illinois Freedom of Information Act at 5 ILCS 140 covers government agency records but applies differently to court files. For court records, the courts statute controls. Most filed documents are open to any person. Copy fees are set by statute and collected by the clerk.
Exempt records include sealed case files, juvenile records, adoption filings, and mental health matters. Even for exempt records, the clerk can confirm the case exists. You need a court order to view the contents of a sealed file.
Free Legal Help in Stephenson County
Stephenson County residents can get free legal guidance through Illinois Legal Aid Online at illinoislegalaid.org. The site covers landlord-tenant issues, family law, small claims, and more. It also has tools to help you fill out common court forms. The Illinois Court Help program at ilcourthelp.gov offers phone support at (833) 411-1121, weekdays 8:30 AM to 3:00 PM. Free court forms are available at illinoiscourts.gov/documents-and-forms.
Cities in Stephenson County
Freeport is the county seat and largest city in Stephenson County, with a population of approximately 24,000. Lena, Cedarville, and Orangeville are smaller communities in the county. Freeport does not meet the 50,000 population threshold for a dedicated city records page. For court records anywhere in Stephenson County, all circuit court filings go through the clerk office in Freeport.