Washington County
Washington County is the fifth most populous county in Utah, having a population of over 183,000 residents. It was founded in 1852 and named in honor of George Washington, US Founding Father and First President. The City of St. George is the county's largest city and seat of government.
Washington County's judicial system comprises three trial courts, including the District, Juvenile, and Justice Courts. The District Court in Washington County functions within the state's Fifth Judicial District. It has general jurisdiction over court cases not exclusive to other county courts. The county's highest court presides over all felonies and class A misdemeanors. Civil cases heard at the District Court include domestic violence cases, probate of wills, marriage dissolutions, and adoption cases.
The Juvenile Court addresses all legal matters involving minors in Washington County. This includes juvenile traffic offenses, delinquencies, child protective orders, and parental rights termination. The Washington County Justice Court and other Justice Courts in Santa Clara, Hurricane, and Washington City hear minor misdemeanors, traffic crimes, and municipal violations. They also resolve small claims disputes where the amount in controversy is $10,000 or less.
Washington County court records typically contain case filings, court dockets, orders, exhibits and evidence, witness statements, transcripts, dispositions, party names, and court judgments. These records are usually open to the public as required by the Utah Government Records Access Act. They can be used for media investigations, legal precedents, and academic research. The state law allows public access to the following court records:
- Family law records
- Criminal records
- Civil records
- Land records
- Traffic records
- Probate records
- Small claims records
However, adoption, mental health, and other confidential court records are available to record owners. Individuals who obtain special court permissions can also obtain confidential court records in Washington County.
To get public court documents, interested persons can visit official court clerks in person using the court locations directory. Washington County public court records are also available online through the subscription-based Utah Courts Xchange. Record owners use the My Court Case tool to search for their case files free of charge.
