Criminal records in Scott County, Iowa, are available through several channels. ScottIACourt.us allows you to search publicly available information about criminal cases. Additionally, records can be obtained through the online portal of the Iowa Judicial Branch, county law enforcement agencies, and the Clerk of Court's office. Each of these resources covers different types of data—from court cases to criminal history checks.
How to Search Criminal Records in Scott
There are several ways to find criminal records in Scott County. Below is a step-by-step guide for each of them.
Through ScottIACourt.us
- Go to ScottIACourt.us.
- Enter the person's first and last name or the case number.
- Review the results—publicly available information about the county's criminal cases is accessible.
Online Portal Iowa Judicial Branch
The Iowa state court system provides the opportunity to search court records online. On the portal, you can search by party name or case number. The results include cases heard by district courts throughout the state, including in Scott County.
Criminal History Check through DCI
The Division of Criminal Investigation (DCI) at the Iowa Department of Public Safety processes requests for criminal history checks. Requests can be submitted by mail, fax, email, or in person. The search requires:
- Full first and last name
- Date of birth
- Social Security number (optional but helps clarify results)
More details about the procedure can be found on the Request a Criminal History Background Check page.
Inmate Search
If you need to find a person under the supervision of the Iowa Department of Corrections, use the Iowa Offender Search. Offender records are public information according to Section 904.601(1) of the Iowa Code.
In Person
Visit the Clerk of Court's office in the Scott County courthouse. There are public terminals available for case searches. Clerk's office staff can assist in finding the necessary record.
Written Request
A request for criminal history can be sent by mail to the DCI or the Scott County Clerk of Court's office. Include the full name, date of birth, and reason for the request. Add payment according to the established rates.
Search Scott Criminal Cases by Case Number
In Iowa, court case numbers have a standardized format. Understanding this structure speeds up the search.
A typical case number looks like this: FECR012345. Here's what each part means:
- Letter prefix — indicates the type of case. For example: FECR — felony criminal case, SMCR — simple misdemeanor, SRCR — serious misdemeanor, AGCR — aggravated misdemeanor, OWCR — operating while intoxicated (OWI) case.
- Numeric part — unique sequential case number within the county.
Some systems also add a county code or filing year. If you know the case number, enter it on the Iowa Judicial Branch portal or at ScottIACourt.us for quick access to details.
Charges, Case Status, Hearings, and Court Results in Scott
Each criminal case contains several key elements. Below is an explanation of what they mean in practice.
Charges
| Element | Description |
|---|---|
| Statute Code | Reference to the section of the Iowa Code under which the charge is brought (e.g., §321J.2 — OWI) |
| Severity Level | Felony (classes A, B, C, D), Misdemeanor (serious, simple, aggravated), or Infraction |
| Amended Charges | The prosecutor may change the charges during the case—for example, reducing a felony to a misdemeanor as part of a plea agreement |
Case Status
- Pending — the case is open, no decision has been made yet
- Active — the case is in active proceedings
- Disposed — the court has made a decision on the case
- Closed — the case is fully completed, all obligations fulfilled
Hearings
A criminal case goes through several stages:
- Arraignment — initial presentation of charges; the defendant pleads guilty or not guilty
- Preliminary hearing — the judge determines if there is enough evidence to proceed (usually for felonies)
- Pre-trial conference — parties discuss the possibility of a plea agreement or prepare for trial
- Trial — court hearing on the merits
- Sentencing — issuance of a sentence after a guilty plea or conviction
- Review hearing — review of compliance with sentencing conditions (probation, etc.)
Court Results
| Result | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Guilty | The defendant is found guilty |
| Not Guilty | The defendant is acquitted |
| Dismissed | The case is closed without a verdict |
| Acquitted | Complete acquittal after trial |
| Deferred judgment | Judgment is deferred; if conditions are met, the charge may be dismissed |
How to Request Certified Criminal Records in Scott
Certified copies are officially certified documents with the court's seal. They are often required for employment, immigration procedures, or legal needs.
Clerk of Court
The Scott County Clerk of Court issues certified copies of court decisions, charges, and other criminal case materials. Requests can be submitted in person or by mail.
What is needed for the request:
- Full name of the defendant
- Case number (if known)
- Valid photo ID
- Payment of the established fee
Statewide Criminal History Check
To obtain an official criminal history report, contact the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation. DCI accepts requests by mail, fax, email, and in person. You need to fill out the appropriate form and include payment.
Fees, Copy Costs, and Processing Times for Criminal Records in Scott
Fees depend on the type of request and the agency processing it.
| Service | Cost | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Criminal history check through DCI | $15 per name | Iowa DPS / DCI |
| Certified copy of court document (Clerk of Court) | $1 per page + certification fee | Iowa Code §602.8105 |
| Regular copy of court document | $1 per page | Iowa Code §602.8105 |
Processing Times
- DCI (by mail or fax) — usually 3 to 5 business days
- DCI (by email) — may be faster, but times depend on workload
- Clerk of Court (in person) — usually the same day or within 1–2 business days
- Clerk of Court (by mail) — 5 to 10 business days considering delivery
Payment at the Clerk of Court's office is usually accepted in cash, check, or money order. For online payments through the Iowa Judicial Branch eFile portal, credit and debit cards are accepted. Check current rates directly with the office, as fees may change.