Stephenson County
Stephenson County was named in honor of Benjamin Stephenson. He was a Congressional Delegate for the Illinois Territory from 1814 until 1816. The county was founded in 1837, and Freeport serves as its seat of government. Stephenson County has a population of more than 40,000 residents and a total land mass of 565 square miles.
Stephenson County's court system is made up of a Circuit Court. The Circuit Court manages several types of cases. Cases within the purview of this court include settling disputes involving real property/estate administration cases, traffic infractions, and criminal charges. Others include managing disputes between organizations and between persons. It also offers child protection services, appoints guardians, and handles juvenile delinquency cases.
The Circuit Court Clerk in Stephenson County is chiefly responsible for the adequate care of court records. He or she ensures that they are stored in such a way as to prevent damage and protect their integrity. Court records include the arguments, list of trials, and dispositions about any legal proceeding. These records are preserved online or via paper-based methods. Records are usually archived and arranged in indices for easier classification and reference. If you are searching court records in Stephenson County, you are allowed to duplicate and review civil, traffic, probate, family, and criminal court records.
Court records can be accessed both in free and fee-based (requesting certified copies) ways. The self-help center located on the 2nd floor in the courthouse provides a guide for those searching for records of interest. You may also log into the Judici Website, where civil judgments, probate, and criminal court records can be viewed. Here you will provide a case file number or name of the subject of record. Aside from viewing court records on this portal, the public is also at liberty to see other court-related documents, hearing dates, and case minutes. In addition, you have the option of consulting the Circuit Court Clerk's office if you are considering physical records at:
15 N Galena Avenue
2nd Floor
Freeport, Illinois 61032
(815) 235-8266
The office is open Monday to Friday, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., except on holidays.
