Tooele County Court Records
What Is Tooele County Court Records
Court records in Tooele County encompass all official documentation generated during legal proceedings within the county's court system. Pursuant to Utah Code § 63G-2-103, these records constitute public documents maintained by government entities for official purposes. Court records typically include case files, dockets, pleadings, motions, orders, judgments, transcripts, exhibits, and sentencing information.
These judicial documents differ from other public records such as:
- Property records (deeds, mortgages, liens)
- Vital records (birth, death, marriage certificates)
- Business records (licenses, permits)
- Tax records
The Utah State Courts maintain various types of court records in Tooele County through several judicial bodies:
- Third District Court (general jurisdiction)
- Tooele County Justice Court (limited jurisdiction)
- Tooele City Justice Court (limited jurisdiction)
- Grantsville City Justice Court (limited jurisdiction)
- Stockton Justice Court (limited jurisdiction)
- Wendover Justice Court (limited jurisdiction)
Court records in Tooele County document proceedings across multiple case types including civil litigation, criminal prosecutions, family law matters, probate cases, traffic violations, and small claims disputes. The Utah Division of Archives and Records Service serves as the official repository for historical court records from Tooele County dating back to 1896.
Are Court Records Public In Tooele County
Court records in Tooele County are generally accessible to the public in accordance with the Government Records Access and Management Act (GRAMA) and Utah's constitutional commitment to open courts. Under Utah Code § 63G-2-201, the public has the right to inspect and obtain copies of public records during normal business hours, subject to certain exceptions.
The following court records are typically available for public inspection:
- Most civil case files
- Criminal case files (post-charging)
- Judgments and orders
- Docket sheets
- Hearing schedules
- Court calendars
However, certain records may be restricted or sealed pursuant to Utah Code § 63G-2-305, which outlines protected records classifications. These may include:
- Juvenile court records (with limited exceptions)
- Sealed adoption proceedings
- Mental health evaluations
- Records protected by court order
- Cases involving minors as victims
- Certain domestic violence matters
The Utah Judicial Council has established specific rules governing public access to court records through the Utah Rules of Judicial Administration, particularly Rule 4-202. These rules balance the public's right to access with privacy concerns and the administration of justice.
Federal court records for cases heard in the U.S. District Court for the District of Utah are governed by federal access policies rather than state regulations.
How To Find Court Records in Tooele County in 2026
Members of the public seeking court records in Tooele County may utilize several methods to locate and access these documents. The following procedures are currently in effect:
In-Person Requests:
- Visit the appropriate courthouse where the case was filed
- Complete a records request form at the clerk's office
- Provide case number or party names for search assistance
- Pay applicable copy fees ($0.25 per page currently)
- Allow time for staff to retrieve records from storage if older than 2 years
Third District Court of Tooele County
74 South 100 East, Suite 14
Tooele, UT 84074
435-833-8000
Utah State Courts
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Written Requests:
- Submit a written request to the court clerk
- Include case number, party names, and filing date if known
- Specify documents needed (entire file or specific documents)
- Provide contact information and preferred delivery method
- Enclose payment for copy and certification fees if applicable
Online Access:
- Access the Utah Courts Xchange system for case information
- Register for an account if first-time user
- Search by case number, party name, or citation number
- Review available case information and document listings
- Request copies of specific documents if needed
For historical court records (older than 50 years), contact:
Utah State Archives and Records Service
346 South Rio Grande Street
Salt Lake City, UT 84101
801-531-3800
Utah Division of Archives and Records Service
Hours: Monday-Friday, 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
How To Look Up Court Records in Tooele County Online?
Tooele County residents and interested parties may access court records through several online portals maintained by the Utah State Courts. These digital resources provide varying levels of case information depending on the court and case type.
Utah Courts Xchange System: The Xchange public case search serves as the primary repository for district and justice court case information in Tooele County. Users must:
- Create an account and purchase a subscription
- Log in to the secure portal
- Select search parameters (name, case number, date range)
- Review case summaries, docket entries, and party information
- Note that document images are not available through this system
MyCase Portal: The MyCase online system allows parties to their own cases to:
- Register with a valid email address
- Verify identity through the secure portal
- Access case documents, hearing dates, and judgment information
- File certain documents electronically
- Receive electronic notifications about case developments
Utah Court Calendars: Public hearing schedules for Tooele County courts are available through:
- The Utah Courts website
- Selection of specific court location
- Viewing daily or weekly calendars
- Filtering by judge or case type
Justice Court Records: The Tooele County Justice Court provides limited online access to:
- Case status information
- Fine payment options
- Hearing schedules
- Citation lookup tools
For comprehensive access to document images and complete case files, in-person requests remain necessary at the respective courthouse.
How To Search Tooele County Court Records for Free?
Utah law provides for free public inspection of court records pursuant to Utah Code § 63G-2-203, which states that "a governmental entity may not charge a fee for reviewing a record to determine whether it is subject to disclosure." Several no-cost options exist for accessing Tooele County court records:
Free In-Person Inspection:
- Visit the appropriate courthouse during regular business hours
- Request to view specific case files at the clerk's office
- Present identification and complete any required forms
- Review records in designated public areas
- Note that while inspection is free, copy fees apply ($0.25 per page)
Public Access Terminals: The Third District Court in Tooele provides computer terminals for free public use to:
- Search case information in the Xchange system
- View basic case details and docket entries
- Check hearing schedules and judge assignments
- Determine filing dates and party information
Free Online Resources:
- Utah Courts Calendar Search - Free access to court schedules
- Utah Courts Case Search - Limited free case information
- Utah State Archives Court Records Guide - Free historical court record indexes
Public Law Library Access: The Utah State Law Library provides free access to:
- Legal research databases
- Court rules and procedures
- Assistance locating publicly available court records
- Reference services for self-represented litigants
While comprehensive document access may require payment of copy fees or subscription costs, these free options provide basic case information to the public in accordance with Utah's commitment to governmental transparency.
What's Included in a Tooele County Court Record?
Court records in Tooele County contain various documents depending on the case type and court of jurisdiction. Pursuant to Utah Rules of Judicial Administration Rule 4-202, a complete court record typically includes:
Case Initiation Documents:
- Complaints or petitions
- Summonses and returns of service
- Information or indictments (criminal cases)
- Filing fee receipts
- Case assignment notices
Procedural Documents:
- Motions and supporting memoranda
- Responses and replies to motions
- Court orders and rulings
- Notices of hearing
- Certificates of readiness for trial
- Subpoenas and witness lists
- Jury instructions (if applicable)
Evidentiary Materials:
- Affidavits and declarations
- Exhibits admitted into evidence
- Deposition transcripts filed with the court
- Expert witness reports
- Financial declarations (family law cases)
- Discovery documents filed with the court
Disposition Documents:
- Judgments and decrees
- Findings of fact and conclusions of law
- Settlement agreements approved by the court
- Dismissal orders
- Verdicts (jury or bench trials)
- Sentencing orders (criminal cases)
- Probation terms and conditions
Post-Judgment Documents:
- Appeals notices and bonds
- Satisfaction of judgment notices
- Collection efforts documentation
- Modification requests
- Enforcement orders
- Probation violation reports
Administrative Records:
- Docket sheets (chronological case histories)
- Judge assignment notices
- Recusal or disqualification orders
- Fee waiver applications and orders
- Interpreter requests
The completeness of court records varies by case age, with older records sometimes archived or stored in microfilm format at the Utah Division of Archives and Records Service.
How Long Does Tooele County Keep Court Records?
Tooele County courts retain records according to schedules established by the Utah Judicial Council and the Utah State Archives. These retention periods vary by record type and are governed by Utah Code § 63G-2-604, which mandates the creation and implementation of retention schedules for government records.
District Court Records:
- Felony case files: 75 years after case closure
- Civil case files: 20 years after case closure
- Domestic relations cases: 30 years after case closure
- Probate cases: Permanent retention
- Adoption records: Permanent retention
- Mental health commitment records: 10 years after case closure
- Small claims cases: 6 years after case closure
- Traffic cases: 3 years after case closure
Justice Court Records:
- Criminal misdemeanor cases: 10 years after case closure
- Traffic violations: 3 years after case closure
- Small claims: 6 years after case closure
- Civil cases: 7 years after case closure
Administrative Records:
- Court dockets: Permanent retention
- Judgment indexes: Permanent retention
- Court minutes: Permanent retention
- Administrative orders: Permanent retention
- Financial records: 7 years after fiscal year
After the designated retention period expires, non-permanent records may be destroyed according to approved disposition procedures. Records with historical value are transferred to the Utah State Archives for permanent preservation and eventual public access.
Digital court records are subject to the same retention requirements as paper records, though the storage medium differs. The Utah Judicial Council periodically reviews and updates retention schedules to ensure compliance with changing legal requirements and technological capabilities.
Types of Courts In Tooele County
Tooele County's judicial system consists of several courts with varying jurisdictions and authority levels. Each court handles specific case types as defined by Utah law.
Third District Court of Tooele County
74 South 100 East, Suite 14
Tooele, UT 84074
435-833-8000
Utah State Courts
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Tooele County Justice Court
74 South 100 East, Suite 12
Tooele, UT 84074
435-843-3140
Tooele County Justice Court
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Tooele City Justice Court
74 East 100 North
Tooele, UT 84074
435-843-2100
Tooele City Justice Court
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Grantsville City Justice Court
429 East Main Street
Grantsville, UT 84029
435-884-4602
Grantsville City Justice Court
Hours: Monday-Friday, 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Stockton Justice Court
18 North Johnson Street
Stockton, UT 84071
435-882-3877
Stockton Justice Court
Hours: Tuesday and Thursday, 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Wendover Justice Court
920 East Wendover Boulevard
Wendover, UT 84083
435-665-7030
Wendover Justice Court
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
The court hierarchy in Utah proceeds from Justice Courts to District Courts, then to the Utah Court of Appeals, and finally to the Utah Supreme Court. Appeals from Tooele County Justice Courts are heard by the Third District Court, while appeals from the District Court proceed to the Utah Court of Appeals or, in certain cases, directly to the Utah Supreme Court.
What Types of Cases Do Tooele County Courts Hear?
Tooele County's various courts adjudicate different types of cases according to their statutory jurisdiction as established by Utah law. Each court level handles specific matters based on case type and severity.
Third District Court:
- Felony criminal cases (all classes)
- Civil matters exceeding $11,000
- Domestic relations cases (divorce, custody, support)
- Probate and guardianship proceedings
- Real property disputes
- Administrative agency appeals
- Juvenile matters (through specialized juvenile court division)
- Tort claims and personal injury lawsuits
- Complex commercial litigation
- Appeals from justice courts
Justice Courts:
- Class B and C misdemeanors
- Infractions
- Traffic violations
- Small claims cases (up to $11,000)
- Local ordinance violations
- Preliminary hearings in felony cases
- Protective orders and stalking injunctions
- Search and arrest warrants
Specialized Proceedings: The Third District Court also conducts specialized proceedings including:
- Drug court programs
- Mental health court
- Veterans court
- Domestic violence court
- Eviction proceedings
- Name changes
- Adoptions
- Civil stalking injunctions
- Commitment proceedings
Case assignment within the Third District Court follows an automated rotation system to ensure equitable distribution among judges. Justice courts are typically presided over by a single justice court judge appointed by the local municipal authority.
All courts in Tooele County operate under the administrative oversight of the Utah Judicial Council and must adhere to uniform rules of procedure established by the Utah Supreme Court pursuant to its constitutional authority.
How To Find a Court Docket In Tooele County
Court dockets in Tooele County provide chronological listings of all actions taken in a case and are accessible through several methods. These official records track case progression from filing through disposition.
Online Docket Access:
- Visit the Utah Courts Xchange portal
- Create an account or log in with existing credentials
- Search by case number, party name, or citation number
- Select the desired case from search results
- View the docket tab for chronological case history
- Note that subscription fees apply for full access
In-Person Docket Review:
- Visit the clerk's office at the appropriate courthouse
- Provide case information to the deputy clerk
- Request to view the docket sheet or register of actions
- Review the information on public access terminals
- Request printed copies if needed (fees apply)
Current Court Calendars: For upcoming hearings and proceedings:
- Access the Utah Courts Calendar Search
- Select Tooele County and the specific court
- Choose the desired date range
- View scheduled hearings by judge or case type
- Note that calendars typically show 30-60 days of scheduled proceedings
MyCase Portal: Parties to active cases can access their own dockets through:
- The MyCase online system
- Registration with case number and personal information
- Secure login to view case status and history
- Electronic notification options for docket updates
For historical dockets (pre-2000), researchers may need to contact:
Utah State Archives and Records Service
346 South Rio Grande Street
Salt Lake City, UT 84101
801-531-3800
Utah Division of Archives and Records Service
Hours: Monday-Friday, 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Which Courts in Tooele County Are Not Courts of Record?
In Tooele County, justice courts operate as "courts not of record" pursuant to Utah Code § 78A-7-103. This designation indicates that these courts do not maintain verbatim transcripts of proceedings, and appeals from their decisions result in de novo trials (completely new proceedings) rather than reviews of the original case record.
The following Tooele County courts function as courts not of record:
Tooele County Justice Court
74 South 100 East, Suite 12
Tooele, UT 84074
435-843-3140
Tooele County Justice Court
Tooele City Justice Court
74 East 100 North
Tooele, UT 84074
435-843-2100
Tooele City Justice Court
Grantsville City Justice Court
429 East Main Street
Grantsville, UT 84029
435-884-4602
Grantsville City Justice Court
Stockton Justice Court
18 North Johnson Street
Stockton, UT 84071
435-882-3877
Stockton Justice Court
Wendover Justice Court
920 East Wendover Boulevard
Wendover, UT 84083
435-665-7030
Wendover Justice Court
As courts not of record, these justice courts:
- Do not create verbatim transcripts of proceedings
- Maintain case files and docket entries but not word-for-word records
- Have decisions that may be appealed to the district court for a completely new trial
- Process cases more informally than courts of record
- Often handle matters without parties having legal representation
In contrast, the Third District Court of Tooele County operates as a court of record, maintaining official transcripts of all proceedings through court reporters or digital recording systems. Appeals from the district court are based on the official record created during the original proceedings.