Knox County
Knox County is located in the southern region of Maine. It was formed in 1860 from parts of Waldo and Lincoln counties. Its county seat, Rockland, is a renowned tourist destination and an early settlement of the Abenaki Indigenous People. According to the 2020 U.S. Census, Knox County had a population of 40,607 residents.
The Knox County court system consists of the Superior Court, District Court, and Probate Court. The Superior Court has jurisdiction over all civil and criminal matters. The court primarily handles felony cases, administrative appeals, and cases requiring equitable relief. It is the only county-established court authorized to conduct jury trials. The District Court has a more limited jurisdiction. Its jurisdiction covers ordinance violations, misdemeanors punishable by less than one year of incarceration, and non-jury criminal trials. It also hears lien enforcement cases, landlord-tenant disputes, domestic relations cases, mental health commitments, environmental law cases, and civil ordinance violations. To ensure that all cases within its purview are efficiently handled, the court is divided into specialized divisions such as the Family Division, Juvenile Division, Probate Division, Traffic Division, and Small Claims Division.
Public court records are official documents maintained by the county's judicial system. These documents outline the procedural history of cases heard in Knox County. They often include details such as docket numbers, pleadings, and legal arguments made by parties to the case. The Knox County Clerk of Courts is responsible for preserving, managing, and providing access to these records, which include:
- Adult criminal records
- Civil records
- Family law records
- Probate records
- Property records
Court records in Knox County can be accessed either online or in person. To obtain physical copies, individuals can mail a written request with specific details about the record to the Clerk's Office. They can also make an in-person visit at:
62 Union Street
Rockland, ME 04841
Phone: (207) 594-2576
Alternatively, requesters can access these records through the Maine eCourts Public Access Portal. Below is a step-by-step guide on how to use the portal
- Visit the Maine eCourts Public Access Portal and click on the Smart Search tab
- Enter the case number, docket number, or party name related to the desired record in the "Smart Search" field
- Review the results of the search until the desired record is located
Obtaining physical copies of court records in Knox County costs $2.00 for the first page and $1.00 for each additional page. If certified copies are requested, an additional $5.00 fee applies.
