Brookings County Court Records

Brookings County court records are official documents containing information about legal proceedings within the county's judicial system. The generation and dissemination of these records is primarily the responsibility of the court clerk in the courthouses where the cases are heard. Court records help to provide transparency and accountability by detailing filings, arguments, and case outcomes, and they can serve as precedents for future legal cases. Public access to these records aligns with South Dakota's commitment to open government.

In Brookings County, South Dakota, court records generally encompass court orders, motions, pleadings, judgments, and dockets.

Are Court Records Public in Brookings County?

Yes, most court records in Brookings County are public, as established by the South Dakota Sunshine Law SDCL § 1-27-1 through § 1-27-48. The law grants the general public access to government records, including court documents, unless explicitly exempt by federal or state law. According to SDCL § 1-27-1.5, the following records are typically exempt from public disclosure:

• Records sealed or deemed confidential by court order.
• Documents containing sensitive personal information that may pose a safety risk.
• Memoranda, personal notes, or drafts prepared by court officials.
• Juvenile court records or cases involving minors.

Brookings County Court Records Search

A Brookings County court records search may be performed via a variety of options depending on the requester's preferences:

Brookings County Clerk of Court Office

The Clerk of Court provides access to court records at the county's courthouse. Public kiosk terminals are available for self-service record searches, and copies can be printed for $0.20 per page. In-person or mail queries may be addressed to:

Brookings County Courthouse
314 6th Avenue, Suite 200
Brookings, SD 57006
Phone: (605) 692-6281

South Dakota Unified Judicial System (SD UJS) Online Resources

The SD UJS offers online systems for accessing specific types of court records, including:

• Public Access Record System (PARS): Using the PARS, inquirers may access criminal records and docket entries by entering the individual's last name and date of birth. Inquirers are typically charged a $20 search fee and provided access to records from 1989 onward
• Civil Judgment Query Portal: On this CJQ portal, users may view judgments for civil cases dating back to 2003. However, inquirers are typically searched per fee.
• eCourts Portal: Here, inquirers can retrieve summary details of civil and criminal cases, including case parties, filed documents, hearing schedules, and judgments.

Third-Party Websites

Certain third-party platforms aggregate public court records for convenience. While they may offer additional search features, accuracy and reliability vary compared to official sources.

Brookings County Courts

The addresses and contact information of the courthouses in Brookings County, South Dakota are as follows:

Brookings County Circuit Court
314 6th Ave
Ste 6
Brookings, SD 57006
Phone: (605) 688-4200
Fax: (605) 688-4952

Brookings County Magistrate Court
314 6th Ave
Ste 6
Brookings, SD 57006
Phone: (605) 688-4200
Fax: (605) 688-4952

Brookings County Criminal and Civil Records

Records for both criminal and civil cases in Brookings County are maintained at the Brookings County Clerk of Court office and online via SD UJS systems. Inquirers may access these records by querying the Clerk's office and providing details of the case of interest—including the date of its filing or judgment, case or docket number, the name(s) of the plaintiff and/or defendant, and details of the prosecutor or defendant and judge.

However, while Brookings criminal court records are maintained by custodians within the judicial system, Brookings criminal records generated before arraignment (such as Brookings arrest records) are disseminated by members of law enforcement. Persons seeking these records may query the Brookings County Sheriff's Office by providing details of the record holder and/or their offense. These requests may be addressed to:

Brookings County Sheriff's Office
315 7th Avenue
Brookings, SD 57006
Phone: (605) 696-8300
Fax: (605) 696-8330

Brookings County Marriage Records

In Brookings County, marriage records are the responsibility of the County Recorder or Register of Deeds Office. However, their dissemination is governed by the provisions of SDCL § 34-25-8. While certified copies are restricted to eligible individuals, informational copies are available to the general public.

Eligible persons may request these records by completing the South Dakota Vital Records Request Form and submitting it along with a fee of $15 and an ID to validate their eligibility. Applications may be submitted in person or via mail to:

Brookings County Recorder
520 3rd Street
Ste 120
Brookings, SD 57006
Phone: (605) 696-8240
Fax: (605) 696-8245

Brookings County Divorce Records

The Brookings County Circuit Clerk of Court is responsible for generating divorce records and processing requests for them. While public access to these records is allowed unless restricted by a court order, only persons with a direct tangible interest in the record may be able to obtain certified copies of the record. Requests for copies can be made during courthouse hours at:

Brookings County Circuit Clerk
314 6th Avenue
Ste 6
Brookings, SD 57006

Brookings County Birth and Death Records

Brookings county birth and death records are vital documents generated following a birth event or the demise of a county resident. The Brookings County Register of Deeds Office is also responsible for managing these vital records, subject to similar access restrictions as marriage and divorce records. Per South Dakota law, inquirers may access certified, informational, or photostatic copies of a birth or death record. However, only the record holder, their direct relative, or legal guardian is authorized to access a certified copy of the record.

Requesting either record involves downloading and completing the South Dakota Vital Records Request Form. The application should be submitted along with a government-issued ID or an equivalent means of identification as well as a fee of $15 per record requested.

Alternatively, inquirers may request these records through the designated third-party partner of the state vital records division or order at (605) 773-4961 with a credit card. It is, however, worth noting that online and telephone orders attract an additional $11.50 in charges for the expedited service.

Brookings County birth and death record requests may be processed by the office of the county register of deeds or the state vital records office at:

South Dakota Department of Health
221 West Capitol Ave
Pierre, SD 57501
Phone: (605) 773-4961
Fax: (605) 773-2680

Brookings County Probate Court Records

Brookings County probate records include wills, estates, and guardianship cases. These records can be accessed at the courthouse via public terminals or by contacting the Clerk of Court directly. Like other public record requests, inquirers must furnish information to facilitate the record search. This may include case details, the parties involved, and filing/judgment dates where applicable.

Brookings County Property Records

The Brookings County Register of Deeds Office also manages property-related records, such as deeds, mortgages, and plats. The Register's office ensures public access to property records and provides in-office assistance to record seekers.

Brookings County Court Records Online

Third-party online resources like Southdakotacourtrecords.us offer a convenient alternative for accessing public Brookings County court records. They provide a user-friendly interface where individuals can search for specific cases by entering relevant details such as case numbers, party names, or dates. These platforms often allow users to view and download court documents directly from their website, saving time and effort. However, such platforms operate independently of any government agency and, as such, may contain inaccurate or outdated information.