Searching Madison County Court Records
How do I search Madison County court records?
Use the Madison County Circuit Clerk's Court Records Search page. Court case information can be viewed online and searched by participant name or case number. The county warns the search screen can be slow during high-volume use. If the search site has problems, call (800) 250-9884. If you need copies, use the copy request page or email courtcopy@madisoncountyil.gov. For the deeper walkthrough see court records.
What does a Madison County case number look like?
The Circuit Clerk says a Madison County case number consists of a year, a case type, and a number. The example given for traffic is 2022-TR-######. The copy request page gives format YYYY-CaseType-######, example 2019-CM-001234. If you do not know your number, search online or use the public access computers in the Records Division.
How do I find my court date?
Use the Court Records Search and look up the case by name or case number. Click the case to open the Case Overview screen. The Next/Last Court Date appears there. The Circuit Clerk also offers alert text and email reminders for court appearances. See the court dockets page for more.
Copies and Fees
Can I request court copies over the phone?
No. The Circuit Clerk does not accept copy requests over the phone. Use the online copy request form, email courtcopy@madisoncountyil.gov, mail or email the fillable form, visit the lower-level Document Storage and Record Search office at Suite 11, or fax the request to 618-692-0676 or 618-655-2017. In-person courthouse viewing is often the fastest way to a same-day copy.
What do court copies cost?
Court documents cost $2 for page 1, $0.50 per page for pages 2 through 20, and $0.25 per page for page 21 and above. Certification is $6 per certification. Docket sheets and child-support payment histories are $6 per page. Criminal history is $6. Record searches are $6 per year searched when the case number is unknown and the case cannot be found in the system. See Circuit Clerk for the full fee schedule.
Court Dates and Continuances
How do I continue a court date in Madison County?
If you have an attorney, the attorney should handle the continuance. Self-represented parties should file a Motion to Continue in a timely manner. Certain case types including DT, CM, DV, MT, TR, OV, CV, CL, QC, and CF may use an electronic continuance process. Filing a motion does not mean it will be granted. The Circuit Clerk's online help explains the e-continuance form.
How do I resolve a Madison County traffic ticket?
If the officer marked the ticket "Court required," appear in court at the designated time to speak with the prosecuting attorney. If the ticket says "No Court Required," use the Circuit Clerk's no-court-appearance payment process. Allow two weeks from arrest for a ticket to appear in the payment system. See the traffic court records page for more.
Marriage and Divorce
Where do I get a marriage license?
Fill out the online application, then both parties appear at Linda Andreas's County Clerk office at 157 N. Main Street, Suite 109, Edwardsville. Licenses are issued Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The fee is $35 cash. The license must be obtained at least one day before use and is void 60 days after the effective date. See marriage and divorce records for more.
Where do I get a Madison County divorce record?
Divorce records are court records from the Circuit Court and are maintained by the Circuit Clerk, not the County Clerk vital records counter. Search by name or case number in the Court Records Search, then request copies through the Circuit Clerk copy process. Certified divorce documents require Circuit Clerk certification fees.
Jail and Inmate Information
How do I contact the jail about an inmate?
Call the Madison County Jail inmate information line at 618-692-1064. The jail FAQ says an automated phone system gives charge, bond, and more. The inspected official jail pages did not publish a current web roster. See inmate records for the full walkthrough.
Does Madison County Jail allow contact visits?
No contact visits are allowed except for the lawyer representing the detainee or individuals assigned by the courts. Lawyers and court-assigned individuals must make appointments and comply with institutional rules and searches.
How do video visits work?
Video visits run through IC Solutions. Create an account and schedule at least 24 hours and up to one week in advance. Visits last 30 minutes. They are recorded and monitored. If either side is more than 15 minutes late, the visit is marked missed. IC Solutions support is 1-888-646-9437.
How do I put money on a detainee account?
Use the sheriff's lobby kiosk during normal business hours, Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., or during a scheduled visit. Online deposits go through Access Corrections. Jail staff accept no cash or money orders. Mailed cash or money orders are returned. The maximum account balance is $1,500.
How does Madison County Jail handle personal mail?
The jail no longer accepts non-privileged personal mail sent directly to the jail. Personal mail is digitally delivered through tablets. Letters go to Madison County Jail (Illinois), Inmate Name, Sheriff ID#, PO Box 247, Phoenix, MD 21131. Legal mail and approved publications follow separate rules.
Probate and Appeals
What court handles probate?
Probate is handled in the Probate Division of the Madison County Circuit Court. The Circuit Clerk probate page links to guardian of minor forms, the small estate affidavit, the annual report, the estate claim form, the guardian training order, and the decedent estate status report. See probate records for more.
What appellate court handles Madison County appeals?
Madison County is in the Fifth District of the Illinois Appellate Court. Appeals from the Madison County Circuit Court generally go to the Fifth District, which sits in Mount Vernon, unless a law permits or requires direct Supreme Court review. See Circuit Court for more on the hierarchy.
State's Attorney and Public Defender
Who is the Madison County State's Attorney?
Thomas A. Haine is the Madison County State's Attorney. The office is at 157 N. Main Street, Suite 402, Edwardsville, IL 62025. The website lists phone 618-692-6280, fax 618-296-7001, email SAinfo@madisoncountyil.gov, and hours Monday through Friday 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. excluding holidays.
Who is the Madison County Public Defender?
Mary Copeland is the Director Public Defender. The office is at 157 N. Main Street, Suite 397, Edwardsville, IL 62025-1965. Phone (618) 692-7474. The office represents eligible people charged with criminal offenses where incarceration is possible and who cannot afford private counsel.
Restricted Records and Access
Are juvenile records public in Madison County?
Juvenile records are often confidential under Illinois law. Do not assume juvenile delinquency, abuse, neglect, or juvenile expungement records will appear in public search. Access is limited by the Juvenile Court Act, 705 ILCS 405, and by court order.
Can I use FOIA to get court records?
Court records are usually requested through the Circuit Clerk's copy process. Illinois FOIA applies to public bodies and agency records, but court-file access is also governed by court rules, clerk statutes, confidentiality statutes, and court orders. For court documents, start with the Circuit Clerk. See public records for more.
E-Filing and Self-Help
How do I eFile in Madison County?
The Circuit Clerk FAQ points users to Odyssey eFileIL. Prepare documents, register, sign in, create a password, add a payment account, add case information, enter party information, upload filings, pay fees, review the summary, and submit. The Odyssey support number is 800-297-5377. Civil and family cases must be e-filed; attorneys are not exempt.
Why was my eFiling rejected?
The Circuit Clerk FAQ says rejection comments should appear in the confirmation email. Common defects include multiple PDFs attached as one document, embedded fonts, unreadable documents, unpaid fees, case number and parties not matching the court's records, the wrong case type, or the wrong county.
How do I change my address with the court?
The Circuit Clerk FAQ says an online form can be submitted, and you need your case numbers so the clerk can update the case management system. If you do not know your case numbers, look them up in the Court Records Search. Name changes require the proper fillable PDF, filed by eFile or in person.
Where is the Madison County Legal Self Help Center?
The Self Help Center is inside the Madison County Law Library at 155 N. Main Street, Edwardsville, Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Staff can help with public-access computers, forms, and court information, but cannot give legal advice or prepare documents.