Davis County Court Records

What Is Davis County Court Records

Court records in Davis County, Utah, encompass all official documentation generated during legal proceedings within the county's jurisdiction. These records constitute a comprehensive repository of judicial activities maintained by various courts operating within Davis County. Pursuant to Utah Code § 63G-2-103, court records are defined as "records of judicial proceedings, including cases, dockets, minutes, judgments, orders, and other official records of a court."

Davis County court records typically include:

• Case files containing pleadings, motions, and other filed documents
• Court dockets listing scheduled hearings and case activities
• Judicial orders and final judgments
• Hearing and trial transcripts
• Evidence and exhibits admitted during proceedings
• Sentencing and disposition records in criminal matters
• Marriage and divorce decrees
• Probate documents and estate settlements

These records are distinct from other public records maintained by Davis County, such as property records (deeds, mortgages, liens), vital records (birth and death certificates), and administrative records. The Second Judicial District Court serves as the primary repository for court records in Davis County, alongside several specialized courts that maintain their own record systems.

Courts maintaining records in Davis County include:

• Second District Court (state trial court of general jurisdiction)
• Davis County Justice Court (limited jurisdiction for minor offenses)
• Municipal Courts (city-level courts for ordinance violations)
• Juvenile Court (matters involving minors)
• Small Claims Court (civil disputes under $11,000)

These courts generate records for civil, criminal, family, probate, and traffic matters, creating a diverse collection of legal documentation accessible through various means established by Utah law.

Are Court Records Public In Davis County

Court records in Davis County are generally public pursuant to the Utah Government Records Access and Management Act (GRAMA) and the Utah Constitution, which establishes the presumption of openness for government records. According to Utah Code § 63G-2-201, "every person has the right to inspect a public record free of charge," which includes most court records.

The public status of court records in Davis County encompasses:

• Civil case files (with certain privacy exceptions)
• Criminal case files (post-charging)
• Court judgments and orders
• Docket sheets and case indices
• Hearing schedules and calendars
• Property records related to court proceedings

However, not all court records are publicly accessible. The Utah Code of Judicial Administration Rule 4-202.02 designates certain records as private, protected, or sealed. These exceptions include:

• Juvenile court records (with limited exceptions)
• Adoption proceedings
• Mental health commitment records
• Certain family court matters involving minors
• Records sealed by judicial order
• Grand jury proceedings
• Cases involving victims of sexual offenses

The Utah State Courts system maintains specific guidelines for public access to court records, distinguishing between records available for in-person inspection and those accessible through electronic means. Federal court records for cases heard in the U.S. District Court for the District of Utah follow separate access protocols under federal rules.

Members of the public seeking access to Davis County court records must adhere to established procedures while recognizing that certain information may be redacted or restricted to protect privacy interests as determined by state law and judicial policy.

How To Find Court Records in Davis County in 2026

Members of the public may locate court records in Davis County through several established channels. The county maintains multiple access points for retrieving judicial documents, each serving specific record types and user needs.

For in-person requests, individuals may visit:

Davis County Clerk/Auditor's Office
61 South Main Street, Room 101
Farmington, UT 84025
(801) 451-3213
Davis County Clerk/Auditor

Operating hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

The process for obtaining court records involves:

1. Completing a GRAMA request form specifying the desired records
2. Submitting the request in person, by mail, or electronically
3. Providing sufficient information to identify the case (names, case numbers, filing dates)
4. Paying applicable fees for search, retrieval, and copying services
5. Waiting for processing (typically 5-10 business days for standard requests)

For Second District Court records, requestors may contact:

Second District Court - Farmington
800 West State Street
Farmington, UT 84025
(801) 447-3800
Second District Court

Operating hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Expedited access is available for certain record types through the Utah Courts' Xchange system, which provides digital access to publicly available court documents. Subscription fees apply for this service, though limited searches may be conducted at public terminals located in courthouse facilities at no charge.

For Justice Court records specific to Davis County, individuals should contact:

Davis County Justice Court
800 West State Street
Farmington, UT 84025
(801) 451-4412
Davis County Justice Court

Operating hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

How To Look Up Court Records in Davis County Online?

Davis County residents and interested parties may access court records through several online platforms maintained by state and county agencies. These digital repositories offer varying levels of information based on court type and record classification.

The primary online resource for Davis County court records is the Utah State Courts' Xchange portal, which provides comprehensive access to district and justice court cases. To utilize this system:

1. Create a subscriber account and pay the applicable subscription fee
2. Log in to the secure portal
3. Select search parameters (name, case number, filing date)
4. Review available case summaries and docket information
5. Request specific documents for viewing or download (additional fees may apply)

For Davis County Justice Court records, users may access limited information through the Davis County Justice Court online portal, which provides:

• Case lookup by citation or case number
• Hearing schedules and court calendars
• Fine payment options
• Basic case status information

The Utah Courts' Public Search feature offers free access to limited case information, including:

• Party names
• Case types and filing dates
• Judge assignments
• Upcoming hearing dates
• Case status (active/closed)

For electronic filing and document retrieval, attorneys and registered users may utilize the Utah Courts Electronic Filing system, which provides secure access to case documents for authorized parties.

When searching online, users should note that certain records may be restricted or redacted pursuant to Utah Code § 63G-2-305, which protects sensitive personal information and confidential matters from public disclosure.

How To Search Davis County Court Records for Free?

Utah law guarantees the public's right to inspect court records without charge, as established in Utah Code § 63G-2-201(1), which states that "a person has the right to inspect a public record free of charge." Davis County provides several no-cost options for accessing basic court record information.

Free access points include:

• Public access terminals located at the Second District Court in Farmington, where visitors may conduct basic case searches without subscription fees
• In-person inspection of non-confidential court files at the Davis County Clerk's office during regular business hours
• The Utah Courts' Public Search feature, which provides limited case information at no charge
• The Davis County Justice Court website, offering free access to basic case status information

When utilizing these free resources, members of the public should note:

• While inspection is free, copying fees may apply ($0.25-$0.50 per page)
• Certification of documents incurs additional charges ($4.00-$8.00 per document)
• Research assistance by court staff may involve service fees for extensive searches
• Some records require formal GRAMA requests through the Davis County Clerk's office

For comprehensive case information, the Utah Courts' Xchange system offers the most complete access but requires a subscription fee. However, limited searches can be conducted for free at public terminals in courthouse facilities.

Individuals seeking free access to court records should be prepared to provide specific case information to facilitate efficient searches, as general exploratory searches may be limited at no-cost access points.

What's Included in a Davis County Court Record?

Davis County court records contain standardized documentation that varies by case type and court jurisdiction. These records provide a chronological account of legal proceedings from initiation through disposition.

For civil cases, court records typically include:

• Complaint or petition initiating the action
• Summons and proof of service documentation
• Defendant's answer or response
• Motions filed by either party and corresponding rulings
• Discovery documents (when filed with the court)
• Affidavits and declarations under oath
• Exhibits admitted into evidence
• Court orders and judgments
• Transcripts of hearings (when prepared)
• Appeal documentation (if applicable)

Criminal case records generally contain:

• Charging documents (information or indictment)
• Arrest warrant or summons
• Bail and pretrial release information
• Plea agreements and related documents
• Motions regarding evidence and procedure
• Trial exhibits and witness lists
• Sentencing recommendations
• Judgment and commitment orders
• Probation terms and conditions
• Post-conviction relief filings

Family court matters may include:

• Divorce petitions and decrees
• Child custody and support determinations
• Parenting plans and visitation schedules
• Financial declarations and property divisions
• Protective orders and restraining orders
• Name change petitions and orders

Probate records typically contain:

• Wills and codicils
• Letters testamentary or administration
• Inventory of estate assets
• Claims against estates
• Distribution plans and final accountings
• Guardianship and conservatorship documents

Each court record also includes a register of actions or docket sheet that chronologically lists all activities in the case, providing a comprehensive index to the file contents.

How Long Does Davis County Keep Court Records?

Davis County adheres to the Utah Judicial Council's records retention schedule, which establishes mandatory timeframes for preserving various court documents. These retention periods ensure historical preservation while managing storage resources effectively.

According to Utah Code § 78A-2-105, court records must be maintained for specific durations based on case type and document significance:

• Felony case files: 75 years from case closure
• Misdemeanor case files: 10-50 years depending on offense classification
• Civil case files: 7-20 years from judgment
• Domestic relations cases: 30 years from final decree
• Probate matters: 75 years from case closure
• Small claims judgments: 8 years from entry
• Traffic citations: 3-5 years from disposition
• Court dockets and indices: Permanent retention
• Adoption records: Permanent retention
• Juvenile court records: Until subject reaches age 21, then sealed

The Utah Division of Archives and Records Service provides oversight for court record retention and may assume custody of older court records for historical preservation. Records of significant historical or precedential value may be designated for permanent retention regardless of standard schedules.

Digital conversion initiatives have expanded retention capabilities, with many modern court records maintained in electronic format indefinitely. However, physical records from earlier periods may be microfilmed or digitized before destruction of the original documents.

Individuals seeking older court records should note that location and accessibility may vary based on the record's age, with some historical documents transferred to state archives facilities in Salt Lake City.

Types of Courts In Davis County

Davis County's judicial system encompasses multiple court levels, each with distinct jurisdictional authority and record-keeping practices. These courts operate within Utah's unified court system under administrative oversight of the Utah Judicial Council.

Second District Court - Farmington
800 West State Street
Farmington, UT 84025
(801) 447-3800
Second District Court
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Davis County Justice Court
800 West State Street
Farmington, UT 84025
(801) 451-4412
Davis County Justice Court
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Bountiful Justice Court
745 South Main Street
Bountiful, UT 84010
(801) 298-6143
Bountiful Justice Court
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Clearfield Justice Court
55 South State Street
Clearfield, UT 84015
(801) 525-2760
Clearfield Justice Court
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Layton Justice Court
437 North Wasatch Drive
Layton, UT 84041
(801) 336-3590
Layton Justice Court
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

The court hierarchy in Davis County follows the standard Utah judicial structure:

1. Municipal and Justice Courts (limited jurisdiction)
2. District Court (general jurisdiction trial court)
3. Utah Court of Appeals (intermediate appellate court)
4. Utah Supreme Court (highest state court)

Each court maintains its own records according to jurisdictional authority, with the District Court serving as the primary court of record for most significant legal matters in the county.

What Types of Cases Do Davis County Courts Hear?

Davis County courts adjudicate a diverse range of legal matters according to their jurisdictional authority as established by Utah law. Each court level handles specific case types based on subject matter and monetary thresholds.

The Second District Court in Davis County has jurisdiction over:

• Felony criminal prosecutions
• Civil matters exceeding $11,000 in dispute
• Domestic relations cases (divorce, custody, support)
• Probate and estate administration
• Real property disputes
• Administrative agency appeals
• Juvenile matters (through specialized juvenile court division)
• Mental health commitments
• Adoption proceedings
• Complex commercial litigation

Davis County Justice Court and municipal justice courts handle:

• Class B and C misdemeanors
• County or city ordinance violations
• Traffic infractions and citations
• Small claims actions up to $11,000
• Preliminary hearings in felony cases
• Protective orders and stalking injunctions
• Search and arrest warrants

Small Claims Court (division of Justice Court) addresses:

• Civil disputes with claims up to $11,000
• Landlord-tenant matters
• Consumer issues
• Contract disputes
• Property damage claims
• Collection matters

Juvenile Court (division of District Court) presides over:

• Delinquency proceedings
• Child welfare and dependency cases
• Truancy matters
• Juvenile traffic violations
• Emancipation petitions
• Permanent termination of parental rights

Case assignment follows jurisdictional boundaries established in Utah Code § 78A-5-102 (District Courts) and § 78A-7-106 (Justice Courts), with certain matters having concurrent jurisdiction between court levels.

How To Find a Court Docket In Davis County

Court dockets in Davis County provide chronological listings of scheduled hearings, filings, and judicial actions for active cases. These records serve as the official index to court proceedings and are accessible through several channels.

To locate current court dockets, interested parties may:

1. Access the Utah Courts' Xchange system, which provides comprehensive docket information for District Court cases
2. Visit the Second District Court website to view daily calendars and hearing schedules
3. Contact the specific court clerk's office by telephone for docket information
4. Review public terminals at courthouse locations for real-time docket updates
5. Submit a formal records request through the Davis County Clerk's office for historical docket information

For Justice Court dockets, individuals should:

1. Visit the Davis County Justice Court website for calendar information
2. Call the court clerk directly at (801) 451-4412
3. Check the public bulletin boards at the courthouse for posted daily calendars

When searching for docket information, requestors should provide:

• Case number (if known)
• Party names
• Approximate filing date
• Case type
• Presiding judge (if known)

Court dockets typically display:

• Scheduled hearing dates and times
• Courtroom assignments
• Judge or commissioner presiding
• Nature of proceedings (arraignment, motion hearing, trial)
• Filing dates for pleadings and motions
• Issuance dates for orders and judgments
• Case status updates

Most current docket information is available at no charge, though fees may apply for certified copies or extensive historical searches.

Which Courts in Davis County Are Not Courts of Record?

In Davis County, certain courts operate as "courts not of record," meaning proceedings are not recorded verbatim and appeals from these courts involve a complete retrial (trial de novo) rather than a review of the record. This distinction is established by Utah Code § 78A-1-101, which defines courts of record and non-record status.

Courts not of record in Davis County include:

• Davis County Justice Court
• Bountiful Justice Court
• Clearfield Justice Court
• Layton Justice Court
• Other municipal justice courts within Davis County boundaries
• Small Claims Court divisions of these justice courts

These non-record courts are characterized by:

• Simplified procedures designed for accessibility
• Limited jurisdiction (misdemeanors, ordinance violations, small claims)
• Judges who may not be required to be law-trained
• Absence of court reporters or verbatim transcripts
• Appeals that result in completely new trials in District Court

By contrast, courts of record in Davis County include:

• Second District Court
• Juvenile Court (division of District Court)
• Utah Court of Appeals (for cases originating in Davis County)
• Utah Supreme Court (for cases originating in Davis County)

The practical implications of a court's non-record status include:

• Limited precedential value of decisions
• Simplified appeal process through trial de novo
• Reduced formality in proceedings
• Greater accessibility for self-represented litigants
• Expedited case processing

This two-tiered system allows for efficient handling of minor matters while preserving more formal procedures for cases with significant legal or financial stakes.

Lookup Court Records in Davis County

Davis County Justice Court

Request public records from Davis County

Search public court cases through Utah Courts Xchange

Find Second District Court information for Davis County

File court documents electronically with Utah Courts