Circuit Clerk FAQ Page

How do I find out what is going on with my case?

• You can go to www.champaigncircuitclerk.org and double click the box called “View Public Case Information”. Even if you don’t know your case information, you can still look at your information by doing the search with your name.

How can I look at my court case?

• You can come to the Circuit Clerk’s office to see a physical file of your criminal or traffic case. You will need to bring a photo ID.
• The only way to see a civil case created on or after January 1, 2010 is online using the information above on how to find your case. You can look for your case online on any computer or you may come to the courthouse and use the computers in our file viewing room.

How can I get documents from my court case?

• You can go to our website at www.champaigncircuitclerk.org and double click the box called “Record Search, Certification Request & Copies Request”. You may also come into the Circuit Clerk’s office and fill out a form with your request.

How can I find out what my next court date is?

• You can go to www.champaigncircuitclerk.org and double click the box called “View Public Case Information”. Even if you don’t know your case information, you can still look at your information by doing the search with your name.  Once you get to your case, you can look at the most current notes on your case docket sheet to get your court date.

Is there anyone I can get legal advice from about my case?

• Yes. For civil cases, the Champaign County Legal Self-Help Center is located at the courthouse. The Center is to the left of the Circuit Clerk’s office. You can also contact the Land of Lincoln Legal Aid office at 217-356-1351.
• For legal advice regarding your criminal case, you may contact your court appointed or private attorney.

How do I file papers to start a case or file papers in a case that has already started?

• The court requires that all paperwork in civil cases by electronically filed. You can do this at https://illinois.tylerhost.net/ofsweb. A document can only be exempt from e-filing by completing a Certification for Exemption from E-Filing.

How do I get to talk to the Judge?

• You are not allowed to talk to the judge outside of court.

Do I have to come to Court?

• Yes, unless the judge has excused you from coming.

Are there forms I can use to do what I want to do?

• Yes, located on the Circuit Clerk’s website, www.champaigncircuitclerk.org. Double-click the box, “Commonly Used Case Forms”.
• You may also find other forms at the Land of Lincoln Legal Aid Online at https://www.illinoislegalaid.org/form-library.

Do I have to pay anything for papers I want to file?

• Yes.  Go to the Champaign County Circuit Clerk website. There is a Fee Schedule located under the Public Court Cases tab.  If you don’t think you can afford the fees, you can file an affidavit for waiver of fees so that the Court can determine if you have to pay anything to get your papers on file.