Champaign County Court Records Search
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Champaign County sits in east-central Illinois, with its county seat in Urbana, and is home to the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. The county’s judicial system operates within the Sixth Judicial Circuit of Illinois, which also encompasses DeWitt, Douglas, Macon, Moultrie, and Piatt counties. Unlike states where multiple trial courts handle different case types, Illinois consolidates all trial-level jurisdiction into a single circuit court. The Champaign County Circuit Court therefore adjudicates the full spectrum of legal matters — felonies, misdemeanors, civil lawsuits, small claims, family law disputes, juvenile cases, probate, and traffic offenses. The Champaign County Circuit Clerk’s Office serves as the official custodian of all records generated by these proceedings, maintaining filings, docket entries, motions, orders, judgments, and transcripts.
Those looking to find court records in Illinois have access to both county-level and statewide resources. The Champaign County Circuit Clerk maintains online case search tools and accepts requests by form, in person, and by mail. Public terminals at the courthouse allow visitors to review case information during office hours. At the state level, the website IllinoisCourts.us may help users locate publicly available court case information across judicial circuits, and the Illinois Courts system maintains a directory of county courthouses, forms, and e-filing resources that apply to Champaign County.
How to Look Up a Court Case in Champaign County?
All court proceedings in Champaign County are heard by the Circuit Court, housed within the Champaign County Courthouse. There are no separate courts for different case types — a single courthouse and clerk’s office handles criminal, civil, family, probate, and traffic matters.
Court Location
Champaign County Circuit Court
Address: 101 East Main Street, Urbana, IL 61801
Phone: (217) 384-3725
Fax: (217) 384-3879
Email: cccircuitclerk@champaigncountyil.gov
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
The courthouse also houses the offices of the Circuit Court administration ((217) 384-3707), Public Defender, Court Services & Probation, and the State’s Attorney. A self-help center on the first floor provides assistance to self-represented litigants, staffed by a retired attorney navigator on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays.
Online Case Search
The Circuit Clerk provides a free public case information search where users can look up case details by participant name or case number. This tool displays docket information, case type, parties, and hearing dates for non-confidential cases.
Online Record Request Forms
For copies of specific documents, the Circuit Clerk maintains separate online request forms:
- Civil record search and copy request form — covers civil, divorce, family, small claims, probate, and guardianship matters
- Criminal record search and copy request form — covers criminal court filings
- Letters request form — for probate and guardianship letters
After submitting a form, the clerk’s office responds by email with information about the record’s availability and the estimated cost of retrieval and copying.
In-Person Searches
Walk-in visitors can search court records at the Circuit Clerk’s office during business hours. The clerk’s office provides a file viewing room where the public can examine non-restricted case files. An e-filing kiosk is also available in this room.
By Mail
Written requests and completed forms can be mailed to:
Champaign County Circuit Clerk
101 East Main Street
Urbana, IL 61801
Include the case number, party names, type of document requested, and payment for applicable fees (check or money order payable to “Champaign County Circuit Clerk”).
Copy Fees
| Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| First page of court record copy | $2.00 |
| Each additional page (pages 2–20) | $0.50 |
| Each page after the 20th | $0.25 |
| Certification of document | $6.00 |
Are Court Records Public in Champaign County?
Court records in Champaign County are classified as public documents under the Illinois Freedom of Information Act (5 ILCS 140). This law establishes that records prepared and maintained by public bodies — including the courts — are presumed open to inspection and copying. Government agencies must respond to FOIA requests, and the burden falls on the agency to justify any withholding.
Illinois law does, however, establish several categories of court records that are restricted from public access. The Judicial Privacy Act protects certain personal information of judicial officers. Beyond that, FOIA and the Illinois Code of Civil Procedure exempt or restrict the following types of records:
- Impounded or sealed case files — Cases sealed by court order cannot be accessed without judicial authorization. The Circuit Clerk’s office explicitly notes that impounded and sealed files require a court order for access.
- Adoption records — Confidential by statute and not available to the public.
- Juvenile abuse and neglect records — Restricted from public inspection to protect minor children.
- Certain eviction records — Eviction cases filed on or after March 1, 2020, may be sealed or restricted under the amended Illinois Code of Civil Procedure (735 ILCS 5/9-121).
- Records endangering physical safety — Information whose disclosure could threaten a person’s safety or life.
- Attorney-client privileged material — Communications protected by the privilege are exempt.
- Medical records — Health-related data contained within court filings may be redacted.
Confidential Information Filing Requirements
Illinois Supreme Court Rules 15 and 138 govern the filing of confidential information. Rule 15 addresses Social Security numbers, and Rule 138 covers other personal identifying information. The Circuit Clerk provides a Certificate of Compliance with Supreme Court Rules 9, 15, and 138 along with notice forms for confidential information within court filings. Filers bear the responsibility of flagging confidential content before documents enter the public record.
Statewide Access Restrictions
The State of Illinois maintains a statewide court records database, but access is limited to licensed Illinois attorneys, parties to a case, and authorized legal service providers. Members of the general public must use county-level search tools or visit the courthouse.
Champaign County Criminal Court Records
The Circuit Court handles all criminal matters in Champaign County, from felony prosecutions to misdemeanor charges and traffic violations. Criminal case records maintained by the Circuit Clerk include charging documents, arraignment records, docket sheets, plea agreements, sentencing orders, and records of proceedings.
Searching Criminal Court Records
- Online Request Form: Submit a criminal record search and copy request through the Circuit Clerk’s website. Provide your contact information and case details. The clerk will respond by email with availability information and estimated fees. The clerk’s office notes that it does not maintain arrest records — those must be requested from the arresting agency.
- Public Case Search: Use the case information portal to look up criminal docket information by defendant name or case number.
- In Person: Visit the Circuit Clerk at 101 East Main Street during business hours to request copies or review files.
Criminal Filing Fees
Based on the Circuit Clerk’s published fee schedule, key criminal-related fees include:
| Fee Type | Amount |
|---|---|
| Expungement petition filing | $120.00 |
| Criminal record copy (first page) | $2.00 |
| Additional pages (2–20) | $0.50 per page |
| Pages beyond 20 | $0.25 per page |
| Certification | $6.00 |
The Circuit Clerk also provides expungement-related forms and links to Illinois Supreme Court approved forms for criminal records sealing and expungement.
Arrest Records and the Sheriff’s Office
The Champaign County Sheriff’s Office maintains arrest records, incident reports, and accident reports. The Sheriff’s Office is located at:
Champaign County Sheriff’s Office
Address: 204 East Main Street, Urbana, IL 61801
Phone: (217) 384-1204
Fax: (217) 384-1219
Email: sheriff@co.champaign.il.us
The Sheriff operates an online jail records search through the Odyssey Public Access portal, as well as an inmate lookup tool on the county website where users can search by first and last name for individuals currently detained.
Background Checks
The Circuit Clerk’s office cannot perform criminal background checks. Statewide criminal history reports are available through the Illinois State Police via the CHIRP (Criminal History Information Response Process) platform for name-based searches, or through fingerprint-based requests submitted to a LiveScan vendor. Out-of-state requesters must first complete an online form with the ISP to receive the appropriate fingerprint card.
Champaign County Civil Court Records
Civil litigation in Champaign County is processed by the Circuit Court, encompassing general civil cases (limited and unlimited jurisdiction), small claims, administrative agency appeals, and commercial civil disputes. The Circuit Clerk maintains all civil case files and provides both online and in-person access.
Searching Civil Records
Civil case dockets can be viewed through the public case information search. For copies of specific documents, submit the civil record search and copy request form online. The form collects requester contact information, case details, and document specifications. The clerk’s office replies with document availability and a cost estimate.
The civil request form also covers divorce, family, small claims, probate, and guardianship records. The clerk notes that it does not maintain birth certificates, marriage certificates, or corporation documents — those are held by the Champaign County Clerk.
Civil Filing Fees
The Circuit Clerk publishes a fee schedule that is updated annually. Based on the most recently referenced schedules, representative civil filing fees include:
| Case Type | New Case Filing Fee | Entry of Appearance/Answer |
|---|---|---|
| Money damages $15,000–$50,000 | $306.00 | $181.00 |
| Money damages $10,000–$15,000 | $248.00 | — |
| Small claims | $89.00 | — |
| Residential eviction | $15.00+ | — |
| Petition for order to issue marriage license/civil union | $306.00 | — |
Fee waivers are available for eligible litigants. The Circuit Clerk provides fee waiver forms approved by the Illinois Supreme Court.
E-Filing
Since January 2018, e-filing has been mandatory for civil cases in Illinois circuit courts. The Champaign County Circuit Clerk’s office has been fully integrated with eFileIL, the statewide electronic filing platform. Attorneys and self-represented litigants can file documents online through any certified e-file service provider. The clerk provides detailed e-filing instructions on its website, including how to register, prepare PDFs, add payment accounts, and submit filings. An e-filing kiosk is available at the courthouse for those without home computer access. Pro se litigants who cannot e-file may request a Certification from E-Filing form to seek court permission to file on paper.
Small Claims
Small claims cases are heard by the Circuit Court. The Circuit Clerk provides small claims forms through links to Illinois Supreme Court approved forms. The Champaign County Circuit Court maintains specific protocols for small claims and eviction proceedings.
Post-Judgment Collection
The Circuit Clerk offers several post-judgment forms including citations to discover assets (to the debtor, debtor’s bank, and debtor’s employer), emergency motions to claim exemptions, and identity theft affidavits.
Champaign County Family Court Records
Family law cases in Champaign County — including divorce, legal separation, paternity, child custody and visitation, child support, termination of parental rights, and orders of protection — are all heard by the Circuit Court. The Circuit Clerk maintains family law case records and provides access through the same channels used for other case types.
Searching Family Records
Family law case dockets can be viewed through the public case information search by party name or case number. For document copies, use the civil record search and copy request form, which covers family, divorce, and custody matters. Provide the requester’s name, address, contact information, case number, filing date, and party names, then submit. The clerk will respond by email with document availability and estimated fees.
Copy fees follow the standard schedule: $2.00 for the first page, $0.50 per additional page through page 20, and $0.25 per page thereafter. Certification adds $6.00.
Confidentiality Restrictions
Certain family court records contain sensitive information about minors and other parties. The Circuit Clerk may redact or restrict public access to portions of family law files. Adoption records and juvenile abuse and neglect records are entirely impounded and cannot be accessed without a court order. Illinois Supreme Court Rules 15 and 138 require filers to identify confidential information such as Social Security numbers and personal identifying data within family law filings.
Available Forms
The Circuit Clerk provides access to family law forms approved by the Illinois Supreme Court, covering divorce, legal separation, paternity, custody and visitation, child support modifications, parentage summons, and financial affidavits. Specific forms available include the Petition to Modify, Suspend, or Abate Orders for Support, as well as parentage-related summons forms maintained locally.
Orders of Protection
Forms for emergency, interim, and plenary orders of protection are available through the Circuit Clerk. Locally maintained forms include the Sheriff’s Office Service Information Sheet, motions to dismiss, extend, or modify orders of protection, and extension order forms.
Marriage Records
Marriage licenses and marriage certificates are not maintained by the Circuit Clerk. They are issued and kept by the Champaign County Clerk and Recorder of Deeds at the Brookens Administrative Center, 1776 East Washington Street, Urbana, IL 61802 (Phone: (217) 384-3720). The County Clerk maintains an online marriage record search and accepts both in-person and mail requests. A certified marriage certificate with raised seal costs $16.50, with additional copies at $13.00 each. Mail requests should be sent with a check or money order to the County Clerk’s address.
Divorce Records
Dissolution of marriage records are maintained by the Circuit Clerk. These can be searched through the online case information portal or requested via the civil record search form. The Illinois Department of Public Health, Division of Vital Records (925 East Ridgely Avenue, Springfield, IL 62702-2737), also maintains marriage verifications. The IDPH charges $5.00 for a marriage verification search by mail.
Birth and Death Records
The Champaign County Clerk maintains local birth and death certificates. A birth certificate with raised seal costs $21.00 for the first copy and $11.00 for additional copies purchased simultaneously. Death certificates are $21.00 for the first copy and $12.00 for additional copies. Only eligible persons — the record subject, immediate family, and authorized representatives — may obtain birth certificates. Valid photo ID and proof of relationship are required. The IDPH also maintains statewide vital records and accepts mail applications using its own birth certificate and death certificate forms, with fees of $15.00 for a certified birth certificate and $19.00 for a death certificate (additional copies $4.00–$10.00).
Champaign County Probate Court Records
Probate matters in Champaign County are heard by the Circuit Court, as Illinois does not operate a separate probate court. The Circuit Court handles the probate of wills, estate administration, guardianship of minors and disabled adults, conservatorships, and trust matters. The Circuit Clerk maintains all probate case records.
Searching Probate Records
Probate case information can be accessed through the public case search portal by name or case number. For document copies or letters (testamentary, of administration, or of guardianship), the Circuit Clerk provides a dedicated letters request form as well as the civil record search form, which covers probate and guardianship cases. In-person requests are also accepted at the clerk’s office during business hours.
Probate Forms and Guides
The Circuit Clerk publishes a Champaign County Probate Court Guide to assist filers in navigating estate and guardianship proceedings. Guardianship-specific resources include a Guide to Guardianship as well as forms for petitions for appointment of guardian for disabled adults, related summons, and petitions for guardianship of a minor (through Illinois Supreme Court approved forms). The Champaign County Self-Help Center at the courthouse provides additional in-person guidance on guardianship filings.
Probate Filing Fees
Probate filing fees follow the Circuit Clerk’s published schedule. Representative fees based on available information:
| Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| New probate case filing | Varies by case type (see clerk fee schedule) |
| Small estate affidavit | Form available; fee varies |
| Record copy (first page) | $2.00 |
| Additional pages (2–20) | $0.50 per page |
| Certification | $6.00 |
The Circuit Clerk’s office posts the complete fee schedule on its website; contact the office at (217) 384-3725 for the most current fee amounts for specific probate filings.
E-Filing for Probate
Probate petitions can be e-filed through the statewide eFileIL platform. Filing fees are paid electronically at the time of submission. The Circuit Clerk’s e-filing instructions apply to probate matters, and the courthouse e-filing kiosk is available for those who need on-site computer access.
Guardianship Proceedings
Guardianship cases for both minors and disabled adults are heard by the Circuit Court. The clerk provides specific petition forms and summons templates. Written notice requirements, evaluation procedures, and hearing protocols are detailed in the Guide to Guardianship. All guardianship matters are handled by appointment once pleadings are filed and fees are paid. The Illinois Guardianship & Advocacy Commission also publishes forms relevant to guardianship proceedings, including petitions to notify the court of a ward’s death and close a case.