Whiteside County
Whiteside County was formed in 1836 from portions of Jo Daviess and Henry Counties. It has a land area of about 684.1 square miles and an estimated population of 55,569. The county seat is the City of Morrison.
The Whiteside County Circuit Court fulfills the judicial needs of the county by providing comprehensive legal services. The Circuit Court has jurisdiction over a range of cases, including domestic relations, small claims (less than $10,000), traffic infractions, ordinance violations, juvenile, probate, mental health, civil, and criminal cases. The court is structured into divisions based on case types, such as the General Division, Probate Division, Small Claims Division, Traffic Division, and child support. The Circuit Court Judge may establish and conduct remote hearings to address safety or health concerns and enhance the efficiency of court operations, as outlined in the Whiteside County Courts Zoom Session. The Zoom session is only for the first appearance in traffic infractions and pre-trial hearings for misdemeanor cases. It also operates a specialized therapeutic program known as the Drug Court, which aims to provide support and rehabilitation for individuals facing challenges related to substance abuse.
Whiteside County public court records include filed documents, exhibits, transcripts, dockets, and judgments that are recorded and maintained by the Circuit Clerk's office. The clerk is responsible for maintaining and providing public access to court records, which include:
- Civil records
- Criminal records
- Traffic records
- Domestic relations records
- Probate records
The Illinois Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) upholds the public's right to access court records in Whiteside County. To access court records, anyone may submit requests either in person or through mail to the clerk's office at:
200 East Knox Street
Morrison, IL 61270
Phone: (815) 772-5188
Fax: (815) 772-5187
The cost of obtaining copies of court records is available in the established fee schedule for public reference. Interested persons may also access court records by filling out the Freedom of Information Act Request Form and submitting it to the County Administration's Office.
