Brookings County
Brookings County was organized in 1871 in the State of South Dakota. It has an estimated population of 34,631 and a land area of about 792.2 square miles. The county seat is the City of Brookings.
Brookings County Courts include a Circuit Court and a Magistrate Court. The Circuit Court, under the South Dakota Third Judicial Circuit, is a court of general jurisdiction. It handles felony, civil, domestic relations, juvenile, mental health, and probate cases. It also hears appeals from administrative agencies and the Magistrate Court. The Magistrate Court assists the Circuit Court in conducting preliminary hearings in felony cases. It deals with misdemeanors, traffic infractions, ordinance violations, and small claims cases in which the debt, damage, or claim does not exceed $12,000. Treatment courts, including Drug Court and DUI Court, assist offenders facing substance abuse and mental health disorders in navigating away from the criminal justice system.
Brookings County public court records include any documents, information, exhibits, video images, or other things collected or received concerning judicial proceedings. The Brookings County Clerk of Court maintains the official records of all cases brought before the court for public access, which include the following:
- Civil records
- Criminal records
- Traffic records
- Probate records
The South Dakota Unified Judicial System Court Record Rule grants the public the right to access court records in Brookings County unless prohibited by law or order. Individuals interested in obtaining these records may visit the clerk's office at:
314 6th Avenue
Suite 6
Brookings, SD 57006
Phone: (605) 688-4200
Fax: (605) 688-4952
Anyone may also obtain Brookings County court records by completing a Record Inquiry and Search Request Form and submitting it by mail, email, or in person to the South Dakota Judicial Branch. Members of the public may access most court records from public kiosk terminals at the courthouse and print them for a $0.20 fee per page.
