Utah County Court Records
What Is Utah County Court Records
Utah County court records encompass all official documentation generated during legal proceedings within the county's judicial system. These records consist of case files, dockets, pleadings, motions, orders, judgments, transcripts, exhibits, and sentencing records maintained by the courts. Pursuant to Utah Code § 63G-2-103, court records are defined as "information or documents that are made, maintained, or received by a governmental entity in relation to court proceedings."
Court records differ from other public records such as property deeds, vital statistics (birth, death, marriage certificates), and tax assessments, which are maintained by other county departments. The Utah State Courts system maintains judicial records across multiple court levels operating within Utah County:
- District Court (general jurisdiction)
- Justice Court (limited jurisdiction)
- Juvenile Court (specialized jurisdiction)
- Small Claims Court (limited civil jurisdiction)
These records document proceedings in civil litigation, criminal prosecutions, family law matters, probate cases, traffic violations, and small claims disputes. The Utah Judicial Council establishes rules governing the creation, maintenance, and access to these records under authority granted by state statute.
Are Court Records Public In Utah County
Court records in Utah County are generally public documents, accessible to any person, pursuant to the Government Records Access and Management Act (GRAMA) and Utah Code § 63G-2-201, which establishes the public's right to access government records. Additionally, the Utah Constitution Article I, Section 11 guarantees open courts, reinforcing the presumption of public access.
The following court records are typically available for public inspection:
- Civil case files (with limited exceptions)
- Criminal case files (post-charging)
- Judgments and orders
- Docket sheets and indexes
- Hearing schedules and calendars
- Final opinions and decisions
However, certain records may be restricted or sealed by statute or court order. According to Utah Code § 63G-2-305, protected records include those containing personal privacy information, ongoing investigations, attorney-client privileged communications, and records where disclosure would jeopardize safety or fair trials. Juvenile court records have additional confidentiality protections under Utah Code § 78A-6-209.
The Utah Judicial Council has established comprehensive rules governing public access to court records through the Utah Rules of Judicial Administration, specifically Rules 4-202 through 4-205, which detail classification, access procedures, and fees for court records.
How To Find Court Records in Utah County in 2026
Members of the public seeking court records in Utah County may utilize several methods to locate and access these documents:
In-Person Requests:
- Visit the appropriate courthouse where the case was filed
- Complete a records request form available at the clerk's office
- Provide case number, party names, or other identifying information
- Pay applicable search and copy fees
- Review records on-site or request copies
Written Requests:
- Submit a completed Request for Court Record form
- Include case information and specific documents requested
- Provide contact information and preferred delivery method
- Submit payment for applicable fees
- Mail or deliver to the appropriate court location
Online Access:
- Access the Utah Courts Xchange system for case information
- Create an account and purchase subscription (fees apply)
- Search by name, case number, or filing date
- View case summaries and purchase document images
Utah County District Court
125 North 100 West
Provo, UT 84601
(801) 429-1000
Utah State Courts
Records requests are processed according to Utah Rules of Judicial Administration Rule 4-202.04, which requires courts to respond to requests within 10 business days. Expedited requests may be available for additional fees.
How To Look Up Court Records in Utah County Online?
Utah County residents and interested parties may access court records through several official online portals maintained by the Utah State Courts system:
XChange Portal: The primary online system for searching Utah court records is the Xchange Public Case Search platform. This subscription-based service provides:
- Case information for all district and justice courts
- Document images for most district court cases
- Search capabilities by party name, case number, or filing date
- Access to civil, criminal, traffic, and domestic cases
- Daily updates of new filings and case activity
To use XChange:
- Register for an account through the Utah Courts website
- Select a subscription plan (monthly or annual options available)
- Log in and select search parameters
- View case information and purchase document images as needed
MyCase Portal: For parties to active cases, the Utah County Justice Court system offers MyCase, which provides:
- Free access to your own case information
- Ability to view scheduled hearings
- Access to filed documents
- Options to make payments or file certain documents electronically
Court Calendars: Public hearing schedules are available through:
- The Utah Courts website calendar section
- Individual court location pages
- Daily calendar postings at courthouse locations
Public Access Terminals: Computer terminals with free access to court records are available at:
- Utah County District Court (Provo)
- Utah County Justice Court locations
- Law libraries within county courthouses
Online access is governed by Utah Rules of Judicial Administration Rule 4-202.02, which establishes different levels of access based on record classification and user status.
How To Search Utah County Court Records for Free?
Utah law provides for free public inspection of court records at courthouse locations, pursuant to Utah Code § 63G-2-201(1), which states "every person has the right to inspect a public record free of charge." The following free options are available:
In-Person Inspection:
- Visit any Utah County courthouse during regular business hours
- Request to view specific case files at the clerk's office
- Present identification and complete a request form
- Review records at designated areas within the courthouse
- No fee for inspection (copying fees may apply)
Public Access Terminals: Free computer terminals are available at:
- Utah County District Court (Provo) - Main Lobby
- Utah County Justice Court - Clerk's Office
- Utah State Law Library - Matheson Courthouse (Salt Lake City) Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Free Online Resources:
- Court calendars and hearing schedules
- Case lookup for parties to their own cases via MyCase
- Basic case information through the Utah Courts website
- Published court opinions and rules
Utah County Law Library
125 North 100 West, Room 4300
Provo, UT 84601
(801) 429-1177
Utah State Courts Law Library
While basic case information may be accessed without charge, comprehensive searches and document copies typically require payment of statutory fees established under Utah Code § 78A-2-301, which authorizes courts to charge reasonable fees for records searches and reproduction.
What's Included in a Utah County Court Record?
Utah County court records contain comprehensive documentation of legal proceedings, with contents varying by case type. Pursuant to Utah Rules of Judicial Administration Rule 4-202, a complete court record typically includes:
Case Initiation Documents:
- Complaints, petitions, or informations
- Summonses and subpoenas
- Service of process documentation
- Filing fee receipts
Pleadings and Motions:
- Answers and responses
- Counterclaims and cross-claims
- Motions filed by parties
- Supporting memoranda and exhibits
- Affidavits and declarations
Court Orders and Decisions:
- Temporary orders and injunctions
- Rulings on motions
- Final judgments and decrees
- Findings of fact and conclusions of law
- Sentencing orders in criminal cases
Hearing Records:
- Docket entries of all proceedings
- Minute entries by court clerks
- Transcripts (when prepared)
- Audio recordings (available for purchase)
- Exhibits admitted into evidence
Case Management Documents:
- Scheduling orders and notices
- Certificates of readiness for trial
- Notices of appearance and withdrawal
- Proof of compliance with court orders
Financial Information:
- Fee waiver applications and orders
- Payment records for fines and fees
- Restitution orders and payments
- Judgment collection information
Post-Judgment Documents:
- Appeals notices and bonds
- Satisfaction of judgment filings
- Writs of execution or garnishment
- Probation reports (in criminal cases)
Certain sensitive information may be redacted or sealed pursuant to Utah Code § 63G-2-302, including Social Security numbers, financial account information, and certain personal identifiers.
How Long Does Utah County Keep Court Records?
Utah County courts maintain records according to the retention schedules established by the Utah Judicial Council under authority granted by Utah Code § 78A-2-107. These schedules vary by case type and document classification:
Permanent Retention:
- All district court case files for felonies, civil matters, domestic relations, probate, and adoption
- Final judgments and decrees
- Court dockets and indexes
- Published opinions
- Historical records of significant public interest
Extended Retention (75+ years):
- Adoption records (99 years)
- Probate estate files (75 years after case closure)
- Divorce decrees (75 years)
- Real property judgments (until satisfied plus 20 years)
Medium-Term Retention (10-20 years):
- Misdemeanor criminal cases (10 years after judgment)
- Small claims judgments (20 years)
- Traffic violations (10 years after disposition)
- Protective orders (20 years after expiration)
Short-Term Retention (2-7 years):
- Dismissed cases without prejudice (3 years)
- Denied petitions (2 years)
- Administrative records (7 years)
- Exhibits (until appeals exhausted plus 2 years)
The Utah State Archives and Records Service provides archival storage for court records with historical value after their active retention period expires. Digital preservation initiatives are currently underway to ensure long-term access to electronic court records.
Records disposition follows procedures outlined in Utah Rules of Judicial Administration Rule 4-205, which requires judicial approval before destruction of any court records.
Types of Courts In Utah County
Utah County's judicial system consists of several court types, each with distinct jurisdiction and authority:
Fourth District Court
125 North 100 West
Provo, UT 84601
(801) 429-1000
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Utah State Courts
The District Court is Utah County's court of general jurisdiction, handling felony criminal cases, civil matters over $11,000, domestic relations, probate, and real property disputes. It also serves as the appellate court for justice court cases.
Utah County Justice Court
151 South University Avenue, Suite 3300
Provo, UT 84601
(801) 851-8920
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Utah County Justice Court
Justice Courts handle Class B and C misdemeanors, traffic violations, small claims (under $11,000), and infractions occurring within county boundaries outside of municipalities with their own justice courts.
Alpine Justice Court
20 North Main Street
Alpine, UT 84004
(801) 756-6347
Hours: Monday-Thursday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Utah State Courts
Lehi City Justice Court
2175 North 100 East
Lehi, UT 84043
(385) 201-2300
Hours: Monday-Thursday, 7:30 AM - 5:30 PM
Utah State Courts
Orem City Justice Court
97 East Center Street
Orem, UT 84057
(801) 724-3800
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Utah State Courts
Provo City Justice Court
75 East 1700 South
Provo, UT 84606
(801) 852-6878
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Utah State Courts
Fourth District Juvenile Court
99 East Center Street
Provo, UT 84606
(801) 354-7200
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Utah State Courts
The Juvenile Court handles matters involving minors, including delinquency, dependency, neglect, abuse, and custody when related to juvenile cases.
Appeals from District Court decisions are heard by the Utah Court of Appeals or Utah Supreme Court, both located in Salt Lake City.
What Types of Cases Do Utah County Courts Hear?
Utah County courts adjudicate a wide range of legal matters based on their jurisdictional authority as established by Utah Code § 78A-5-102 and § 78A-7-106:
District Court Cases:
- Felony criminal prosecutions
- Civil litigation exceeding $11,000
- Domestic relations (divorce, custody, support)
- Probate and estate administration
- Real property disputes
- Administrative agency appeals
- Post-conviction relief petitions
- Complex commercial litigation
- Appeals from justice courts (trial de novo)
- Mental health commitments
- Name changes and adoptions
Justice Court Cases:
- Class B and C misdemeanors
- Traffic violations and infractions
- Small claims actions (up to $11,000)
- Local ordinance violations
- Preliminary hearings in felony cases
- Search and arrest warrants
- Protective orders (initial issuance)
- Wildlife violations
- Parking citations
Juvenile Court Cases:
- Delinquency proceedings
- Status offenses (truancy, curfew violations)
- Child welfare (abuse, neglect, dependency)
- Termination of parental rights
- Juvenile traffic matters
- Emancipation petitions
- Guardianship for minors
- Compulsory education violations
Case assignment follows jurisdictional boundaries established by the Utah Judicial Council, with certain specialized matters (such as water rights adjudication, tax disputes, and complex multi-district litigation) sometimes assigned to designated judges with particular expertise.
How To Find a Court Docket In Utah County
Court dockets in Utah County provide chronological listings of all proceedings, filings, and actions in a case. Members of the public may access docket information through several methods:
Online Docket Access:
- Visit the Xchange Public Case Search portal
- Create an account and purchase subscription
- Search by case number, party name, or filing date
- View docket entries showing all case activity
- Access document images for most district court cases
In-Person Docket Review:
- Visit the clerk's office at the courthouse where the case is filed
- Complete a records request form
- Provide case number or party names
- Review docket information on public access terminals
- Request printed docket sheets (fees apply)
Daily Court Calendars:
- Access the Utah Courts website
- Select "Calendars" from the main navigation
- Choose the specific court location
- View scheduled hearings by date, judge, or case type
Telephone Information: Limited docket information may be available by calling the court clerk's office:
- District Court: (801) 429-1000
- Justice Court: (801) 851-8920
Docket access is governed by Utah Rules of Judicial Administration Rule 4-202.02, which classifies docket information as public unless specifically restricted by statute or court order. Hearing schedules and case status information are generally available without charge, while detailed docket reports may require payment of statutory fees.
Which Courts in Utah County Are Not Courts of Record?
In Utah County, certain courts do not maintain an official verbatim record of proceedings, as defined by Utah Code § 78A-1-101(3). These "courts not of record" include:
Justice Courts: All justice courts within Utah County operate as courts not of record, including:
- Utah County Justice Court
- Alpine Justice Court
- American Fork Justice Court
- Lehi City Justice Court
- Orem City Justice Court
- Provo City Justice Court
- Spanish Fork Justice Court
- Springville Justice Court
As courts not of record, these tribunals:
- Do not produce official transcripts of proceedings
- May maintain audio recordings for internal use
- Do not have court reporters present
- Process appeals through "trial de novo" (completely new trial) at the district court level
- Have jurisdiction limited to Class B and C misdemeanors, infractions, and small claims
Utah Code § 78A-7-118 specifically addresses appeals from justice courts, stating: "In a criminal case, a defendant is entitled to a trial de novo in the district court only if the defendant files a notice of appeal within 28 days after sentencing."
By contrast, Utah's District Courts, Juvenile Courts, Court of Appeals, and Supreme Court are all courts of record, maintaining official verbatim records of all proceedings through court reporters or digital recording systems. Appeals from these courts are based on the official record rather than through a new trial.
The distinction between courts of record and courts not of record significantly impacts appellate procedures and the preservation of testimony for future proceedings.