Durham County Court Records
Court records in Durham County, North Carolina, consist of files and other documents generated and maintained across the Superior and District courts. Some examples include case files, court judgments, exhibits presented during a trial, and legal filings made by parties. In compliance with state laws, these records are generally open and can be accessed by almost anyone. Court records are vital for multiple reasons. They provide accurate documentation of the actions and decisions made by the court. Court records also help preserve accountability and transparency within the legal system.
Are Court Records Public in Durham County
All Durham County court records are open to the public, except where sealed or exempted by law. Durham court records are considered public records and are, as such, subject to North Carolina's Public Record Act, which grants a broad right of access to information maintained by government agencies. The act permits anyone to copy or inspect records upon submitting a request to the record custodian. However, certain restrictions exist. Depending on the content, some records may be excluded from public view. Examples of information that may be exempted from public access include court records that contain:
- Information sealed by a judicial order
- Juvenile non-offender records
- Paternity records
- Confidential name changes
- Drug and alcohol treatment commitment records
Where to Conduct a Durham County Case Lookup
Durham County residents have several options for conducting a county case lookup, depending on the record custodian. For instance, information on criminal and civil court cases can be obtained by contacting the clerk at the court where the case was filed. Residents can either obtain these records by either submitting an in-person request or searching online using the court case management system. However, information related to arrests and law enforcement activities can be obtained by contacting the Durham County Sheriff's Office.
How to Conduct a Durham County Case Records Search
The North Carolina Judicial branch provides remote access to court records via its eCourts portal. It allows for multiple search criteria, such as searching by party name, citation number, attorney bar number, attorney name, business name, or record number. Users can view case information or documents and also search for hearings or court dates using a case number or party name.
In addition, members of the public can also search through Durham County court case records by visiting the local county courthouse and requesting copies of a record. Alternatively, requesters can obtain case information by contacting the Court Clerk's Office at (919) 808-3002. In compliance with court regulations, the clerk processes all requests for records (also known as 'name inquiry checkers). To search through a record, inquirers must provide enough details, such as the registrant's name and date of birth. Requests can also be made by applying to the following mail address:
Clerk of Superior Court
510 S. Dillard St.
Durham, NC 27701
Durham County Civil Court Case Records
Civil court case records comprise information generated across the three main court divisions in Durham County, namely the small claims court, district court, and the superior court. Most of these records can be viewed or inspected by visiting the public, self-service terminal located at the clerk of court office. Members of the public can also obtain copies of a court record by contacting the record custodian appointed by the court and paying a nominal fee.
Durham County Criminal Court Case Records
Criminal court case records are considered open to the public and can be accessed by almost anyone. Members of the public can request records by contacting the Court Clerk's office at (919) 808-3002. To facilitate a search, requesters must provide some related details, such as the full name of the registrant, a case ID number, or the filing date. Inquiries can also be submitted in person or via mail. Mailed requests must be sent in a self-addressed stamped envelope and include a certified check or money order made payable to the Superior Court Clerk.
Durham County Superior Court
510 South Dillard Street,
Durham, NC 27701
Phone: (919) 808-3000
How to Get Court Records Online for Free
Members of the public can obtain copies of a court case record using the North Carolina eCourt s management system. Residents may also be able to get court records by conducting a search with a third-party website. Unconnected to the government, these platforms provide access to a wide variety of court records compiled from multiple jurisdictions, including Durham County. However, compared to official sources, the accuracy and amount of information available may vary. In addition, while some sites offer free access, other platforms might require a fee.
Courts in Durham County
Durham County is home to a Superior court, which has general jurisdiction over criminal and civil cases, and a district court, which oversees most infractions, misdemeanors, and ordinance violations. County residents who wish to find court records on a person can do so by contacting the court clerks at the following respective court locations.
Durham County Superior Court
510 South Dillard Street,
Durham, NC 27701
Phone: (919) 808-3000
Durham County District Court
510 South Dillard Street, Durham, NC 27701
Phone: (919) 808-3000
Phone: (919) 808-3015 (Family Court)
Fax: (919) 808-3045 (Family Court)
