Salt Lake County Courts

Salt Lake County is the most populous county in Utah. Its estimated population of about 1.18 million residents represents about 33.6% of Utah's total population of around 3.51 million. Salt Lake City, which is also the state capital, serves as the county seat.

According to Utah Courts Caseload Statistics, the Salt Lake County District Courts handle more than 100,000 cases, while the Justice Courts witness an average of 140,000 case filings every year. The Juvenile Courts also process a minimum of 5,000 cases annually. The trial courts handle various case types, depending on each court's jurisdiction.

• District Courts handle all civil, probate, and domestic cases. It has exclusive jurisdiction over criminal cases, including class A misdemeanors and felony offenses.
• Juvenile Courts preside over cases involving minors, including delinquency, child abuse or neglect, and status offenses.
• Justice Courts resolve class B and C misdemeanors, traffic infractions, small claims, and municipal ordinance violations.

Salt Lake County's District and Juvenile courts are located in cities of Salt Lake City and West Jordan. The Justice Courts operate from different cities and towns in the county.

How To Access Salt Lake County Court Records

Members of the public may access Salt Lake County court records, per Utah's Government Records Access and Management Act (GRAMA). They can view these records online or request printed copies from the District or Justice Courts. Court records accessible to the public typically include criminal, probate, traffic, and civil case files. On the other hand, the following documents may only be accessed by record owners and authorized persons:

• Juvenile records
• Adoption records
• Substance abuse records
• Mental health records
• Sealed and expunged records

Salt Lake County courts typically charge a fee for providing copies of court records, whether in electronic or paper format. Fees may vary depending on the type of record and format requested. A valid government-issued photo ID may also be required, especially for in-person requests or when accessing confidential documents. Court records in Salt Lake County may be accessed through any of the following methods:

Online

Individuals can search Salt Lake County, UT court records online through Utah Courts Xchange using a case number or party name as the search criteria. The portal allows users to search as a guest, create a one-time use account, or set up a monthly subscription account. Guidelines on how to register and pay associated fees are available on the Xchange Subscription and Fees page.

An alternative way to access public documents online is through CourtCaseFinder. The tool allows users to search for court cases filed in different counties and states across the United States.

The Public Access to Court Electronic Records (PACER) database offers access to federal case records filed in the U.S. District Court located within Salt Lake County. Registered users may look up cases on PACER by providing party names, case numbers, or filing dates. Access to documents usually requires a per-page fee. Academic researchers and other eligible persons may request fee exemptions to use PACER free of charge.

In-Person

Individuals may request public court records in person by visiting the District or Justice Court where the case was heard. When visiting the courthouse, they may be required to bring completed records request forms, valid government-issued IDs, and copy fees. It is important to contact the courthouse in advance to confirm other requirements, such as application forms or acceptable forms of identification.

Requesters typically pay $0.25 per page for standard, non-certified paper copies of court records. Meanwhile, the Xchange portal is freely accessible to the public at the District Courthouses and certain Justice Court facilities. Visitors may contact the local courthouses to verify public XChange access. Alternatively, visit the Utah State Law Library to use the state's online database at no cost.

Old and Archived Court Records

The Utah Division of Archives and Records Service typically provides access to archived court records, including criminal records, probate files, and civil cases filed since 1856. To access these records online, interested persons may visit the Digital Archives and select Salt Lake County District Court from the dropdown options. Alternatively, submit in person or mail requests to:

How To File a Case in Salt Lake County

To file a case in Salt Lake County, individuals must first determine which court has jurisdiction over the specific legal matter. They may contact the nearest courthouse for information on where to file, how to file, and filing requirements. Salt Lake County trial courts typically accept online filings for certain civil cases through the Certified Electronic Filing Service Providers. However, online filing is only mandatory for licensed attorneys and eligible persons.

Self-represented litigants may file court documents by email, mail, or in person at the appropriate courthouse. To file in person, individuals should visit the courthouse during official business hours with all necessary materials, such as completed court forms, supporting documentation, and valid identification. Since filing procedures typically vary between courts, litigants are encouraged to contact the clerk's office ahead of time to confirm specific requirements, accepted forms of payment, and available filing methods.

Filing fees in Salt Lake County and other counties in Utah typically vary by case type and court. Low-income persons who cannot afford filing fees may be eligible for a fee waiver. To apply, complete the Motion to Waive Fees form or choose other fee waiver forms according to case types. After reviewing the submitted form, the court may decide to dismiss the request or approve a partial or full waiver.

The steps below outline how to file a case in Salt Lake County:

• Determine which Salt Lake County court has jurisdiction over the case
• Submit completed forms in person, by mail, email, or online.
• Include supporting documents, such as affidavits, exhibits, and evidence.
• Pay the filing fee or request a fee waiver.
• Serve the other party with court documents
• File proof of service with the court

Legal Help and Self-Help Resources

Across the United States, county court systems play a crucial role in delivering access to justice. Legal help and self-help resources are foundational to this access, particularly for self-represented litigants navigating civil, family, probate, or small claims matters. These resources vary by jurisdiction but commonly include self-help centers, online portals, legal aid organizations, and court-affiliated assistance programs.

Low-income residents involved in legal matters and unable to afford a lawyer may seek help from legal aid groups in Salt Lake County. These organizations also offer support through courthouse self-help centers, legal clinics, and volunteer attorney programs. Here are some free or low-cost legal assistance and self-help services available in Salt Lake County:

• Legal Aid Society of Salt Lake - Free legal representation and resources for eligible persons.

At the state level, residents may also access:

• Utah Licensed Lawyer
• Utah Bar Modest Means Lawyer Referral Program
• Utah State Courts' Self-Help Center (SHC)

Additional legal aid services and resources available to Salt Lake County residents include:

• Assisted Pro Se Program - For unrepresented litigants involved in certain civil cases.
• Holy Cross Ministries Immigration Legal Services - Offers reduced-fee immigration assistance, including help with visas, citizenship, DACA renewals, and family-based petitions.
• Utah Crime Victims Legal Clinic (UCVLC) - Provides free legal representation and advocacy for victims of crime throughout the criminal justice process.
• BYU Community Legal Clinic - Operated by Brigham Young University Law School, this clinic provides free legal advice and assistance on various civil matters.
• Online Court Assistance Program (OCAP) - A free online tool that helps users prepare court documents for divorce, custody, and landlord-tenant cases.
• Utah Dispute Resolution - Offers affordable mediation services for civil, family, and small claims disputes.
• Utah@EASE- For eligible military service members and veterans seeking volunteer lawyers for civil legal assistance.

Types of Courts in Salt Lake County, Utah

Individuals and businesses within Salt Lake County are served by multiple courts, including district, juvenile, justice, and federal courts. The jurisdiction of each court and contact information are listed below:

Salt Lake County District Court

• Jurisdiction/Cases Heard - Serves as the county's trial court of general jurisdiction. It handles felonies and major misdemeanor offenses. Other cases resolved at the District Court include civil claims over $10,000, domestic relations (such as divorce and custody), and probate cases.
• Address and Contact Information -

West Jordan District Court

• Jurisdiction/Cases Heard - The second District Court location also handles major criminal and civil cases in Salt Lake County.
• Address and Contact Information -

Salt Lake County Juvenile Courts

• Jurisdiction/Cases Heard - Handles cases involving minors accused of delinquent acts. Other cases resolved at the Juvenile Courts include matters related to child abuse, neglect, dependency, and termination of parental rights.
• Address and Contact Information -

Salt Lake County Justice Courts

Jurisdiction/Cases Heard - These courts hear Class B and C misdemeanor cases, infractions, traffic violations, and small claims cases involving disputes of $10,000 or less.

The Justice Court locations in Salt Lake County are listed below:

Alta Justice Court

Bluffdale Justice Court

Draper Justice Court

Herriman City Justice Court

Holladay Justice Court

Midvale Justice Court

Murray City Justice Court

Riverton City Justice Court

Salt Lake City Justice Court

Salt Lake County Justice Court

Sandy City Justice Court

South Jordan Justice Court

South Salt Lake Justice Court

Taylorsville Justice Court

West Jordan Justice Court

West Valley Justice Court

Federal Courts in Salt Lake County

The following are the federal courts in the county:

United States District Court for the District of Utah (Salt Lake City)

• Jurisdiction/Cases Heard - It hears constitutional issues, federal crimes, civil rights, immigration, multi-state disputes, and other cases arising under federal law in the District of Utah.
• Address and Contact Information -

United States Bankruptcy Court - District of Utah

• Jurisdiction/Cases Heard - Handles all bankruptcy matters such as debt discharge, creditor claims, and repayment plans.
• Address and Contact Information -

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Salt Lake County Courts

The following FAQs cover important topics about Salt Lake County, MA courts: