Scott County, Iowa court records are available through several channels. ScottIACourt.us allows you to view public information about court cases in the county. Additionally, records can be found through the online tools of the Iowa Judicial Branch, directly at the Clerk of Court office, and through public terminals in the courthouse. Below is a practical guide to the court structure, hearing calendar, obtaining documents, and paying fees.
Scott Court System & Jurisdictions
In Iowa, there are no separate courts for each type of case at the county level — all cases are handled by the Iowa District Court. Scott County is part of the 7th Judicial District. This means that the same court processes criminal, civil, family, probate, and traffic cases.
Here's how the main categories of cases are distributed:
- Criminal cases (felony and misdemeanor) — from serious crimes to minor offenses. To check a person's criminal history, you can contact the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation.
- Civil cases — claims over $6,500, contract disputes, debt collection.
- Small Claims — claims up to $6,500 are handled by a magistrate (Associate Judge). The procedure is simplified, and an attorney is usually not required.
- Family cases — divorce, custody, child support, protective orders. The Iowa Judicial Branch offers interactive forms for those representing themselves.
- Probate — inheritance, guardianship, and conservatorship cases.
- Traffic — traffic violations, from speeding tickets to serious charges like OWI (Operating While Intoxicated).
If you are looking for information about inmates, use the Iowa Department of Corrections search — it covers individuals in state correctional facilities and on parole.
Scott Court Calendar & Upcoming Hearings
The Scott County court schedule is published through the Iowa Judicial Branch system. To check which hearings are scheduled for today, tomorrow, or this week, visit the Iowa Judicial Branch website and use the Search Court Records feature. The system allows searches by party name or case number.
Several practical tips:
- Visit the Iowa Judicial Branch website.
- Select "Search Court Records" or "Iowa Court Schedules."
- Enter the county — Scott County — and the name or case number.
- The system will show scheduled hearing dates, the judge's name, and the courtroom.
Public terminals in the Davenport courthouse also provide access to the schedule. If you cannot find the information you need online, call the Clerk of Court — staff will provide the date and time of the next hearing.
Scott County Courthouse
How to Get a Copy of a Scott Court Document
There are two types of copies: certified and uncertified. A certified copy has the court seal and the clerk's signature — it is needed for official purposes, such as submission to another court or government agency. An uncertified copy is suitable for personal review.
How to obtain a copy:
- In person — visit the Clerk of Court office in the courthouse at the address above. Provide the case number or party names, and the clerk will locate the document.
- By mail — send a written request specifying the case number, document name, and type of copy (certified or uncertified). Include a check or money order for the appropriate amount.
- Online — through the eFile Iowa Judicial Branch system, you can file documents and pay fees with a credit or debit card. Some documents are available for viewing through the online records search.
Note: Certain records have restricted access. Juvenile cases, sealed court orders, and some family cases are not public. Ask the clerk if a specific document is available.
Scott Court Records Fees & Payment
Fees for court records in Iowa are set according to Iowa Code Chapter 602.8105. Below are approximate amounts — confirm current rates with the Clerk of Court, as they may change.
| Service | Approximate Cost |
|---|---|
| Certified copy of a document | $20 for the first document |
| Uncertified copy, per page | $0.50–$1.00 |
| Court record search | $6.00 |
| Certification fee | Included in the cost of a certified copy |
| Civil filing fee | From $85 and up, depending on the type of case |
Payment is accepted in person by cash, check, money order, and credit or debit card. For mail requests — only check or money order payable to "Scott County Clerk of Court."
For a criminal history check through Iowa DCI, a separate fee applies — usually $15 per request. This fee is paid directly to the Department of Public Safety, not the county court.
According to Iowa Code Chapter 22, public records must be available during business hours. If you are unsure which fee applies to your request, contact the clerk before your visit — it will save time.