Knox County Court Records Search
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Knox County is located in west-central Illinois, with its county seat in Galesburg. The county’s judicial operations are part of the Ninth Judicial Circuit, which also serves Fulton, Hancock, Henderson, McDonough, and Warren Counties. The Knox County Circuit Court — headquartered in the Knox County Courthouse on South Cherry Street in Galesburg — functions as the trial court of general jurisdiction, hearing all criminal, civil, family, juvenile, and probate cases originating within the county. The Circuit Clerk’s Office acts as custodian for all court files and exhibits, while the Knox County Clerk maintains vital records, and the Knox County Recorder preserves property instruments. A separate administrative adjudication body operated by the City of Galesburg handles municipal ordinance violations.
For those seeking court records in Illinois, several tools are available at both the state and local levels. IllinoisCourts.us can assist users in identifying court resources across the state’s circuit court system. The Ninth Judicial Circuit Court maintains its own website with case search capabilities and county office information. Locally, the Knox County Circuit Clerk’s Office accepts in-person visits, telephone inquiries, and mail requests. The Judici platform provides online case search for Knox County court records. Public-access terminals at the courthouse offer another option for individuals who wish to review case indexes during business hours.
How to Look Up a Court Case in Knox County?
Depending on the type of record and the preferred method, individuals can search Knox County court records online, in person, by phone, or by mail.
Online Case Search
The Judici case search portal for Knox County allows the public to look up court records electronically. Users can search by party name, case number, or other identifiers. Judici provides access to docket information, hearing dates, case types, and dispositions for civil, criminal, traffic, and other case categories heard in the Knox County Circuit Court. The Ninth Judicial Circuit website also links to case search tools and court resources.
Court fines and fees can be paid online through Knox County’s payment portal, which accepts credit and debit cards (a 2.75% processing fee plus $3.00 applies).
In-Person Search
The Knox County Courthouse is open Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., excluding holidays. Courthouse parking is available on the south side of the building.
Knox County Circuit Clerk’s Office
Address: 200 South Cherry Street, Galesburg, IL 61401
Phone: (309) 345-3859
Fax: (Civil): (309) 345-0098
Fax: (Small Claims): (309) 345-6729
Fax: (Felony): (309) 345-3896
Fax: (Traffic): (309) 345-6722
To contact a specific division directly:
| Division | Phone Number |
|---|---|
| Traffic Court | (309) 345-3870 |
| General Division | (309) 345-3817 |
| Small Claims Court | (309) 345-3874 |
| Felony Division | (309) 345-3836 |
| Probate | (309) 345-6733 |
Mail Requests
Written requests for court records should be sent to the Circuit Clerk at 200 South Cherry Street, Galesburg, IL 61401. Include the full legal name of the party, case number (if known), type of case, approximate filing date, and a self-addressed stamped envelope. Prepayment of applicable copy fees by check or money order, payable to the Knox County Circuit Clerk, is required.
Are Court Records Public in Knox County?
Illinois law presumes that government records are open to public inspection. The Illinois Freedom of Information Act (5 ILCS 140) establishes that all public bodies shall make records available for inspection or copying, subject to specific exemptions. The Knox County Circuit Clerk’s Office follows these rules when processing record requests.
Records Generally Available to the Public
The following types of Knox County court records are ordinarily open for inspection:
- Criminal case files, including charging documents, plea records, trial transcripts, and sentencing orders
- Civil case files, including complaints, motions, orders, and judgments
- Divorce records and dissolution decrees (unless sealed by court order)
- Probate case files, including wills, estate inventories, and guardianship records
- Traffic and ordinance violation records
- Small claims filings and dispositions
Records Exempt from Public Disclosure
Certain categories of records are confidential under Illinois law and are not available for public inspection:
- Medical and mental health records
- Most juvenile court records
- Academic records
- Adoption records
- Grand jury proceedings
- Records containing proprietary information or trade secrets
- Records with personally identifiable information such as Social Security numbers and driver’s license numbers
- Records sealed or expunged by court order
- Records related to public safety where disclosure could endanger individuals
- Records of confidential informants
Vital Records
The Illinois Vital Records Act (410 ILCS 535) governs birth, death, and marriage records separately from court records. These vital records are not considered public information and are not subject to FOIA. Access is restricted to authorized individuals as described in the Family Court Records section below.
Knox County Criminal Court Records
Criminal cases in Knox County are prosecuted in the Circuit Court. Felony matters and misdemeanors are handled by the appropriate division, and preliminary hearings for felonies, traffic cases, and first appearances take place in designated courtrooms at the Knox County Courthouse.
Court Structure for Criminal Cases
The courthouse organizes its criminal proceedings across multiple floors:
- First Floor Courtroom: Traffic cases, misdemeanor cases, first appearances, and preliminary hearings; also houses the Circuit Clerk’s main office for payment of traffic citations and court fines and fees
- Second Floor Courtroom (Division One): Felony cases, divorce, landlord/tenant, foreclosures, and civil lawsuits
- Third Floor Courtroom (Division Two): Criminal jury trials, civil jury trials, and small claims
Criminal case records — including charges, arraignment records, plea agreements, sentencing orders, and probation records — are maintained by the Circuit Clerk and are searchable through Judici.
Knox County Sheriff’s Office
The Knox County Sheriff’s Office generates arrest records and maintains the county jail. The Sheriff’s administrative office is located separately from the courthouse:
Knox County Sheriff’s Office
Address: 152 South Kellogg Street, Galesburg, IL 61401
24-Hour Phone: (309) 343-9151
Administrative Office: (309) 345-3733
Hours: Monday – Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Criminal Background Checks
The Circuit Clerk’s Office does not conduct formal criminal background checks. Individuals seeking a comprehensive criminal history report should contact the Illinois State Police Bureau of Identification. Requests can be directed to:
Illinois State Police — Bureau of Identification
Address: 260 North Chicago Street, Joliet, IL 60432-4072
The Illinois State Police processes both name-based and fingerprint-based criminal history inquiries. The Illinois Department of Corrections maintains records on individuals who have been incarcerated in state facilities.
Expungement and Sealing
Illinois law permits the expungement or sealing of certain criminal records under qualifying circumstances. Persons seeking to have Knox County criminal records expunged or sealed must file a petition with the Circuit Court. Expunged and sealed records are removed from public access and will not appear in Judici search results.
Knox County Civil Court Records
The Knox County Circuit Court exercises general jurisdiction over all civil matters filed in the county. Civil cases are distributed among multiple divisions depending on the nature and value of the claims.
Types of Civil Cases
Civil case files maintained by the Circuit Clerk include records from the following types of proceedings:
- Breach of contract
- Personal injury and professional malpractice
- Employment disputes
- Defamation (slander and libel)
- Landlord/tenant and eviction actions
- Foreclosures
- Small claims
- Eminent domain
Where to Search Civil Records
Civil case data for Knox County is available through the Judici online case search. Users can search by party name or case number to view docket entries, hearing dates, and case dispositions. Records can also be inspected in person at the Circuit Clerk’s Office.
Filing a Civil Action
To file a civil case in the Knox County Circuit Court, a plaintiff must submit a complaint to the Circuit Clerk, pay the required filing fee, and arrange for service of process. Filing fees vary by case type and are set by the Illinois Supreme Court’s fee schedule. Contact the General Division at (309) 345-3817 or the Small Claims division at (309) 345-3874 for current fee amounts.
Small Claims
Small claims cases in Knox County are heard in the Third Floor Courtroom (Division Two). These proceedings follow simplified procedures and allow parties to represent themselves. Filings are processed through the Circuit Clerk’s Small Claims division.
Property Records
Real estate documents — including deeds, mortgages, liens, releases, assignments, plats, and Uniform Commercial Code filings — are recorded and maintained by the Knox County Recorder. The Recorder also collects the Illinois Real Estate Transfer Tax on applicable property transactions.
Knox County Recorder
Address: 200 South Cherry Street, Galesburg, IL 61401
Phone: (309) 345-6718
Fax: (309) 345-3842
Email: serickson@knoxcountyil.gov
All recordings must be received by 3:30 p.m. to be processed the same business day. Public access to recorded documents is available through books and computers at the Recorder’s office. Remote online access to land records is available through the Laredo subscription system; contact the Recorder’s office at (309) 345-6718 to become a subscriber.
Knox County Family Court Records
Family law matters in Knox County — including divorce, child custody, child support, paternity, orders of protection, adoption, and guardianship — are adjudicated within the Circuit Court. Family cases are typically heard in the Second Floor Courtroom (Division One). The Circuit Clerk maintains all family law case files.
Divorce
Divorce petitions are filed with the Knox County Circuit Clerk. Unless a file has been sealed by court order, divorce records are public and available for inspection at the clerk’s office or through Judici. Copies of specific documents from a divorce case, such as the dissolution decree, can be obtained by contacting the Circuit Clerk.
The Illinois Department of Public Health maintains statewide indices for divorce records and can issue verification letters for dissolutions that occurred in the state. Contact the IDPH Office of Vital Records for state-level requests.
Adoption Records
Adoption proceedings are heard by the Circuit Court and are confidential. Adoption records are sealed and may only be accessed by authorized individuals pursuant to court order or under the provisions of the Illinois Adoption Act.
Guardianship
Guardianship petitions for minors and disabled adults are filed and maintained by the Circuit Clerk. These records are generally accessible to the public unless restricted by court order or statute.
Marriage Records
Marriage licenses and certificates in Knox County are issued and maintained by the Knox County Clerk, not the Circuit Clerk. Under the Illinois Vital Records Act, marriage records are confidential and may only be obtained by authorized individuals, including the bride or groom named on the record, a parent, sibling, or child of either party, or a genealogist (for records prior to 1916 only).
To request a Knox County marriage record:
- Complete the Marriage Record Application for Search
- Present acceptable identification (see ID groups below)
- Submit the form in person, by mail, by fax to (309) 345-3801, or online via Illinois E-Pay
- Pay the applicable fee
Knox County Clerk’s Office
Address: 200 South Cherry Street, Galesburg, IL 61401
Phone: (309) 345-3815
Fax: (309) 345-3801
Hours: Monday – Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
| Fee Description | Amount |
|---|---|
| One search including one certified copy | $15.00 |
| Each additional copy (same record, same time) | $5.00 |
| Genealogical uncertified copy (pre-1916 only) | $8.00 |
| Express mail | $30.45 additional |
| Online convenience fee | $1.75 additional |
Acceptable Identification
Requests require one item from Group A or two items from Group B:
- Group A (one required): Illinois or out-of-state driver’s license, state ID card, U.S. military ID, U.S. immigration card, or Illinois public assistance ID card
- Group B (two required): Social Security card, voter registration card, employee ID with photo and signature, school ID with photo, certificate of naturalization, certificate of U.S. citizenship, or piece of mail showing the applicant’s name and address
Birth and Death Records
Birth and death records are maintained by the Knox County Clerk’s Vital Records division. These records are not public under the Illinois Vital Records Act and may only be released to authorized persons.
Birth records on file date back to 1878. Authorized requestors include the person named on the record (age 18+), parent(s) named on the record, legal guardians, legal representatives, and genealogists (for pre-1916 records). To request a birth record, complete the Birth Record Application for Search and submit it with identification and the appropriate fee.
| Record Type | Fee |
|---|---|
| Birth certificate — one search with certified copy | $15.00 |
| Each additional copy (same record, same time) | $5.00 |
| Genealogical uncertified copy (pre-1916) | $8.00 |
Death records on file also date back to 1878. Authorized requestors include persons with a personal or property interest in the record and their authorized agents. The Death Record Application for Search must be completed and submitted with identification and payment.
| Record Type | Fee |
|---|---|
| Death certificate — one search with certified copy | $20.00 |
| Each additional copy (same record, same time) | $10.00 |
| Genealogical uncertified copy (pre-1916) | $8.00 |
Birth and death records can also be obtained from the state:
IDPH Vital Records
Address: 925 East Ridgely Avenue, Springfield, IL 62702-2737
Fraudulent use of any vital record is a Class 4 felony under Illinois law, punishable by up to three years of imprisonment and a $10,000 fine.
Knox County Probate Court Records
Probate matters in Knox County are heard by the Circuit Court and administered through the Circuit Clerk’s Probate division. The Probate division handles the administration of decedents’ estates, the admission of wills, the appointment of executors and administrators, guardianships, conservatorships, and trust-related disputes.
Probate Division Contact
Knox County Circuit Clerk — Probate Division
Address: 200 South Cherry Street, Galesburg, IL 61401
Phone: (309) 345-6733
Types of Probate Records
Probate case files maintained by the Circuit Clerk include:
- Last wills and testaments admitted to probate
- Letters testamentary and letters of administration
- Estate inventories and accountings
- Creditor claims and notices
- Guardianship and conservatorship petitions, annual reports, and orders
- Trust-related filings and orders
- Involuntary commitment records (restricted access)
How to Access Probate Records
Probate case information for Knox County is searchable through Judici using party names or case numbers. For certified copies or complete case files, contact the Probate division at (309) 345-6733 or visit the Circuit Clerk’s Office on the first floor of the Knox County Courthouse during business hours (Monday–Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.).
Written requests should be mailed to the Circuit Clerk at 200 South Cherry Street, Galesburg, IL 61401 with the decedent’s full name, case number if known, a description of the documents needed, and prepayment of copy fees.
Public Access to Probate Records
Most probate records are public and available for inspection unless sealed by court order. Guardianship files involving minors may be subject to restricted access. Involuntary commitment records carry additional confidentiality protections and are not available for general public inspection. Records of conservatorship proceedings for incapacitated adults are generally accessible but may contain medical or financial information subject to redaction.