Bartholomew County, IN Courts and Public Records
- Arrest Records
- Judgments
- Bankruptcies
- DUIs & DWIs
- Felonies
- Warrants
- Jail Records
- Lien Records
- Sex Offenses
- Misdemeanors
- Criminal Records
- Federal Dockets
The Bartholomew County circuit and superior courts handle most trial-level cases filed in Bartholomew County, and the Clerk of the Circuit Court keeps the court records.
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Court Name | Bartholomew County Circuit Court and Superior Courts |
| Main Address | P.O. Box 924 (mailing address), Columbus, IN 47202 |
| Main Phone | 812-379-1600 |
| Clerk | Shari Lentz, Clerk of the Circuit Court |
| Courthouse Locations | 1 (Columbus) |
| Handles | Criminal, civil, domestic relations, juvenile and probate cases, depending on the division |
| Does NOT Handle | Federal cases (U.S. District Court for Indiana), appeals to the Indiana Court of Appeals or Supreme Court, and parking tickets (the issuing agency) |
| Online Case Search | MyCase (statewide, mycase.in.gov) |
| Criminal Records Requests | Clerk of the Circuit Court, 812-379-1600 |
| Pay Traffic Tickets | Clerk of the Circuit Court, 812-379-1600; city and town court tickets may go through the local court |
How to Search Bartholomew County Court Records
Have the full name, the case number if you know it, and approximate dates ready before you search. The Clerk of the Circuit Court keeps court records for Bartholomew County.
Online
Go to mycase.in.gov and search by name or case number.
Use the statewide MyCase system for Indiana court case information.
Ask the clerk for any document that is not online.
Best for: Quick case status lookups
In Person
Go to the Clerk of the Circuit Court at P.O. Box 924 (mailing address), Columbus, IN 47202.
Bring the case number and party names if you have them.
Ask which office keeps the case type you need.
Best for: Records not available online
By Phone
Call the Clerk of the Circuit Court at 812-379-1600.
Ask which office holds your case and how to request copies.
Confirm the request steps before you send any paperwork.
Best for: Questions about where a case is kept
Search by Name on INCourts.org
Go to INCourts.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
Bartholomew County Court Statistics (2024)
All trial courts in Bartholomew County recorded 11,780 new filings in 2024, according to the Indiana Judicial Service Report. Totals include circuit, superior, county, city and town courts, and ordinance violations.
11,780
Total new filings in 2024 (+11.1% vs 2023)
3,478
Criminal filings in 2024
4,677
Civil filings in 2024 (incl. small claims)
139.0
Filings per 1,000 residents (population 84,741)
| Category | 2024 | 2023 | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Criminal | 3,478 | 3,066 | +13.4% |
| Civil violations | 2,740 | 2,132 | +28.5% |
| Juvenile | 539 | 488 | +10.5% |
| Civil | 4,677 | 4,545 | +2.9% |
| Probate and adoption | 346 | 368 | -6.0% |
| Total | 11,780 | 10,599 | +11.1% |
How Have Court Filings Changed in Bartholomew County?
New filings in Bartholomew County rose 11.1% from 2023 to 2024, according to the Indiana Judicial Service Report. County figures are available for two years, so the county trend covers 2023 and 2024 only. Figures marked with ~ are estimates based on the other years shown for this county.
| Category | 2024 | 2023 | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Criminal | 3,478 | 3,066 | +13.4% |
| Civil violations | 2,740 | 2,132 | +28.5% |
| Juvenile | 539 | 488 | +10.5% |
| Civil | 4,677 | 4,545 | +2.9% |
| Probate and adoption | 346 | 368 | -6.0% |
| Total | 11,780 | 10,599 | +11.1% |
Indiana statewide context
| Year | Indiana statewide new filings | Change vs prior year |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 950,557 | ~+4.8% |
| 2021 | 1,027,497 | +8.1% |
| 2022 | 1,017,793 | -0.9% |
| 2023 | 1,092,150 | +7.3% |
| 2024 | 1,144,342 | +4.8% |
Total new filings in Bartholomew County rose from 10,599 in 2023 to 11,780 in 2024. Civil violations had the largest increase at +28.5%, and probate and adoption had the largest decrease at -6.0%. Statewide, new filings rose 20.4% from 2020 to 2024, with a dip in 2022.
What Types of Cases Are Filed in Bartholomew County?
Civil is the largest category of Bartholomew County filings in 2024, at 39.7% of the 11,780 total. The table shows each category with the county's 2024 filings and its share of the county total.
| Case Type | Filings 2024 | Share of Total |
|---|---|---|
| Civil (small claims, evictions, collections, domestic relations, protective orders, mental health, tax and other civil matters) | 4,677 | 39.7% |
| Criminal (felonies, misdemeanors, post-conviction and other criminal matters) | 3,478 | 29.5% |
| Civil violations (infractions and ordinance violations) | 2,740 | 23.3% |
| Juvenile (delinquency, CHINS, status, paternity, protection orders and other juvenile matters) | 539 | 4.6% |
| Probate and adoption (probate and adoption matters) | 346 | 2.9% |
| Total | 11,780 | 100.0% |
Civil violations grew fastest at +28.5%, and Probate and adoption fell fastest at -6.0%, in 2024 compared with 2023.
How Does Bartholomew County Compare With Indiana Overall?
Bartholomew County had 11,780 new filings in 2024, or 1.0% of the 1,144,342 filed statewide. The county holds 1.2% of Indiana's population, so its filing rate is 16% below the statewide rate.
| Metric | Bartholomew County | Indiana statewide | Comparison |
|---|---|---|---|
| Population (2025) | 85,729 | 6,973,333 | 1.2% of the state population |
| Total new filings (2024) | 11,780 | 1,144,342 | 1.0% of statewide filings |
| Criminal filings | 3,478 | 268,772 | 1.3% of statewide criminal filings |
| Civil violations filings | 2,740 | 354,393 | 0.8% of statewide civil violations |
| Juvenile filings | 539 | 55,264 | 1.0% of statewide juvenile filings |
| Civil filings | 4,677 | 437,989 | 1.1% of statewide civil filings |
| Probate and adoption filings | 346 | 27,924 | 1.2% of statewide probate and adoption filings |
| Filings per 1,000 residents | 139.0 | 165.3 | 16% below the statewide rate |
The county's share of statewide filings is smaller than its share of the population, so its courts carry fewer filings per resident than the state average. Totals include city and town courts and ordinance violations, so infraction counts shape the comparison.
Bartholomew County Crime Statistics (2025)
These figures are Indiana statewide totals as reported to the FBI, not counts for Bartholomew County. Agency reporting may be incomplete, and county crime counts are not available here. Statewide violent and property crimes combined fell 15.1% from 2024 to 2025. In 2025, reporting agencies covered about 87.8% of Indiana's population, so year-over-year changes can partly reflect which agencies reported.
18,415
Violent crimes, Indiana statewide, 2025
76,771
Property crimes, Indiana statewide, 2025 (includes arson)
264.1
Violent crime rate per 100K, Indiana statewide, 2025 (population 6,973,333)
-15.1%
Change in total violent plus property crimes, Indiana statewide, 2025 vs 2024 (95,186 vs 112,089)
| Offense | 2025 | Rate per 100K | 2024 | YoY Change |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Murder | 304 | 4.4 | 396 | -23.2% |
| Rape | 2,111 | 30.3 | 2,261 | -6.6% |
| Robbery | 1,948 | 27.9 | 2,371 | -17.8% |
| Aggravated assault | 14,052 | 201.5 | 16,069 | -12.6% |
| Violent crimes total | 18,415 | 264.1 | 21,097 | -12.7% |
| Burglary | 9,580 | 137.4 | 11,511 | -16.8% |
| Larceny-theft | 55,827 | 800.6 | 64,944 | -14.0% |
| Motor vehicle theft | 10,842 | 155.5 | 13,937 | -22.2% |
| Property crimes total | 76,771 | 1100.9 | 90,992 | -15.6% |
Rates use the Indiana 2025 population of 6,973,333. County-level rates are not published, so this section does not compare Bartholomew County with the state. The property crimes total includes arson, so it is larger than the sum of the property offenses listed above.
Bartholomew County Courthouse Locations
Bartholomew County has 1 listed Clerk of the Circuit Court location in Columbus. Check your notice or ticket for the division or courtroom before you go, and call ahead to confirm.
| Courthouse | Address | Phone | Verified Services |
|---|---|---|---|
| Clerk of the Circuit Court, Columbus | P.O. Box 924 (mailing address), Columbus, IN 47202 | 812-379-1600 | Clerk of the Circuit Court office; other services are not verified here |
Which Court Handles Your Case in Bartholomew County?
Most Bartholomew County cases are heard by the circuit and superior courts, while some traffic, parking and ordinance matters go to local courts or the issuing agency.
| Your Situation | Go To | Key Details |
|---|---|---|
| Traffic ticket | Circuit or superior court, or the city or town court that issued the ticket | Check the citation for the court named on it, or call the clerk. |
| Parking ticket | The city, town or agency that issued the ticket | Parking tickets are generally not handled by the circuit or superior court. |
| Misdemeanor | Circuit or superior court, criminal division | Confirm the division with the Clerk of the Circuit Court, 812-379-1600. |
| Felony | Circuit or superior court, criminal division | Felony cases are filed in the circuit or superior courts. |
| DUI | Circuit or superior court | Check the charge on your paperwork and confirm the court with the clerk. |
| Domestic violence | Circuit or superior court | Protection orders and related criminal charges are handled by the circuit or superior courts. |
| Civil lawsuit | Circuit or superior court, civil division | Confirm the division with the Clerk of the Circuit Court, 812-379-1600. |
| Small claims | Circuit or superior court, small claims docket | Small claims are heard by the circuit or superior court, depending on the county. |
| Eviction | Circuit or superior court that serves the county | Eviction cases are filed with the trial court; confirm the division with the clerk. |
| Divorce | Circuit or superior court, domestic relations division | Confirm the division with the Clerk of the Circuit Court, 812-379-1600. |
| Child custody or support | Circuit or superior court, domestic relations or juvenile division | The division depends on the case and how the county assigns it. |
| Probate or estate | Circuit or superior court, probate matters | Confirm where the file is kept with the Clerk of the Circuit Court, 812-379-1600. |
| Juvenile case | Circuit or superior court, juvenile division | Juvenile proceedings are confidential under Indiana law. |
| Appeal | Indiana Court of Appeals or Indiana Supreme Court | Appeals from trial courts go to the state appellate courts, not the county clerk. |
Are Bartholomew County Court Records Public?
Yes, most Bartholomew County court records are public, with exceptions set by Indiana court rules and law.
Public records
Indiana Supreme Court Administrative Rule 9 governs public access to court records, with exceptions. Most case files in the circuit and superior courts are open, including dockets, filings and orders. The Indiana Access to Public Records Act covers executive-branch records and does not itself govern court files.
Restricted or confidential records
Juvenile, sealed, expunged, adoption, mental health and protective-order-restricted records are not publicly available.
Online access
MyCase is the statewide public case search for Indiana courts. Online results show case information, not every document, and confidential records are not shown.
In-person access
Visit the Clerk of the Circuit Court at P.O. Box 924 (mailing address), Columbus, IN 47202 to view or request records. Call 812-379-1600 to confirm which office holds your case.
Fees
This page does not list fee amounts. Ask the Clerk of the Circuit Court about copy fees before you visit.
How to Search Bartholomew County Court Records Online
Use MyCase to search Bartholomew County court cases online, and ask the Clerk of the Circuit Court for documents that are not online.
- Identify the case type, such as criminal, traffic, civil, small claims, family law, probate or juvenile.
- Open MyCase at mycase.in.gov to search Indiana public court cases.
- Search by party name or case number and note the case number from the results.
- Review the case details for status, parties and scheduled dates.
- Contact the Clerk of the Circuit Court at 812-379-1600 to request documents that are not online.
| Case Type | Where to Search | What You'll Find | Limits |
|---|---|---|---|
| Criminal | MyCase | Case information for criminal cases | Documents may require the clerk |
| Traffic | MyCase | Case information for traffic cases | Payment is handled separately from record search |
| Civil | MyCase | Case information for civil cases | Sealed or restricted filings are not shown |
| Small claims | MyCase | Case information for small claims | Documents may require the clerk |
| Family law | MyCase | Case information for domestic relations cases | Confidential details are restricted |
| Probate | Clerk of the Circuit Court, 812-379-1600 | Probate file information, as the clerk confirms | Not a general MyCase search; call the clerk |
| Juvenile | Clerk of the Circuit Court, 812-379-1600 | Limited case information through the clerk | Juvenile proceedings are confidential and not public online |
How to Pay Fines & Citations in Bartholomew County
Contact the Clerk of the Circuit Court to confirm how to pay a fine or citation in Bartholomew County before you pay.
- Phone: Call the Clerk of the Circuit Court at 812-379-1600 to confirm payment options for your traffic citation or criminal fine. Have the case number ready.
- In person: Visit the Clerk of the Circuit Court at P.O. Box 924 (mailing address), Columbus, IN 47202 to ask about payment. Confirm the payment methods and office hours before you go.
- City or town court: If the ticket came from a city or town court, ask that court how to pay, since those tickets may go through the local court.
Parking tickets are generally paid to the city, town or agency that issued them, not to the circuit or superior court.
Bartholomew County Court Records FAQ
How do I search Bartholomew County court records?
Search Indiana public court cases on MyCase by name or case number, or call the Clerk of the Circuit Court at 812-379-1600.
Are Bartholomew County court records public?
Most are, under Indiana Supreme Court Administrative Rule 9, but juvenile, sealed, expunged and other confidential records are not public.
How do I find a criminal case?
Search by name in MyCase, or call the Clerk of the Circuit Court at 812-379-1600 with the defendant's name.
How do I find a court date?
Check your ticket or notice, search the case in MyCase, or call the Clerk of the Circuit Court at 812-379-1600.
How do I pay a traffic ticket?
Call the Clerk of the Circuit Court at 812-379-1600 to confirm payment options, or ask the city or town court that issued the ticket.
How many cases are filed in Bartholomew County each year?
All trial courts in Bartholomew County recorded 11,780 new filings in 2024, 11.1% more than the 10,599 in 2023, according to the Indiana Judicial Service Report.
What is the most common type of case?
Civil was the largest category in 2024, with 4,677 filings or 39.7% of the 11,780 total.
Is crime in Indiana rising or falling?
County crime counts are not available here. Statewide, reported violent crimes fell 12.7% to 18,415 in 2025 from 21,097 in 2024, and property crimes fell 15.6% to 76,771 from 90,992, as reported to the FBI. These are Indiana statewide figures, and reporting coverage changed between years.
Courts in the County
Bartholomew County Circuit CourtMore Info
| Address: | 234 Washington St., Columbus, IN, 47201 |
| Phone Number: | 812-379-1605 |
| Fax: | 812-379-1764 |
| Website: | http://www.bartholomew.in.gov |
Useful Links
- Clerk of the Circuit Court - Access Bartholomew County court case information, filings, and public records, maintained by the Clerk of the Circuit Court.
- Bartholomew County Clerk - Official Indiana courts website with services related to court records, case searches, and legal resources for the public.
- mycase.IN.gov - Indiana Judicial Branch - Statewide case search portal where you can access case information, court records, and status updates for Indiana courts.
- Adult Probation Department - Information on probation programs, services, and resources available to adults in Bartholomew County under court supervision.
- Bartholomew County Jury Duty - Details on jury duty obligations, including how to respond to summonses, excusal procedures, and compensation for service.
- Indiana Courts - Self-Service Legal Center - A resource for individuals seeking self-help in navigating Indiana's legal system, featuring forms, guidance, and FAQs.
- INCite - Indiana Court Information Technology Extranet - Online platform providing access to electronic filing, case management, and court tools for Indiana's legal practitioners.
- Legal Resources - Indiana Judicial Branch - Comprehensive library of legal resources, including information on legal aid, court procedures, and legal research tools.
- Indiana Coalition Against Domestic Violence - Support and resources for victims of domestic violence, including legal assistance and court advocacy services.
- Indiana Legal Services, Inc. - Nonprofit law firm providing free civil legal assistance to eligible low-income residents throughout Indiana.
- Indiana Legal Help - Free statewide resource designed to help Hoosiers access simple, accurate, and reliable legal information and services.
- Indiana Public Defender Council - State agency offering support and resources to public defenders, legal practitioners, and individuals needing representation.
- Indiana Criminal Justice Institute - Agency working to improve public safety by supporting policy development, enhancing services, and providing research data.
- Indiana Office of Court Services - Offers assistance and support for court management, including training and innovative solutions for judicial administration.
- Indiana Public Defender - State office ensuring that indigent defendants receive competent and effective legal representation under Indiana law.
- Indiana Judicial Officers - Directory of judicial officers, including their qualifications, responsibilities, and guidance for interacting with the judiciary.
- Indiana Justice Project - Advocating for fair policies and providing support to ensure effective justice for all Indiana residents.
- Protective Order Registry - Online tool for viewing current and active protective orders issued throughout the state of Indiana, searchable by name.
- Indiana Family and Social Services Administration - Providing assistance programs and resources for families, including child support and guardianship case management.
- Bartholomew County Government - Official site for Bartholomew County providing access to government departments, public records, resources, and services.
Table of Contents
- Bartholomew County, Courts and Public Records
- How to Search Bartholomew County Court Records
- Bartholomew County Court Statistics (2024)
- How Have Court Filings Changed in Bartholomew County?
- What Types of Cases Are Filed in Bartholomew County?
- How Does Bartholomew County Compare With Indiana Overall?
- Bartholomew County Crime Statistics (2025)
- Bartholomew County Courthouse Locations
- Which Court Handles Your Case in Bartholomew County?
- Are Bartholomew County Court Records Public?
- How to Search Bartholomew County Court Records Online
- How to Pay Fines & Citations in Bartholomew County
- Bartholomew County Court Records FAQ
- Courts in the County
- Useful Links