Forsyth County Court Records
Court records in Forsyth County are legal documents that contain records of and related to the proceedings in courts within the jurisdiction. Examples of court records include evidence, transcripts, dockets, pleadings, motions, and judgments.
Court records help to give citizens insights into their legal system and even their own cases, which is why they are published as dictated by the North Carolina General Statutes. The Forsyth County Clerk of Courts Office is the custodian of court records in the county.
Are Court Records Public in Forsyth County
Yes. According to the North Carolina Freedom of Information Act, court records are made public. As defined in North Carolina General Statutes Chapter 132, the public is entitled to records compiled and maintained by local agencies. Members of the public are allowed to view and obtain copies of court records in Forsyth County.
However, there are certain exemptions where these records are restricted from public access. These exemptions are put in place to protect the privacy and safety of individuals where necessary. They are listed in the General Statutes § 132-1.2 section. Some of these exemptions include:
- Confidential details such as social security, driver's license numbers, etc.
- Records that are part of an ongoing law enforcement investigation,
- Records involved in ongoing court matters,
- Records relating to juveniles.
Where to Conduct a Forsyth County Case Lookup
The Forsyth County Clerk of Court’s Office handles and disseminates court records and information to the public under the North Carolina Judicial Branch. Individuals can conduct a county case lookup either online or in person. Inquirers can obtain records on criminal cases, civil cases, divorce judgments, etc.
- In-person: Self-service terminals are made available in the Forsyth County Clerk of Court’s Office for anyone to access court case information. Inquirers can also visit the office and request court case information and records for viewing or copying.
- Online: The North Carolina Administrative Office of the Courts (NCAOC) provides online access for individuals to conduct civil and criminal court case information across North Carolina. This is done through their Remote Public Access Program (RPA).
How to Conduct a Forsyth County Case Records Search
The NCAOC’s Remote Public Access Program (RPA) offers access to information in the NCAOC’s Automated Criminal/Infractions System (ACIS) and Civil Case Processing System (VCAP). Inquirers can access both these systems with two main options:
- Online Access (real-time)
- Extract (bulk data)
Online Access
This option allows individuals to remotely access and conduct criminal and civil record searches. Real-time access accurately ensures that the obtained information from the search portal is the same as the records from the Clerk of Court’s office.
The systems’ data includes criminal records (pending cases, prior convictions), tax liens, infractions, evictions, judgments, etc. To gain access to the RPA, individuals must pay an initial connection fee and any additional fees in the form of a cashier’s check and make it payable to the “N.C. Administrative Office of the Courts”.
- For the initial one-time connection fee, users pay $495.00 (non-refundable). This allows them to have two user IDs and two admin IDs to be able to conduct searches.
- For each additional user ID, users pay a one-time fee of $70.00
- For each access transaction, users pay $0.21 which is billed monthly based on their usage.
Extract Access
The NCAOC offers four types of record extracts each from the ACIS and VCAP. The “historical” extracts capture information from all records at a specific point in time. The “daily” extracts present the most recent information. To access court case records and information in bulk, individuals are required to pay a fee for the particular extract. Different fees apply for criminal court record extracts and civil court record extracts.
The Forsyth County Clerk of Court’s office houses a public self-service terminal that inquirers can use to search, view, or email court case records without charge. Individuals may search by providing the case number, defendant name, victim, or witness name.
Individuals can also visit the office to view paper files of records and have copies made of these records at a fee. The Clerk of Superior Court’s Office is located in Forsyth County Courthouse.
200 North Main Street
Winston-Salem, NC 27101.
Forsyth County Civil Court Case Records
Civil court case records are official documents that outline court proceedings of civil cases. These cases typically include small claims and disputes over liabilities, rights, or responsibilities. Civil cases range from property disputes, family matters, contract disagreements, personal injury claims, etc.
The Forsyth County Clerk of Court’s office holds and maintains civil court case records in the county. Individuals can visit the office to request access to specific records by providing relevant information. They may also use public access terminals to search and view civil court case records.
Forsyth County Criminal Court Case Records
Criminal court case records are legal documents that detail criminal cases and lawsuits at court hearings. They include the parties involved, court transcripts, final judgments, etc. These records are usually of crime cases ranging from traffic violations, juvenile delinquency, assault, theft, etc.
The Clerk of Court’s Office also handles and disseminates criminal court case records. Individuals can access these records by visiting the office and requesting or viewing them for free.
How to Get Court Records Online for Free
The Forsyth County Clerk of Courts Office offers free access to their public access computers where individuals can search for court records online. They can obtain records by providing relevant information such as defendant name, case number, victim name, etc, and then view or email the results to themselves or others.
There are third-party websites that provide free court records to inquirers. Users can search using the names of the parties involved and be able to view and download results. However, the results may be limited or inaccurate and it is advisable to contact the Clerk of Court's Office for more information.
Courts in Forsyth County
Forsyth County only has the main courthouse which houses the Clerk of Superior Court, Juvenile Court, District Attorney, and others that the public can access. The court is, however, moving to a new courthouse as publicized on its website on the 23rd of October 2023.
Forsyth County Courthouse
200 North Main Street
Winston-Salem, NC 27101
Phone: (336) 779-6300
New Forsyth County Courthouse
175 North Chestnut Street
Winston-Salem, NC 27101
