Vanderburgh County Court Records

What Is Vanderburgh County Court Records

Vanderburgh County court records encompass all official documentation generated during legal proceedings within the county's judicial system. These records constitute the comprehensive documentation of court activities as defined under Indiana Access to Public Records Act § 5-14-3. Court records typically include case files, dockets, pleadings, motions, orders, judgments, transcripts, exhibits, and sentencing information.

Court records are distinct from other public records maintained by government agencies. While property records document land ownership and transactions, and vital records capture births, deaths, and marriages, court records specifically document judicial proceedings and decisions. The Indiana Judicial Branch maintains specific guidelines for court record access and management.

In Vanderburgh County, court records are maintained by several courts:

• Circuit Court
• Superior Court
• Probate Court
• Small Claims Court
• Juvenile Court

These courts handle various case types including civil litigation, criminal proceedings, family law matters, probate cases, and traffic violations. Each court maintains records according to state-mandated procedures and retention schedules pursuant to Indiana Administrative Rule 7.

Are Court Records Public In Vanderburgh County

Court records in Vanderburgh County are generally accessible to the public in accordance with the Indiana Access to Public Records Act (IC § 5-14-3) and the Indiana Rules on Access to Court Records. The Indiana Constitution and statutory law establish a presumption of openness for court proceedings and records.

The following court records are typically available for public inspection:

• Most civil case files
• Criminal case files (post-charging)
• Judgments and orders
• Docket sheets
• Hearing schedules
• Final dispositions

However, certain records may be restricted from public access under Administrative Rule 9, which governs access to court records in Indiana. These restrictions apply to:

• Juvenile court records
• Adoption records
• Mental health proceedings
• Records sealed by court order
• Social security numbers and other personal identifiers
• Grand jury proceedings

It is important to note that federal court records for cases heard in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Indiana (which includes Vanderburgh County) are governed by federal rules and accessed through the federal PACER system, not through county or state systems.

How To Find Court Records in Vanderburgh County in 2026

Members of the public seeking court records in Vanderburgh County may utilize several methods to locate and access these documents. The county currently provides multiple pathways for record retrieval:

In-Person Requests:

1. Visit the appropriate courthouse where the case was filed
2. Complete a records request form at the clerk's office
3. Provide case number or party names for record identification
4. Pay applicable copy fees (currently $1.00 per page for standard copies)
5. Allow processing time for record retrieval

Vanderburgh County Clerk's Office
Civic Center Courts Building
825 Sycamore Street, Room 216
Evansville, IN 47708
(812) 435-5160
Vanderburgh County Clerk

Mail Requests:

1. Submit a written request to the Vanderburgh County Clerk
2. Include case number, party names, and specific documents needed
3. Enclose a self-addressed stamped envelope
4. Include payment for copy fees (check or money order)
5. Allow 7-10 business days for processing

Online Access:

1. Navigate to the Indiana Courts Online Portal
2. Create a user account if first-time user
3. Select Vanderburgh County from jurisdiction menu
4. Enter search criteria (case number, party name, attorney)
5. Review available case information and documents
6. Pay applicable fees for document downloads

For certified copies of court records, requestors must specify this requirement when making the request. Additional certification fees apply pursuant to Indiana Code § 33-37-5-1.

How To Look Up Court Records in Vanderburgh County Online?

Vanderburgh County court records are accessible through several online platforms, each providing different levels of access to court information. The primary online resources include:

myCase - Indiana Courts Online Portal:

1. Visit the myCase portal
2. Select "Public Portal" for general access
3. Choose Vanderburgh County from the jurisdiction dropdown
4. Search by case number, party name, attorney, or business name
5. Review case summaries, chronological case summaries, and some document images
6. Note that some documents may require in-person requests

Vanderburgh County Court Records Portal:

1. Access the Vanderburgh County Judicial System website
2. Navigate to the Court Records section
3. Select the appropriate court division
4. Enter search parameters as prompted
5. Review available case information
6. Follow instructions for requesting full document access

Odyssey Public Access:

1. Visit the Odyssey Public Access site
2. Register for an account if first-time user
3. Select Vanderburgh County from available jurisdictions
4. Enter search criteria
5. View available case information and register for notifications
6. Pay applicable fees for document access

For criminal case records, users may also access the Indiana Sheriff's Sex and Violent Offender Registry which provides information on registered offenders in Vanderburgh County.

Online access is subject to the limitations established in Administrative Rule 9 regarding confidential records and personal identifying information.

How To Search Vanderburgh County Court Records for Free?

Indiana law provides for free public inspection of court records under the Access to Public Records Act (IC § 5-14-3-3), which states that any person may inspect and copy the public records of any public agency during regular business hours. In Vanderburgh County, several free options exist for accessing court records:

Free In-Person Inspection:

1. Visit the Vanderburgh County Clerk's Office during regular business hours
2. Request to view specific case files
3. Present identification if required
4. Use public terminals to view electronic records
5. Note that while inspection is free, copy fees apply

Vanderburgh County Clerk's Office
Civic Center Courts Building
825 Sycamore Street, Room 216
Evansville, IN 47708
(812) 435-5160
Vanderburgh County Clerk
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM

Free Online Resources:

1. myCase Public Portal - Basic case information is available without charge
2. Vanderburgh County Court Calendar - Free access to upcoming court dates
3. Indiana Courts Public Records Search - Statewide search tool with basic case information

Public Library Access:

1. Visit the Evansville Vanderburgh Public Library
2. Use public computers to access online court resources
3. Request assistance from reference librarians if needed
4. Access legal research databases available through the library

Evansville Vanderburgh Public Library
200 SE Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd
Evansville, IN 47713
(812) 428-8200
Evansville Vanderburgh Public Library
Hours: Vary by branch

While basic case information is available at no cost, fees may apply for document copies, certified records, or extensive searches requiring staff assistance.

What's Included in a Vanderburgh County Court Record?

Vanderburgh County court records typically contain comprehensive documentation of legal proceedings. The specific contents vary by case type but generally include:

Case Initiation Documents:

• Complaints or petitions
• Summonses
• Indictments or informations (in criminal cases)
• Initial hearing records
• Filing date and case number assignment

Chronological Case Summary (CCS):

• Complete listing of all case events in chronological order
• Filing dates of all documents
• Hearing dates and outcomes
• Judicial assignments and any recusals
• Service of process information

Pleadings and Motions:

• Answers and responses
• Counterclaims and cross-claims
• Pre-trial motions
• Discovery-related documents
• Dispositive motions (summary judgment, dismissal)

Court Orders and Judgments:

• Preliminary orders
• Evidentiary rulings
• Final judgments
• Post-judgment orders
• Sentencing information (criminal cases)

Hearing and Trial Records:

• Docket entries
• Witness lists
• Exhibit logs
• Transcripts (when prepared)
• Jury instructions (in jury trials)

Financial Information:

• Filing fees paid
• Court costs assessed
• Restitution orders (criminal cases)
• Payment records
• Fee waivers if granted

Post-Judgment Documents:

• Appeals information
• Satisfaction of judgment
• Enforcement proceedings
• Modification requests
• Probation records (criminal cases)

Court records in Vanderburgh County are maintained in accordance with Indiana Administrative Rule 7, which establishes standards for record creation, storage, and retention. Certain sensitive information may be redacted or maintained in confidential files pursuant to Administrative Rule 9.

How Long Does Vanderburgh County Keep Court Records?

Vanderburgh County adheres to the Indiana Records Retention Schedule for Courts and Clerk of Circuit Court as established by Indiana Administrative Rule 7. This schedule mandates specific retention periods for various court documents:

Permanent Retention:

• Judgments and decrees
• Order books
• Civil order books
• Criminal order books
• Probate order books
• Complete case files for murder and Class A felonies
• Adoption records
• Estate proceedings
• Guardianship records
• Mental health commitment records
• Juvenile delinquency records involving murder or Class A felonies

75 Years:

• Naturalization records
• Civil commitment records

55 Years:

• Criminal case files for Class B, C, and D felonies

20 Years:

• Misdemeanor case files
• Infraction and ordinance violation records
• Small claims records

10 Years:

• Civil case files after final disposition
• Dissolution of marriage records
• Paternity records
• Protective order proceedings

5 Years:

• Traffic violation records
• Dismissed cases
• Probation records after discharge

2 Years:

• Court reporter notes and recordings (after the time for appeal has expired)

The Indiana Archives and Records Administration provides oversight for records management and may authorize the transfer of historically significant records to the state archives for permanent preservation. Digital records are maintained according to the same retention schedule as paper records, with appropriate backup and security measures in place.

Records scheduled for destruction are disposed of in a secure manner under the supervision of the Clerk of Courts and in accordance with county and state procedures. Prior to destruction, public notice may be given to allow interested parties to request copies.

Types of Courts In Vanderburgh County

Vanderburgh County's judicial system consists of several courts, each with specific jurisdiction and authority. The county's court structure includes:

Vanderburgh Circuit Court
Civic Center Courts Building
825 Sycamore Street, Room 210
Evansville, IN 47708
(812) 435-5196
Vanderburgh Circuit Court
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM

Vanderburgh Superior Court
Civic Center Courts Building
825 Sycamore Street
Evansville, IN 47708
(812) 435-5300
Vanderburgh Superior Court
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM

The Superior Court is divided into seven divisions:

• Civil Division (Rooms 314, 316, 318)
• Criminal Division (Rooms 210, 220, 230)
• Misdemeanor & Traffic Division (Room 110)

Vanderburgh Juvenile Court
Juvenile Justice Center
1505 Court Street
Evansville, IN 47708
(812) 435-5538
Vanderburgh Juvenile Court
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM

Vanderburgh Small Claims Court
Civic Center Courts Building
825 Sycamore Street, Room 108
Evansville, IN 47708
(812) 435-5170
Vanderburgh Small Claims Court
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM

Vanderburgh Probate Court
Civic Center Courts Building
825 Sycamore Street, Room 205
Evansville, IN 47708
(812) 435-5211
Vanderburgh Probate Court
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM

The court hierarchy in Indiana proceeds from local courts to the Indiana Court of Appeals and ultimately to the Indiana Supreme Court. Appeals from Vanderburgh County courts are directed to the Indiana Court of Appeals, which is organized into five districts. Vanderburgh County is within the First District of the Court of Appeals.

What Types of Cases Do Vanderburgh County Courts Hear?

Vanderburgh County courts adjudicate a wide range of legal matters according to their respective jurisdictions as established by Indiana law. Each court handles specific case types:

Circuit Court:

• Major civil cases (damages exceeding $10,000)
• Domestic relations cases (divorce, child custody, support)
• Mortgage foreclosures
• Medical malpractice
• Tort claims
• Complex commercial litigation
• Administrative appeals
• Select criminal cases

Superior Court:

• Criminal felonies (Divisions 1, 2, 3)
• Civil cases (Divisions 4, 5, 6)
• Misdemeanors and traffic violations (Division 7)
• Protective orders
• Evictions
• Contract disputes
• Personal injury cases
• Property damage claims

Juvenile Court:

• Juvenile delinquency proceedings
• Children in need of services (CHINS)
• Termination of parental rights
• Adoption proceedings
• Paternity establishment
• Guardianship of minors
• Truancy cases
• Juvenile status offenses

Small Claims Court:

• Civil claims not exceeding $10,000
• Landlord-tenant disputes
• Consumer claims
• Minor contract disputes
• Property damage under $10,000
• Recovery of personal property
• Debt collection (small amounts)

Probate Court:

• Wills and estate administration
• Trust administration
• Guardianships for incapacitated adults
• Conservatorships
• Mental health commitments
• Adult protective proceedings
• Estate disputes
• Trust litigation

Case assignment within the Vanderburgh County court system follows procedures established by local court rules and the Indiana Rules of Trial Procedure. In some instances, cases may be transferred between courts or divisions based on subject matter, caseload balancing, or consolidation with related matters.

How To Find a Court Docket In Vanderburgh County

Court dockets in Vanderburgh County provide a chronological listing of scheduled court proceedings and filed documents. Members of the public can access docket information through several methods:

Online Docket Access:

1. Visit the myCase Public Portal
2. Select Vanderburgh County from the jurisdiction menu
3. Search by case number, party name, or attorney
4. View the chronological case summary (CCS) which serves as the official docket
5. Check upcoming hearing dates and times
6. Review document filings and court actions

Vanderburgh County Court Calendar:

1. Access the Vanderburgh County Court website
2. Navigate to the Court Calendar section
3. Select the specific court or division
4. Choose the date range for docket information
5. View scheduled hearings by judge, courtroom, or case type

In-Person Docket Review:

1. Visit the Clerk's Office at the Civic Center Courts Building
2. Request access to public terminals for docket searches
3. Provide case information to clerk staff for assistance
4. Review printed docket sheets for specific courtrooms
5. Check daily court calendars posted outside courtrooms

Vanderburgh County Clerk's Office
Civic Center Courts Building
825 Sycamore Street, Room 216
Evansville, IN 47708
(812) 435-5160
Vanderburgh County Clerk
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM

Telephone Information:

1. Contact the appropriate court division
2. Provide case number or party names
3. Request hearing date and time information
4. Note that detailed docket information may require in-person or online access

Docket information is updated continuously as new filings are processed and court dates are scheduled or modified. For the most current information, online resources or direct contact with the clerk's office is recommended.

Which Courts in Vanderburgh County Are Not Courts of Record?

In the Indiana judicial system, a "court of record" is defined as a court that creates and maintains verbatim transcripts of proceedings and formal documentation of all matters before it, as specified in Indiana Code § 33-33. These records serve as the official account of court proceedings and form the basis for appeals to higher courts.

In Vanderburgh County, the following are not courts of record:

Vanderburgh Small Claims Court:

• Proceedings are less formal than in courts of record
• While basic documentation is maintained, verbatim transcripts are not automatically created
• Appeals from Small Claims Court decisions proceed to Superior Court as trials de novo (new trials)
• Governed by Small Claims Rules rather than the Indiana Rules of Trial Procedure
• Limited discovery procedures compared to courts of record

City Court of Evansville:

• Handles ordinance violations and infractions
• Maintains docket sheets but not complete verbatim records
• Appeals are heard de novo in Superior Court
• Operates under more simplified procedural rules
• Not part of the county court system but has jurisdiction within city limits

All other courts in Vanderburgh County—Circuit Court, Superior Court, Juvenile Court, and Probate Court—are courts of record. These courts maintain complete records of all proceedings including:

• Verbatim transcripts of hearings and trials
• Evidence logs and exhibits
• Detailed chronological case summaries
• Orders and judgments
• Filed pleadings and motions

The distinction between courts of record and those not of record is significant for appellate purposes. Appeals from courts of record are based on the existing record and legal errors, while appeals from courts not of record typically result in completely new trials in a higher court.

Lookup Court Records in Vanderburgh County

Indiana Judicial Branch: Vanderburgh County

Vanderburgh County Court Document Center

Indiana Judicial Branch Public Records