Cumberland County Court Records
Court records consist of documents created during legal proceedings in the county superior or district courts in Cumberland County, North Carolina. They include case files, exhibits, documents, transcripts, court dockets, and other things generated or maintained in connection with a case. Per North Carolina statutes, these records are stored at the courthouse where the case was filed and maintained by the clerk of court. Court records are vital for a variety of reasons. They help ensure transparency within the legal system, as well as an effective way of documenting legal decisions.
Are Court Records Public in Cumberland County
Cumberland County court records are primarily open to the public. Access to these records is governed by multiple laws and regulations, including North Carolina’s Public Record Law and the North Carolina Rules of Court. Per the state’s public record law, everyone has the right to inspect, examine, or obtain copies of records made or received by a government agency.
However, the act also exempts certain records from release. Record custodians have the right to deny any requests for court records that contain any of the following information:
- Communication between attorney and their government clients
- Certain lawsuit settlement
- Certain criminal investigation records
- Personal files of county employees
- Trade secret
- Sealed or confidential data
Where to Conduct a Cumberland County Case Lookup
State residents can obtain copies of a court record for criminal or civil cases by contacting the court clerk where the case was filed. Alternatively, record seekers may be able to search for court records using the online platform. County residents can also opt to search for cases in person by case number or party name using the public, self-service terminal located in the courthouse.
Cumberland County Superior Court
117 Dick Street,
P.O. Box 363,
Fayetteville, NC 28302
Cumberland County District Court
117 Dick Street,
P.O. Box 363,
Fayetteville, NC 28302
How to Conduct a Cumberland County Case Records Search
Members of the public can conduct a Cumberland County case record search by following several quick steps.
Step 1. Determine the Type of Case
Different courts oversee court records depending on the type of case. For instance, most criminal cases and general civil claims exceeding $25,000 are filed at the Cumberland Superior Court. At the same time, records of lesser crimes, such as misdemeanors and ordinance violations, can be found at the Cumberland District Court.
Step 2. Contact the Clerk of Court's Office
The clerk's office maintains records generated during court sessions. Local residents can inspect court records by visiting the clerk's office during regular business hours. Court clerks can assist in finding specific court records. However, requesters must provide additional details such as a party name, case number, or filing date.
Cumberland County Superior Court
117 Dick Street, P.O. Box 363,
Fayetteville, NC 28302
Phone: (910) 475-3000
Step 3. Request Copies
In addition to inspecting records, members of the public can also obtain copies of a court record. However, this service isn't free. Requesters generally pay a nominal fee to cover the cost of copying the records. Depending on the request, medium acceptable payment options may include credit card, cash, or money order.
Cumberland County Civil Court Case Records
Civil court case records consist of documents and files related to legal disputes within Cumberland County's court system. Examples of such records include transcripts, case dockets, motions, and court judgments. The Cumber County Court Clerk generally maintains civil court records. The court clerk is also responsible for processing requests made by members of the public. Requesters can either inspect a record, make copies, or both.
Cumberland County Criminal Court Case Records
Criminal court case records comprise documents, files, and other information generated during criminal cases filed across the superior and district courts. Most of these records are open and can be accessed by members of the public. Record seekers can access records in person by visiting the Cumberland County Clerk of Courts office during business hours. Requesters can also obtain copies of a record by applying mail.
How to Get Court Records Online for Free
Members of the public can obtain court records for free using online third-party platforms. Unconnected to the government, third-party sites provide access to records compiled from courts in various jurisdictions, including Cumberland County. This makes them a convenient choice for broader searches. Most platforms offer a user-friendly search tool that permits easy access using a party name or case number. However, the accuracy, reliability, and transparency of the results provided by these tools may vary compared to official sources.
Courts in Cumberland County
Cumberland County’s judicial system consists of two main courts. A superior court and a county district court. The superior court serves as the primary trial court with general jurisdiction over most criminal cases and civil cases with disputes over $25,000. In comparison, the district court oversees mostly misdemeanors and infractions and civil disputes of less than $25,000. Residents who wish to obtain copies of a record can find court records on a person by visiting the courthouses in person at the following address:
Cumberland County Superior Court
117 Dick Street, P.O. Box 363,
Fayetteville, NC 28302
Phone: (910) 475-3000
Cumberland County District Court
117 Dick Street, P.O. Box 363, Fayetteville, NC 28302
Phone: (910) 475-3000
Phone: (910) 475-3015 (Family Court)
Fax: (910) 475-3036 (Family Court)
