Court records in Coles County, Illinois, can be searched through several channels. ColesCourt.us can help you find publicly available information about court cases in the county. You can also access records through the Coles County Circuit Clerk's office, the Coles County Circuit Courthouse, public terminals located at the courthouse, and statewide online tools maintained by the Office of the Illinois Courts.
Coles Court System & Jurisdictions
Coles County is part of the Fifth Judicial Circuit in Illinois. Like all Illinois counties, it operates through a unified Circuit Court system rather than separate specialized courts. However, the Circuit Court handles cases across several divisions and case types:
- Criminal Division — Felonies, misdemeanors, and ordinance violations prosecuted within Coles County. This includes cases originating from the Mattoon Police Department, Charleston Police, and the Coles County Sheriff's Office.
- Civil Division — Lawsuits involving contract disputes, personal injury, property matters, and other civil claims. Small claims cases (generally disputes under $10,000) are also filed in this division.
- Traffic Division — Moving violations, DUI charges, and other traffic-related offenses.
- Family Division — Dissolution of marriage (divorce), child custody, child support, orders of protection, and adoption proceedings. Certified copies of dissolution of marriage records are available from the Circuit Clerk, not the Illinois Department of Public Health.
- Probate Division — Estate administration, guardianship, and mental health proceedings.
- Juvenile Division — Delinquency, abuse, neglect, and dependency cases involving minors. Most juvenile records are restricted from public access under Illinois law.
If you are unsure which division handles your case type, contact the Circuit Clerk's office directly. All case types funnel through the single Circuit Court, so docket searches generally begin at the same place.
Coles Court Calendar & Upcoming Hearings
To find today's, tomorrow's, or this week's court schedule in Coles County, you have several options:
- Contact the Circuit Clerk's office — Call or visit the Coles County Circuit Clerk to ask about scheduled hearings for a specific case or date. Staff can confirm hearing times, courtroom assignments, and judge assignments.
- Courthouse postings — Daily court call sheets are typically posted at the Coles County Courthouse. These lists show which cases are scheduled for each courtroom on a given day.
- Illinois Courts directory — The Coles County Courthouse page on the Illinois Courts website provides contact details and may link to calendar resources.
When calling about a hearing, have the case number ready. The clerk's office can usually confirm whether a case is on the docket for a particular date, but they cannot provide legal advice about what to expect at the hearing.
Coles County Circuit Clerk's Office
How to Get a Copy of a Coles Court Document
The Coles County Circuit Clerk is the official custodian of all court records filed in the county. You can request copies in several ways:
In Person
Visit the Circuit Clerk's office at the Coles County Courthouse during business hours. You can request both certified and uncertified copies of court documents. Bring the case number or the full names of the parties involved to help staff locate the file.
By Mail
Send a written request to:
Include the following in your request:
- Full case number (if known)
- Names of the parties
- Description of the document you need
- Whether you need a certified or uncertified copy
- Your return mailing address
- Payment for applicable fees (check or money order payable to "Coles County Circuit Clerk")
Certified vs. Uncertified Copies
- Certified copies bear the clerk's official seal and signature. These are typically required for legal proceedings, government applications, and background checks.
- Uncertified copies are plain reproductions without the seal. They work for personal reference but generally are not accepted for official purposes.
Certain records are restricted from public access, including sealed cases, juvenile proceedings, mental health records, and cases that have been expunged. If you need to petition for expungement or sealing, the Illinois Courts website provides approved statewide expungement and sealing forms.
Criminal Background Checks
For a comprehensive criminal history search beyond Coles County court records, the Illinois State Police Bureau of Identification maintains statewide criminal history records and offers background check services. The Illinois Department of Corrections inmate search can help locate individuals currently in state custody.
Coles Court Records Fees & Payment
Fees for court record services in Coles County are set by Illinois statute and local administrative orders. The following table reflects commonly applicable fees. Contact the Circuit Clerk's office to confirm current amounts before submitting payment.
| Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| Certified copy (per document) | $2.00 for the first page, $0.50 each additional page |
| Certification fee (clerk's seal) | $6.00 |
| Uncertified copy (per page) | $0.50 |
| Case record search | $6.00 |
| Exemplification of a record | $7.00 |
Fees are based on standard Illinois Circuit Clerk fee schedules under 705 ILCS 105/27.2. Some fees may vary depending on the document type or case category. Always verify with the clerk before mailing payment.
Accepted Payment Methods
- Cash (in person only)
- Check or money order payable to "Coles County Circuit Clerk"
- Contact the clerk's office to ask whether credit or debit cards are accepted
For statewide court forms — including those for filing motions, requesting records, or petitioning for expungement — visit the approved statewide standardized forms page. All Illinois courts are required to accept these forms.