LaSalle County court records in Illinois are available through several channels. LaSalleCourt.us allows you to search for public information about court cases in the county. Additionally, records can be found through official court online resources, directly at the Circuit Clerk's office, or at public terminals in the courthouse in Ottawa.
LaSalle Court System & Jurisdictions
In Illinois, there are no separate district or magistrate courts as in some other states. Instead, the Circuit Court is the court of general jurisdiction of first instance. LaSalle County is part of the Thirteenth Judicial Circuit.
The Circuit Court handles virtually all categories of cases:
- Criminal cases — from felonies to misdemeanors.
- Civil lawsuits — disputes over contracts, damages, claims over $10,000, and small claims cases up to $10,000.
- Family law — divorce, custody, alimony, protection orders.
- Probate proceedings — estate management, appointment of guardians, mental health cases.
- Traffic violations and minor offenses — speeding fines, traffic violations, administrative offenses.
- Juvenile cases — delinquency, need for state protection.
Circuit Clerk Greg Vaccaro maintains records of civil, traffic, and juvenile cases. Criminal cases also go through this office. If you are unsure which category your case belongs to, contact the court clerk at (815) 434-8671.
LaSalle Court Calendar & Upcoming Hearings
The schedule of court hearings for today, tomorrow, or the current week can be clarified in several ways.
- Online case search. The LaSalle County Courthouse page on the Office of the Illinois Courts website contains links to the Case Search system, where scheduled hearing dates are displayed.
- Phone inquiry. Call the court administrator's office at (815) 434-8671 during business hours (Monday–Friday, 8:00–16:30) to inquire about a specific hearing.
- In-person visit. Public terminals in the courthouse at 119 West Madison St., Ottawa, allow you to view the hearing schedule.
The schedule rules and hearing procedures are governed by the local circuit court rules, which are published on the county's website.
How to Get a Copy of a LaSalle Court Document
Copies of court documents are issued by the Circuit Clerk's office. There are two types of copies:
- Certified copy — has the seal and signature of the clerk, confirming the authenticity of the document. Required for most legal purposes.
- Uncertified copy — a regular photocopy for informational needs.
Channels of obtaining
In-person. Visit the court clerk's office:
By mail. Send a written request specifying the case number (or full name of the party and approximate date), document type, number of copies, and contact information. Include a check or money order for the appropriate amount, made payable to LaSalle County Circuit Clerk.
Online. Through the Records Online system, three search options are available: Laredo and Tapestry provide document images, while Direct Search offers basic record information. Some documents can be downloaded or ordered through these platforms.
Note: Juvenile, sealed, and expunged records are not public. Access to them is restricted by Illinois state law.
LaSalle Court Records Fees & Payment
Fees for copies and record searches are set according to Illinois legislation (705 ILCS 105/27.2a). Below are typical fees charged by the Circuit Clerk's office. Confirm current amounts directly with the court clerk, as they may change.
| Service | Approximate Cost |
|---|---|
| Certified copy (first page) | $6.00 |
| Certified copy (each additional page) | $2.00 |
| Uncertified copy (per page) | $0.50–$2.00 |
| Case search by request | $6.00 |
| Document certification | $6.00 |
Separate rates apply for sheriff's office records: the first copy of an incident report is free; additional copies may incur a fee. Requests for such records are submitted through FOIA.
Payment is typically accepted in cash, check, or money order. Check with the office for credit or debit card payment availability. For a fee waiver, you can submit a Financial Affidavit in the approved Illinois state form.