Lawrence County Court Records

At the beginning of every court case in Lawrence County, South Dakota, the presiding court creates a file, folder, or other repository where all documents, information, or items generated, filed, or received during the case will be maintained or stored. These materials, broadly referred to as the Lawrence County court records, may include motions, petitions, transcripts, documentary exhibits, interrogatories, answers, bonds, writs, dismissals, and judgments.

As with all other South Dakota court records, Lawrence court records maximize public accessibility to the judicial system, ensuring citizens understand how the courts work. The records also protect litigants' rights, serve as evidence for case appeals, and are useful for enforcing judgments.

Are Court Records Public in Lawrence County?

Yes. Unless a statute, rule, or order expressly exempts particular information or records, court records maintained in Lawrence County are accessible to the public. Chapter 15-15A of South Dakota's Codified Laws, titled the Unified Judicial System Court Records Rule, directs public access to court records. The rule defines the "public" as:

• any person and any business or non-profit entity, organization, or association;
• any governmental agency that has no existing policy, rule, or statute defining its access to court records; and
• media organizations.

Court records restricted from public viewing are outlined in sections 15-15A-7 through 15-15A-13. Examples include:

• Abuse and neglect records
• Trade secrets
• Juvenile court proceedings and records
• Financial documents, such as wage stubs, income tax returns, and credit card statements
• Presentence investigation reports
• Civil case filing statements
• Voluntary termination of parental rights records

Lawrence County Court Records Search

From personal courthouse visits to accessing online databases and sending written correspondence, members of the public have diverse resources or channels for looking up Lawrence County court records through government departments. These approaches (discussed below) cater to different preferences and budgets.

In addition, individuals can find Lawrence court records on privately run databases, which often simplify searches across various U.S. jurisdictions.

Lawrence County Courts

Lawrence County's court system consists of circuit and magistrate courts, which are part of the South Dakota Fourth Judicial Circuit. These courts hear a variety of actions or proceedings, with the circuit court maintaining the broadest authority over civil and criminal cases and the magistrate court authorized to hear select matters—misdemeanor criminal cases and minor civil cases (like small claims).

The circuit and magistrate courts are situated at the address below:

Lawrence County Courthouse
78 Sherman Street
P.O. Box 626
Deadwood, SD 57732
Phone: (605) 578-2040
Fax: (605) 578-1571

Lawrence County Criminal and Civil Records

Cases heard within the Lawrence County judicial system are either civil (non-criminal) or criminal, as explained on the SD Unified Judicial System's website. Information or documents generated from these legal proceedings are known as the civil and criminal court records, respectively.

To inspect or retrieve copies of these records, a person can visit the Lawrence County Courthouse on Sherman Street during standard business hours. Each inquirer will need to possess a party name or case number to look up records at courthouse public access terminals or with staff assistance. They will also need to pay any assessed fees (unless exempt under § 16-2-29). Fees usually apply when requesting record copies, certification, or exemplification.

Alternatively, individuals can utilize a range of search tools on the SD Unified Judicial System's Court Records Access website to view or obtain Lawrence court records, including court hearing dates. Summary case information can typically be accessed at no cost with at least a case party's name or case number, but there may be established fees for printing or downloading case documents.

Those interested in retrieving Lawrence County criminal records from other criminal justice departments can send their fingerprints to the State Attorney General's Identification Section. This section maintains comprehensive Lawrence arrest records and other criminal information received from criminal justice departments across the state. Lawrence criminal records inquiries can also be made to local law enforcement departments, like the Sheriff's office.

Lawrence County Marriage Records

Marriage records, like birth and death records, are classified as Lawrence County vital records and can be retrieved from the Register of Deeds office. An application can be made in person, by mail, or online/Phone: (through a third-party vendor for an additional fee).

Mail and in-person requesters are expected to complete the South Dakota Vital Records Request Form. Below are the Register's physical and mailing addresses:

Physical Address:
90 Sherman Street.
Deadwood, SD 57732

Mailing Address:
P.O. Box 565
Deadwood, SD 57732
Phone: (605) 578-3930
Fax: (605) 722-6212
Email: rod@lawrence.sd.us

Each application should include an acceptable ID (listed on the form) and a $15 fee for each copy. Requesters can obtain certified, informational, and photostatic (certified or informational) copies of Lawrence County marriage records. However, South Dakota is a closed vital record state, so only specific individuals can obtain a certified copy of a Lawrence County marriage certificate. All other persons may request informational copies.

Lawrence County Divorce Records

The government office that a person queries for a Lawrence County divorce record depends on the type of record they seek.

For divorce decrees and other case documents/information generated during divorce proceedings, one can visit the local county courthouse or search the SD Unified Judicial System's Court Records Access website.

On the other hand, persons seeking a Lawrence County divorce certificate can submit record requests in person, online, by mail, or over the phone to the South Dakota Health Department. Each divorce certificate costs $15.

Lawrence County Birth Records

Birth records in Lawrence County are vital records that can be used to verify a person's identity, enroll in school, obtain health insurance, and more. They also present statistical information essential for conducting scientific or academic research and allocating public funds.

The Lawrence County Register of the Deeds is the primary custodian of Lawrence County birth records, and individuals can submit a completed South Dakota Vital Records Request Form with a valid ID to obtain such records. Each Lawrence County birth certificate costs $15 to order. However, only eligible parties, like the registrant, their spouse, parents, and children, can receive certified copies.

Lawrence County Death Records

Lawrence County death records are important for verifying a person's deceased status, especially when sharing a person's assets or claiming life insurance benefits. Informational and certified copies of these records can be retrieved from the county's Register of Deeds office after completing and submitting the South Dakota Vital Records Request Form, along with proper documentation/ID and the copy fee.

Each death certificate costs $15, regardless of whether the requester orders a certified or informational (plain) copy. However, only parties recognized by state law can obtain a certified copy.

Lawrence County Probate Court Records

The Lawrence County Circuit Court oversees probate and guardianship proceedings in the region. To view a probate court record on a public access terminal, a person can stop by the county courthouse during regular business hours. The party can also ask staff to reproduce or certify documents on their behalf.

Individuals who cannot make a personal visit can look up probate cases using search tools on the SD Unified Judicial System's Court Records Access website. To look up electronic records, users will require at least a party name or case number.

Lawrence County Property Records

The Register of Deeds office in Lawrence County archives property records, which date back to 1879 and include deeds, mortgages, assignments, plats, surveys, liens, contracts, leases, etc. To order such records from the Register, a person may stop by during regular business hours or contact the office. The Register's Fee Schedule outlines the applicable search and copy costs.

Another way to find property records in Lawrence County is by accessing the county's Property Search site. Searches can be conducted by owner name, parcel number, or property address. No charge is assessed to view property information on the website, but users may need to subscribe for comprehensive records access.

Lawrence County Court Records Online

Members of the public can utilize third-party services that compile Lawrence County public records to find case records maintained by the Lawrence County courts. An example is Southdakotacourtrecords.us.

Similar to government repositories, individuals require at least a person's first and last name or a case number to search a third-party database. Further, users may not only find other local public records, like the Lawrence County arrest records, on such websites but also public records from other U.S. jurisdictions.

However, caution should be exercised with third-party access, as the information received may be outdated or inaccurate.