Civil Division

The Civil Division handles small claims cases, civil cases, adult abuse and any other actionsinvolving family matters.

• The Civil division of the Circuit Clerk’s office maintains all official records when the legal rights and responsibilities involving individual or corporations are to be determined by a court. The Associate Civil division handles small claims cases for money owing up to $5,000.00, rent and possession, and civil actions up to $25,000.00.

Criminal Division

The Criminal Division handles information related to crimes once the State has deemed it has occurred.

• A felony is a crime of such nature where a sentence of more than one-year imprisonment can be imposed.
• A misdemeanor is any offense punishable by a fine and or incarceration for a maximum of a one-year term in a local or county jail.
• An infraction is any offense where there is no authorized term of imprisonment and can only be punished by a monetary fine. Many traffic violations, such as speeding are infractions.

Juvenile Division

The Juvenile Division retains records concerning actions filed by the Lincoln County Juvenile Office and processes adoptions.

• The juvenile division handles cases of children who are abused or neglected and are under the age of eighteen. This division also handles cases involving children under the age of 17 who commit a crime or commit a status offense such as runaway or failure to attend school.

Probate Division

The Probate Division maintains records concerning property belonging to a minor, an incompetent or a deceased person.

• The probate division handles cases involving minors where they receive funds or who need a 96-hour mental health commitment or an individual unable to manage themselves or their property due to a mental disability. Any case involving a deceased person and his property is found in the probate division.

Jury Duty 

The jury system is often referred to as the “conscience of the community”. It is a fundamental right guaranteed to all United States citizens under the 6th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, and is 1 of the most important civil duties a citizen can perform. The circuit clerk’s office mails out notices to potential jurors to fill out their juror qualification form on line or you can call 636-528-0326 and request a juror qualification form to be mailed to you. IF you get called in for jury service, you will receive a summons in the mail letting you know what date and time to report.

Disclaimer - Please note that accessing this site does not create or constitute, in any manner, an agreement or contract between the clerk’s office and the visitor. While some of the information on this site is about legal issues, it is not legal advice.