Cherokee County Felony Records
Cherokee County felony records are handled by both the state District Court and the Cherokee Nation Tribal Court. This makes the county unique in Oklahoma because two separate court systems operate here. The county seat is Tahlequah, which also serves as the capital of the Cherokee Nation. You can search state felony cases through OSCN for free. Tribal court records go through the Cherokee Nation Judicial Branch. Whether you need records from the state court or the tribal system, this page covers how to find and access felony filings in Cherokee County.
Cherokee County Overview
Cherokee County Court Offices
The Cherokee County District Court sits at 213 W. Delaware St. in Tahlequah. You can reach the Court Clerk at (918) 456-0691. This office handles state felony case files, docket records, and copy requests. State court records from Cherokee County date back to 1907.
The County Clerk is Cheryl Trammel. She handles land records and general county filings. Her office can be reached at (918) 456-3171 or by email at ctrammel.countyclerk@gmail.com. Hours are 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM on weekdays. Land records have been indexed from March 1970 and are available through OKCountyRecords.com.
| State Court | Cherokee County District Court |
|---|---|
| Address | 213 W. Delaware St., Tahlequah, OK 74464 |
| Phone | (918) 456-0691 |
| County Clerk | Cheryl Trammel - (918) 456-3171 |
| Hours | Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM |
Cherokee Nation Tribal Court
The Cherokee Nation is a sovereign entity with its own court system. The Cherokee Nation Tribal Court operates at 17675 S. Muskogee Ave., 2nd Floor, Tahlequah, OK 74464. You can call (918) 207-3900 to reach the tribal court office. This court handles cases that fall under tribal jurisdiction, which can include certain criminal matters involving Cherokee Nation citizens.
State and tribal court records are kept separately. A felony case might be in the state District Court, the tribal court, or both depending on the circumstances. If you search OSCN and do not find what you are looking for, the case may have been filed in the tribal system instead. The Cherokee Nation Judicial Branch has its own procedures for records access. Contact the tribal court directly to ask about their search process and any fees involved.
This dual court system is an important detail for anyone searching felony records in Cherokee County. Do not assume that a clean search on OSCN means no case exists. It might be in the tribal court system.
Search Cherokee County Felony Records
For state court records, use OSCN. Select Cherokee County and enter a name, case number, date, or attorney name. The search is free. Results show felony and misdemeanor filings with case details and docket entries. Cherokee County is part of Judicial District 15 along with Adair, Muskogee, Sequoyah, and Wagoner counties.
The Oklahoma Open Records Act (51 O.S. § 24A.1) applies to state court records. You can request copies without giving a reason. Juvenile cases, sealed records, and expunged filings under 22 O.S. §§ 18-19 are restricted from public view. For tribal court records, the Cherokee Nation has its own rules about public access.
Note: Both state and tribal courts operate in Cherokee County, so check both systems when searching for felony records.
Cherokee County Felony Record Fees
State court copy fees in Cherokee County are $1.00 for the first page, $0.50 for each additional page, and $0.50 for certification under 28 O.S. § 31. A search fee of $5.00 applies if you do not have the case number. OSCN searches are free. Tribal court fees may differ. Contact the Cherokee Nation Tribal Court at (918) 207-3900 for their fee schedule.
Cherokee County Records Portals
The Cherokee County land records portal on OKCountyRecords provides search access to property filings and recorded documents.
Land records here go back to March 1970. For criminal felony searches, use OSCN or contact the Court Clerk.
The Cherokee Nation Tribal Court website provides information about the tribal court system and how to access tribal case records.
If a felony case falls under tribal jurisdiction, this is the system where those records are maintained.
Are Cherokee County Felony Records Public
State court felony records in Cherokee County are public under 51 O.S. § 24A.1. You can request case files at the District Court in Tahlequah without stating a reason. The Court Clerk must provide access to charging documents, docket entries, and sentencing records for any non-restricted felony case.
Tribal court records follow different rules. The Cherokee Nation Tribal Court sets its own policies on public access. Contact them at (918) 207-3900 to ask about viewing tribal felony records. State records that have been expunged under 22 O.S. §§ 18-19 are sealed. The OSBI offers a statewide criminal history search for $15, and the DOC offender lookup shows prison status for people convicted in Cherokee County.
Getting Copies of Cherokee County Felony Records
Visit the courthouse at 213 W. Delaware St. in Tahlequah. The clerk can make copies while you wait. Mail requests go to the same address. Include the person's name, case number, and what documents you need along with your payment. Call (918) 456-0691 to ask about a case or check fees before sending a request.
Public Access to Cherokee County Felony Records
Cherokee County felony records are public under the Oklahoma Open Records Act (51 O.S. § 24A.1). You do not need to be part of the case to request copies. Anyone can walk into the Court Clerk's office and ask for a file. The only exceptions are juvenile cases, mental health proceedings, adoption records, and files that a judge has ordered sealed. Expunged records under 22 O.S. §§ 18-19 no longer appear in public searches. For a statewide criminal history check that covers all 77 counties at once, contact the OSBI at (405) 848-6724. A name-based search costs $15 and takes 3 to 5 business days to process.
Nearby Counties
Counties near Cherokee County in northeastern Oklahoma. All are part of the same region covered by Judicial District 15.