Washington County, Utah State Court Records
Washington County court records refer to case documents used for facilitating court matters within the county. These documents are used to begin court matters, and they provide details about the case till it is closed. Court records include documents like court dockets, evidence exhibits, charge sheets or complaints, judgments, and transcripts. They contain details that are useful for appeal, enforcing an order, legal research, or tracking case progress.
Washington County court records contain details about all cases and processes filed and handled within the county judicial system. They are detailed records that can touch on other vital records. Arrest records can be obtained from court records through arraignment documentation. The public can also access birth, divorce, and marriage records through family law cases handled within the county. The County Clerk's Office maintains electronic records, which makes online access possible as well as physical records.
Are Washington County Court Records Public?
Yes, Washington County court records are generally public records according to Utah's Government Records Access and Management Act (Utah Code 63G-2-101 et seq.). Members of the public are entitled to inspection and copying of government agency records. This can be done in person or remotely by mail or online.
While inspection can be done at no charge, obtaining copies of court records will require payment of the copy fees. There are also restricted court records, which can be private, controlled, or protected. They are sensitive details that violate an individual's privacy or jeopardize their safety. These restrictions include adoption records, mental health records, details from ongoing law enforcement investigations, and cases expunged by court order. According to Utah Code § 78A-6-209, juvenile records are not public records and will not be available on any publicly accessible channel. There are also records that are classified as private due to the personal identifiers they contain.
What Information is Available in Washington County Court Records?
Washington County court records contain details that are useful for identifying cases and tracking them. They are documents and files from the County Clerk's office that provide information about all court cases and processes handled within the county. These records include the following details:
- Case number and case classification
- The filing date
- Names of the parties in the case
- Names of the judges and attorneys on record
- Bail amount and bond conditions
- Sentencing orders and judgment
- Claims, petition, or charges details
- Court hearing dates and schedule
Washington County Court Records Search
Washington County court records are public and can be accessed through the District Court Clerk's Office. As the primary custodian, this office maintains records from all courts in the county, which covers criminal, civil, juvenile, and probate cases. Each Justice Court clerk maintains their court's record, but they are all part of the state court system. They can be searched in person at the clerk's office, online, or using mail-in requests.
In-person Access
Members of the public are entitled to inspection of court records and can do so at the courthouse or clerk's office. There are public access terminals that allow case records searching on the XChange platform without a personal subscription. Requesters using in-person access may require a valid photo ID and must provide some case details, such as the parties' full names or case number.
Online Access
The county does not maintain an online searchable platform. Members of the public can search Washington County court records online through the state's XChange: Public Case Search website. This platform allows searches using party name, case number, attorney, or business entity. Users must register an account, which costs a one-time fee of $25. The website also offers a monthly subscription of $30, which provides up to 200 searches. After the 200 free searches, users will pay $0.10 for subsequent searches on the website. Individuals who are representing themselves, parties to an existing case, or persons who want to access some details from their own case can use the MyCase website. This provides free access to details like case status and hearing schedules.
Mail-in or Phone Requests
Members of the public can access and search case records by mailing their search request to the relevant clerk or the District Clerk's office. This is a time-consuming method because of logistics, and it also costs more. Requesters must include some details about the case and a self-addressed stamped envelope in the mail package. The envelope will be used to return a reply from the clerk's office. The mail package should also include a check or money order for copy fees, according to your request. Phone inquiries are for minimal or simple requests, such as confirming some details. The public can call the District Court at 435-986-5700 or the Justice Court at 435-301-7480.
Fees for Court Records in Washington County
The public can access and inspect Washington County court records for free. Fees are incurred for copies of documents and staff time. There are fees for standard copies, such as $0.50 per page, while certified copies cost $4 per document. The XChange website has a registration fee of $25 and a monthly subscription fee of $30. There is expedited processing in Washington County. Requesters can challenge any fees that exceed the statutory limit through the Government Records Access and Management Act appeals.
Washington County Courthouse Locations
The Washington County court system consists of one District Court and Juvenile Court as well as 6 Justice Courts. Here are some more details and contact information for each court:
Washington County District Court
206 West Tabernacle Street
St. George, Utah 84770
435-986-5700 - Phone
Washington County Juvenile Court
206 West Tabernacle Street, Suite 100
St. George, Utah 84770
435-986-5730 - Phone
Washington County Justice Courts
Washington County Justice Court
197 East Tabernacle Street
St. George, Utah 84770
435-301-7480 - Phone
435-301-7509 - Fax
Washington City Justice Court
111 North 100 East
Washington, Utah 8470
435656-6350 - Phone
Hurricane Justice Court
70 South 700 West
Hurricane, Utah 84737
435-635-4072 - Phone
435-635-5066 - Fax
Santa Clara Justice Court
2603 Santa Clara Drive
Santa Clara, Utah 84765
435-673-6712 - Phone
Hildale Justice Court
P.O. Box 840490
320 Newel Avenue
Hildale, Utah 84737
435-874-2323 - Phone
Enterprise Justice Court
P.O. Box 340
375 South 200 East
Enterprise, Utah 84725
435-878-2221 - Phone
Criminal Records Access in Washington County
Criminal records are available through the county law enforcement agencies and court records. The sheriff's office and state police maintain criminal records, which are available to the public in the form of arrest records and background checks. Members of the public can access criminal history checks through the state's Bureau of Criminal Identification. This agency provides criminal records such as arrests, convictions, charges, and sentencing for all counties in Utah. There is a name based search which costs $20. County-level criminal records can be accessed through the Washington County Sheriff's Office and the District Court Clerk's Office. These agencies are open to the public for records inquiries. Washington County criminal court records are also available online through the Utah Courts XChange website.
Washington County Probate Records
Washington County probate records refer to court documents used for facilitating the administration of a deceased's estate. These records are obtained from cases involving intestate estates, guardianships of minors or incapacitated adults, Will contests, and trust administration. Probate records are handled by the Washington County District Court and are generally considered public records. This means basic information, such as names, case number, and judgment date, is publicly accessible, while sensitive details, which are usually part of probate filings, are restricted.
Washington County Family Court Records
Family court records refer to cases involving domestic relations such as legal separation, paternity, adoption, child support/custody, and domestic violence. These cases are within the jurisdiction of the District Court's Domestic Relations Division. They are generally considered public records with the exception of sensitive details or sealed records.
While details like divorce decrees, property division orders, and paternity findings are publicly accessible, there are restrictions on records containing adoption filings, information about child abuse or neglect, and juvenile delinquency cases. Members of the public can use in-person access to make inquiries or obtain family court documents. This can also be done online through the XChange portal or the MyCase portal.
Federal Court Records in Washington County
Federal Court records refer to case documents from courts or judicial processes that fall under the jurisdiction of the United States District Court for the District of Utah. This court handles all cases involving federal criminal and civil matters that originate in the county. Records from this court are publicly accessible and can be inspected or obtained in person at the courthouse. The public can also access this court's records online through the Public Access to Court Electronic Records website. This website charges $0.10 per page, with accounts billed under $30 per quarter not charged. Federal bankruptcy cases are handled by the US Bankruptcy Court for the District of Utah.
