Des Moines County Court Records
What Is Des Moines County Court Records
Court records in Des Moines County encompass the official documentation generated by judicial proceedings within the county's court system. These records constitute the formal written history of legal actions and include a broad range of materials maintained by the clerk of court.
Court records typically include the following document types:
- Case files — the complete collection of documents filed in a particular matter
- Dockets — chronological logs of all filings and proceedings in a case
- Pleadings — complaints, petitions, answers, and counterclaims submitted by parties
- Motions — written requests filed by attorneys or self-represented litigants
- Orders and judgments — official rulings issued by the presiding judge
- Transcripts — verbatim written records of court proceedings
- Exhibits — physical or documentary evidence admitted during hearings or trials
- Sentencing records — documentation of penalties imposed in criminal matters
Court records are distinct from other categories of public records maintained at the county level. Property records, for example, are held by the Des Moines County Assessor and Recorder, while vital records such as birth and death certificates are administered by the Iowa Department of Public Health. Court records are exclusively generated through judicial proceedings and are maintained by the clerk of the Iowa District Court for Des Moines County.
Des Moines County is served by the Iowa District Court, which functions as the court of general jurisdiction and maintains records across all subject matter areas, including civil, criminal, family, probate, traffic, and small claims matters. Magistrate courts operating within the district also generate records, though their status differs from courts of record. Under Iowa Code § 602.1301, the district court is established as the trial court of general jurisdiction for the state of Iowa, with jurisdiction over all matters not exclusively assigned elsewhere.
Are Court Records Public In Des Moines County
Court records in Des Moines County are presumptively open to the public under Iowa law. Iowa Code § 22.2 establishes the general right of the public to inspect and copy government records, and this principle extends to judicial records maintained by the clerk of court. The Iowa Supreme Court has further codified public access through its administrative rules governing court records.
The following categories of records are currently available for public inspection:
- Most civil case files, including complaints, responses, and supporting documents
- Criminal case files following the filing of formal charges
- Final judgments and court orders
- Docket sheets reflecting the procedural history of each case
- Hearing schedules and calendars
- Probate filings, including wills admitted to probate and inventories
- Small claims filings and judgments
- Traffic case records, including citations and dispositions
It is important to distinguish between Iowa state court records and federal court records. Records from the United States District Court for the Southern District of Iowa are maintained separately and are governed by federal rules, including access through the PACER system. The Iowa Judicial Branch administers all state court records, including those originating in Des Moines County.
Certain records are exempt from public disclosure under current law. These include juvenile delinquency records, adoption records, mental health commitment proceedings, and records sealed by court order. The Iowa Rules of Electronic Procedure, Chapter 16, govern the electronic filing and public access dimensions of court records, specifying which documents may be viewed remotely and which require in-person inspection at a public access terminal.
How To Find Court Records in Des Moines County in 2026
Members of the public may obtain Des Moines County court records through several official channels. The primary method is to contact or visit the Clerk of the Iowa District Court for Des Moines County, which serves as the official custodian of all trial court records in the county.
Steps to obtain records in person:
- Visit the Des Moines County Courthouse during regular business hours (Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.)
- Proceed to the Clerk of Court's office on the main floor
- Provide the case number, party name, or approximate filing date to the clerk
- Request inspection of the file or submit a written request for certified copies
- Pay any applicable copy fees as established by the Iowa Supreme Court fee schedule
Steps to obtain records by mail:
- Prepare a written request identifying the case by name, number, or filing date
- Include a self-addressed stamped envelope and payment for copy fees
- Mail the request to the Clerk of Court at the address listed below
Steps to obtain records online:
Members of the public may search case information through the Iowa Judicial Branch's electronic case management system. The Des Moines County District Court page provides direct access to case lookup tools and local court information.
Des Moines County Clerk of Court 513 N Main St, Burlington, IA 52601 (319) 753-8262 Des Moines County Courts
How To Look Up Court Records in Des Moines County Online?
The Iowa Judicial Branch currently provides electronic access to court records through its statewide case management portal. This system allows members of the public to search for case information without visiting the courthouse in person.
Iowa Courts Online Case Search (iowacourts.state.ia.us)
- Covers all Iowa District Court locations, including Des Moines County
- Searchable by party name, case number, attorney name, or filing date
- Displays docket entries, hearing dates, case status, and party information
- Available at no cost for basic case lookups
Steps to search online:
- Navigate to the Iowa Judicial Branch's official case search portal through the Iowa Judicial Branch website
- Select "Case Search" from the main navigation menu
- Choose the search type: party name, case number, or attorney
- Enter Des Moines County as the jurisdiction if prompted
- Review the list of matching cases and select the relevant matter
- View available docket entries, filings, and case status information
For traffic citations specifically, members of the public may also use the state's online payment and case lookup tool. Iowa.gov provides a dedicated portal to pay a traffic ticket online, which also allows users to search for matching traffic cases by case ID or citation number.
Pursuant to Iowa Rules of Electronic Procedure, Chapter 16, certain documents filed electronically are accessible remotely, while others designated as restricted or confidential may only be viewed at a public access terminal located at the county courthouse.
How To Search Des Moines County Court Records for Free?
Iowa law guarantees the public's right to inspect court records at no charge. Under Iowa Code § 22.2, governmental bodies, including the clerk of court, are required to permit inspection of public records without imposing a fee for the act of viewing. Fees may only be assessed for the reproduction of records.
The following no-cost options are currently available:
- Iowa Courts Online Case Search — The statewide portal operated by the Iowa Judicial Branch allows free name-based and case-number-based searches of all district court records, including those from Des Moines County
- Public Access Terminals — The Des Moines County Courthouse provides public access terminals where members of the public may view electronic court records at no charge during regular business hours
- In-person inspection — Members of the public may inspect physical case files at the Clerk of Court's office without charge; fees apply only when copies are requested
- Traffic case lookup — The Iowa.gov portal for traffic citations permits free case searches without requiring payment unless the individual chooses to pay a fine
Copy fees, when applicable, are set by the Iowa Supreme Court and are currently assessed on a per-page basis for standard paper copies. Certified copies carry an additional certification fee.
What's Included in a Des Moines County Court Record?
The contents of a court record vary depending on the type of case and the stage of proceedings. The following outlines what is typically included across major case categories.
Civil case records include:
- Petition or complaint initiating the action
- Summons and proof of service
- Defendant's answer and any counterclaims
- Motions, briefs, and supporting memoranda
- Discovery-related filings (where entered into the record)
- Pre-trial orders and scheduling orders
- Trial exhibits admitted into evidence
- Verdict forms or bench trial findings
- Final judgment and any post-judgment motions
Criminal case records include:
- Criminal complaint or indictment
- Arrest warrant and return
- Bail and bond documentation
- Arraignment records and plea entries
- Pre-trial motions and rulings
- Trial transcripts (where prepared)
- Sentencing orders and presentence investigation reports (where not restricted)
- Probation or parole conditions
Family and probate records include:
- Dissolution of marriage petitions and decrees
- Child custody and support orders
- Guardianship and conservatorship filings
- Wills admitted to probate and letters testamentary
- Estate inventories and accountings
Traffic and small claims records include:
- Citation or complaint
- Plea or answer
- Judgment or dismissal order
- Payment records where applicable
How Long Does Des Moines County Keep Court Records?
The Iowa Judicial Branch establishes uniform retention schedules for court records maintained by all district court clerks, including Des Moines County. Retention periods vary by case type and document classification.
Current retention periods under Iowa court administrative rules include:
- Felony criminal case files — Retained permanently
- Misdemeanor criminal case files — Retained for a minimum of 10 years following case closure
- Civil case files — Retained for a minimum of 10 years following final disposition
- Small claims case files — Retained for a minimum of 5 years following final disposition
- Traffic infraction records — Retained for a minimum of 5 years
- Probate case files — Retained permanently
- Juvenile records — Subject to separate confidentiality and retention rules; generally retained until the subject reaches age 21 or for a specified period following case closure
- Court transcripts — Retained in accordance with the applicable case type retention schedule
The Iowa State Archives and the Iowa Judicial Branch jointly administer records management policies for the state court system. Older records that have met their retention period may be transferred to archival storage or destroyed in accordance with approved schedules. Members of the public seeking records from closed or older cases should contact the Clerk of Court directly to confirm availability.
Types of Courts In Des Moines County
Des Moines County is served by courts operating within Iowa's unified court system. The Iowa court hierarchy proceeds from magistrate courts at the base level through the district court, the Iowa Court of Appeals, and the Iowa Supreme Court at the apex.
Iowa District Court for Des Moines County (Judicial District 8) 513 N Main St, Burlington, IA 52601 (319) 753-8262 Public Counter Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Des Moines County District Court – Iowa Judicial Branch
The District Court is the court of general jurisdiction for Des Moines County and handles all felony criminal matters, civil cases, family law proceedings, probate matters, and appeals from magistrate court decisions. Des Moines County is part of Judicial District 8, as administered by the Iowa Judicial Branch.
Iowa Court of Appeals Iowa Judicial Branch Building, 1111 E Court Ave, Des Moines, IA 50319 (515) 281-5911 Public Counter Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Iowa Court of Appeals
Iowa Supreme Court Iowa Judicial Branch Building, 1111 E Court Ave, Des Moines, IA 50319 (515) 281-5174 Public Counter Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Iowa Supreme Court
Magistrate courts operate within the district court structure in Iowa. Magistrates are appointed judicial officers who handle small claims matters, simple misdemeanors, traffic infractions, and initial appearances in criminal cases. Their decisions are subject to appeal to the district court.
What Types of Cases Do Des Moines County Courts Hear?
The courts serving Des Moines County exercise jurisdiction over a broad range of civil and criminal matters.
Iowa District Court for Des Moines County hears:
- Felony and aggravated misdemeanor criminal cases
- Civil cases involving disputes over $6,500
- Dissolution of marriage, legal separation, and annulment
- Child custody, visitation, and support proceedings
- Adoption and termination of parental rights
- Guardianship and conservatorship matters
- Probate of wills and administration of estates
- Juvenile delinquency and child in need of assistance (CINA) proceedings
- Mental health commitment proceedings
- Appeals from magistrate court decisions
Magistrate Court (within Judicial District 8) hears:
- Small claims cases involving amounts up to $6,500
- Simple misdemeanor criminal matters
- Traffic infractions and scheduled violations
- Initial appearances and bond hearings in criminal cases
- Preliminary hearings in felony matters
Iowa Court of Appeals hears:
- Appeals from Iowa District Court decisions in civil and criminal matters
- Cases assigned by the Iowa Supreme Court
Iowa Supreme Court hears:
- Cases of significant legal importance or constitutional questions
- Direct appeals in certain categories, including first-degree murder convictions
- Discretionary review of Court of Appeals decisions
How To Find a Court Docket In Des Moines County
A court docket is the official chronological record of all filings, hearings, and actions taken in a specific case. Members of the public may access docket information for Des Moines County cases through the following methods.
Online docket search:
- Visit the Iowa Judicial Branch's case search portal via the Iowa Judicial Branch website
- Select the case search function and enter the party name or case number
- Locate the relevant case in the results list
- Select the case to view the full docket, including filing dates, document descriptions, and hearing information
In-person docket access:
Members of the public may request docket sheets at the Clerk of Court's office at the Des Moines County Courthouse. Staff will retrieve the docket for inspection at no charge. Copies may be obtained for the applicable per-page fee.
Traffic case dockets:
For traffic matters, the Iowa.gov portal allows users to search traffic cases online by case ID or citation number, providing access to case status and docket information specific to traffic infractions.
Pursuant to the Iowa Rules of Electronic Procedure, Chapter 16, electronic docket entries are accessible through the statewide case management system, with restricted entries viewable only at courthouse public access terminals.
Which Courts in Des Moines County Are Not Courts of Record?
A court of record is a court whose proceedings are officially documented and preserved, whose acts and judicial proceedings are enrolled in permanent records, and whose judgments carry a presumption of validity. Courts not of record do not maintain a verbatim transcript of proceedings as a matter of course, and appeals from such courts are typically heard de novo — meaning the appellate court conducts an entirely new hearing rather than reviewing a transcript.
Under Iowa law, magistrate courts are currently classified as courts not of record when presiding over certain categories of matters, including simple misdemeanor trials and small claims proceedings. Iowa Code § 602.6405 addresses the jurisdiction and procedural framework applicable to magistrates within the district court system.
In Des Moines County, the following proceedings are conducted before magistrates and are not courts of record:
- Small claims trials (amounts up to $6,500)
- Simple misdemeanor trials before a magistrate
- Certain scheduled violation proceedings
When a party appeals a magistrate court decision in a matter not of record, the appeal is taken to the Iowa District Court, where the case is heard anew. The district court, by contrast, is a court of record, and all proceedings before a district court judge are subject to transcription and preservation as part of the official court record. Information regarding the structure of Judicial District 8, which includes Des Moines County, is available through the Des Moines County Courts and Juror Information page.