Court records in Dubuque County, Iowa can be searched through several channels. DubuqueCourt.us can help you find publicly available information about court cases filed in the county. You can also search docket records through the Iowa Courts Online system, visit the Clerk of Court office at the Dubuque County Courthouse, or use public access terminals available at the courthouse. These resources cover civil, criminal, traffic, family, and probate filings.
Dubuque Court System & Jurisdictions
Dubuque County is part of Iowa Judicial District 1. Iowa's court system is unified, meaning the District Court serves as the trial court of general jurisdiction. There are no separate county-level courts for different case types — all matters are handled within the District Court structure, with cases assigned to different divisions.
Case Types Handled by the District Court
- Criminal cases: Felonies, aggravated misdemeanors, serious misdemeanors, and simple misdemeanors
- Civil cases: Lawsuits involving monetary disputes, contract claims, and equity actions
- Small claims: Civil disputes involving $6,500 or less, heard by magistrates
- Traffic and scheduled violations: Moving violations, OWI charges, and other traffic offenses
- Family law: Divorce, custody, child support, paternity, and protective orders
- Probate: Estates, guardianships, conservatorships, and trust matters
- Juvenile: Delinquency, child-in-need-of-assistance (CINA), and termination of parental rights cases
Magistrates within the District Court handle small claims, simple misdemeanors, certain search warrants, and initial appearances. District associate judges hear more serious misdemeanors, some felony preliminary hearings, and certain civil matters. District judges preside over felonies, major civil cases, family law, and probate.
The Juvenile Court Office is located at 350 W 6th St, Ste 215, Dubuque, IA 52001 (phone: 563-589-7831). Juvenile records are generally confidential under Iowa law.
Dubuque Court Calendar & Upcoming Hearings
Court calendars for Dubuque County are managed through the Iowa Judicial Branch. To find today's, tomorrow's, or this week's scheduled hearings:
- Visit the Dubuque County page on the Iowa Judicial Branch website for general court information and contact details.
- Use the Iowa Courts Online search to look up a specific case number and view scheduled events on the docket.
- Call the Dubuque County Clerk of Court at (563) 589-4418 to ask about upcoming hearings for a particular case.
Iowa does not publish a single public-facing daily calendar portal for all hearings. If you need to confirm a hearing date, searching by case number online or contacting the clerk's office directly are the most reliable options. For parole-related hearings, the Iowa Board of Parole maintains a separate hearing schedule.
How to Get a Copy of a Dubuque Court Document
Court documents in Dubuque County can be obtained through three main channels:
Online
Parties in a case can access their own filings and documents through the Iowa Judicial Branch Electronic Document Management System (EDMS). The public can search docket information through Iowa Courts Online, though full document downloads may be limited to case parties and attorneys.
In Person
Visit the Dubuque County Clerk of Court office at the courthouse. Bring the case number or the names of the parties involved. You can request either certified or uncertified copies:
- Uncertified copies are plain reproductions of court documents, suitable for personal reference.
- Certified copies include an official seal and signature from the Clerk of Court, required for legal proceedings, real estate transactions, or filings in other courts.
By Mail
Send a written request to the Clerk of Court with the case number, document description, and a check or money order for the applicable fees. Include a self-addressed stamped envelope for return delivery.
Dubuque County Clerk of Court
Note that district court case records and filings are only available by contacting the clerk of court office in the county where the case was filed. Certain records — including juvenile cases, sealed records, and some family law filings — may be restricted from public access under Iowa Court Rules, Chapter 16.
To check whether a warrant has been issued, you can call the Dubuque County Clerk of Court at (563) 589-4418.
Dubuque Court Records Fees & Payment
Fees for court record services in Iowa are set by statute under Iowa Code Chapter 602.8105. The following table reflects common fees. Contact the Clerk of Court to confirm current amounts before submitting a request.
| Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| Certified copy of a court document | $20.00 for certification plus per-page copy charges |
| Copy of court records (per page) | $1.00 per page |
| Court record search (by clerk) | $6.00 |
| Exemplified copy | $20.00 plus copy charges |
| Filing a civil petition (law or equity) | $85.00 |
| Small claims filing | $30.00 |
Payment Methods
- In person: Cash, check, money order, or credit/debit card
- By mail: Check or money order payable to "Dubuque County Clerk of Court"
- Online: Fees for electronic filings can be paid with a credit or debit card through the Iowa Judicial Branch eFiling system
Fees are subject to change by legislative action. For the most current fee schedule, contact the Clerk of Court at (563) 589-4418 or check the Iowa Judicial Branch website.