Search Coles County Traffic Court Records
Coles County traffic court records are kept by Circuit Clerk Melissa Hurst at the Coles County Courthouse in Charleston, Illinois. The county is part of the 5th Judicial Circuit, along with Clark, Cumberland, Edgar, and Vermilion counties. You can search Coles County traffic court records through Judici, pay fines with CourtMoney, or visit the clerk's office in Room 128 on Jackson Avenue. Free access to indexes goes back to December 1978. If you got a ticket in Coles County, this page covers how to find your case, what your options are, and where to pay your fine.
Coles County Quick Facts
Coles County Circuit Clerk Office
The Coles County Circuit Clerk is the official keeper of all traffic court records in the county. Melissa Hurst serves as Circuit Clerk. As the office states, "The Circuit Clerk maintains records for the entire Court system and is the official record keeper of all court related documents." The clerk also "collects all fines, fees, costs, and penalties assessed pursuant to state statutes and county board resolutions and distributes those monies on a monthly basis to the county, state, and municipalities."
The office is at 651 Jackson Avenue, Room 128, Charleston, IL 61920. The mailing address is P.O. Box 48, Charleston, IL 61920. Call (217) 348-0516 for help. The fax number is (217) 348-7324. Hours are Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM. Under 55 ILCS 5/4-2001, the Circuit Clerk must maintain all court records for Coles County.
The Coles County government website has links to other county offices and departments that may be useful if you need additional help beyond traffic court.
Coles County Court Administration can be reached at (217) 348-0538. The Deputy Court Administrator is at (217) 348-0541 and the Jury Commission at (217) 348-0540. The State's Attorney can be reached at (217) 348-0561 and Probation at (217) 348-0535.
| Main Office | 651 Jackson Avenue, Room 128, Charleston, IL 61920 Phone: (217) 348-0516 |
|---|---|
| Mailing | P.O. Box 48, Charleston, IL 61920 |
| Fax | (217) 348-7324 |
| Hours | Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM |
| Clerk | Melissa Hurst |
Search Coles County Traffic Records Online
You can search Coles County traffic court records through Judici. This is the free case search system used by courts across Illinois. Enter a name or case number to pull up case details, charges, fines, and court dates. No account is needed. The tool works around the clock.
One thing that sets Coles County apart is the depth of its online records. As the clerk notes, "Coles County records are open to the public. Free access to indexes from December 1978 to the present is available to those searching Coles County Records." That means nearly five decades of records are available to search. Most counties only have records going back to the mid-1990s or later, so this is a real advantage if you need older case data.
The 5th Judicial Circuit page for Coles County has links to court resources, judge info, and other tools that apply to traffic cases filed in the county.
The Illinois Courts Directory page for Coles County confirms the courthouse address, phone number, and circuit details.
Note: Online data may lag behind the court by at least 24 hours, so call if you need the latest info on your case.
Coles County Traffic Ticket Options
If you get a traffic ticket in Coles County, look at the citation. It tells you whether a court appearance is needed. Minor tickets can often be paid without going to court. DUI, driving on a suspended license, and reckless driving always need you to show up. Under 625 ILCS 5/, the Illinois Vehicle Code sets which violations require a mandatory court date and which do not.
For tickets that do not need a court appearance, you can pay in a few ways:
- Online through CourtMoney
- Online through Judici with E-Plea
- In person at the clerk's office at 651 Jackson Avenue, Room 128
- By mail to P.O. Box 48, Charleston, IL 61920
Court supervision is available for some Coles County traffic cases. You have to show up in court to ask for it. The judge reviews your record and the nature of the offense. Under 730 ILCS 5/5-6-1, you must be at least 18 and must not have had supervision in the past 12 months. If the judge approves, the offense does not count as a conviction on your driving record. Miss your court date and a default conviction may be entered.
Traffic Court Fees in Coles County
Coles County traffic fines depend on the type of violation. Under 705 ILCS 135/, the Criminal and Traffic Assessment Act sets the fee structure that applies to all traffic cases across Illinois. Minor traffic tickets in Coles County generally run between $120 and $250 once all costs and state assessments are factored in. Serious violations cost more. DUI charges come with much higher fines and additional penalties.
Payments through CourtMoney go to "Coles County IL Circuit Clerk, 651 Jackson Avenue, Room 128, Charleston, IL 61920." Online payments may carry a convenience fee that goes to the payment processor, not to the clerk's office. If you want to skip the fee, pay in person at the courthouse during business hours. The clerk accepts cash, money orders, and checks at the counter.
The 5th Judicial Circuit website has general court info that applies to all counties in the circuit, including Coles.
Cities in Coles County
Coles County includes the city of Charleston, which is the county seat, along with Mattoon and several smaller towns. All traffic cases from these areas go through the Coles County Circuit Court. No cities in Coles County meet the population threshold for a separate page, so all traffic court records are handled at the county level.
Nearby Counties
These counties border Coles County. Make sure the ticket was issued in Coles County before looking up your case here.