Daviess County, Indiana Court Records
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Daviess County, Indiana — centered on the city of Washington — operates a court system covering the full range of legal matters, from felony prosecutions and civil contract disputes to estate administrations and family law proceedings. Every case heard in these courts generates official records, and those records are primarily held by the Daviess County Clerk's Office. Whether you're a litigant, an attorney, a journalist, or a researcher, knowing which office holds which records — and how to request them — is the practical starting point for navigating Daviess County's judicial system.
Those researching Indiana court cases can consult IndianaStateCourts.us for a gateway to publicly available judicial resources across the state. You can also search Indiana court records through official clerk offices, public access terminals at the courthouse, and the state's centralized online case management system. For matters specific to Daviess County, the Clerk's Office remains the authoritative source for certified documents and complete case files.
How to Look Up a Court Case in Daviess County?
Daviess County court cases can be searched through several channels depending on the type of record you need and whether you require an official certified copy or just want to review basic case information.
Online Case Search
The Indiana Judicial Branch operates MyCase, the state's primary online case management portal, which provides free public access to many court records filed in Daviess County and throughout Indiana. You can search by party name, case number, or attorney name. The system covers a broad range of case types but excludes confidential records such as juvenile proceedings and sealed cases. The Indiana Judicial Branch's public records page also provides guidance on accessing court documents and directing records requests.
Attorneys practicing in Daviess County are required to e-file cases electronically; self-represented litigants are encouraged though not required to do the same. Details on local electronic filing requirements are available through the Indiana Judicial Branch's Daviess County page.
In-Person Access
The Clerk's Office at 200 E Walnut Street in Washington, Indiana, has public access computers available during business hours for anyone who wants to search court records on-site. Staff can help you locate case files and process copy requests, though they are prohibited by law from giving legal advice.
Daviess County Courts Locations and Contacts
| Court | Address | Phone | Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| Circuit Court | 200 E Walnut St, Washington, IN 47501 | (812) 254-8670 | 8:30 AM–Noon / 1:00 PM–4:00 PM, Mon–Fri |
| Superior Court | 200 E Walnut St, Washington, IN 47501 | (812) 254-8671 | 8:30 AM–Noon / 1:00 PM–4:00 PM, Mon–Fri |
| Clerk's Office | 200 E Walnut St, Washington, IN 47501 | (812) 254-8664 | 8:00 AM–4:00 PM, Mon–Fri |
Both the Circuit Court and the Superior Court are located within the Daviess County Courthouse on East Walnut Street in Washington. The Circuit Court is presided over by the Honorable Gregory Smith, and the Superior Court is presided over by the Honorable Daniel S. Murrie. Daviess County falls within Indiana's Judicial District 25.
Mail Requests
If you prefer to request records by mail, send a written request to the Clerk's Office at 200 E Walnut Street, Washington, IN 47501. Include the case name or number, the type of document you need, a copy of a valid photo ID, and the applicable fees. Including a self-addressed stamped envelope will speed up the return of your documents.
Are Court Records Public in Daviess County?
Indiana law generally presumes that court records are open to the public. The Indiana Access to Public Records Act (APRA) gives any person the right to inspect and copy records maintained by public agencies, including courts. The Indiana Rules on Access to Court Records — which replaced the older Administrative Rule 9 framework — govern which records are accessible and which must be withheld from public view.
Under these rules, the following categories of records are excluded from public access in Daviess County and statewide:
- Juvenile court case records in their entirety
- Adoption and paternity proceeding records
- Records sealed or expunged by court order
- Search warrants, arrest warrants, indictments, or informations sealed by a judge
- Personal identifying information for victims or witnesses in domestic violence, sexual assault, or other sensitive case types
- Child abuse records and drug test results not admitted in open court
- Ongoing criminal investigation records
- Medical and mental health records
- Financial account numbers, tax information, and other data that could enable identity theft
When a record is partially restricted, court staff apply redactions before releasing copies, removing protected information while making the remainder of the document available. When a record is entirely excluded from public access, the court issues a Notice of Exclusion rather than disclosing its contents. If a records request is denied and you believe the denial was improper, disputes can be directed to the Indiana Public Access Counselor.
Daviess County Criminal Court Records
Court Jurisdiction
The Daviess County Superior Court under Judge Daniel S. Murrie has jurisdiction over all criminal offenses filed in Daviess County, including both felony and misdemeanor cases. The Circuit Court, presided over by Judge Gregory Smith, also handles certain criminal matters. Criminal case records — including charging documents, plea entries, sentencing orders, and post-conviction filings — are all maintained by the Clerk's Office.
To search for a criminal case, visit MyCase, select "Criminal" as the case type, and enter the party name or case number. If you need certified copies of criminal court documents, contact the Clerk's Office directly. Filing fees for criminal felony and misdemeanor cases are $185.00.
Arrest Records and Sheriff's Office
Arrest records in Daviess County are generated and maintained by the Daviess County Sheriff's Office, located at 101 NE 4th Street, Washington, IN 47501, Phone: (812) 254-1060 The Sheriff's Office handles warrant searches, accident reports, criminal background checks, handgun permits, and other public records requests through its Report & Permit Information division. You may need to present a valid photo ID and pay applicable fees when making a request.
Statewide Criminal History
For a certified, comprehensive criminal history covering all Indiana counties, requests must go through the Indiana State Police (ISP). Options include:
- Online: Subscribed requesters pay $15.00 per record; non-subscribers pay $15.70 per record.
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By Mail: Complete the Indiana Request for Limited Criminal History form, include a $7.00 certified check or money order payable to the State of Indiana, and mail to:
Indiana State Police Criminal History Limited Check
P.O. Box 6188
Indianapolis, IN 46206-6188
Criminal history records at the state level are governed by Ind. Code 10-13-3, which specifies who may obtain such records and under what conditions.
Daviess County Civil Court Records
Jurisdiction and Case Types
Civil cases in Daviess County are divided between the Circuit Court and the Superior Court depending on the nature and dollar value of the claim. The Superior Court hears civil litigation including tort claims, civil plenary actions, and contract disputes. The Clerk's Office maintains all civil filings and associated docket entries for both courts.
Filing Fees
The Daviess County Clerk's Office filing fee schedule sets out the following charges for civil matters:
| Case Type | Base Filing Fee |
|---|---|
| Civil Filing (CT, Plenary, CC, MI, DR) | $157.00 |
| Mortgage Foreclosure | $157.00 |
| Small Claims (non-LLC, up to $6,000 / LLC up to $10,000) | $97.00 |
| Foreign Judgment (CB) | $3.00 |
| Foreign Judgment (Out of State) | $157.00 |
| Petition for Hardship License | $157.00 |
Additional costs may apply: $10.00 per additional defendant beyond the first, $28.00 for Sheriff service, and $10.00 per garnishee defendant above three. Post-judgment Sheriff service adds $28.00.
Small Claims
Small claims cases in Daviess County can be filed for amounts up to $6,000 for individuals and non-LLC filers, and up to $10,000 for LLCs and corporations. The filing fee is $97.00. The Indiana Small Claims Manual 2025 provides step-by-step guidance for self-represented litigants on how to prepare and present a small claims case. The Clerk's Office staff can provide the manual and point you toward available forms.
Property Records
The Daviess County Recorder's Office is located at 200 E Walnut Street, Washington, IN 47501. It records and preserves deeds, mortgages, liens, mechanics' liens, UCC financing statements, and other instruments affecting title to real property. Recording fees include $25.00 for deeds and most other instruments, and $55.00 for mortgages (including subordinate mortgages, corrective mortgages, and indentures). Copies of recorded documents cost $1.00 per page. The Recorder's staff does not perform title searches or offer legal opinions, but you can use public access computers on-site. Property records are also available through the county's online records portal, which includes a free Property Watch fraud alert service for Daviess County residents. E-recording is accepted through Simplifile and Indecomm.
Daviess County Family Court Records
Divorce and Dissolution
Divorce and dissolution of marriage proceedings are filed with the Clerk's Office and governed by Ind. Code 31-15. The base civil filing fee of $157.00 applies to dissolution and divorce cases. The Clerk maintains all family case records, and you can request copies in person, by mail, or through the MyCase portal by filtering for "Family" case types. Have the full names of both parties, the filing date, and the case number ready if you know them.
Marriage Licenses
Marriage licenses are issued exclusively by the Daviess County Clerk's Office under Ind. Code 31-11-4-3. Key requirements and procedures include:
- Both applicants must appear in person at the same time
- Indiana residents must apply in the county where at least one of them lives
- Out-of-state residents must apply in the county where the ceremony will be performed
- Applicants 18 and older must present a valid driver's license, state ID, birth certificate, passport, or military ID
- Applicants under 18 must obtain a court order from the Circuit Court Judge
- Prior marriage information (month, year, and how it ended) is required if applicable
Fees:
- Indiana residents: $29.00 (includes two certified copies after recording)
- Out-of-state residents (ceremony in Daviess County): $69.00 (includes two certified copies)
Licenses are valid for 60 days from the date of issuance. Couples can partially complete the application online in advance through the Indiana Courts marriage license portal before appearing at the Clerk's Office.
Child Support and Protective Orders
The Clerk's Office processes child support payments and handles protective order filings. Protective orders can be initiated at the Clerk's Office at 200 E Walnut Street during business hours. The paternity filing fee is $176.00.
Juvenile Matters
All juvenile proceedings — including delinquency, child in need of services (CHINS), and juvenile traffic cases — are handled through the Circuit or Superior Court under strict confidentiality protections. Juvenile case records are excluded from public access under Indiana's Access to Court Records Rules, and court personnel cannot disclose their contents to the general public.
Vital Records – Birth and Death Certificates
Birth and death certificates are issued by the Daviess County Health Department, located at 300 East Hefron Street, Suite 150, Washington, IN 47501, Phone: (812) 254-8666 The fee is $15.00 per copy for both birth and death certificates. Payment is accepted by check or money order; credit card transactions carry an additional administrative fee. Birth records are restricted and available only to eligible parties — including the record subject, immediate family members, legal guardians, and authorized attorneys or agencies. Records older than 75 years may be accessible to more distant relatives.
To request a certificate, download and complete the applicable Birth Certificate or Death Certificate Application, include a photocopy of a valid ID, and submit in person or by mail to the Health Department. Alternatively, the Indiana Department of Health offers statewide vital records ordering for $8.00 for the first certificate and $4.00 for each additional copy.
Daviess County Probate Court Records
Probate matters in Daviess County — including the administration of decedents' estates, guardianships, conservatorships, and adoptions — are filed with the Clerk's Office and heard in the Circuit Court or Superior Court. The Clerk maintains the official record for all estate and guardianship proceedings, with a filing fee of $177.00 for estates and guardianships. Adoption filings carry a $157.00 fee.
Searching Probate Records
Non-confidential probate records can be accessed through the following methods:
- MyCase Portal: Visit mycase.in.gov, select "Probate" under case type filters, and search by party name, attorney, or case number.
- In Person: Visit the Clerk's Office at 200 E Walnut Street during regular hours (Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM–4:00 PM). Staff can locate case files and process copy requests.
- By Mail: Send a written request to the Clerk's Office with the decedent's name, approximate filing date, and case number if available, along with payment for any applicable copy fees.
Estates and Wills
When a Daviess County resident dies with a will, the document may be submitted to the Circuit or Superior Court for probate. The personal representative named in the will initiates the estate administration process by filing a petition with the Clerk. The court then supervises asset identification, creditor notification, and final distribution. Wills admitted to probate become part of the public record unless sealed by a separate court order.
Guardianships and Conservatorships
Petitions for guardianship over an incapacitated adult or minor are filed in the Circuit or Superior Court. The court may appoint a guardian ad litem to represent the protected person's interests during the proceeding. Once a guardianship is established, the guardian must file periodic reports with the court, and any major expenditure of the protected person's assets requires judicial approval.
Adoption Records
Adoption proceedings in Daviess County are filed in court but are not publicly accessible. All adoption records are sealed under Indiana law, and access is restricted to authorized parties following statutory procedures, which may require a separate court petition. The adoption filing fee is $157.00.
For help locating a specific probate file or understanding the steps involved in opening an estate, contact the Daviess County Clerk's Office directly at (812) 254-8664. Court staff can provide procedural information but cannot give legal advice or help complete forms.