North Carolina Public Records /North Carolina Court Records Online

North Carolina Court Records Online

Are Court Records in North Carolina Open to the Public?

Yes, North Carolina court records are open to the public. The North Carolina Public Records Law allows individuals to access and review public records maintained by government agencies, including court records. These records can be in paper, digital, or electronic formats. To obtain court records, requesters must typically provide:

The name of the person involved in the case.
The case number or other identifying details.
Payment for any applicable fees for copies or searches.

Requesters may access these records through various means, including in-person visits to courthouses, mail requests, or online searches.

What Information Appears in a North Carolina Court Records Search?

North Carolina court records typically contain the following information:

Forms and briefs
Documents and dockets of litigations
Names of parties involved
Case numbers
Hearing dates and times
Court decisions and judgments
Charges or civil dispute details

How To Find Court Records in North Carolina

To find court records in North Carolina, individuals can visit the Office of the Clerk of the Court in person, send a mail request, or use online resources. Public, self-service terminals are available in courthouses across the state, allowing users to search for case records by name or case number.

Requesters can also mail a request to the Office of the Clerk of the Court where the case was filed. The request should include sufficient details to facilitate the search, such as the names of the parties involved and the case number. Fees may apply for copying and processing.

Online access to court records is also available through the North Carolina Judicial Branch's website. Remote access programs, such as the Remote Public Access Program (RPA), provide options for online access and data extracts, with fees applicable for these services.

Public Access to North Carolina Court Records

Public access to North Carolina court records is facilitated through various means, including in-person visits, mail requests, and online platforms. The Office of the Clerk of the Court provides self-service terminals in courthouses for public use. Additionally, the North Carolina Judicial Branch offers remote access programs for online searches.

Searching North Carolina Court Records by Name

Individuals can search for North Carolina court records by name using self-service public terminals available in courthouses. These terminals allow users to search by the defendant's name, victim's name, or witness name.

Another option is to visit the North Carolina Judicial Branch's website and follow the instructions for searching court records online. Users can enter the name of a party involved in the case and click the submit button to retrieve the records.

Requesters may also visit the Office of the Clerk directly and provide the name of any party involved in a case to have the clerk assist in retrieving the case record. This method is useful when the file number is not known.

How To Access Court Records Online for Free in North Carolina

The North Carolina Judicial Branch offers a free online court record search. Researchers can visit the website and follow the provided instructions to conduct a case number or name search. Public terminals provided in courthouses also allow for free case searches.

Third-party websites may also offer access to court records, often making the search process easier by not being limited geographically or by technological constraints. However, record availability may vary compared to government sources.

Exemptions for North Carolina Court Case Lookup

Certain court records in North Carolina are exempt from public access due to confidentiality or privacy reasons. These exemptions include:

Adoption records
Juvenile records
Expunged records
Sealed court records

These records cannot be inspected by the public except by the parties involved or individuals granted access by law. Confidential records, such as those involving juveniles, are protected to ensure privacy and safety.

Finding a Court Docket in North Carolina

A North Carolina court docket summarizes a criminal or civil case and is typically found within court records. Dockets can be accessed online through the North Carolina Judicial Branch's website by following specific search instructions.

Alternatively, individuals can visit the courthouse in person to request an inspection of court dockets from the clerk. Dockets provide valuable information such as hearing dates, times, venues, and details about the parties involved in a case.

What Information Is Found in North Carolina Judgment Records?

North Carolina judgment records contain:

Names of litigants
Judge's name
Judgment date
Charges or civil dispute details
Court's decision

Requesters can obtain judgment records by visiting the clerk's office, using self-service terminals, or submitting a request for the court record. Fees may apply for copies.

Are Bankruptcy Records in North Carolina Publicly Accessible?

Yes, bankruptcy records in North Carolina are publicly accessible. Individuals or businesses may file for bankruptcy in the Western, Eastern, and Middle Districts of North Carolina Bankruptcy Courts. Requesters must provide:

The name of the person or business involved
Case number or social security number
Payment for copying and processing fees

Bankruptcy records can be accessed through the Clerk's Office or electronically via the PACER Service.

How To Search Bankruptcy Records in North Carolina

To find bankruptcy records in North Carolina, individuals can use the following methods:

Online through PACER using the case locator tool. A registered account is required, with a fee of $0.10 per page, capped at $30 per document.
Send a mail request to the Office of the Clerk of the Court where the bankruptcy was filed.
Visit the clerk's office in person to request records, with a $30 search fee and $0.50 per page printing fee.

Closed bankruptcy records can be requested via mail from the Federal Records Center by submitting a filled-out request form and a $64 check or money order.

Different Types of Courts in North Carolina

The North Carolina court system includes:

Supreme Court: Highest court, handles federal matters and appeals.
Court of Appeals: Transitional appellate court.
Superior Court: Jurisdiction over civil cases of $25,000 and above, felony cases, and appeals from District Court.
District Court: Hears lower-level serious crimes and civil cases with claims between $10,000 and $25,000.
Magistrate Court: Handles small claims cases under the supervision of a chief District court judge.

Understanding the Differences Between Civil and Small Claims Courts in North Carolina

North Carolina small claims courts handle civil cases involving $10,000 or less, focusing on property recovery and monetary disputes. Plaintiffs and defendants typically do not require legal representation, except for corporate entities.

Small claims cases are filed at the clerk of the Superior Court's office with a $96 filing fee. Cases must be filed in the county where at least one defendant resides. Hearings are generally held within 30 to 60 days of serving a complaint. Common cases include:

Monetary claims not exceeding $10,000
Recovery of personal property valued at $10,000 or less
Eviction disputes between landlords and tenants

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