Meade County Court Records

Meade County court records are official trial documents from the Meade County Circuit and Magistrate Courts. These records encompass Meade County arrest records and other files relating to civil and criminal trial cases within Meade County. Court records in Meade County serve as a significant resource for legal proceedings, case outcomes, and ensuring transparency and fairness in the judicial process.

Generally, court records contain but are not limited to the following information:

• Case numbers
• Names of parties involved
• Docket entries
• Evidence/exhibits
• Transcripts
• Motions
• Judgments.

Are Court Records Public in Meade County?

Yes, court records are public in Meade County. Public accessibility to Meade County court records is guaranteed by Chapter 15- 15A of the South Dakota Codified Laws (SDCL). However, there are limitations on public access to some Meade County court records. The public cannot access Meade County court records that violate privacy rights or interfere with judicial proceedings. There are also restrictions to juvenile and sealed or expunged Meade County court records.

Meade County Court Records Search

Meade County court records are accessible online through the South Dakota UJS Public Record Search and third-party websites. Interested individuals may also request copies of Meade County court records through the Meade County Clerk of Court Office. Furthermore, information seekers may use the Public Access Terminals at the Meade County Courthouse to search for Meade County court records. Record seekers should note that accessing certified copies of Meade County court records may require a valid photo ID and fee payments.

Meade County Courts

The Meade County Circuit and Magistrate Courts make up the judiciary. The Meade County Circuit Court is the highest trial court with general jurisdiction over civil and criminal cases. It handles cases beyond the authority of the Meade County Magistrate Court.

The Magistrate Court in Meade County presides over lower-level matters such as misdemeanors and civil disputes under $12,00.00. Below is the contact information for the Meade County Circuit and Magistrate Courts:

Meade County Circuit Court
1425 Sherman Street,
P.O. Box 939,
Sturgis,
SD 57785
Phone: (605) 347-4411
Fax: (605) 347-3526

Meade County Magistrate Court
1425 Sherman Street,
P.O. Box 939,
Sturgis,
SD 57785
Phone: (605) 347-4411
Fax: (605) 347-3526

Meade County Criminal and Civil Records

Meade County criminal records are official documents on Meade County arrest records and other files relating to criminal trials within the Meade County Circuit and Magistrate Courts. On the other hand, Meade County civil records are case files on non-criminal trials. These records encompass documents on family law matters, personal injury lawsuits, breach of contracts, probate, and property disputes.

How to access Meade County civil and criminal records:

• Log in to the South Dakota UJS Public Access Records Search Portal and use the available search criteria to find Meade County criminal records. Note that there is a $20.00 search fee.
• Visit the South Dakota UJS Civil Judgment Records Search Webpage, register, log in, and use the search tools to access Meade County civil records.
• For both civil and criminal records, use the Public Access Terminals at the Meade County Courthouse. Copies of court records cost $.20 per copy.

Alternatively, visit, call, or send mail requests to the Meade County Clerk of Court Office at:

1425 Sherman Street,
P.O. Box 939,
Sturgis,
SD 57785
Phone: (605) 347-4411
Fax: (605) 347-3526
Office hours: 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. & 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday-Friday.

Meade County Marriage Records

Per South Dakota law, marriage records are not open to the public. Only the spouses, immediate family members, and authorized individuals can access Meade County marriage certificates. Applicants must meet eligibility requirements to obtain certified copies of Meade County marriage certificates.

Individuals seeking access to Meade County marriage certificates should download a South Dakota Vital Records Request Form. Complete the form and submit it through mail or in person with the applicable fee ($15.00 per copy), including a valid government-issued photo ID, to the Meade County Register of Deeds Office or the State Vital Records Office.

Meade County Register of Deeds Office
1300 Sherman Street,
Suite 138,
Sturgis,
SD 57785
Phone: (605) 347-2356
Fax: (605) 720-6619
Office Hours: 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday - Friday.

State Vital Records Office
221 West Capitol Avenue
Pierre
SD 57501
Phone: (605) 773-4961

Alternatively, order Meade County marriage certificates online through the South Dakota Department of Health Vital Records Ordering Page.

Meade County Divorce Records

The Meade County Clerk of Court Office maintains divorce records in the county. For privacy reasons, South Dakota law restricts public access to some divorce information, such as social security numbers and financial account details. However, certified copies are only available to the parties involved or legally authorized persons.

Individuals interested in obtaining copies of Meade County divorce records should visit, call, or mail the Meade County Clerk of Court Office at the courthouse. Also, the public can order Meade County divorce certificates through the South Dakota Department of Health Vital Records Ordering Page.

Meade Birth Records

Under South Dakota law, Meade County birth records are confidential and accessible only to the record owners, immediate family members, legal representatives, and authorized individuals. However, Meade County birth certificates become public 100 years after the birth owners.

Meade County birth certificates are legal proof of identity and citizenship. They are also valuable documents for genealogical and medical research. Eligible individuals may order Meade County birth certificates through the South Dakota Department of Health Vital Records Ordering Page.

Also, qualified persons can download the South Dakota Application for a Birth Record Form. Complete the form and submit it with valid proof of identity and a $15.00.00 check or money order (per certified copy) to the State Vital Records Office or the Meade County Register of Deeds Office.

Meade Death Records

In Meade County, death records are private documents. Per South Dakota law, access to certified copies is limited to immediate family members of the deceased, legal representatives, and authorized persons. However, the public may access these records 50 years after their owners’ death. Meade County death records play a significant roles in estate and inheritance claims. They also provide data for genealogical and public health research.

Eligible individuals seeking access to Meade County death certificates should download a South Dakota Application for a Death Record Form. Fill out the form and submit it with the applicable fee and proof of identity to the Meade County Register of Deeds Office or the State Vital Records Office. Alternatively, requesters can order Meade County death certificates through the South Dakota Department of Health Vital Records Ordering Page.

Meade County Probate Court Records

Meade County probate records are official documents relating to trust administration, probate of wills, guardianship, and conservatorship within Meade County, SD.

For Meade County probate court records, records seekers should call, mail, or visit the Meade County Clerk of Court at the courthouse in Sturgis. Requesters should note that fees vary depending on the type of document.

Meade County Property Records

Meade County property records are official documents on real estate transactions, ownership, and legal status. Typically, these records contain information on deeds, mortgages, liens, property transfers, building permits, plat maps, surveys, and encumbrances.

Meade County property records seekers should visit or call the Meade County Register of Deeds. Also, Meade County property tax records, assessments, and valuations are accessible through the Meade County Equalization Office at:

1300 Sherman Street,
Suite 222,
Sturgis,
SD 57785
Phone: (605) 347-3818

Meade County Court Records Online

Meade County Court records are generally accessible online via the South Dakota UJS Public Access Records Search Portal. Third-party online resources such as Southdakotacourtrecords.us often provide 24/7 access to Meade County court records irrespective of location. These private online platforms gather documents from various sources and make them available to interested individuals. Using third-party online repositories to source Meade County public court records saves time and cost of accessing them through government sources. However, users should know that information sourced from non-government repositories may result in incomplete, outdated, and inaccurate information.