Peoria County Court Records Search
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Peoria County, located in central Illinois with its county seat in Peoria, operates under the 10th Judicial Circuit Court, which also serves Marshall, Putnam, Stark, and Tazewell counties. The Circuit Court is the trial-level court of general jurisdiction, hearing virtually all categories of cases filed in the county, from serious felonies and complex civil disputes to family matters, probate proceedings, and small claims. The Circuit Clerk’s Office, led by Circuit Clerk Robert M. Spears, is the official custodian of all court records generated in Peoria County proceedings. This office maintains, indexes, and provides access to millions of documents spanning decades of litigation, including case files, dockets, orders, judgments, and exhibits.
Court records generated in Illinois are accessible through several channels. The 10th Judicial Circuit Court maintains online case-lookup tools for Peoria County, and the Circuit Clerk provides both in-person and remote access to filed documents. Statewide court information and resources can also be located through IllinoisCourts.us. For federal matters heard in the Peoria division, the U.S. District Court for the Central District of Illinois maintains a separate record system accessible through PACER.
How to Look Up a Court Case in Peoria County?
Peoria County provides multiple free online tools and in-person options for locating case information.
Online Search Tools
The Circuit Clerk operates two public portals that allow searching by case number, party name, attorney name, or citation number:
- Peoria County Court Portal — A newer interface that supports searching by party name, case number, and advanced filtering. Users may be required to register to perform detailed searches.
- Peoria County Records Inquiry — The Odyssey Public Access system organized by record category. Users can select from Civil Case Records, Criminal and Traffic Case Records, Probate Case Records, Family Case Records, Court Calendar, Jail Records, and Jail Bond Records. This portal is free and does not require registration for basic searches.
Both tools provide docket information, party names, hearing dates, and case status. Neither portal charges a fee for viewing case data online.
In-Person Access
Visitors may review physical case files and use public access terminals at the Circuit Clerk’s Office inside the Peoria County Courthouse:
Peoria County Circuit Clerk
324 Main Street, Room G-22
Peoria, IL 61602
Phone: (309) 672-6000
Fax: (309) 677-6228
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM
The courthouse is the central location for all divisions of the Circuit Clerk. Staff can assist with locating case files, but the office cannot provide legal advice per Illinois statute.
Copy Fees
When requesting copies of court documents, the following fees apply:
| Copy Type | Fee |
|---|---|
| First page (photocopy) | $2.00 |
| Pages 2–20 | $0.50 each |
| All remaining pages (after page 20) | $0.25 each |
| Computer printout | $6.00 per page |
| Certified copy of judgment | $6.00 plus copy fees |
| Record search (per year, non-computerized) | $6.00 |
Accepted payment methods include cash, personal check, debit card, and credit card. A correction fee of $25.00 applies when the case number or case title on a filed document must be corrected.
Federal Court Records
Federal cases heard in the Peoria division of the U.S. District Court for the Central District of Illinois are not maintained by the county Circuit Clerk. Federal records can be accessed through PACER at $0.10 per page, capped at $3.00 per document. The federal courthouse is located at 100 NE Monroe Street, Peoria, IL 61602, Phone: (309) 671-7117
Are Court Records Public in Peoria County?
Court records in Peoria County are generally open to the public under two governing frameworks: the Illinois Freedom of Information Act (5 ILCS 140/1 et seq.) and Illinois Supreme Court Rule 8, which specifically addresses case and document accessibility within the court system.
Presumption of Access
Under FOIA, all records maintained by public bodies in Illinois are presumed open for inspection and copying. Public bodies must respond to written requests within five business days. Rule 8, adopted by the Illinois Supreme Court, reinforces that all cases and documents are presumed accessible by the court and the clerk, and establishes standardized procedures for restricting access when authorized by law.
Exempt and Restricted Records
Several categories of court records are not available for public inspection:
- Sealed and expunged criminal records (per 20 ILCS 2630 and court order)
- Juvenile delinquency and abuse/neglect proceedings
- Adoption case files
- Mental health proceedings (405 ILCS 5)
- Records containing personal identifiers such as Social Security numbers, financial account numbers, and driver’s license numbers
- Cases sealed by court order for privacy or safety reasons
- Ongoing investigatory materials held by law enforcement
Access to non-public records is limited to case parties, their attorneys, authorized designees, court personnel, and law enforcement agencies with a legitimate need. Third parties who believe they have a legitimate interest in restricted records may petition the presiding judge for access.
Sheriff’s Office FOIA Requests
Law enforcement records maintained by the Peoria County Sheriff’s Office can be requested through the FOIA request portal or in person at 301 N. Maxwell Road, Peoria, IL 61604, during hours of Monday–Friday 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM. The first 50 pages of black-and-white copies are free; additional pages cost $0.15 each. Accident reports cost $5.00 per copy, or $20.00 if they include a reconstruction.
Peoria County Criminal Court Records
The Criminal Division of the Peoria County Circuit Clerk’s Office processes and maintains records for all criminal matters filed in the county. This division handles felonies, misdemeanors, ordinance violations, conservation violations, juvenile delinquency cases, and contempt proceedings.
Searching Criminal Records
Criminal case records can be searched through two methods:
- Online — Use the Criminal and Traffic Case Records section of the Peoria County Records Inquiry portal. Search by defendant name, case number, or citation number. The Court Portal also supports criminal case lookups.
- In person — Visit the Criminal Division at 324 Main Street, Peoria, IL 61602. Phone: (309) 672-6000 Staff can retrieve case files upon request during business hours (8:30 AM – 5:00 PM, Monday–Friday). Copy fees apply.
Criminal Background Checks
The Illinois State Police Bureau of Identification operates the Criminal History Information Response Process (CHIRP), which provides name-based criminal background checks. The fee is $10.00 per name search. Users must create an account on the CHIRP portal. For questions, contact the Bureau of Identification at 260 North Chicago Street, Joliet, IL 60432, Phone: (815) 740-5160
Sheriff’s Office Records
The Peoria County Sheriff’s Office maintains arrest reports, incident reports, accident reports, booking records, and body-camera footage. Records can be requested through the Sheriff’s FOIA process described above.
Peoria County Sheriff’s Office
301 N. Maxwell Road
Peoria, IL 61604
Phone: (309) 697-8515
Fax: (309) 697-3734
Key Criminal Filing Fees
While criminal case costs are typically assessed against defendants upon conviction, certain fees apply at the filing stage. Expungement petitions cost $210.00 without an attorney or $220.00 with an attorney. Jury demands in criminal matters carry set fees, and miscellaneous charges (alias summons, certified mailings, etc.) apply as in civil cases.
Peoria County Civil Court Records
The Civil Division of the Circuit Clerk’s Office is responsible for an extensive range of case types. It prepares and maintains records for chancery, law (general civil), law magistrate, small claims, eminent domain, tax, miscellaneous remedy, and forcible entry and detainer (eviction) cases, in addition to adoption, divorce, family, juvenile, mental health, order of protection, probate, and will matters.
Searching Civil Records
Civil case records are available through the Civil Case Records section of the Peoria County Records Inquiry system. Searches can be conducted by party name (plaintiff, defendant, or attorney), case number, or filing date range. The Court Portal provides an alternative search interface.
In-person requests should be directed to the Civil Division at the Peoria County Courthouse, 324 Main Street, Peoria, IL 61602. Phone: (309) 672-6000
Civil Filing Fees (Selected)
The following fees reflect the Peoria County fee schedule. All fees must be paid at the time of filing.
| Case Type | Filing Fee | Answer/Appearance |
|---|---|---|
| Small Claims (up to $250) | $126.00 | $141.00 |
| Small Claims ($250.01–$500) | $136.00 | $141.00 |
| Small Claims ($500.01–$2,500) | $156.00 | $141.00–$161.00 |
| Small Claims ($2,500.01–$10,000) | $191.00 | $171.00 |
| Law Magistrate ($10,000–$15,000) | $191.00 | $171.00 |
| Law Magistrate ($15,000–$50,000) | $276.00 | $171.00 |
| Law (over $50,000) | $276.00 | $171.00 |
| Chancery | $276.00 | $171.00 |
| Forcible Entry & Detainer (up to $15,000) | $166.00 | $141.00 |
| Forcible Entry & Detainer (over $15,000) | $276.00 | $171.00 |
| Miscellaneous Remedy | $276.00 | $171.00 |
| Administrative Review | $256.00 | — |
Filing fees include automation ($25), court library ($17), court protection ($25), court usage ($5), document storage ($25), neutral site custody exchange ($8), e-business ($9), and access to justice ($2) components in addition to the base circuit clerk filing fee.
Additional fees that may apply to civil cases include alias summons ($10), certified mailing ($12 plus postage), memorandum of judgment ($2), jury demand for a six-person jury ($212.50) or twelve-person jury ($212.50), and venue transfer preparation ($40 plus $12 certified mailing). Parties unable to afford filing fees may apply for a fee waiver using forms available on the 10th Judicial Circuit website.
Peoria County Family Court Records
Family law matters in Peoria County are adjudicated by the Circuit Court and processed through the Civil Division of the Circuit Clerk’s Office. There is no separate family court; instead, family-related cases receive designated case codes and are assigned to judges handling the family docket.
Types of Family Cases
Cases filed under the family division include dissolution of marriage (divorce), legal separation, child custody, child support, spousal support (maintenance), paternity, orders of protection, termination of parental rights, and petitions for name changes. Adoption and juvenile cases are also processed through the Civil Division.
Searching Family Records
The Family Case Records section of the Peoria County Records Inquiry portal allows online searching by party name or case number. In-person requests can be made at the Circuit Clerk’s Civil Division. Not all family records are fully public; cases involving minors, orders of protection, and sealed proceedings may have restricted access.
Divorce Filing Fees
Divorce cases carry a filing fee of $276.00, and the appearance (answer) fee is $171.00. A petition to vacate or modify a divorce-related order filed within 30 days costs $50.00; after 30 days, the fee increases to $75.00. Child support modifications carry no additional filing fee. Certified mailing fees of $12.00 plus postage apply when the clerk is required to send notices.
Marriage Licenses and Records
The Peoria County Clerk’s Office — distinct from the Circuit Clerk — issues marriage licenses and maintains marriage records. The license fee is $75.00 (an additional $4.00 applies for debit or credit card payments). Both applicants must appear in person with proof of age. Couples may speed up the process by submitting the application online in advance. Licenses are valid for 60 days and must be obtained at least one day before the ceremony.
Certified copies of recorded marriage licenses cost $20.00 for the first copy and $9.00 for each additional copy ordered at the same time. Certified copies are restricted to the individuals named on the license or persons with notarized authorization. Copies can be obtained in person, by mail using the Application for Vital Records Search, or online through VitalChek (additional processing and shipping fees apply).
Peoria County Clerk
324 Main Street, Room 101
Peoria, IL 61602
Phone: (309) 672-6059
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM
Birth and Death Records
Vital records in Peoria County are maintained by both the County Clerk and the Peoria City/County Health Department. Under the Illinois Vital Records Act (410 ILCS 535), these records are not public documents and are restricted to eligible individuals — the person named on the record (if 18 or older), a parent or legal guardian listed on the record, or a person with notarized authorization. Genealogical research exceptions also apply.
| Record Type | First Certified Copy | Additional Copies (same record, same time) |
|---|---|---|
| Birth certificate | $20.00 | $9.00 |
| Death certificate | $24.00 | $13.00 |
| Marriage certificate | $20.00 | $9.00 |
All in-person requesters must present a valid government-issued photo ID or meet the ID requirements specified by the County Clerk. Payment methods accepted in person include cash, personal check, and debit or credit card (with a $2.50 transaction fee for amounts up to $50). Death certificates may also be obtained through the Peoria County Coroner’s Office, though the Coroner cannot issue certified copies — those must come from the Health Department or the County Clerk.
For statewide searches, the Illinois Department of Public Health Division of Vital Records accepts requests at 925 East Ridgely Avenue, Springfield, IL 62702-2737.
Peoria County Probate Court Records
Probate matters in Peoria County are heard by the Circuit Court and administered through the Civil Division of the Circuit Clerk’s Office. There is no standalone probate court; instead, probate cases receive designated case codes (estate, guardianship, or will-related) and are assigned to judges on the probate rotation.
Types of Probate Cases
The court handles probate of wills, estate administration, guardianship of person and estate for both minors and adults, conservatorships, trust matters, will contests, small estate affidavits, and petitions to reopen estates. Related proceedings such as proof of heirship and will construction also fall under the probate docket.
Searching Probate Records
Probate case records can be searched online through the Probate Case Records section of the Peoria County Records Inquiry portal. Searches are available by party name or case number. Physical files may be reviewed in person at the Circuit Clerk’s Office, 324 Main Street, Room G-22, Peoria, IL 61602. While many probate records are public, certain guardianship and mental health proceedings may be restricted.
Probate Filing Fees
The following fees apply to probate filings in Peoria County, per the Circuit Clerk’s fee schedule:
| Filing Type | Fee |
|---|---|
| Estate (real and personal property over $15,000) | $366.00 |
| Estate (real and personal property under $15,000) | $256.00 |
| Small estate affidavit | No fee |
| Proof of heirship / will admitted without administration | $156.00 |
| Letters of office issued for a particular purpose | $176.00 |
| Will construction — filing fee | $128.00 |
| Petition to reopen estate (within 30 days) | No fee |
| Petition to reopen estate (after 30 days) | $60.00 |
| Guardianship of person only | $136.00 |
| Guardianship of person and estate (property ≤ $15,000) | $156.00 |
| Guardianship of person and estate (property > $15,000) | $176.00 |
| Appearance fee (probate) | $141.00 |
| Account filed in an estate (other than final) | $25.00 |
| Claim ($150–$500) | $25.00 |
| Claim ($500–$10,000) | $40.00 |
| Claim ($10,000 or more) | $60.00 |
| Jury demand (probate) | $137.50 |
Certified mailings required in probate matters cost $12.00 each. The first certified letter issued in a case carries no charge; subsequent certified letters cost $3.00 each. All fees must be paid at the time of filing. Payments are accepted in cash, check, or by card.
For questions about estate filings, guardianship petitions, or other probate matters, contact the Circuit Clerk’s Civil Division at (309) 672-6000. The Peoria County Courthouse houses all clerk divisions under one roof, allowing probate, civil, family, and criminal matters to be handled from the same location at 324 Main Street in downtown Peoria.