Minnehaha County Court Records
What Is Minnehaha County Court Records
Court records in Minnehaha County encompass all official documentation generated during legal proceedings within the county's jurisdiction. These records constitute a comprehensive archive of judicial activities maintained by the South Dakota Unified Judicial System and include case files, dockets, pleadings, motions, orders, judgments, transcripts, exhibits, and sentencing records.
Pursuant to South Dakota Codified Law § 15-15A-7, court records are defined as "all documents of any nature filed in connection with any matter before any court." These records are distinct from other public records such as:
- Property records (maintained by the Register of Deeds)
- Vital records (birth, death, marriage certificates)
- Tax records
- Voter registration information
In Minnehaha County, court records are maintained by several judicial bodies:
- Circuit Court (Second Judicial Circuit)
- Magistrate Court
- Small Claims Court
- Probate Court
These courts handle various matters including civil litigation, criminal proceedings, family law cases, probate matters, and traffic violations. The Minnehaha County Clerk of Courts serves as the official custodian of these records, responsible for their maintenance, preservation, and public accessibility in accordance with state law.
Are Court Records Public In Minnehaha County
Court records in Minnehaha County are generally accessible to the public under South Dakota's open records laws. According to South Dakota Codified Law § 1-27-1, "all records of public agencies are open to inspection by the public during normal business hours," which includes court records maintained by the judicial system.
The following court records are typically available for public inspection:
- Civil case files
- Criminal case files (post-charging)
- Judgments and orders
- Docket sheets
- Hearing schedules
- Small claims cases
- Probate matters
However, certain records may be restricted or sealed pursuant to SDCL § 15-15A-8, which outlines exceptions to public access. These exceptions include:
- Adoption records
- Mental health proceedings
- Juvenile records (with limited exceptions)
- Records sealed by court order
- Grand jury proceedings
- Certain domestic violence and protection order cases
- Social security numbers and financial account information
The South Dakota Unified Judicial System has established specific rules governing public access to court records, balancing transparency with privacy concerns. It is important to note that federal court records for cases heard in the U.S. District Court for the District of South Dakota are governed by federal access policies rather than state regulations.
How To Find Court Records in Minnehaha County in 2026
Members of the public seeking court records in Minnehaha County may utilize several methods to locate and access these documents. The county currently offers both in-person and online options for record retrieval.
For in-person requests:
- Visit the Minnehaha County Clerk of Courts office during regular business hours
- Complete a record request form, specifying the case number or party names
- Present valid identification
- Pay applicable copy fees ($1.00 per page for standard copies)
- Wait for staff to retrieve the requested documents
Minnehaha County Clerk of Courts
425 N. Dakota Avenue
Sioux Falls, SD 57104-2470
605-367-5920
Minnehaha County Clerk of Courts
Office Hours: 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (Monday-Friday)
For certified copies of court documents, requestors must:
- Submit a written request specifying the documents needed
- Include case number and names of parties involved
- Pay the certification fee ($5.00 per document plus copy fees)
- Provide a self-addressed stamped envelope for mail requests
Bulk record requests or requests requiring extensive research may incur additional fees and processing time. The Clerk's office requires advance notice for voluminous requests.
For expedited service, the South Dakota Unified Judicial System offers online access options through their public portal, which provides a more efficient method for retrieving many court records.
How To Look Up Court Records in Minnehaha County Online?
Minnehaha County offers comprehensive online access to court records through several digital platforms maintained by the South Dakota Unified Judicial System. These resources allow for remote retrieval of many court documents without visiting the courthouse.
The primary online resources include:
-
South Dakota Public Access Portal
- Provides access to civil, criminal, and traffic case information
- Allows searches by party name, case number, or attorney
- Displays case summaries, charges, dispositions, and scheduled hearings
- Available at South Dakota Unified Judicial System
-
UJS Find Court Date
- Specialized tool for locating upcoming court appearances
- Searchable by defendant name or case number
- Displays hearing date, time, location, and presiding judge
- Accessible through the UJS Find Court Date portal
-
South Dakota Court Records Search
- Comprehensive database of court records
- Requires free registration for basic searches
- Premium subscription available for enhanced access
- Includes document images for certain case types
To conduct an online search:
- Navigate to the appropriate portal
- Select Minnehaha County from the jurisdiction dropdown
- Enter search criteria (name, case number, date range)
- Review search results and select specific cases for detailed information
- Pay any applicable fees for document downloads
Certain limitations apply to online searches, including:
- Sealed or confidential cases are not displayed
- Some older records may not be digitized
- Document images may require in-person retrieval
- Juvenile cases are generally not accessible online
For technical assistance with online searches, users may contact the South Dakota Unified Judicial System Help Desk at 605-773-4173.
How To Search Minnehaha County Court Records for Free?
Minnehaha County provides several options for accessing court records without payment, in accordance with South Dakota Codified Law § 1-27-1, which guarantees the public's right to inspect government records.
Free access methods include:
-
In-Person Inspection
- Visit the Minnehaha County Clerk of Courts office
- Request to view specific case files
- Examine documents on-site without charge
- Note that copying fees still apply ($1.00 per page)
-
Public Access Terminals
- Computer workstations available at the courthouse
- Provide free access to the court's electronic case management system
- Allow viewing of non-confidential case information
- Located in the public lobby area of the courthouse
-
Basic Online Case Information
- Limited case information available through the South Dakota Unified Judicial System website
- Free registration provides access to case summaries and docket information
- Includes party names, case types, and hearing dates
- Does not include document images or detailed case notes
-
Court Calendar Information
- Free access to upcoming court schedules
- Searchable by date, courtroom, or judge
- Available through the UJS Find Court Date portal
- Includes hearing types and scheduled times
While basic record searches are free, certain services do incur fees:
- Document copies ($1.00 per page)
- Certified copies ($5.00 certification fee plus copy costs)
- Extensive research requests ($20.00 per hour after first hour)
- Document delivery by mail or fax (additional handling fees)
For indigent individuals or those qualifying for fee waivers, the court may reduce or eliminate certain fees upon submission of a fee waiver application and demonstration of financial hardship.
What's Included in a Minnehaha County Court Record?
Minnehaha County court records contain comprehensive documentation of legal proceedings, with contents varying by case type. A typical court record file includes several standard components as well as case-specific documents.
Standard components found in most court records include:
- Case Cover Sheet - Basic identifying information including case number, filing date, parties involved, and case type
- Docket Sheet - Chronological index of all filings and court actions
- Summons or Complaint - Initial document that commences legal action
- Service of Process Documentation - Proof that parties received legal notice
- Motions and Pleadings - Formal written requests to the court
- Court Orders and Judgments - Official decisions and directives issued by judges
- Hearing Transcripts - Verbatim records of court proceedings (when prepared)
- Exhibits - Evidence presented during hearings or trials
- Financial Records - Documentation of fees, fines, and payments
For criminal cases, additional documents typically include:
- Charging documents (indictments or information)
- Arrest warrants and returns
- Bond/bail information
- Pre-sentence investigation reports (may be confidential)
- Sentencing orders
- Probation terms and conditions
- Criminal history information (may be restricted)
Civil case records often contain:
- Settlement agreements (unless sealed)
- Affidavits and declarations
- Discovery documents filed with the court
- Expert witness reports
- Judgments and collection information
Family court records may include:
- Parenting plans
- Child support worksheets and orders
- Financial declarations
- Custody evaluations (often confidential)
- Divorce decrees
- Property division agreements
Probate records typically contain:
- Wills and codicils
- Inventories of assets
- Creditor claims
- Distribution plans
- Letters of administration or testamentary
Pursuant to SDCL § 15-15A-9, certain sensitive information is redacted from public court records, including social security numbers, financial account numbers, and information about minors.
How Long Does Minnehaha County Keep Court Records?
Minnehaha County maintains court records according to retention schedules established by the South Dakota Unified Judicial System under the authority of SDCL § 15-15A-5. These schedules vary by case type and document importance, balancing historical preservation needs with practical storage limitations.
The standard retention periods for major case types are:
Criminal Cases:
- Felony cases: Permanent retention for Class A, B, and C felonies
- Class 1 and 2 felonies: 50 years after case closure
- Other felonies: 25 years after case closure
- Misdemeanors: 10 years after case closure
- Traffic violations: 3 years after case closure
Civil Cases:
- Major civil litigation: 20 years after final disposition
- Small claims: 10 years after judgment
- Domestic relations (divorce, custody): 50 years
- Protection orders: 20 years
- Probate matters: 25 years after estate closing
- Guardianships/conservatorships: 10 years after termination
Special Categories:
- Adoption records: Permanent retention
- Mental health commitments: 25 years
- Juvenile delinquency: Until subject reaches age 25, then destroyed
- Child abuse/neglect: Permanent retention
For cases of historical significance, the Minnehaha County Historical Society may designate certain records for permanent preservation regardless of standard retention periods.
Digital records are subject to the same retention requirements as paper records, though the storage format may change over time due to technological advancements. The court system periodically migrates electronic records to current formats to ensure continued accessibility.
After the designated retention period expires, records may be destroyed according to approved disposition procedures. However, case index information is typically retained permanently even after the destruction of the underlying case files.
Types of Courts In Minnehaha County
Minnehaha County's judicial system operates within South Dakota's unified court structure, with several court types serving different jurisdictional functions. Each court handles specific case types according to state law.
Second Judicial Circuit Court
425 N. Dakota Avenue
Sioux Falls, SD 57104
605-367-5920
Second Judicial Circuit Court
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
The Circuit Court is Minnehaha County's court of general jurisdiction, handling felony criminal cases, civil matters exceeding $12,000, domestic relations cases, probate proceedings, and appeals from lower courts. Seven circuit judges preside over cases in this court.
Magistrate Court
425 N. Dakota Avenue
Sioux Falls, SD 57104
605-367-5920
Magistrate Court
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Magistrate Court handles preliminary hearings in felony cases, misdemeanor offenses, small claims (under $12,000), traffic violations, and initial appearances. Three magistrate judges serve in this capacity.
Small Claims Court
425 N. Dakota Avenue
Sioux Falls, SD 57104
605-367-5920
Small Claims Court
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Small Claims Court provides an expedited, simplified process for civil disputes involving claims up to $12,000. Proceedings are less formal, and parties typically represent themselves without attorneys.
The court hierarchy in South Dakota proceeds from Magistrate Courts to Circuit Courts, then to the South Dakota Supreme Court. Unlike some states, South Dakota does not have an intermediate appellate court. Appeals from Minnehaha County Circuit Court decisions go directly to the South Dakota Supreme Court in Pierre.
All courts in Minnehaha County operate under the administrative oversight of the South Dakota Unified Judicial System, which establishes rules, procedures, and standards for court operations statewide.
What Types of Cases Do Minnehaha County Courts Hear?
Minnehaha County courts adjudicate a diverse range of legal matters according to jurisdictional authority established by South Dakota law. Each court level is designated to handle specific case types based on severity, monetary value, and subject matter.
Circuit Court Cases:
- Felony criminal prosecutions
- Civil litigation exceeding $12,000
- Domestic relations matters (divorce, custody, support)
- Probate and estate administration
- Guardianships and conservatorships
- Real property disputes
- Appeals from Magistrate Court
- Complex business litigation
- Tort claims and personal injury lawsuits
- Mental health commitments
- Adoption proceedings
- Name change petitions
Magistrate Court Cases:
- Misdemeanor criminal offenses
- Preliminary hearings in felony cases
- Civil disputes under $12,000
- Traffic violations
- DUI/DWI offenses
- Protection and restraining orders
- Initial appearances and bond hearings
- Search warrant applications
- Municipal ordinance violations
- Fish and game violations
- Landlord-tenant disputes
- Small claims proceedings
Small Claims Court Cases:
- Consumer disputes
- Property damage claims
- Contract disagreements
- Collection matters
- Repair disputes
- Security deposit conflicts
- Minor personal injury claims
Case assignment within the Minnehaha County court system follows established protocols based on case type, with certain specialized matters directed to judges with relevant expertise. For example, complex business litigation may be assigned to judges with commercial law experience, while family law matters may be directed to judges specializing in domestic relations.
The South Dakota Unified Judicial System maintains statistical data on caseloads and dispositions, with Minnehaha County consistently ranking as one of the busiest jurisdictions in the state due to its population density and status as home to Sioux Falls, South Dakota's largest city.
How To Find a Court Docket In Minnehaha County
Court dockets in Minnehaha County provide a chronological listing of all scheduled hearings, filings, and judicial actions in a case. These records are essential for tracking case progress and determining upcoming court dates. Several methods exist for accessing docket information.
To access court dockets electronically:
- Visit the South Dakota Unified Judicial System website
- Select "Search Court Records" from the available options
- Register for an account if you don't already have one
- Choose "Minnehaha County" from the jurisdiction dropdown
- Enter search criteria (case number, party name, or date range)
- Review the docket sheet for the selected case
For upcoming court appearances specifically:
- Navigate to the UJS Find Court Date portal
- Select Minnehaha County from the location options
- Enter the defendant's name or case number
- View scheduled hearings, including date, time, and courtroom
To access dockets in person:
- Visit the Minnehaha County Clerk of Courts office
- Complete a docket search request form
- Provide case information or party names
- Pay applicable search fees if required
- Review docket information on public access terminals
For attorneys and registered legal professionals, enhanced docket access is available through:
- The South Dakota Court Information System (SDCIS)
- Secure login with bar credentials
- Advanced search capabilities and notification options
- Integration with calendaring systems
Daily court calendars listing all scheduled proceedings are posted:
- On bulletin boards near courtroom entrances
- At the Clerk of Courts public counter
- On the Minnehaha County website
Docket information typically includes:
- Case number and filing date
- Party names and attorney information
- Scheduled hearing dates and times
- Assigned judge
- Filing history with document descriptions
- Case status and pending motions
For assistance with docket searches, contact the Minnehaha County Clerk of Courts at 605-367-5920 during regular business hours.
Which Courts in Minnehaha County Are Not Courts of Record?
In Minnehaha County's judicial system, certain courts do not maintain official verbatim records of proceedings, classifying them as "courts not of record" under South Dakota law. This distinction affects appeal procedures and the preservation of testimony.
According to SDCL § 16-12A-1, courts not of record in Minnehaha County include:
- Small Claims Court
- Certain limited proceedings in Magistrate Court
These courts are characterized by:
- No official court reporter present during proceedings
- No verbatim transcript automatically created
- Simplified procedures designed for pro se litigants
- Decisions appealable "de novo" (completely new trial) to Circuit Court
- Less formal evidentiary and procedural rules
- Focus on expedited resolution of minor matters
Small Claims Court is the primary court not of record in Minnehaha County. In this forum:
- Proceedings are conducted informally
- Judges explain procedures to unrepresented parties
- Rules of evidence are relaxed
- No attorneys are required (though they may appear)
- Monetary claims are limited to $12,000 or less
- Appeals result in completely new trials in Circuit Court
While these courts do not create verbatim transcripts, they do maintain:
- Case files with written pleadings
- Judgment forms documenting decisions
- Financial records of payments and disbursements
- Basic docket entries showing case events
The distinction between courts of record and courts not of record is significant for appeal purposes. When appealing from a court not of record, the higher court conducts a completely new trial rather than reviewing the lower court's proceedings for errors. This provides litigants with a fresh opportunity to present their case.
For matters of significant legal or financial importance, parties may wish to bypass courts not of record and file directly in Circuit Court, which maintains complete records of all proceedings.
Lookup Court Records in Minnehaha County
South Dakota Court Records Access
Minnehaha County Official Website