Wake County Court Records
What Is Wake County Court Records
Wake County court records are official documents created and maintained by the Wake County court system that document judicial proceedings, decisions, and related matters. These records serve as the official account of actions taken by the courts within Wake County, North Carolina. Court records typically include:
- Case filings and pleadings
- Court orders and judgments
- Hearing transcripts
- Evidence presented in court
- Docket information
- Case dispositions
The Wake County Clerk of Superior Court is the official custodian of these records pursuant to North Carolina General Statutes § 7A-109. The clerk's office is responsible for maintaining, preserving, and providing public access to these documents in accordance with state law.
Wake County Clerk of Superior Court 316 Fayetteville Street Raleigh, NC 27601 Phone: (919) 792-4000 Wake County Clerk of Superior Court
Court records serve multiple purposes within the judicial system and for the public, including documenting legal precedents, ensuring transparency in judicial proceedings, and providing necessary information for parties involved in litigation.
Are Court Records Public In Wake County
Court records in Wake County are generally considered public documents under North Carolina's Public Records Law (N.C.G.S. § 132-1) and the constitutional principle of open courts. Members of the public have the legal right to access and inspect most court records maintained by the Wake County court system.
However, certain exceptions and limitations to public access exist:
- Records that have been sealed by court order
- Juvenile records (protected under N.C.G.S. § 7B-3000)
- Adoption proceedings
- Mental health commitment records
- Certain domestic violence records
- Records containing sensitive personal information such as Social Security numbers
- Records expunged pursuant to N.C.G.S. § 15A-145 through § 15A-146
The North Carolina Administrative Office of the Courts has established policies governing public access to court records that balance transparency with privacy concerns. These policies are implemented by the Wake County Clerk of Superior Court when responding to public records requests.
Individuals seeking access to Wake County court records may visit the clerk's office during regular business hours, Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., or utilize online resources where available.
How To Find Court Records in Wake County in 2025
Finding court records in Wake County in 2025 involves several methods depending on the type of record sought and its age. The Wake County court system offers multiple avenues for accessing public court records:
In-person requests remain a primary method for obtaining comprehensive court records. Individuals may visit:
Wake County Judicial Facilities Wake County Justice Center 300 S. Salisbury Street Raleigh, NC 27601 Phone: (919) 792-4000 Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Wake County Courts
To request records in person, individuals should:
- Complete a record request form available at the clerk's office
- Provide specific case information (names, case numbers, dates)
- Present valid identification
- Pay applicable fees for copies (currently $0.25 per page for standard copies)
For remote access, Wake County has expanded its eCourts services to provide online access to many court records. Users may search by name, case number, or filing date through the portal.
Additionally, requests may be submitted by mail to the Wake County Clerk of Superior Court with appropriate identifying information and payment for any applicable fees.
For specialized records such as criminal background checks, individuals should contact the Wake County Clerk's Criminal Division at (919) 792-4175.
How To Look Up Court Records in Wake County Online?
Wake County has implemented comprehensive online access to court records through North Carolina's eCourts platform. This system allows for remote searching and viewing of many court documents without visiting the courthouse. To look up court records online:
- Visit the North Carolina Judicial Branch eCourts portal
- Create a user account if accessing restricted documents
- Select "Court Records Search" from the available options
- Choose Wake County as the jurisdiction
- Enter search criteria such as:
- Party name (last name, first name)
- Case number
- Filing date range
- Case type
The online system provides access to:
- Civil case information
- Criminal case records (with some restrictions)
- Traffic citations
- Small claims cases
- Estates and special proceedings
Users should note that certain documents may not be available online due to statutory restrictions or court orders. Additionally, some older records may not have been digitized and require in-person requests.
For technical assistance with the eCourts system, users may contact:
North Carolina Judicial Branch Help Desk Phone: (919) 890-2220 Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Can You Search Wake County Court Records for Free?
Wake County provides several options for free access to court records, though certain services may incur fees. The following free search options are available to the public:
- Basic case information searches through the North Carolina Court System's public portal are available at no cost
- Public access terminals located in the Wake County Courthouse provide free on-site searching of electronic court records
- In-person inspection of physical court records at the clerk's office incurs no fee unless copies are requested
Fees may apply in the following circumstances:
- Printed copies of court documents ($0.25 per page)
- Certified copies of court records ($5.00 per document plus copy fees)
- Comprehensive background checks ($25.00 per name search)
- Expedited record searches conducted by court staff
Pursuant to N.C.G.S. § 7A-308, the clerk's office is required to collect these statutory fees, which support court operations. Fee waivers may be available for indigent persons upon filing the appropriate petition with the court.
Public libraries throughout Wake County also offer free internet access where individuals may utilize the court's online resources without charge.
What's Included in a Wake County Court Record?
Wake County court records contain comprehensive documentation of judicial proceedings. The specific contents vary by case type but typically include:
For criminal cases:
- Charging documents (indictments, information, or complaints)
- Arrest warrants and supporting affidavits
- Bond and pretrial release information
- Plea agreements
- Sentencing information
- Probation reports (may be restricted)
- Court orders and judgments
- Hearing transcripts (when prepared)
For civil cases:
- Initial complaints and petitions
- Summonses and service of process documentation
- Answers and counterclaims
- Motions and supporting memoranda
- Discovery documents (when filed with the court)
- Exhibits admitted into evidence
- Final judgments and orders
- Appeal notices
For domestic relations cases:
- Divorce petitions
- Child custody and support orders
- Property division agreements
- Domestic violence protective orders
- Mediation agreements
Each court record also contains a case docket, which serves as a chronological index of all filings and court actions. Pursuant to N.C.G.S. § 7A-109(a), these records must be maintained in a manner that ensures their accuracy and accessibility.
How Long Does Wake County Keep Court Records?
Wake County retains court records according to the North Carolina Judicial Branch Records Retention Schedule established under N.C.G.S. § 121-5. Retention periods vary based on case type and significance:
- Felony criminal cases: Permanent retention for serious felonies (murder, manslaughter, rape); 20 years for other felonies
- Misdemeanor criminal cases: 5-10 years depending on disposition
- Civil superior court cases: 10 years after final disposition
- District civil cases: 5 years after final disposition
- Domestic relations cases: 25 years
- Juvenile cases: Until the juvenile reaches age 18, then sealed
- Traffic cases: 3 years after final disposition
- Small claims: 5 years after judgment
Historically significant cases may be designated for permanent retention regardless of case type. After the retention period expires, records may be:
- Transferred to the North Carolina State Archives
- Converted to electronic format for extended preservation
- Destroyed according to approved procedures
The Wake County Clerk of Superior Court follows established protocols for records management under the supervision of the Administrative Office of the Courts. Individuals seeking older records should inquire whether they have been transferred to the State Archives:
North Carolina State Archives 109 E. Jones Street Raleigh, NC 27601 Phone: (919) 814-6840 Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Types of Courts In Wake County
Wake County's judicial system encompasses multiple court types, each with distinct jurisdictions and functions within North Carolina's Unified Court System:
Superior Court serves as the county's highest trial court division, handling:
- Felony criminal cases
- Civil cases involving amounts exceeding $25,000
- Appeals from district court
- Administrative agency appeals
District Court has jurisdiction over:
- Misdemeanor criminal cases
- Preliminary hearings in felony cases
- Civil cases involving amounts up to $25,000
- Domestic relations matters
- Juvenile proceedings
- Traffic violations
Small Claims Court, a division of District Court, handles:
- Civil disputes involving amounts up to $10,000
- Landlord-tenant matters
- Consumer issues
Family Court, a specialized division, addresses:
- Divorce proceedings
- Child custody and support
- Equitable distribution
- Domestic violence protective orders
Drug Treatment Court and other specialty courts operate as problem-solving courts focusing on rehabilitation rather than punishment for qualifying offenders.
These courts operate from several facilities in Wake County, with the primary location being:
Wake County Justice Center 300 S. Salisbury Street Raleigh, NC 27601 Phone: (919) 792-4000 Wake County Courts
What Types of Cases Do Wake County Courts Hear?
Wake County courts adjudicate a diverse range of legal matters pursuant to jurisdictional authority granted under North Carolina General Statutes. The following case types are regularly heard in Wake County courtrooms:
Criminal proceedings include:
- Capital and non-capital felonies
- Misdemeanors and infractions
- Probation violations
- Extradition hearings
- Habeas corpus petitions
Civil litigation encompasses:
- Contract disputes
- Personal injury claims
- Property disputes
- Collections and foreclosures
- Medical malpractice
- Product liability
- Administrative appeals
Family law matters consist of:
- Divorce and separation
- Child custody, visitation, and support
- Alimony determinations
- Equitable distribution of property
- Adoption proceedings
- Termination of parental rights
- Domestic violence protective orders
Specialized proceedings include:
- Juvenile delinquency and dependency
- Incompetency determinations
- Involuntary commitments
- Estate administration
- Guardianships
- Name changes
- Special proceedings
Traffic cases involve:
- Moving violations
- Driving while impaired (DWI)
- License suspensions and revocations
Case assignment is determined by subject matter jurisdiction, amount in controversy, and statutory authority as outlined in N.C.G.S. § 7A-240 through § 7A-272.
How To Find a Court Docket In Wake County
Court dockets in Wake County provide a chronological listing of scheduled court proceedings. Members of the public may access docket information through several methods:
Online access is available through the North Carolina eCourts portal, which provides:
- Daily court calendars by courtroom
- Case-specific hearing schedules
- Judge assignments
- Case status updates
For in-person inquiries, docket information is posted daily in the lobby of:
Wake County Courthouse 316 Fayetteville Street Raleigh, NC 27601 Phone: (919) 792-4000 Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Attorneys of record receive automated notifications of docket changes through the court's electronic filing system. Members of the public may request email notifications for specific cases by registering through the clerk's office.
For specialized dockets:
- Criminal Superior Court: (919) 792-4700
- Criminal District Court: (919) 792-4200
- Civil Superior Court: (919) 792-4400
- Civil District Court: (919) 792-4100
- Family Court: (919) 792-4860
Pursuant to N.C.G.S. § 7A-109, court dockets are public records unless specifically sealed by judicial order. Docket information is typically updated daily, though last-minute changes may occur due to settlements, continuances, or other procedural developments.
Which Courts in Wake County Are Not Courts of Record?
In Wake County, certain judicial forums do not maintain official verbatim records of proceedings as required for courts of record under N.C.G.S. § 7A-191. These non-record courts include:
Small Claims Court proceedings, while documented through written judgments and orders, do not include verbatim transcripts of testimony or arguments. Cases are heard by magistrates who document their decisions but do not employ court reporters. Appeals from Small Claims Court receive a new trial (trial de novo) in District Court precisely because no official record exists of the original proceeding.
Administrative hearings conducted by county agencies may have informal documentation but lack official court reporters or recording systems that meet the standards for courts of record.
Certain preliminary proceedings in criminal matters, such as first appearances and some probable cause determinations, may not be fully recorded, though written documentation is maintained.
Mediation sessions and other alternative dispute resolution proceedings, even when court-ordered, typically do not generate official transcripts, though mediators may file reports with the court summarizing outcomes.
Traffic administrative hearings for certain infractions may be conducted without creating a verbatim record.
In contrast, Wake County Superior Court and District Court are courts of record that maintain complete documentation of proceedings through court reporters or digital recording systems. These records are essential for appellate review and become part of the official court file.
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