Lee County, IA Courts and Public Records
- Arrest Records
- Judgments
- Bankruptcies
- DUIs & DWIs
- Felonies
- Warrants
- Jail Records
- Lien Records
- Sex Offenses
- Misdemeanors
- Criminal Records
- Federal Dockets
The Iowa District Court in Lee County, part of Judicial District 8, hears the case types listed below. The Clerk of Court in Fort Madison and Keokuk keeps the county's district court case records.
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Court Name | Iowa District Court for Lee County (Judicial District 8) |
| Main Address | Clerk of Court in Fort Madison: 701 Avenue F, Fort Madison, IA 52627; Clerk of Court in Keokuk: 25 North 7th Street, Suite 301, Keokuk, IA 52632 |
| Main Phone | 319-372-3523 (Fort Madison); 319-524-2433 (Keokuk) |
| Website | Iowa Judicial Branch Lee North page, Iowa Judicial Branch Lee South page |
| Presiding Judge | Chief Judge Shawn R. Showers, Judicial District 8 |
| Courthouse Locations | 4 offices: 2 Clerk of Court offices (Fort Madison and Keokuk) and 2 Juvenile Court Offices in the same two cities |
| Handles | Serious criminal cases, simple misdemeanors and infractions, civil and small claims cases, probate, juvenile matters, and mental health and substance abuse commitments |
| Does NOT Handle | Federal cases (U.S. District Court for Iowa); parking tickets (the citing agency); appeals (Iowa Court of Appeals and Iowa Supreme Court) |
| Online Case Search | Iowa Courts Online case search |
| Criminal Records Requests | Clerk of Court in Fort Madison, 319-372-3523, countyclerk.northlee@iowacourts.gov; Clerk of Court in Keokuk, 319-524-2433, countyclerk.southlee@iowacourts.gov |
| Pay Traffic Tickets Online | Pay Fines Online at Iowa Courts Online |
How to Search Lee County Court Records
Have the full name, case number if known, and approximate dates ready before you search. Lee County records are kept by the Clerk of Court in Fort Madison and Keokuk.
Online
Go to Iowa Courts Online to search district court cases.
Search by party name or case number.
Pay fines and fees online with a major credit card.
Best for: Finding a case or paying fines
In Person
Go to the Clerk of Court in Fort Madison and Keokuk.
Bring the case number or the party's full name.
Use the public computer in the Clerk of Court's office.
Best for: Viewing case records at the clerk's office
By Phone or Email
Call 319-372-3523 (Fort Madison) or 319-524-2433 (Keokuk).
Email countyclerk.northlee@iowacourts.gov or countyclerk.southlee@iowacourts.gov with the case number or party name.
Ask the clerk which records are available online.
Best for: Questions about a case or record
Search by Name on IACourts.org
Go to IACourts.org and enter a full name.
Search across record types without a case number.
Confirm results with the court, since they are not official court records.
Best for: Finding leads without a case number
Lee County Court Statistics (CY 2025)
Iowa statewide district court filings totaled 723,508 in calendar year 2025 across all eight judicial districts. County-level filings are not published, so these Iowa statewide figures are tied to Lee County only through its judicial district, clerk, and population.
723,508
Iowa statewide total filings, CY 2025
+0.1%
Change in statewide total vs CY 2024 (722,527)
223.2
Iowa statewide filings per 1,000 residents (2024 population 3,241,488)
11.4%
Iowa statewide serious criminal share of filings, CY 2025
| Metric | CY 2025 (Iowa statewide) | CY 2024 (Iowa statewide) | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Civil | 58,665 | 55,362 | +6.0% |
| Serious criminal | 82,694 | 82,990 | -0.4% |
| Simple misdemeanors | 451,840 | 459,604 | -1.7% |
| Juvenile | 8,641 | 9,485 | -8.9% |
| Mental health and substance abuse commitment | 11,758 | 12,261 | -4.1% |
| Probate | 12,571 | 12,804 | -1.8% |
| Small claims and infractions | 97,339 | 90,021 | +8.1% |
| Total filings | 723,508 | 722,527 | +0.1% |
How Have Court Filings Changed in Lee County?
Iowa statewide district court filings rose in each calendar year from 2021 to 2025, from 661,226 to 723,508. County-level filings are not published, so this table covers the whole state. Figures marked with ~ are estimates based on the other years shown for this county.
| Calendar Year | Total Filings (Iowa statewide) | YoY Change |
|---|---|---|
| CY 2025 | 723,508 | +0.1% |
| CY 2024 | 722,527 | +3.3% |
| CY 2023 | 699,404 | +5.7% |
| CY 2022 | 661,869 | +0.1% |
| CY 2021 | 661,226 | ~+2.3% |
Statewide filings rose 9.4% over the five calendar years, from 661,226 in 2021 to 723,508 in 2025. The largest annual change was in CY 2023, when filings rose 5.7% and added 37,535 cases. In CY 2025, small claims and infractions added the most filings (+7,318), followed by civil (+3,303), while simple misdemeanors fell by 7,764.
| Category (Iowa statewide) | CY 2021 | CY 2025 | 5-Year Change | CY 2025 YoY Change |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Civil | 51,284 | 58,665 | +14.4% | +6.0% |
| Serious criminal | 85,493 | 82,694 | -3.3% | -0.4% |
| Simple misdemeanors | 416,008 | 451,840 | +8.6% | -1.7% |
| Juvenile | 8,972 | 8,641 | -3.7% | -8.9% |
| Mental health and substance abuse commitment | 13,796 | 11,758 | -14.8% | -4.1% |
| Probate | 13,839 | 12,571 | -9.2% | -1.8% |
| Small claims and infractions | 71,834 | 97,339 | +35.5% | +8.1% |
| Total filings | 661,226 | 723,508 | +9.4% | +0.1% |
What Types of Cases Are Filed in Lee County?
Simple misdemeanors made up the largest share of Iowa statewide filings in CY 2025, at 62.5% of 723,508 total filings.
| Case Type | Filings CY 2025 (Iowa statewide) | Share of Total | YoY Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Simple misdemeanors | 451,840 | 62.5% | -1.7% |
| Small claims and infractions | 97,339 | 13.5% | +8.1% |
| Serious criminal | 82,694 | 11.4% | -0.4% |
| Civil | 58,665 | 8.1% | +6.0% |
| Probate | 12,571 | 1.7% | -1.8% |
| Mental health and substance abuse commitment | 11,758 | 1.6% | -4.1% |
| Juvenile | 8,641 | 1.2% | -8.9% |
| Total filings | 723,508 | 100.0% | +0.1% |
Small claims and infractions grew fastest at +8.1%, while juvenile fell fastest at -8.9%.
How Does Lee County Compare With Iowa Overall?
Lee County is estimated to account for about 1.00% of the 722,527 cases filed in Iowa courts in CY 2024.
| Metric | Lee County | Iowa | Comparison |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total filings | ~7,217 | 722,527 | ~1.00% of statewide filings |
| YoY change in filings | ~+3.3% | +3.3% | Same as state (estimate) |
| Filings per judicial position | ~3,608 | 3,803 | Estimated at the state level |
| Dispositions per judicial position equivalent | ~3,570 | 3,763 | Estimated at the state level |
| Criminal share of filings | ~75.1% | 75.1% | Same as state (estimate) |
| Civil share of filings | ~17.8% | 17.8% | Same as state (estimate) |
| Family law share of filings | ~2.4% | 2.4% | Same as state (estimate) |
These county values are estimates built from statewide Iowa figures, so they track the state mix by design. Actual county dockets may differ. Figures marked with ~ are estimates: Iowa statewide figures scaled by Lee County's 1.00% share of the state population.
Lee County Crime Statistics (2025)
These figures are Iowa statewide totals as reported to the FBI, not counts for Lee County. Agency reporting may be incomplete, and county crime counts are not available here. Statewide violent and property crimes combined fell 8.3% from 2024 to 2025. In 2025, reporting agencies covered about 97% of Iowa's population, so year-over-year changes can partly reflect which agencies reported.
7,478
Violent crimes, Iowa statewide, 2025
37,671
Property crimes, Iowa statewide, 2025
230.9
Violent crime rate per 100K, Iowa statewide, 2025 (population 3,238,387)
-8.3%
Change in total violent plus property crimes, Iowa statewide, 2025 vs 2024 (45,149 vs 49,218)
| Offense (Iowa statewide) | 2025 | Rate per 100K | 2024 | YoY Change |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Homicide | 52 | 1.6 | 74 | -29.7% |
| Rape | 1,169 | 36.1 | 1,208 | -3.2% |
| Robbery | 500 | 15.4 | 600 | -16.7% |
| Aggravated assault | 5,757 | 177.8 | 5,869 | -1.9% |
| Violent crimes total | 7,478 | 230.9 | 7,751 | -3.5% |
| Burglary | 5,444 | 168.1 | 6,351 | -14.3% |
| Larceny-theft | 28,463 | 878.9 | 30,819 | -7.6% |
| Motor vehicle theft | 3,764 | 116.2 | 4,297 | -12.4% |
| Property crimes total | 37,671 | 1163.3 | 41,467 | -9.2% |
Rates use the Iowa 2025 population of 3,238,387. County-level rates are not published, so this section does not compare Lee County with the state.
Lee County Courthouse Locations
Lee County has 2 Clerk of Court locations in Fort Madison and Keokuk and 2 Juvenile Court Office locations. Check your notice or paperwork for the office assigned to your case before you go.
| Courthouse | Address | Phone | Verified Services |
|---|---|---|---|
| Clerk of Court (Fort Madison) | 701 Avenue F, Fort Madison, IA 52627 | 319-372-3523 | Clerk of Court |
| Juvenile Court Office (Fort Madison) | 710 Avenue F, Fort Madison, IA 52627 | See location page | Juvenile Court Office |
| Clerk of Court (Keokuk) | 25 North 7th Street, Suite 301, Keokuk, IA 52632 | 319-524-2433 | Clerk of Court |
| Juvenile Court Office (Keokuk) | 14 South 5th Street, Keokuk, IA 52632 | See location page | Juvenile Court Office |
Which Court Handles Your Case in Lee County?
Iowa district courts hear most case types in each county, and the Clerk of Court is the first contact for district court records. Find your situation below, then contact the office listed.
| Your Situation | Go To | Key Details |
|---|---|---|
| Traffic ticket | District Court, Clerk of Court | Pay online at Iowa Courts Online, by phone at 515-348-4788, or contact the Clerk of Court about your citation. |
| Parking ticket | The city or agency that issued the ticket | Parking tickets are not handled by the district court. |
| Misdemeanor | District Court, simple misdemeanors | Simple misdemeanor cases are filed with the Clerk of Court, 319-372-3523 (Fort Madison) or 319-524-2433 (Keokuk). |
| Felony | District Court, serious criminal cases | Serious criminal cases are filed with the Clerk of Court, 319-372-3523 (Fort Madison) or 319-524-2433 (Keokuk). |
| DUI | District Court | Check the charge on your paperwork and contact the Clerk of Court about the case. |
| Domestic violence | District Court | Domestic abuse forms are on the Iowa Judicial Branch Court Forms page. |
| Civil lawsuit | District Court, civil cases | Electronic filing is mandatory unless excused, and you can register at eFile. |
| Small claims | District Court, small claims | Small claims petitions and responses are filed through eFile, and the Clerk of Court can answer questions. |
| Eviction | District Court, civil cases | Ask the Clerk of Court at 319-372-3523 (Fort Madison) or 319-524-2433 (Keokuk) which division handles eviction filings. |
| Divorce | District Court, family law | Divorce forms are on the Iowa Judicial Branch Court Forms page. |
| Child custody or support | District Court, family law | Custody and child support forms are on the Court Forms page. |
| Probate or estate | District Court, probate | Contact the Clerk of Court at 319-372-3523 (Fort Madison) or 319-524-2433 (Keokuk) about probate filings. |
| Juvenile case | Juvenile Court Office, Fort Madison and Keokuk | See the courthouse table above for each Juvenile Court Office address and contact page. |
| Appeal | Iowa Court of Appeals or Iowa Supreme Court | Appeals are filed through the appellate eFile system at eFile. |
Are Lee County Court Records Public?
Yes, most Iowa district court records are public, unless the Iowa Court Rules or a state statute provide otherwise. The Judicial Branch makes its records available for public inspection and copying under its public records policy, and Lee County district court case records are obtained from the Clerk of Court where the case is on file.
Public records
District court case records, documents, and filings are available from the Clerk of Court in Lee County or on the public computer in that office. You can find the clerk's contact details at Iowa Judicial Branch Lee North page, Iowa Judicial Branch Lee South page on the Iowa Judicial Branch website.
Restricted or confidential records
Records that the Iowa Court Rules or statute make confidential are not public, and the Judicial Branch says it must protect confidential and privileged records. Filings must protect birthdates, Social Security numbers, children's names, and bank information.
Online access
Iowa Courts Online lets you search for district court cases by name or case number. Not every document is online, so you may need to request filings from the Clerk of Court.
In-person access
Visit the Clerk of Court in Fort Madison and Keokuk: 701 Avenue F, Fort Madison, IA 52627; 25 North 7th Street, Suite 301, Keokuk, IA 52632. Call 319-372-3523 (Fort Madison) or 319-524-2433 (Keokuk) to confirm where the case is on file before you visit.
How to Search Lee County Court Records Online
Use Iowa Courts Online to search Lee County district court cases by case type, name, or case number, and ask the Clerk of Court for documents that are not online.
- Identify the case type, such as criminal, traffic, civil, small claims, family law, probate, or juvenile.
- Go to Iowa Courts Online case search and select the county.
- Search by name or case number, and note the case number from the results.
- Review the case details and any scheduled dates.
- Call the Clerk of Court at 319-372-3523 or 319-524-2433 to request documents that are not online.
| Case Type | Where to Search | What You'll Find | Limits |
|---|---|---|---|
| Criminal | Iowa Courts Online | Case information for criminal cases | Documents are available from the Clerk of Court or the public computer |
| Traffic | Iowa Courts Online | Citations and case information | Citations can take 10 to 14 days to appear |
| Civil | Iowa Courts Online | Civil case information | Documents are available from the Clerk of Court or the public computer |
| Small claims | Iowa Courts Online | Small claims case information | Documents are available from the Clerk of Court or the public computer |
| Family law | Iowa Courts Online | Family law case information | Confidential records are restricted |
| Probate | Iowa Courts Online | Probate case information | Restricted records are not public |
| Juvenile | Juvenile Court Office, Fort Madison and Keokuk, see the courthouse table | Contact the office for juvenile case information | Juvenile matters may be restricted |
How to Pay Fines & Citations in Lee County
Fines, surcharges, and fees for Lee County cases are paid to the Clerk of Court in the county where the violation occurred, using the options below.
- Online: Pay fines, surcharges, and fees 24/7 with a major credit card at Iowa Courts Online. You need the county, the type of charge, and the case or citation number, or the name of the person charged. Paying online is a plea of guilty, and you only need to appear if "court appearance required" is checked on the ticket.
- Phone: Call 515-348-4788 from 8:00 am to 4:30 pm, Monday through Friday.
- In person: Pay the Clerk of Court in Fort Madison and Keokuk, at the addresses in the courthouse table above, or call 319-372-3523 (Fort Madison) or 319-524-2433 (Keokuk) with questions.
Under Iowa law, fines and fees are due to the clerk of court 30 days after the court assesses them. Citations can take 10 to 14 days to appear on Iowa Courts Online.
Parking tickets are handled by the city or agency that issued them, not by the district court.
Lee County Court Records FAQ
How do I search Iowa court records for Lee County?
Use Iowa Courts Online to search by name or case number, or contact the Clerk of Court in Fort Madison and Keokuk at 319-372-3523 (Fort Madison) or 319-524-2433 (Keokuk).
Are Lee County court records public?
Most Iowa district court records are public, but records the Iowa Court Rules or statute make confidential are restricted.
How do I find a criminal case?
Search by name or case number on Iowa Courts Online, or call the Clerk of Court at 319-372-3523 or 319-524-2433.
How do I find a court date?
Check your notice or ticket, look up the case on Iowa Courts Online, or call the Clerk of Court at 319-372-3523 or 319-524-2433.
How do I pay a traffic ticket?
Pay online with a major credit card at Iowa Courts Online, call 515-348-4788 from 8:00 am to 4:30 pm on weekdays, or pay the Clerk of Court in person.
How many cases are filed each year?
Iowa statewide district court filings totaled 723,508 in calendar year 2025, up 0.1% from 722,527 in 2024. County-level filings are not published.
What is the most common type of case?
Simple misdemeanors was the largest category statewide in CY 2025, with 451,840 filings or 62.5% of the total.
Is crime in Iowa rising or falling?
County crime counts are not available here. Statewide, reported violent crimes fell 3.5% to 7,478 in 2025 from 7,751 in 2024, and property crimes fell 9.2% to 37,671 from 41,467, as reported to the FBI. These are Iowa statewide figures, and reporting coverage changed between years.
Useful Links
- Official Iowa Judicial Branch Court Directory: Access contact information and addresses for courts throughout Iowa, including Lee County.
- Iowa Judicial Branch - Official Website: Visit the Iowa Judicial Branch's official website for court records, services, and judiciary information.
- Lee County Court Information: Provides local court information, including contact details and judicial schedules specific to Lee County, Iowa.
- Iowa Courts Self-Help Resources: Find resources for individuals representing themselves in court, including legal forms and procedural guidance.
- Lee County Sheriff's Office Court Dates and Services: Offers information on upcoming court dates and services provided by the Sheriff's Office.
- Iowa Legal Aid Information and Resources: Provides free legal assistance and resources for low-income individuals in Iowa, with sections relevant to Lee County.
- Lee County Attorney's Office Resources and Information: Access the County Attorney's resources for public safety, legal proceedings, and community services in Lee County.
- Iowa Courts Online eFiling System: Use the eFiling system for submitting documents in Iowa courts, including electronic access to court records.
- Iowa Courts Online Search: Search for Iowa court case information, including public records and case details available online.
- Iowa Court Rules and Orders Documentation: Review current Iowa court rules, procedures, and administrative orders applicable to Lee County courts.
- Iowa Probate and Estate Resources: Offers probate and estate-related resources specifically focused on legal processes relevant in Iowa.
- National Legal Aid & Defender Association: Provides information on legal aid organizations across the U.S., including resources for Iowa residents.
- Iowa District Courts Overview and Information: Offers an overview of the district court system in Iowa where most state court matters are initiated.
- Court Records of Lee County, Iowa: Access comprehensive information about Lee County court records, including available public data and retrieval options.
- Iowa Court Forms for Legal Proceedings: Find various court forms required for legal proceedings in Iowa, including those specific to Lee County matters.
- American Bar Association Legal Assistance Resources: National resource offering guidance on finding legal assistance, attorney searches, and understanding legal rights.
- Iowa Court Calendar and Schedule Access: Check schedules for upcoming court dates and sessions throughout Iowa, including court dates relevant to Lee County.
- Iowa State Resources for Residents: Comprehensive resource site offering various state services, including access to legal and court records across Iowa counties.
- National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers: National criminal defense resource offering information, support, and materials for defense lawyers and the public.
- Iowa Appellate Courts Information and Opinions: Provides information about Iowa's appellate courts, including recent decisions, opinions, and legal resources.
Table of Contents
- Lee County, Courts and Public Records
- How to Search Lee County Court Records
- Lee County Court Statistics (CY 2025)
- How Have Court Filings Changed in Lee County?
- What Types of Cases Are Filed in Lee County?
- How Does Lee County Compare With Iowa Overall?
- Lee County Crime Statistics (2025)
- Lee County Courthouse Locations
- Which Court Handles Your Case in Lee County?
- Are Lee County Court Records Public?
- How to Search Lee County Court Records Online
- How to Pay Fines & Citations in Lee County
- Lee County Court Records FAQ
- Useful Links