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Vigo County Court Records

What Is Vigo County Court Records

Court records in Vigo County encompass all official documentation generated during legal proceedings within the county's judicial system. These records constitute a comprehensive repository of legal actions and decisions maintained by the courts pursuant to Indiana Access to Public Records Act § 5-14-3.

Court records typically include:

  • Case files containing pleadings, motions, and other filed documents
  • Docket sheets chronicling case events and filings
  • Court orders and judgments
  • Hearing and trial transcripts
  • Evidence and exhibits admitted during proceedings
  • Sentencing information in criminal matters
  • Marriage and divorce decrees
  • Probate documents and estate settlements

These records differ from other public records such as property deeds, birth certificates, and tax documents, which are maintained by other county departments. The Vigo County court system maintains records for proceedings that occur in:

  • Vigo Circuit Court
  • Vigo Superior Courts (Divisions 1-6)
  • Terre Haute City Court
  • Small Claims Court

Court records in Vigo County document civil litigation, criminal prosecutions, family law matters, probate proceedings, traffic violations, and small claims disputes. Under Indiana Code § 5-14-3-2, these records are defined as "any writing, paper, report, study, map, photograph, book, card, tape recording, or other material that is created, received, retained, maintained, or filed by or with a court and that is generated on paper, paper substitutes, photographic media, chemically based media, magnetic or machine readable media, electronically stored data, or any other material, regardless of form or characteristics."

Are Court Records Public In Vigo County

Court records in Vigo County are generally accessible to the public in accordance with the Indiana Access to Public Records Act § 5-14-3 and Indiana Administrative Rule 9, which governs public access to court records. The Indiana Constitution and statutory provisions establish a presumption of openness for court proceedings and records.

Publicly accessible court records typically include:

  • Civil case files (complaints, answers, motions, orders)
  • Criminal case files (post-charging documents)
  • Judgments and final orders
  • Docket sheets and case indices
  • Court calendars and hearing schedules
  • Marriage and divorce records
  • Probate files and estate inventories

It is important to note that while federal courts in Indiana operate under separate rules governed by federal statutes, Vigo County courts follow state regulations for public access. The Indiana Supreme Court's Rules on Access to Court Records provide detailed guidance on what information is available to the public and what remains confidential.

Pursuant to Indiana Administrative Rule 9(G), certain records are excluded from public access, including:

  • Juvenile court records (with limited exceptions)
  • Grand jury proceedings
  • Adoption records
  • Mental health proceedings
  • Records containing social security numbers, account numbers, or personal identification numbers
  • Records sealed by court order
  • Pre-sentence reports and probation records
  • Records deemed confidential by state or federal law

How To Find Court Records in Vigo County in 2026

Members of the public seeking court records in Vigo County may utilize several methods to locate and access these documents. The county currently maintains multiple access points for court record retrieval.

For in-person requests, individuals may visit:

Vigo County Clerk's Office
Vigo County Courthouse
33 South 3rd Street, 1st Floor
Terre Haute, IN 47807
(812) 462-3211
Vigo County Clerk

Operating hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM

When requesting records in person:

  • Complete a public records request form
  • Provide case number, party names, or other identifying information
  • Present valid photo identification
  • Pay applicable copy fees ($1.00 per page for standard copies)

For written requests, submit a detailed letter including:

  • Requestor's full name and contact information
  • Specific case information (case number, party names, filing date)
  • Description of records sought
  • Preferred delivery method (mail, email, pickup)

Mail written requests to the Vigo County Clerk's Office address listed above.

For court records requests by phone, call (812) 231-4499. Staff can provide guidance on record availability and retrieval procedures.

Certified copies of court documents require additional fees and may be requested for official purposes. The current fee for certified copies is $1.00 per page plus a $1.00 certification fee per document.

How To Look Up Court Records in Vigo County Online?

Vigo County residents and interested parties may access certain court records through several online portals maintained by state and local authorities. These digital resources provide convenient alternatives to in-person visits.

The primary online resource is the Indiana Courts Online Portal (mycase.in.gov), which includes Vigo County court records. To utilize this system:

  1. Navigate to the mycase.in.gov website
  2. Select "Smart Search" or "Case Search" options
  3. Choose Vigo County from the jurisdiction dropdown menu
  4. Enter search criteria (case number, party name, attorney, or business name)
  5. Review search results and select specific cases to view details
  6. Access available documents (note that not all documents are viewable online)

The Vigo County Clerk's Office also provides limited online access to court records through their website. Users can search for case information, though document retrieval may require additional steps.

For Terre Haute City Court records, a separate online system is available. This portal contains information on city ordinance violations, traffic infractions, and certain misdemeanors processed through the city court.

When using online systems, users should note:

  • Not all court documents are available electronically
  • Some records may be restricted from public access pursuant to Indiana Administrative Rule 9(G)
  • Older cases may not be fully digitized
  • Document viewing may require creation of a user account
  • Certain searches may incur fees for document retrieval

How To Search Vigo County Court Records for Free?

Indiana law provides for free public inspection of court records under the Access to Public Records Act § 5-14-3-8(c), which states that "no fee shall be charged for inspection or review of public records." This statutory provision ensures that members of the public may examine non-confidential court records without cost.

Free access options in Vigo County include:

When utilizing free search options:

  1. For in-person inspection, visit the Vigo County Clerk's Office during business hours
  2. Request to view specific case files by providing case numbers or party names
  3. Use public access terminals for electronic searches without fees
  4. Basic online searches through mycase.in.gov do not incur charges

While inspection is free, fees apply for copies of documents ($1.00 per page), certified copies ($1.00 per page plus $1.00 certification fee), and certain specialized searches. Additionally, pursuant to Indiana Administrative Rule 9(D)(4), courts may charge for enhanced access or bulk distribution of electronic court records.

What's Included in a Vigo County Court Record?

Vigo County court records contain comprehensive documentation of legal proceedings, with contents varying by case type. These records are maintained in accordance with Indiana Administrative Rule 7, which governs court record keeping.

Civil case records typically include:

  • Complaint or petition initiating the action
  • Summons and proof of service
  • Defendant's answer or response
  • Motions filed by either party
  • Court orders and rulings
  • Exhibits and evidence admitted
  • Final judgment or disposition
  • Post-judgment filings and enforcement documents

Criminal case records generally contain:

  • Charging documents (information or indictment)
  • Probable cause affidavit
  • Arrest warrant or summons
  • Bond information
  • Pretrial motions and rulings
  • Plea agreements
  • Trial transcripts (if applicable)
  • Sentencing orders
  • Probation reports (restricted access)
  • Post-conviction proceedings

Family law records may include:

  • Divorce petitions
  • Child custody and support orders
  • Parenting time schedules
  • Financial disclosure statements
  • Property settlement agreements
  • Protective orders
  • Adoption proceedings (restricted access)
  • Guardianship documents

Probate records typically contain:

  • Wills and codicils
  • Petitions for probate
  • Letters testamentary or of administration
  • Inventories of estate assets
  • Claims against estates
  • Accountings
  • Distribution orders
  • Estate closing documents

Each court record also includes a chronological case summary (CCS) or docket sheet that lists all filings, hearings, and actions in chronological order, providing a complete history of the case.

How Long Does Vigo County Keep Court Records?

Vigo County adheres to the Indiana Supreme Court Records Retention Schedule as mandated by Indiana Administrative Rule 7. This schedule establishes minimum retention periods for various court documents based on case type and document significance.

Key retention periods include:

  • Criminal felony cases: 55 years after final disposition
  • Criminal misdemeanor cases: 10 years after final disposition
  • Civil cases: 20 years after final disposition
  • Domestic relations cases: 25 years after final disposition
  • Probate cases: 25 years after estate closing
  • Small claims cases: 10 years after final disposition
  • Traffic infractions: 10 years after final disposition
  • Juvenile cases: Until subject reaches 21 years of age (longer for certain serious offenses)
  • Mental health cases: 20 years after final disposition

Certain records are designated for permanent retention, including:

  • Order books and judgment dockets
  • Naturalization records
  • Adoption records
  • Records deemed historically significant
  • Index books and case management system indices

After the required retention period expires, records may be:

  • Transferred to the Indiana Archives and Records Administration
  • Microfilmed or digitized for permanent storage
  • Destroyed according to approved procedures

The Vigo County Clerk's Office conducts regular records retention meetings to review and implement the retention schedule. Pursuant to Indiana Code § 5-15-6-2.5, no court records may be destroyed without authorization from the County Records Commission and compliance with the retention schedule.

Types of Courts In Vigo County

Vigo County's judicial system consists of multiple courts with varying jurisdictions and case assignments. Each court handles specific types of legal matters as prescribed by Indiana law.

Vigo Circuit Court
Vigo County Courthouse
33 South 3rd Street, 3rd Floor
Terre Haute, IN 47807
(812) 462-3211
Vigo Circuit Court
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM

Vigo Superior Court Division 1
Vigo County Courthouse
33 South 3rd Street, 2nd Floor
Terre Haute, IN 47807
(812) 462-3301
Vigo Superior Court
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM

Vigo Superior Court Division 2
Vigo County Courthouse
33 South 3rd Street, 2nd Floor
Terre Haute, IN 47807
(812) 462-3311
Vigo Superior Court Division 2
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM

Vigo Superior Court Division 3
Vigo County Courthouse
33 South 3rd Street, 2nd Floor
Terre Haute, IN 47807
(812) 462-3321
Vigo Superior Court
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM

Vigo Superior Court Division 4
Vigo County Courthouse
33 South 3rd Street, 2nd Floor
Terre Haute, IN 47807
(812) 462-3331
Vigo Superior Court
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM

Vigo Superior Court Division 5
Vigo County Courthouse
33 South 3rd Street, 2nd Floor
Terre Haute, IN 47807
(812) 462-3341
Vigo Superior Court
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM

Vigo Superior Court Division 6
Vigo County Courthouse
33 South 3rd Street, 2nd Floor
Terre Haute, IN 47807
(812) 462-3351
Vigo Superior Court
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM

Terre Haute City Court
City Hall
17 Harding Avenue
Terre Haute, IN 47807
(812) 244-2150
Terre Haute City Court
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM

The court hierarchy in Indiana proceeds from local courts (City/Town Courts) to trial courts (Circuit/Superior Courts) to the Indiana Court of Appeals, with the Indiana Supreme Court as the highest judicial authority. Appeals from Vigo County courts are directed to the Indiana Court of Appeals or, in certain cases, directly to the Indiana Supreme Court.

What Types of Cases Do Vigo County Courts Hear?

Vigo County courts adjudicate a wide range of legal matters according to their statutory jurisdiction as established by Indiana Code § 33-29 and § 33-33-84.

Vigo Circuit Court handles:

  • Major felony criminal cases
  • Complex civil litigation
  • Juvenile matters
  • Child in Need of Services (CHINS) cases
  • Juvenile delinquency proceedings
  • Adoptions
  • Mental health commitments
  • Guardianships

Vigo Superior Court Division 1 primarily adjudicates:

  • Criminal felony cases
  • Criminal misdemeanor cases
  • Civil cases exceeding $10,000
  • Tort claims

Vigo Superior Court Division 2 focuses on:

  • Family law matters (divorce, custody, support)
  • Probate cases
  • Estate administration
  • Guardianships
  • Name changes
  • Civil protective orders

Vigo Superior Court Division 3 handles:

  • Criminal felony cases
  • Criminal misdemeanor cases
  • Civil cases
  • Small claims matters

Vigo Superior Court Division 4 adjudicates:

  • Criminal felony cases
  • Criminal misdemeanor cases
  • Civil litigation
  • Evictions

Vigo Superior Court Division 5 processes:

  • Criminal misdemeanor cases
  • Traffic violations
  • Civil cases
  • Small claims matters

Vigo Superior Court Division 6 manages:

  • Criminal misdemeanor cases
  • Traffic violations
  • Civil cases under $10,000
  • Small claims matters

Terre Haute City Court has jurisdiction over:

  • City ordinance violations
  • Traffic infractions
  • Class C misdemeanors
  • Preliminary hearings in criminal cases

Case assignments may vary based on court workload, judicial rotation, and local court rules. The Vigo County local court rules provide specific guidance on case allocation among the various courts.

How To Find a Court Docket In Vigo County

Court dockets in Vigo County provide chronological listings of scheduled hearings, trials, and other court proceedings. These schedules are available through multiple channels for public access.

To access court dockets electronically:

  1. Visit the Indiana Courts Online Portal (mycase.in.gov)
  2. Select "Smart Search" or "Case Search"
  3. Choose Vigo County from the jurisdiction dropdown
  4. Enter relevant search criteria (case number, party name)
  5. View case information, including upcoming hearing dates

For in-person docket access:

  • Visit the Vigo County Clerk's Office during business hours
  • Request to view the daily court calendar or specific case dockets
  • Use public access terminals available in the courthouse

By telephone:

  • Contact the specific court division where the case is pending
  • Provide case number or party names to court staff
  • Request information about scheduled hearings

The Vigo County courts website also provides limited docket information for upcoming proceedings. Additionally, attorneys registered with the Indiana E-Filing System receive electronic notifications of hearings in their cases.

Court dockets typically include:

  • Case number and caption
  • Presiding judge
  • Hearing date and time
  • Courtroom location
  • Type of proceeding (arraignment, pretrial conference, motion hearing, trial)
  • Parties and attorneys expected to appear

Pursuant to Indiana Administrative Rule 9, court dockets are public records unless specifically sealed by court order or restricted by statute.

Which Courts in Vigo County Are Not Courts of Record?

In the Indiana judicial system, a "court of record" is defined by Indiana Code § 33-23-1-4 as a court that maintains formal documentation of all proceedings, including verbatim transcripts, and whose decisions may be appealed directly to higher courts. Conversely, courts not of record typically handle minor matters with simplified procedures and do not maintain complete transcripts of proceedings.

In Vigo County, the only court not of record is:

Terre Haute City Court
City Hall
17 Harding Avenue
Terre Haute, IN 47807
(812) 244-2150
Terre Haute City Court

As a court not of record, Terre Haute City Court:

  • Maintains basic case files but not verbatim transcripts
  • Handles minor offenses including ordinance violations, traffic infractions, and Class C misdemeanors
  • Issues judgments that may be appealed to Vigo Circuit or Superior Courts for trial de novo (new trial)
  • Follows simplified procedural rules

All other courts in Vigo County—Circuit Court and Superior Courts Divisions 1-6—are courts of record that:

  • Maintain complete records of all proceedings
  • Employ court reporters to create verbatim transcripts
  • Issue decisions appealable directly to the Indiana Court of Appeals
  • Follow formal Indiana Rules of Trial Procedure

This distinction is significant for parties considering appeals, as appeals from courts not of record result in entirely new trials rather than reviews of legal errors in the original proceedings.

Lookup Court Records in Vigo County

Indiana Judicial Branch: Vigo County - Local Courts

Court Records in Vigo County

Public Records Access in Vigo County

Vigo Superior Court Division 2 Case Information

Terre Haute City Court Online Case Information

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