Court records in Champaign County, Illinois can be searched through several channels. ChampaignILCourt.us can help find publicly available information about court cases filed in the county. You can also search through the Champaign County Circuit Clerk's online tools, visit the clerk's office in person at the courthouse, or use public access terminals inside the Champaign County Courthouse. The Illinois courts website and state-level databases offer additional access points for certain record types.
Champaign Court System & Jurisdictions
Illinois uses a unified court system. Champaign County is part of the Sixth Judicial Circuit, and all trial-level cases are handled by the Circuit Court of Illinois sitting in Champaign County. There is no separate district court, magistrate court, or standalone family court at the county level — divisions within the circuit court handle different case types.
- Criminal Division — Felonies, misdemeanors, and ordinance violations prosecuted by the State's Attorney or local municipalities.
- Civil Division — Lawsuits involving contracts, personal injury, property disputes, and other civil matters. Small claims cases (generally disputes under $10,000) are also filed here.
- Traffic Division — Moving violations, DUI charges, and other traffic-related offenses.
- Family Division — Divorce, child custody, child support, orders of protection, and adoption proceedings.
- Probate Division — Estates, guardianships, and mental health proceedings.
- Juvenile Division — Delinquency and abuse/neglect cases involving minors. Most juvenile records are restricted from public access.
If you are unsure which division handles your case, the Champaign County departments directory lists key services including court dates, filings, and records by office.
Champaign Court Calendar & Upcoming Hearings
Court calendars in Champaign County list scheduled hearings for today, upcoming days, and the current week. To find a specific hearing date:
- Contact the Circuit Clerk's Office — Call or visit the office at the Champaign County Courthouse to ask about a scheduled court date by case number or party name.
- Check the Circuit Clerk's website — The Champaign County Circuit Clerk website provides case-related services and may offer online case lookup tools where hearing dates are displayed.
- Visit the courthouse — Daily court call sheets are typically posted inside the Champaign County Courthouse. Public access terminals may also be available for looking up scheduled hearings.
Champaign County Courthouse
Judges' individual courtroom schedules may vary. If you need to confirm a hearing time, call the clerk's office directly rather than relying solely on online information, as continuances and schedule changes may not appear immediately.
How to Get a Copy of a Champaign Court Document
The Champaign County Circuit Clerk's Office is the custodian of court records for all circuit court divisions. You can request copies through several methods:
In Person
Visit the Circuit Clerk's office at the Champaign County Courthouse (101 E. Main St., Urbana, IL 61801). Bring the case number or the full names of the parties involved. Staff can pull records and provide copies on the spot during business hours.
By Mail
Send a written request to the Circuit Clerk that includes:
- Full case number (if known)
- Names of the parties
- Description of the document needed
- Whether you need a certified or uncertified copy
- A check or money order for the applicable fee
- A self-addressed stamped envelope
Mail requests to:
Online
The Circuit Clerk's website supports certain online services including court case payments. Check the website for current online document request availability, as options may expand over time.
Certified vs. Uncertified Copies
- Certified copies include the clerk's seal and signature, confirming the document is a true copy of the court record. These are typically required for legal proceedings, background checks, and official filings.
- Uncertified copies are plain reproductions suitable for personal reference.
Certain records are restricted from public access, including sealed or expunged cases, juvenile records, and some mental health proceedings. If you need to expunge or seal a record, the petition is filed through the Circuit Clerk's Office. Statewide standardized expungement and sealing forms are available from the Illinois Courts website.
Champaign Court Records Fees & Payment
Fees for court record services in Champaign County are set by Illinois statute and local administrative orders. The following table lists common fees. Contact the Circuit Clerk's office to confirm current amounts, as fees may be updated periodically.
| Service | Estimated Fee |
|---|---|
| Certified copy of a court document | $6.00 for the first page, $1.00 each additional page |
| Uncertified copy | $0.50 per page |
| Certification of a document | $6.00 |
| Case record search (by clerk) | $6.00 |
| Filing fee — civil case | Varies by case type; contact clerk |
| Filing fee — small claims | Varies by amount in dispute; contact clerk |
| Filing fee — expungement/sealing petition | Varies; fee waivers may be available |
Note: These figures reflect standard Illinois Circuit Clerk fee schedules under 705 ILCS 105/27.2a. Actual fees may differ based on recent legislative changes or local administrative orders. Always verify with the clerk before submitting payment.
Payment Methods
- In person: Cash, check, money order, or credit/debit card (a convenience fee may apply for card payments).
- By mail: Check or money order made payable to "Champaign County Circuit Clerk."
- Online: The Circuit Clerk's website accepts online payments for certain court case balances.
Fee waiver applications are available for individuals who cannot afford court costs. Approved statewide standardized forms — including fee waiver petitions — are accepted by all Illinois courts.