Court records in Dubois County, Indiana are maintained by the Clerk of the Dubois Circuit and Superior Courts and can be accessed through online tools, official court portals, and the clerk's office. DuboisCourt.us can help you find publicly available court record information for Dubois County. Additional access points include the MyCase Indiana case search portal, the Indiana Judicial Branch's Dubois County page, and the Dubois County Records Library.
Dubois County Court System Overview
Dubois County is part of Indiana's unified trial court system and sits within the state's judicial framework under the Indiana Supreme Court. The county is served by two trial courts: the Dubois Circuit Court and the Dubois Superior Court, both located at the Dubois County Courthouse in Jasper. According to the Indiana Directory of Courts and Clerks, Amy L. Kippenbrock serves as the Clerk of the Dubois County courts. Both courts share general jurisdiction over civil, criminal, family, and probate matters, with case assignments governed by local court rules. The courthouse is the central hub for all filings, hearings, and record requests in the county.
Courts Serving Dubois County
Dubois Circuit Court
Dubois Superior Court
U.S. District Court — Southern District of Indiana (Evansville Division)
Federal cases involving Dubois County residents are handled by the Southern District of Indiana. The nearest federal courthouse is in Evansville.
Jasper City Court
The City of Jasper operates a city court that handles ordinance violations and certain infractions within its jurisdiction. Contact the city directly for scheduling and case information.
What Types of Cases Dubois County Courts Hear
Dubois County's Circuit and Superior Courts share general jurisdiction and handle a broad range of case types. Cases are divided between the two courts based on local rules and caseload management. The following categories are heard in Dubois County:
- Felonies and misdemeanors
- Infractions and traffic violations
- Civil litigation (all dollar amounts)
- Small claims
- Family law — divorce, custody, child support, paternity, protective orders
- Probate — decedent estates, wills, guardianships, conservatorships
- Juvenile — delinquency, status offenses, child in need of services (CHINS)
- Adoption and termination of parental rights
District Court Cases in Dubois County
Indiana does not use the term "district court" at the state level. Instead, the Dubois Circuit Court functions as the court of general jurisdiction. It hears felony criminal cases, major civil litigation, appeals from city courts, and post-conviction proceedings. Cases typically arrive through the filing of a charging information or indictment for criminal matters, or a complaint for civil actions. The presiding judge of the Circuit Court is assigned cases according to local rules, and complex matters — including murder and high-value civil disputes — are generally retained by this court. If you need information about a specific case, search the MyCase online portal or contact the Clerk's Office directly.
Magistrate Court Cases in Dubois County
Indiana's trial courts may use magistrates or commissioners to assist with caseloads, though Dubois County's Superior Court handles many of the case types that magistrate divisions cover in larger counties. The Superior Court hears misdemeanors, infractions, traffic violations, and preliminary hearings in felony cases. It also handles civil cases, including small claims. Under Indiana law, small claims courts have jurisdiction over disputes up to $10,000. Civil cases of any dollar amount can be filed in either the Circuit or Superior Court. DUI arraignments, protective order petitions, and lower-level criminal matters are commonly managed through the Superior Court. For questions about which court is handling a specific case, contact the Dubois County courts or check MyCase.
Family Law, Probate, and Juvenile Matters in Dubois County
Family Law
Divorce, custody, child support, paternity, civil protection orders, and termination of parental rights cases are filed with the Clerk's Office and assigned to either the Circuit or Superior Court. Indiana law requires a 60-day waiting period before a divorce can be finalized. Protective order petitions are generally heard promptly.
Probate
Decedent estates, guardianships, conservatorships, wills, and trust matters are handled through the court system and recorded by the Clerk's Office. The Dubois County Records Library maintains probate, estate, and will records dating back to 1839. All county records prior to August 1839 were destroyed in a fire.
Juvenile
Juvenile delinquency, status offense, and Child in Need of Services (CHINS) cases are heard in Dubois County courts. Juvenile court records are confidential under Indiana law and are not available through public case search tools. The Dubois County Community Corrections Center provides alternative sentencing and services that may be ordered in juvenile and adult cases.
How Cases Move Through the Dubois County Court System
- Filing / Initiation: A criminal case begins with a charging information or arrest. Civil cases start with the filing of a complaint or petition with the Clerk's Office.
- Case Assignment: The case is assigned to either the Circuit or Superior Court judge based on local rules and case type.
- Initial Hearing: Criminal defendants appear for an initial hearing or arraignment, where charges are read and bail is set. In civil cases, a scheduling conference or case management conference is set.
- Pre-Trial Phase: Both sides exchange information through discovery. In criminal cases, plea negotiations may occur. Motions may be filed and argued.
- Trial or Resolution: Cases proceed to a bench or jury trial, or they resolve through a plea agreement, settlement, default judgment, or dismissal.
- Post-Judgment: Criminal cases move to sentencing. Civil judgments may be enforced or appealed. Appeals from Dubois County courts go to the Indiana Court of Appeals.
Court Administration, Local Rules, and Public Access in Dubois County
The Dubois Circuit Court judge serves as the administrative authority for the county's courts. The Indiana Judicial Branch's Dubois County page notes that the Indiana Supreme Court approves local court rules in specific areas, including selection of special judges, court reporter services, and related matters. Local rules for Dubois County can be accessed through that page or by contacting the Clerk's Office.
Under Indiana Administrative Rule 9, court records are presumed to be open to the public. However, certain records are excluded from public access, including:
- Juvenile records
- Adoption records
- Records sealed by court order
- Mental health and substance abuse treatment records
- Social Security numbers and certain personal identifiers
The Indiana Judicial Branch public records page explains how public access is governed and how to request records that may not be available online. Hearings in Dubois County are generally open to the public. Contact the Clerk's Office at 812-481-7035 to ask about remote hearing options or specific courtroom procedures.
Court Records and Related Court Resources in Dubois County
- Online Case Search: Use MyCase to search Dubois County court cases by name, case number, or filing date. Note that MyCase data may contain errors and is not the official court record.
- Dubois County Records Library: The Records Library, located in the basement of the Dubois County Courthouse, holds civil, criminal, probate, estate, will, and marriage records from 1839 to present.
- Clerk of Court / Public Records Requests: Contact the Dubois County Clerk's Office at 812-481-7035 to request certified copies of court documents. Official records can only be obtained directly from the court.
- Vital Records: The Dubois County Health Department issues certified birth and death certificates. The Indiana Department of Health Division of Vital Records is an alternative source for statewide vital records.
- Criminal History Search: The Indiana State Police Limited Criminal History tool provides felony and Class A misdemeanor arrest records statewide.
- Incarcerated Individual Search: The Indiana Department of Correction Incarcerated Database allows searches by name. For records requests related to an incarcerated person, use the IDOC records request form.
- Sex and Violent Offender Registry: Search the Indiana Sex and Violent Offender Registry by county to find registered offenders in Dubois County.
- Dubois County Sheriff: The Dubois County Sheriff's Office serves warrants, subpoenas, and other court orders, and manages the county jail.
- Community Corrections: The Dubois County Community Corrections Center provides alternative sentencing options including evidence-based programs for court-ordered participants.
- Property Tax Records: Use the Indiana Tax Bill Search or the Assessed Value Search for Dubois County property information. The Dubois County Treasurer's Office handles property tax statements.