Court records in Daviess County, Kentucky can be searched through several channels. DaviessCourt.us can help you find publicly available information about court cases filed in the county. You can also access records through the Kentucky Court of Justice's Daviess County page, the Circuit Court Clerk's office in Owensboro, and public-access terminals located at the courthouse. These resources cover Circuit, Family, and District Court filings.
Daviess Court System & Jurisdictions
Daviess County is part of Kentucky's 6th Judicial Circuit. Several courts operate within the county, each handling distinct case types. Knowing which court holds jurisdiction over a matter determines where to search for docket entries and case records.
Circuit Court
Circuit Court is the court of general jurisdiction in Kentucky. In Daviess County, it hears:
- Felony criminal cases
- Civil cases involving amounts over $5,000
- Real property disputes
- Appeals from District Court
Family Court
Daviess County has a Family Court, which is a division of Circuit Court. It handles:
- Divorce and dissolution of marriage
- Child custody, visitation, and support
- Adoption proceedings
- Domestic violence protective orders
- Paternity actions
- Dependency, neglect, and abuse cases
District Court
District Court is the court of limited jurisdiction. In Daviess County, it covers:
- Misdemeanors and violations
- Traffic offenses
- City and county ordinance violations
- Preliminary hearings in felony cases
- Civil cases involving $5,000 or less (small claims fall under this threshold)
- Juvenile matters
- Involuntary commitment proceedings
- Probate and guardianship matters
Small claims cases in Kentucky are filed through District Court rather than a separate small claims court. The monetary limit for small claims is $2,500.
Drug Court
Daviess County also operates a Drug Court program, which handles eligible substance-abuse-related criminal cases through a structured supervision and treatment track.
Daviess Court Calendar & Upcoming Hearings
To find today's, tomorrow's, or this week's court schedule in Daviess County, use the Kentucky Court of Justice website. The site offers a "Find a Court Date" tool that lets you search upcoming hearing dates by county, case number, or party name.
Steps to check the Daviess County court calendar:
- Visit the Kentucky Court of Justice website at kycourts.gov.
- Select the "Find a Court Date" option from the main navigation.
- Choose Daviess County from the county dropdown or enter a case number.
- Review the results for scheduled hearing dates, courtroom assignments, and judge information.
You can also call the Daviess County Circuit Court Clerk's office to confirm a specific hearing date or ask about scheduling changes. Keep in mind that court calendars may shift due to continuances, judicial reassignments, or emergency orders.
How to Get a Copy of a Daviess Court Document
The Office of Circuit Court Clerk in Daviess County is the custodian of records for Circuit, Family, and District Court cases. You can request both certified and uncertified copies of court documents.
In Person
Visit the clerk's office at the Daviess County Courthouse in Owensboro. Bring the case number or enough identifying details (party names, approximate filing date) so staff can locate the file. You can review documents and request copies on site.
By Mail
Send a written request to the address above. Include:
- Full case number (if known)
- Names of the parties involved
- Description of the document you need
- Whether you need a certified or uncertified copy
- A check or money order for the applicable fees (payable to the Daviess County Circuit Court Clerk)
- A self-addressed stamped envelope
Online
The Kentucky Court of Justice provides guidance on requesting court records and outlines what types of records are available. Kentucky's CourtNet system offers electronic access to case information for subscribers, though it is primarily used by attorneys and authorized agencies. For general public lookups, contacting the clerk's office directly is usually the most reliable approach.
What records are restricted?
Most court records in Kentucky are generally public. However, certain records are sealed or restricted by law, including:
- Juvenile case records
- Adoption records
- Sealed indictments
- Records subject to a court-ordered seal or expungement
- Certain mental health proceedings
If you need to check whether a criminal conviction has been expunged, the Kentucky Court of Justice expungement certification process and the Kentucky State Police expungement page explain the steps involved.
Daviess Court Records Fees & Payment
Fees for court record copies and searches in Daviess County are set by Kentucky statute and administrative order. The clerk's office accepts cash, money orders, and personal checks from Daviess County residents.
| Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| Uncertified copy (per page) | $0.25 |
| Certified copy (per document) | $5.00 |
| Certificate/seal added to a document | $5.00 |
| Fax copy (per page) | $1.00 |
| Criminal background check (Kentucky State Police) | $20.00 |
Fees are based on Kentucky Revised Statutes and the fee schedule maintained by the Administrative Office of the Courts. Confirm current fees with the clerk before mailing payment, as amounts may be updated by administrative order.
For a statewide criminal background check, the Kentucky State Police processes requests for $20 by check or money order made payable to the Kentucky State Treasurer. Fingerprints are not required for a name-based search.
If you are searching for an individual currently in state custody or on supervision, the Kentucky Online Offender Lookup (KOOL) is a free tool maintained by the Kentucky Department of Corrections. It includes records for offenders housed at the Daviess County Detention Center and other facilities statewide.