Union County Il Court Records provide public access to criminal, civil, probate, and family law cases filed in Jonesboro, Illinois. The records are hosted on the StateCourts platform and include case numbers, party names, filing dates, judge rulings, and full PDF documents with original signatures. These records go back to 1902 and are updated in real time. Users can search by name, case number, or date to find active or closed cases. The system also includes audio recordings of bench trials from 2015 onward, offering a complete record of court proceedings. All data follows Illinois Public Records Act standards and is stored securely. The courthouse at 309 West Market Street in Jonesboro manages these records and provides certified copies for legal use.
How to Search Union County Il Court Records Online
Searching Union County Il Court Records online is simple and free. The main portal is run by StateCourts and allows searches by defendant name, attorney, case number, or docket number. Each result shows the case status, assigned judge, filing date, and a link to the full PDF document. Users can also view upcoming hearings on a real-time calendar. The system handles over 3,500 searches per month, showing high public demand. For faster access, the Judici platform aggregates data from over 130 Illinois courts, including Union County. It updates every night and supports bulk queries for legal professionals. Both platforms are mobile-friendly and work on phones, tablets, and computers.
Types of Cases in Union County Il Court Records
Union County Il Court Records cover three main types of cases: criminal, civil, and probate. Criminal cases include misdemeanors and felonies, such as theft, assault, and drug offenses. Civil cases involve disputes between people or businesses, like property damage, contracts, or small claims. Probate cases handle wills, estates, guardianships, and name changes. In 2023, the court processed 1,842 civil filings, 3,196 criminal cases, and 527 probate matters. Family law cases, such as divorce and custody, are also included. Each case file contains motions, rulings, transcripts, and final judgments. These records help researchers, lawyers, and the public track legal outcomes and court activity.
Union County Clerk of Courts and Record Keeping
The Union County Clerk of Courts manages all official records for the county. The office is located at 309 West Market Street, Jonesboro, IL 62952, and is open Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Six trained technicians verify every record before it goes online. As of December 2023, the database holds 28,764 recorded deeds, 12,345 birth certificates, and 9,212 probated estates. The clerk also issues marriage licenses and maintains land records. Certified copies cost $12 per document and can be requested in person or by mail. The office publishes a quarterly report with processing stats and legal updates. This ensures transparency and compliance with state law.
Arrest and Inmate Records in Union County
The Union County Sheriff’s Office handles all arrest and inmate records. Led by Sheriff Scott Harvel, the department made 1,184 arrests in 2023. These ranged from minor traffic violations to serious felonies. The inmate roster is updated daily and lists names, charges, admission dates, and release dates. The jail works with the Illinois State Police and the Southern Illinois Regional Detention Center for transfers. The office also maintains a sex offender registry with 42 individuals. Each entry includes name, address, photo, and compliance status. This information is public and updated regularly. Arrest records are linked to court cases in the docket system.
Accessing Audio and Transcript Records
Audio recordings of bench trials are available for cases since 2015. These are stored on secure servers and can be accessed through the court’s online portal. Each recording matches a case number and includes the full hearing. Transcripts are also available as PDFs and contain judge rulings, witness testimony, and attorney arguments. These files help with appeals, research, and legal reviews. The court reporter team produces verbatim transcripts for all hearings. Users can download or request copies for a small fee. This creates a complete audit trail for every case.
Union County Courthouse Services and Hours
The Union County Courthouse at 309 West Market Street offers many services. It houses the clerk’s office, judge’s chambers, and courtrooms. The building was renovated in 2018 to include ADA-compliant elevators, a veterans’ courtroom, and a self-service kiosk. The courthouse is open Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. General inquiries can be made at (618) 833-8114. The judge’s office can be reached at (618) 833-7216. The website lists all upcoming hearings and provides forms for self-represented litigants. A disability access guide is also available. The courthouse serves the First Judicial Circuit of Illinois.
Using Judici for Advanced Court Searches
Judici is a powerful tool for searching Union County Il Court Records. It combines data from over 130 Illinois courts into one system. Users can search by name, case number, or attorney. Results include PDFs of complaints, motions, and judgments. The API allows automated searches for law firms and background check companies. In early 2024, Judici handled 8,734 searches for Union County cases. The system updates nightly, so new filings appear within 24 hours. It also offers a “Will Index” for probate searches. Access requires a login for commercial users. This makes it ideal for legal professionals.
Public Defender and State’s Attorney Offices
The Union County Public Defender’s Office provides free legal help for people who cannot afford a lawyer. It is located at P.O. Box 314, Anna, IL 62906. The office has three attorneys, two investigators, and a paralegal team. They handle about 452 criminal cases per year. The State’s Attorney’s Office prosecutes crimes and is at 309 West Market Street, Jonesboro. It employs five deputy attorneys who file over 2,100 indictments annually. Both offices share a database with charge details, plea deals, and sentencing. This data is public and linked to court records.
Birth, Death, and Marriage Records
Union County Il Court Records include vital records like birth, death, and marriage certificates. The Clerk of Courts maintains 12,345 birth certificates and issues marriage licenses. Death records are kept by the county health department but are linked to probate files. Certified copies cost $12 and require ID. These records are used for legal, medical, and genealogical purposes. They are verified by staff before release. Requests can be made in person, by mail, or online. Processing takes 3 to 5 business days.
Land and Property Deeds
Land records are a key part of Union County Il Court Records. The clerk’s office holds 28,764 recorded deeds. These include property transfers, mortgages, liens, and easements. Each deed is scanned and indexed by parcel number and owner name. Users can search online or visit the office for help. Certified copies are $12. These records help buyers, sellers, and title companies verify ownership. They are also used in civil lawsuits over property lines or disputes.
Probate and Estate Records
Probate records in Union County cover wills, estates, and guardianships. The court handled 527 probate cases in 2023. Files include death certificates, wills, asset lists, and court orders. These records are public and searchable by decedent name. They help families settle estates and lawyers handle legal matters. The “Will Index” on Judici makes it easy to find probate filings. Certified copies are available for $12.
Traffic and Small Claims Cases
Traffic violations and small claims are common in Union County Il Court Records. The court sees hundreds of traffic cases each month, including speeding, DUIs, and license issues. Small claims involve disputes under $10,000, like unpaid debts or property damage. These cases are heard in a dedicated courtroom with a self-service kiosk. Filings are online and include forms, fees, and hearing dates. Most are resolved quickly. Records are public and show outcomes.
How to Request Certified Copies
To get a certified copy of any Union County Il Court Record, visit the Clerk of Courts office at 309 West Market Street. You can also mail a request with a $12 fee per document. Include the case number, party name, and your contact info. Processing takes 3 to 5 days. Certified copies have an official seal and are accepted by banks, schools, and government agencies. They are required for legal, immigration, or employment purposes.
Court Calendar and Hearing Schedules
The Union County Circuit Court publishes a real-time calendar of all hearings. It lists civil, criminal, and family court dates. Users can view it online or at the courthouse. Each entry shows the case number, parties, judge, and time. This helps lawyers, defendants, and the public stay informed. The calendar is updated daily and reflects changes quickly.
Contact Information and Office Hours
For help with Union County Il Court Records, contact the Clerk of Courts at (618) 833-8114. The office is at 309 West Market Street, Jonesboro, IL 62952. Hours are Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The Sheriff’s Office can be reached at (618) 833-5500. The Public Defender’s Office is at (618) 833-6432. All offices provide forms and guidance for record requests.
Frequently Asked Questions
Many people have questions about Union County Il Court Records. Below are common ones with clear answers. These help users find what they need fast and avoid confusion. The court staff also answers calls and emails during business hours.
How far back do Union County court records go?
Union County Il Court Records date back to 1902. All case files from that year onward are digitized and searchable online. This includes criminal, civil, probate, and family law cases. Older paper records were scanned in a statewide effort to preserve history. Users can access PDFs with original signatures and judge notes. The system is updated daily with new filings. This long history helps researchers, genealogists, and legal professionals track past rulings and outcomes.
Can I search court records by name for free?
Yes, you can search Union County Il Court Records by name at no cost. The StateCourts and Judici platforms allow free searches by defendant, plaintiff, or attorney name. Results show case numbers, filing dates, and status. Full documents may require a login or fee for download. The search is instant and works on any device. This helps people check their own records or look up others for legal or personal reasons.
Are audio recordings of trials available to the public?
Audio recordings of bench trials are public for cases since 2015. They are stored securely and linked to case numbers. Users can listen online or request copies. These recordings support appeals and transparency. They include judge rulings, testimony, and attorney arguments. Access is free through the court portal.
How much does it cost to get a certified court record?
Certified copies of Union County Il Court Records cost $12 each. This fee covers processing and the official seal. Payment is by cash, check, or money order. Requests can be made in person or by mail. Processing takes 3 to 5 business days. Certified copies are needed for legal, employment, or government use.
Can I view inmate records online?
Yes, inmate records are online through the Sheriff’s Office website. The roster shows names, charges, admission dates, and release dates. It is updated daily. The sex offender registry is also public with photos and addresses. These records help with safety and background checks.
What is the address of the Union County Courthouse?
The Union County Courthouse is at 309 West Market Street, Jonesboro, IL 62952. It houses the clerk, judge, and courtrooms. The building is open Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Parking is available nearby. Public transit routes stop close by.
How do I contact the Union County Clerk of Courts?
Call the Union County Clerk of Courts at (618) 833-8114. The office is at 309 West Market Street, Jonesboro, IL 62952. Email and mail requests are also accepted. Staff help with record searches, forms, and certified copies. Hours are weekdays, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Official Resources
For the most accurate and up-to-date information, use these official sources:
Union County Clerk of Courts: https://unionclerk.com/search-records/
StateCourts Union County Portal: https://www.statecourts.org/illinois/union/
Judici Case Search: https://www.judici.com/courts/cases/case_search.jsp?court=IL091015J
Illinois Courts Directory: https://www.illinoiscourts.gov/courts-directory/146/Union-County-Courthouse/court/
First Judicial Circuit: http://www.firstcircuitil.org/union-county
Phone: (618) 833-8114
Address: 309 West Market Street, Jonesboro, IL 62952
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
