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. These records document various legal proceedings, including criminal cases, civil disputes, traffic violations, and family law matters. Court records typically include case filings, judgments, orders, and other documents related to court proceedings in Wake County, North Carolina.

The North Carolina Judicial Branch maintains these records as part of its commitment to transparency and public access to the judicial system. Court records serve as an important resource for individuals seeking information about specific cases, legal professionals conducting research, and members of the public interested in the functioning of the local justice system.

Are Court Records Public In Wake County

Yes, most court records in Wake County are considered public information under North Carolina law. The state follows the principle that court proceedings should be open and accessible to maintain transparency in the judicial system.

However, certain records may be sealed or restricted from public access due to:

• Cases involving juveniles
• Adoption proceedings
• Certain domestic violence cases
• Records sealed by court order
• Cases involving confidential informants
• Mental health proceedings
• Some family court matters

The North Carolina Judicial Branch provides guidelines for accessing public court records while protecting sensitive information. You can request public records through the Wake County Clerk of Superior Court's office.

North Carolina Judicial Branch: 901 Corporate Center Drive, Raleigh, NC 27607

How To Find Court Records in Wake County in 2025

Finding court records in Wake County in 2025 involves several methods:

1. Visit the Wake County Courthouse in person

   • Request records from the Clerk of Superior Court
   • Bring case information (names, case numbers) if available
   • Be prepared to pay copying fees

   Wake County Courthouse: 316 Fayetteville Street, Raleigh, NC 27601

2. Use the North Carolina eCourts system

   • Access the online portal for digital court records
   • Search by name, case number, or attorney
   • Create an account for enhanced search capabilities

3. Submit a written request

   • Mail a formal request to the Clerk of Superior Court
   • Include specific case information
   • Enclose a self-addressed stamped envelope

4. Hire a legal research service

   • Professional services can locate and retrieve records
   • Useful for complex searches or historical records

5. Contact the Wake County Records Division

   • For assistance with locating specific records
   • Help navigating the records system

   Wake County Records Division: 300 S. Salisbury Street, Raleigh, NC 27601

How To Look Up Court Records in Wake County Online?

Looking up Wake County court records online has become increasingly accessible through digital platforms:

1. North Carolina eCourts Portal

   • The primary online resource for court records
   • Allows searches by name, case number, or attorney
   • Provides case status, scheduled court dates, and basic case information
   • Some documents may be available for download

   North Carolina Administrative Office of the Courts: 901 Corporate Center Drive, Raleigh, NC 27607

2. Wake County Clerk of Court Website

   • Offers guidance on accessing records
   • Provides forms for record requests
   • Links to relevant online resources

3. Remote Public Access (RPA)

   • Subscription-based service for more comprehensive access
   • Used primarily by legal professionals
   • Provides access to additional document types

4. North Carolina Court System Public Records Search

   • Statewide search capability
   • Includes Wake County cases
   • Basic information available without registration

Note that while many records are available online, some documents may only be accessible in person due to privacy concerns or technical limitations.

Can You Search Wake County Court Records for Free?

Yes, there are several ways to search Wake County court records for free:

1. North Carolina eCourts Public Search

   • Basic case information is available at no cost
   • No registration required for basic searches
   • Accessible through the North Carolina Judicial Branch website

2. In-person searches at the courthouse

   • Viewing records at public terminals is free
   • Staff assistance for locating records is provided without charge
   • Only copying or certification incurs fees

   Wake County Clerk of Superior Court: 316 Fayetteville Street, Raleigh, NC 27601

3. Wake County Government website

   • Provides links to free public record resources
   • Offers guidance on accessing court information

However, be aware of potential costs:

• Document copies: $0.25-$2.00 per page
• Certified copies: Additional $5.00 per document
• Research assistance: May involve fees for extensive searches
• Subscription services: Premium features require payment

While basic searches are free, comprehensive access to all documents or specialized searches may involve fees.

What's Included in a Wake County Court Record?

A typical Wake County court record contains comprehensive documentation of legal proceedings:

1. Case Information

   • Case number and filing date
   • Names of parties involved
   • Attorney information
   • Judge assignments
   • Case type and status

2. Legal Documents

   • Complaints and petitions
   • Answers and responses
   • Motions and briefs
   • Court orders and judgments
   • Subpoenas and summonses
   • Affidavits and declarations

3. Procedural History

   • Chronological listing of all court events
   • Hearing and trial dates
   • Continuances and postponements
   • Filing timestamps

4. Financial Information

   • Court costs and fees
   • Payment records
   • Fine assessments
   • Restitution orders (in criminal cases)

5. Disposition Information

   • Final judgments
   • Settlement agreements
   • Dismissal information
   • Sentencing details (for criminal cases)

6. Additional Materials

   • Exhibits (in some cases)
   • Transcripts (when prepared)
   • Related case references

The specific contents vary based on case type, with criminal cases including charging documents and sentencing information, while civil cases contain pleadings and judgment details.

How Long Does Wake County Keep Court Records?

Wake County follows North Carolina's record retention schedules, which vary by case type and significance:

Criminal Cases

• Felony cases: Permanently maintained
• Misdemeanor cases: Typically kept for 5-10 years after disposition
• Capital cases: Permanently preserved

Civil Cases

• General civil matters: Usually maintained for 5-10 years
• Cases with judgments: Kept for 10 years after judgment satisfaction
• Cases of historical significance: Permanently preserved

Family Court Records

• Divorce decrees: Permanently maintained
• Child custody: Until the child reaches age of majority plus additional years
• Support orders: Until obligations are fulfilled plus retention period

Probate Records

• Wills and estate matters: Permanently maintained
• Guardianship records: Typically kept for extended periods

Traffic Cases

• Most traffic violations: 3-5 years after disposition
• DWI cases: Longer retention periods (typically 10+ years)

The North Carolina Administrative Office of the Courts oversees record retention policies, which are subject to change. Digital preservation efforts are expanding the ability to maintain records for longer periods.

North Carolina Administrative Office of the Courts: 901 Corporate Center Drive, Raleigh, NC 27607

Types of Courts In Wake County

Wake County's court system includes several types of courts, each with specific jurisdictions:

Superior Court

• Highest trial court in the county
• Handles felony criminal cases and civil cases over $25,000
• Hears appeals from District Court
• Conducts jury trials

Wake County Superior Court: 316 Fayetteville Street, Raleigh, NC 27601

District Court

• Handles misdemeanors, traffic cases, and juvenile matters
• Civil cases under $25,000
• Small claims court (up to $10,000)
• Family court matters including divorce and custody
• No jury trials (except for certain civil appeals)

Wake County District Court: 316 Fayetteville Street, Raleigh, NC 27601

Small Claims Court

• Division of District Court
• Civil matters up to $10,000
• Simplified procedures for self-represented litigants
• Presided over by magistrates

Family Court

• Specialized division handling domestic matters
• Divorce, custody, child support, and domestic violence
• Aims for consistent case management

Drug Treatment Court

• Alternative program for non-violent offenders
• Focuses on treatment and rehabilitation
• Intensive supervision and support services

Wake County Drug Treatment Court: 316 Fayetteville Street, Raleigh, NC 27601

Traffic Court

• Division handling traffic violations
• Streamlined processes for common infractions

Each court maintains its own records, though all are part of the unified Wake County court system.

What Types of Cases Do Wake County Courts Hear?

Wake County courts handle a diverse range of legal matters:

Criminal Cases

• Felonies (Superior Court)
• Misdemeanors (District Court)
• Traffic violations
• DWI/DUI offenses
• Probation violations
• Drug offenses

Civil Litigation

• Personal injury claims
• Contract disputes
• Property disputes
• Debt collection
• Landlord-tenant issues
• Small claims (under $10,000)

Family Law Matters

• Divorce proceedings
• Child custody and visitation
• Child support and alimony
• Domestic violence protective orders
• Adoption
• Paternity establishment

Probate and Estate Matters

• Will probate
• Estate administration
• Guardianships
• Conservatorships
• Trust administration

Juvenile Proceedings

• Delinquency cases
• Undisciplined juvenile matters
• Abuse, neglect, and dependency
• Termination of parental rights

Specialty Court Programs

• Drug treatment court
• Mental health court
• Veterans treatment court
• Family drug treatment court

Administrative and Regulatory Matters

• Zoning appeals
• License revocations
• Civil asset forfeitures

The jurisdiction is divided between Superior and District courts based on case type and severity, with specialized divisions handling specific categories of cases.

How To Find a Court Docket In Wake County

Finding a court docket in Wake County can be accomplished through several methods:

1. Online Access

   • North Carolina eCourts Portal provides daily dockets
   • Search by date, courtroom, or case type
   • Basic information available without registration
   • Create an account for enhanced features

   North Carolina Judicial Branch: 901 Corporate Center Drive, Raleigh, NC 27607

2. Courthouse Information Boards

   • Daily dockets posted in courthouse lobbies
   • Electronic displays show courtroom assignments
   • Updated daily for current proceedings

   Wake County Courthouse: 316 Fayetteville Street, Raleigh, NC 27601

3. Clerk of Court's Office

   • Staff can provide docket information
   • Printed copies may be available upon request
   • Assistance locating specific cases

4. Attorney of Record

   • If represented, your attorney receives docket notifications
   • Can provide specific hearing information

5. Automated Phone System

   • Some case types offer automated docket information
   • Requires case number for lookup

6. Subscribe to Court Calendars

   • Legal professionals can subscribe to regular updates
   • Email notifications for schedule changes

Court dockets are typically finalized the afternoon before court dates but remain subject to last-minute changes. It's advisable to verify information shortly before scheduled appearances.

Which Courts in Wake County Are Not Courts of Record?

In Wake County, several judicial forums operate as "not courts of record," meaning they don't maintain official verbatim transcripts of proceedings:

Small Claims Court

• Handles civil matters up to $10,000
• Informal proceedings presided over by magistrates
• No court reporter present
• Summary notes rather than verbatim records
• Appeals are heard "de novo" (completely new hearing) in District Court

Wake County Small Claims Court: 316 Fayetteville Street, Raleigh, NC 27601

Magistrate's Hearings

• Initial appearances for criminal matters
• Setting of bonds and bail
• Preliminary probable cause determinations
• No official transcript created
• Decisions documented in summary form

Administrative Hearings

• Certain administrative proceedings
• May include zoning matters or permit appeals
• Records consist of decisions and exhibits rather than transcripts

Mediation Sessions

• Court-ordered mediation
• Voluntary settlement conferences
• Confidential proceedings not recorded
• Only agreements reached are documented

Juvenile Intake Proceedings

• Initial juvenile case assessments
• Diversion determinations
• Summary documentation only

While these forums don't create verbatim transcripts, they do generate written documentation of outcomes and decisions. These documents become part of the official case file and can be accessed according to relevant privacy laws and court rules.

Lookup Court Records in Wake County

For comprehensive access to Wake County court records, the following resources provide valuable assistance:

• Wake County Court Information - Detailed information about court services, locations, and administrative schedules in Wake County.

• North Carolina Court Records Guide - Learn how to obtain court records, conduct background checks, and understand expungement processes.

• Wake County eCourts Information - Access information, training resources, policies, and procedures related to the eCourts system in Wake County.

• Wake County Public Records Requests - Official process for requesting public records in Wake County, including marriage, birth, and death records.

• eDiscovery Defense Counsel Reference Guide - Detailed information for defense counsel on eDiscovery processes in North Carolina courts.

These resources provide comprehensive guidance for accessing court records in Wake County, whether you're conducting legal research, checking case status, or gathering information for personal or professional purposes.