Alamance County Court Records
What Is Alamance County Court Records
Court records in Alamance County encompass all official documentation generated during legal proceedings within the county's judicial system. These records constitute a comprehensive repository of case-related information maintained by the North Carolina Judicial Branch in accordance with North Carolina General Statute § 7A-109, which establishes the Clerk of Superior Court as the official custodian of court records.
Alamance County court records typically include:
- Case files containing pleadings, motions, and other filed documents
- Court dockets listing scheduled hearings and case status information
- Judicial orders and final judgments
- Transcripts of court proceedings
- Evidence and exhibits admitted during trials
- Sentencing and disposition records in criminal matters
- Marriage and divorce records
- Probate and estate documentation
These records are distinct from other public records maintained by county offices, such as property records (held by the Register of Deeds), vital statistics (maintained by the Health Department), or tax records (managed by the Tax Assessor's Office).
In Alamance County, court records are maintained by several courts within the North Carolina Judicial System:
- Superior Court (felony criminal cases and civil matters exceeding $25,000)
- District Court (misdemeanors, traffic violations, civil matters under $25,000, family law)
- Small Claims Court (civil disputes under $10,000)
- Juvenile Court (cases involving minors, typically confidential)
- Probate Court (wills, estates, guardianships)
The maintenance and accessibility of these records are governed by the North Carolina Public Records Act, which establishes the public's right to inspect government records while balancing privacy concerns and administrative efficiency.
Are Court Records Public In Alamance County
Court records in Alamance County are generally accessible to the public pursuant to the North Carolina Public Records Law § 132-1, which declares that "public records and public information are the property of the people." This statutory framework, combined with constitutional principles of open courts, establishes a presumption of public access to judicial records.
The following court records are typically available for public inspection:
- Civil case files (complaints, answers, motions, orders)
- Criminal case files (post-charging documents, indictments, plea agreements)
- Court dockets and calendars
- Final judgments and orders
- Marriage and divorce records
- Probate records and wills
However, certain records may be restricted from public access under state law and court rules. According to North Carolina Rules of Practice for Superior and District Courts, restricted records may include:
- Juvenile proceedings (protected under § 7B-2901)
- Adoption records (confidential per § 48-9-102)
- Mental health commitment proceedings
- Certain domestic violence records
- Records sealed by judicial order
- Social security numbers and financial account information
- Pre-sentence investigation reports
The North Carolina Administrative Office of the Courts has implemented policies governing public access to court records that balance transparency with privacy concerns. These policies are administered locally by the Alamance County Clerk of Superior Court, who serves as the official custodian of court records for the county.
It is important to note that federal court records for cases heard in the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of North Carolina (which includes Alamance County) are governed by federal access rules and are available through the federal PACER system rather than county or state repositories.
How To Find Court Records in Alamance County in 2026
Members of the public seeking court records in Alamance County may utilize several methods to locate and access these documents. The North Carolina Judicial Branch has modernized its record-keeping systems to facilitate public access while maintaining record integrity.
To obtain court records in person:
- Visit the Alamance County Courthouse during regular business hours.
- Proceed to the Clerk of Superior Court's office, which serves as the central repository for court records.
- Complete a record request form, providing case number, party names, and filing dates if known.
- Present valid photo identification.
- Pay applicable copy fees ($0.25 per page for standard copies).
- For certified copies, request certification and pay the additional fee ($2.00 per certification).
Alamance County Clerk of Superior Court
212 W Elm Street
Graham, NC 27253
(336) 570-5200
Alamance County Clerk of Court
To request records by mail:
- Prepare a written request including case information, specific documents needed, and contact information.
- Include a self-addressed stamped envelope for return delivery.
- Enclose a check or money order for estimated copy fees.
- Mail the request to the Clerk of Superior Court at the address above.
For expedited service, requestors may:
- Use the North Carolina eCourts portal for digital access to certain records.
- Contact the Clerk's office by telephone to confirm record availability before visiting.
- Schedule an appointment for complex research needs.
Pursuant to North Carolina General Statute § 7A-308, fees for court record searches and copies are established by state law. Current fees include $0.25 per page for copies and $2.00 for certification of documents.
How To Look Up Court Records in Alamance County Online?
Alamance County court records are accessible through several online platforms maintained by the North Carolina Judicial Branch. These digital resources allow for remote access to many court documents without requiring an in-person visit to the courthouse.
The primary online resource is the North Carolina eCourts portal, which provides access to:
- Civil case information
- Criminal case data
- Traffic citations
- Court calendars and schedules
To search for court records through the eCourts portal:
- Navigate to the official North Carolina eCourts website
- Select "Alamance County" from the jurisdiction dropdown menu
- Choose the appropriate search option (case search, calendar search, etc.)
- Enter relevant search criteria (name, case number, filing date)
- Review search results and select specific cases for detailed information
- Pay any applicable fees for document downloads
For criminal case information, users may also access the Criminal Court Information System, which provides:
- Case status updates
- Upcoming court dates
- Disposition information
- Basic charge details
To find court dates in Alamance County, the public may:
- Visit the Court Calendar Search function
- Select Alamance County from the location options
- Choose a date range for the search
- Filter by court type (District, Superior, etc.)
- Enter party name if searching for a specific case
The North Carolina Judicial Branch also maintains a repository of cases of public interest in Alamance County, providing expedited access to high-profile case documents.
It should be noted that while many records are available online, certain documents may only be accessible in person at the courthouse due to technical limitations or confidentiality restrictions. Additionally, older records may not be fully digitized and might require in-person research.
How To Search Alamance County Court Records for Free?
North Carolina law provides for free public inspection of court records as established in North Carolina General Statute § 132-6(a), which states that "every custodian of public records shall permit any record in the custodian's custody to be inspected and examined at reasonable times and under reasonable supervision by any person."
Members of the public may access Alamance County court records without charge through the following methods:
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In-person inspection at the courthouse:
- Visit the Clerk of Superior Court's office during regular business hours
- Request to view specific case files
- Examine records under staff supervision at no cost
- Only copying services incur fees ($0.25 per page)
-
Free online resources:
- North Carolina Court Calendar Search - Free access to court schedules and hearing dates
- Alamance County Cases of Public Interest - Free access to documents from high-profile cases
- Basic case information through the public access terminal at the courthouse
-
Public law libraries:
- Alamance County Law Library (located within the courthouse)
- Burlington Public Library - Legal Resources Section 123 S. Main Street Burlington, NC 27215 (336) 229-3588
While inspection of records is free, fees may apply for:
- Printed or photocopied documents
- Certified copies of court records
- Extensive searches requiring staff assistance
- Electronic copies of certain document types
The North Carolina Administrative Office of the Courts maintains public access terminals at the courthouse where visitors may search electronic records at no charge. These terminals provide access to the same information available through the online portal but without remote access fees.
For individuals with limited financial resources, fee waivers may be available under certain circumstances as provided in North Carolina General Statute § 7A-308(b), which allows the court to waive fees for indigent persons.
What's Included in a Alamance County Court Record?
Alamance County court records contain comprehensive documentation of legal proceedings, with content varying by case type and court jurisdiction. These records typically include several standard components as well as case-specific documentation.
Standard components of most court records include:
- Case initiation documents (complaints, petitions, indictments)
- Party information (names, addresses, attorney representation)
- Docket sheets listing chronological case events
- Filed motions and corresponding responses
- Court orders and judicial decisions
- Final judgments or decrees
- Proof of service documentation
- Financial records (filing fees, fines, restitution)
For criminal cases, additional components typically include:
- Charging documents (indictments, information, or criminal summons)
- Arrest warrants and supporting affidavits
- Bond and pretrial release information
- Discovery materials (when filed with the court)
- Plea agreements
- Sentencing information
- Probation terms and conditions
- Criminal history information used in sentencing
Civil case records generally contain:
- Initial complaints and answers
- Exhibits filed with the court
- Witness lists and depositions (when filed)
- Settlement agreements (if not sealed)
- Judgments and enforcement documents
- Appeal notices and related filings
Family court records may include:
- Divorce petitions and decrees
- Child custody and support orders
- Domestic violence protective orders
- Adoption proceedings (though often confidential)
- Name change petitions and orders
Probate records typically contain:
- Wills and codicils
- Estate inventories
- Administrator/executor appointments
- Claims against estates
- Distribution orders
The completeness of court records may vary based on case age, with older records sometimes containing fewer documents due to different record-keeping practices. Additionally, pursuant to North Carolina Rules of Recordkeeping, certain sensitive information may be redacted from public versions of court documents, including social security numbers, financial account information, and names of minor children.
How Long Does Alamance County Keep Court Records?
Alamance County adheres to the North Carolina Judicial Branch Records Retention Schedule, which establishes standardized timeframes for maintaining various court documents. These retention periods are mandated by the North Carolina Administrative Office of the Courts pursuant to North Carolina General Statute § 7A-109(d), which authorizes the Administrative Office to establish records management programs.
Key retention periods for common court records include:
- Felony criminal case files: Permanently retained
- Misdemeanor criminal cases:
- DWI cases: Permanently retained
- Other misdemeanors: 10 years after final disposition
- Traffic cases: 3 years after final disposition
- Civil Superior Court cases: 10 years after final disposition
- Civil District Court cases: 5 years after final disposition
- Small claims proceedings: 3 years after judgment
- Domestic relations cases:
- Divorce decrees: Permanently retained
- Child custody/support: Until youngest child reaches age 19
- Probate records:
- Wills: Permanently retained
- Estate administration: 10 years after estate closed
- Juvenile records: Until child reaches age 18, then sealed
- Mental health proceedings: 10 years after final disposition
Court dockets, judgment indices, and minute books are retained permanently as they serve as finding aids for case files and document the official actions of the court. Digital records are subject to the same retention requirements as paper records, though the storage medium may differ.
The North Carolina Administrative Office of the Courts periodically reviews and updates the retention schedule to address changing legal requirements and technological capabilities. The current schedule was last revised in 2021.
After the designated retention period expires, non-permanent records may be destroyed in accordance with approved disposition procedures. However, records with historical significance may be transferred to the North Carolina State Archives for permanent preservation rather than being destroyed.
Individuals seeking older court records should note that while the retention schedule establishes minimum requirements, some records may be maintained for longer periods at the discretion of the Clerk of Superior Court or may have been transferred to state archives.
Types of Courts In Alamance County
Alamance County's judicial system consists of several courts operating within the North Carolina Judicial Branch framework. Each court has specific jurisdiction and handles distinct case types.
Alamance County Superior Court
212 W Elm Street, 2nd Floor
Graham, NC 27253
(336) 570-5200
Alamance County Superior Court
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Superior Court is the highest trial court in Alamance County, presided over by rotating superior court judges who travel within their judicial districts. This court handles felony criminal cases, civil matters involving claims exceeding $25,000, and appeals from district court.
Alamance County District Court
212 W Elm Street, 1st Floor
Graham, NC 27253
(336) 570-5200
Alamance County District Court
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
District Court handles misdemeanor criminal cases, traffic violations, juvenile matters, domestic relations cases, and civil disputes involving claims up to $25,000. This court also conducts preliminary hearings in felony cases.
Alamance County Small Claims Court
212 W Elm Street, 1st Floor
Graham, NC 27253
(336) 570-5200
Alamance County Small Claims Court
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Small Claims Court, presided over by magistrates, handles civil disputes involving claims up to $10,000. This court provides an expedited, simplified process for resolving minor civil matters.
Alamance County Clerk of Superior Court
212 W Elm Street
Graham, NC 27253
(336) 570-5200
Alamance County Clerk of Court
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
The Clerk of Superior Court serves as the administrative officer of the court and has judicial authority in special proceedings such as adoptions, incompetency hearings, and estate administration.
The court hierarchy in North Carolina proceeds from the local courts in Alamance County to the appellate level:
- Magistrate/Small Claims Court (limited jurisdiction)
- District Court (limited jurisdiction)
- Superior Court (general jurisdiction)
- North Carolina Court of Appeals (intermediate appellate court)
- North Carolina Supreme Court (highest state court)
Cases originating in Alamance County may be appealed to the North Carolina Court of Appeals and potentially to the North Carolina Supreme Court. Federal cases are heard in the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of North Carolina, with appeals to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit.
What Types of Cases Do Alamance County Courts Hear?
Alamance County courts adjudicate a diverse range of legal matters, with each court level designated to handle specific case types based on subject matter and severity. The jurisdiction of these courts is established by the North Carolina General Statutes and administered by the North Carolina Judicial Branch.
Superior Court Cases:
- Felony criminal prosecutions
- Civil matters involving claims exceeding $25,000
- Appeals from District Court decisions
- Administrative agency appeals
- Constitutional challenges to state laws
- Complex business litigation
- Medical malpractice claims
- Land title disputes and eminent domain proceedings
- Habeas corpus petitions
- Post-conviction relief proceedings
District Court Cases:
- Misdemeanor criminal offenses
- Traffic violations and DWI/DUI cases
- Preliminary hearings in felony cases
- Civil disputes involving claims up to $25,000
- Domestic relations matters (divorce, alimony, equitable distribution)
- Child custody and support proceedings
- Domestic violence protective orders
- Juvenile delinquency and dependency cases
- Involuntary commitment proceedings
- Landlord-tenant disputes
- Enforcement of out-of-state judgments
Small Claims Court Cases:
- Civil disputes involving claims up to $10,000
- Summary ejectment (eviction) proceedings
- Recovery of personal property
- Motor vehicle property damage claims
- Consumer debt collection matters
- Contract disputes of limited value
- Security deposit controversies
Clerk of Superior Court Judicial Functions:
- Probate of wills
- Estate administration
- Guardianship proceedings
- Foreclosure hearings
- Adoption proceedings
- Incompetency determinations
- Name change petitions
- Condemnation proceedings
Specialized court programs in Alamance County include:
- Drug Treatment Court
- Family Court
- Juvenile Drug Treatment Court
- Mental Health Court
- Veterans Treatment Court
These specialized courts implement alternative approaches to case resolution, focusing on rehabilitation and addressing underlying issues rather than solely punitive measures.
The distribution of cases among these courts ensures efficient administration of justice while providing appropriate forums for matters of varying complexity and significance. Cases may move between courts through appeals processes or jurisdictional transfers as provided by state law.
How To Find a Court Docket In Alamance County
Court dockets in Alamance County provide essential information about scheduled court proceedings, including hearing dates, case numbers, party names, and assigned courtrooms. These dockets are public records that can be accessed through several methods.
To access Alamance County court dockets online:
- Visit the North Carolina Court Calendar Search portal
- Select "Alamance County" from the location dropdown menu
- Choose the desired date range for your search
- Specify the court type (Superior, District, etc.) if known
- Enter party name or case number if searching for a specific case
- Review the resulting calendar information
For in-person docket access:
- Visit the Alamance County Courthouse during regular business hours
- Proceed to the appropriate clerk's office based on case type:
- Criminal cases: Criminal Division of the Clerk's Office
- Civil cases: Civil Division of the Clerk's Office
- Family cases: Family Court Division
- Request to view the current docket or specific date's calendar
- Public docket boards are also displayed in courthouse lobbies and outside courtrooms
To obtain docket information by telephone:
- Contact the Alamance County Clerk of Superior Court at (336) 570-5200
- Provide case number or party name
- Specify the type of proceeding you're inquiring about
- Request current scheduling information
For attorneys and legal professionals, the North Carolina eCourts system provides enhanced docket access with additional features:
- Register for an attorney account through the Judicial Branch website
- Log in to access comprehensive calendar information
- Set up notifications for case updates and schedule changes
- View integrated information across multiple counties
Daily court calendars are typically published one week in advance, though emergency hearings and schedule adjustments may occur with limited notice. The most current docket information is always available through the clerk's office or the online calendar system.
Pursuant to North Carolina General Statute § 7A-109(a), dockets and calendars must be maintained as public records, ensuring transparency in court operations and facilitating public access to judicial proceedings.
Which Courts in Alamance County Are Not Courts of Record?
In the North Carolina judicial system, courts are classified as either "courts of record" or "courts not of record" based on whether they maintain comprehensive verbatim transcripts of proceedings and follow formal rules of procedure and evidence. This distinction is established by North Carolina General Statute § 7A-190, which defines the record-keeping requirements for various courts.
In Alamance County, the following courts are not courts of record:
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Small Claims Court - Presided over by magistrates, these courts handle civil disputes involving claims up to $10,000. Proceedings are summary in nature, with simplified rules of evidence and procedure. While basic case information is documented, verbatim transcripts are not created, and formal pleadings are minimal.
-
Magistrate's Court - When magistrates conduct initial appearances, set bail, issue arrest and search warrants, or handle other preliminary matters, these proceedings are not recorded verbatim. Magistrates document their decisions and actions through standardized forms rather than comprehensive transcripts.
-
Administrative Hearings - Certain administrative proceedings that occur within the courthouse, such as driver's license revocation hearings conducted by the Division of Motor Vehicles, are not courts of record.
By contrast, the following Alamance County courts are courts of record:
- Superior Court - All proceedings are recorded by court reporters or electronic means
- District Court - Proceedings are recorded, though the method may vary by courtroom
- Family Court - Full record of proceedings is maintained
- Juvenile Court - Comprehensive records are kept, though often confidential
The practical implications of a court not being a court of record include:
- Appeals from these courts are typically de novo (new trial) rather than based on review of a transcript
- Formal rules of evidence may be applied less stringently
- Proceedings are generally more accessible to self-represented litigants
- Court reporters are not present to create verbatim transcripts
When cases are appealed from courts not of record, such as Small Claims Court, they receive a completely new trial in District Court rather than a review of the proceedings below. This de novo appeal process is established in North Carolina General Statute § 7A-228, which provides that "an appeal taken from a judgment of a magistrate in a small claims action is heard de novo before a district court judge."
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