Mecklenburg County Court Records
What Is Mecklenburg County Court Records
Mecklenburg County court records are official documents created and maintained by the Mecklenburg County court system that document legal proceedings within the jurisdiction. These records encompass a wide range of documentation related to civil, criminal, family, and probate matters heard in the county's courts. Pursuant to North Carolina General Statutes § 7A-109, court records are maintained by the Clerk of Superior Court and include case files, dockets, indexes, and other official documentation of court proceedings.
Court records serve multiple essential functions within the judicial system:
- They provide an official account of court proceedings and decisions
- They establish legal precedent for future cases
- They document the rights and responsibilities of parties involved in litigation
- They ensure transparency and accountability in the judicial process
- They serve as historical documentation of the administration of justice
The Mecklenburg County Clerk of Superior Court is the official custodian of these records and is responsible for their maintenance, preservation, and accessibility in accordance with state law.
Mecklenburg County Clerk of Superior Court 832 E. 4th Street, Charlotte, NC 28202 Phone: (704) 686-0400 North Carolina Judicial Branch - Mecklenburg County
Are Court Records Public In Mecklenburg County
Court records in Mecklenburg County are generally considered public documents in accordance with North Carolina's Public Records Law (N.C.G.S. § 132-1) and the constitutional principle of open courts. Members of the public have a legal right to access and inspect most court records maintained by the Mecklenburg County court system.
The North Carolina Constitution, Article I, Section 18, establishes that "all courts shall be open," which has been interpreted to include public access to court records. However, certain exceptions and limitations to public access exist:
- Records that have been sealed by court order
- Records pertaining to juvenile proceedings (pursuant to N.C.G.S. § 7B-2901)
- Adoption records (pursuant to N.C.G.S. § 48-9-102)
- Mental health commitment proceedings (pursuant to N.C.G.S. § 122C-54)
- Certain domestic violence records (pursuant to N.C.G.S. § 50B-3)
- Records containing sensitive personal identifying information
The North Carolina Judicial Branch provides guidance on accessing public court records while maintaining appropriate privacy protections. Individuals seeking access to Mecklenburg County court records may utilize both in-person and electronic methods to obtain publicly available information.
How To Find Court Records in Mecklenburg County in 2025
Individuals seeking court records in Mecklenburg County in 2025 may utilize several established methods to locate and access these documents. The Mecklenburg County court system has implemented multiple pathways for public access to court records.
For in-person requests, individuals may visit:
Mecklenburg County Courthouse 832 E. 4th Street, Charlotte, NC 28202 Public Counter Hours: Monday through Friday, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM Phone: (704) 686-0400
The process for obtaining court records in person typically involves:
- Completing a records request form available at the Clerk's Office
- Providing specific case information (names, case numbers, dates)
- Paying applicable copy fees ($0.25 per page for standard copies)
- Presenting valid identification for certain sensitive records
For electronic access, Mecklenburg County utilizes the North Carolina Judicial Branch's eCourts Portal, which allows users to search and retrieve many court records online. The Portal system provides access to case information, court dates, and certain court documents.
Additionally, requests for specific Mecklenburg County records may be submitted through the Public Records Request Portal maintained by the Mecklenburg County Public Information Department.
Pursuant to N.C.G.S. § 7A-109(d), certified copies of court records may be obtained for official purposes with payment of statutory fees.
How To Look Up Court Records in Mecklenburg County Online?
Mecklenburg County residents and other interested parties may access court records online through several digital platforms maintained by the North Carolina Judicial Branch. The primary online resource for court records is the eCourts Portal system.
The eCourts Portal provides the following functionalities:
- Case information searches by name, case number, or citation number
- Access to court calendars and scheduled hearing dates
- Ability to view certain court documents electronically
- Options to pay fines, fees, and court costs online
- Electronic filing capabilities for attorneys and authorized users
To access the eCourts Portal, users should:
- Visit the North Carolina Judicial Branch eCourts website
- Select "Portal" from the available options
- Create a user account or proceed as a guest user
- Enter search criteria for the desired court records
- Review search results and select specific cases for detailed information
For criminal background checks, the North Carolina Department of Public Safety provides an online system accessible through their background checks portal.
Users should note that while many court records are available online, certain documents may require in-person requests due to privacy concerns or technical limitations. Additionally, pursuant to Administrative Order 2023-02, some sensitive information may be redacted from online records.
Can You Search Mecklenburg County Court Records for Free?
Members of the public may access certain Mecklenburg County court records without charge, though fees apply for copies and certified documents. The North Carolina Judicial Branch provides both free and fee-based options for court record searches.
Free access options include:
- Basic case information searches through the eCourts Portal guest access
- Public terminal searches at the Mecklenburg County Courthouse
- In-person inspection of non-confidential court files at the Clerk's Office
- Limited online calendar information through the North Carolina court system website
Fee-based services include:
- Printed copies of court documents ($0.25 per page)
- Certified copies of court records ($5.00 per certification)
- Comprehensive background checks through the North Carolina Administrative Office of the Courts ($25.00 per search)
- Subscription services for high-volume users and attorneys
The Mecklenburg County Clerk of Superior Court, located at 832 E. 4th Street, Charlotte, NC 28202, maintains public access terminals that may be used during regular business hours (9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, Monday through Friday) without charge. These terminals provide access to the Automated Criminal/Infractions System (ACIS) and the Civil Case Processing System (VCAP).
Pursuant to N.C.G.S. § 7A-308, statutory fees apply for copies and certifications of court records, though inspection of public records is generally available without charge.
What's Included in a Mecklenburg County Court Record?
Mecklenburg County court records typically contain comprehensive documentation of legal proceedings from initiation through disposition. The specific contents vary by case type but generally include several standard components.
For criminal cases, court records commonly contain:
- Charging documents (indictments, information, or complaints)
- Arrest warrants and supporting affidavits
- Bond and pretrial release documentation
- Motions filed by prosecution and defense
- Court orders and judicial decisions
- Plea agreements or trial transcripts
- Sentencing information and judgment
- Probation terms and compliance reports
For civil cases, court records typically include:
- Initial complaints or petitions
- Summonses and proof of service
- Answers and counterclaims
- Discovery documents (when filed with the court)
- Motions and supporting memoranda
- Exhibits admitted into evidence
- Court orders and opinions
- Final judgments and decrees
Family court records maintained by the Mecklenburg County Family Court Administration may include additional specialized documentation such as custody evaluations, child support worksheets, and domestic violence protective orders.
Court records also contain case management information including hearing dates, continuances, and administrative notations. Pursuant to N.C.G.S. § 7A-109, the Clerk of Superior Court maintains these records in accordance with retention schedules established by the Administrative Office of the Courts.
How Long Does Mecklenburg County Keep Court Records?
Mecklenburg County adheres to the North Carolina Judicial Branch's records retention schedules, which establish specific timeframes for maintaining different categories of court records. These retention periods vary significantly based on case type, disposition, and historical significance.
General retention guidelines include:
- Felony criminal cases: Permanent retention for serious felonies (murder, manslaughter, rape); 20 years for other felonies after final disposition
- Misdemeanor criminal cases: 5-10 years after final disposition, depending on offense type
- Civil cases: 5-10 years after final disposition for most matters
- Domestic relations cases: 10 years after final disposition
- Juvenile cases: Until the juvenile reaches age 18, then sealed or destroyed per statute
- Probate and estate matters: Permanent retention for wills and estate settlements
- Special proceedings: Varies by proceeding type, typically 5-10 years
Historically significant cases and records may be preserved permanently and eventually transferred to the North Carolina State Archives for long-term preservation.
The Mecklenburg County Clerk of Superior Court implements these retention schedules in accordance with N.C.G.S. § 7A-109 and Administrative Rule 7. Electronic records are maintained in accordance with the same retention schedules as paper records, though the storage medium differs.
Individuals seeking older court records that may have been transferred to archival storage should contact:
North Carolina State Archives 109 E. Jones Street, Raleigh, NC 27601 Phone: (919) 814-6840
Types of Courts In Mecklenburg County
Mecklenburg County's judicial system encompasses multiple court types, each with distinct jurisdictions and functions within North Carolina's unified court system. These courts operate under the authority of the North Carolina Constitution and General Statutes.
The primary courts operating in Mecklenburg County include:
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Superior Court: Handles felony criminal cases, civil cases involving amounts over $25,000, and appeals from District Court. Presided over by Superior Court judges who rotate throughout the judicial district.
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District Court: Adjudicates misdemeanor criminal cases, traffic violations, juvenile matters, domestic relations cases, and civil disputes involving amounts up to $25,000. Includes specialized divisions such as Family Court.
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Small Claims Court: Operates as a division of District Court handling civil matters involving amounts up to $10,000. Cases are heard by magistrates.
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Drug Treatment Court: A specialized problem-solving court addressing cases involving substance abuse through intensive supervision and treatment.
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Mental Health Court: A specialized court handling cases involving defendants with mental health conditions.
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Veterans Treatment Court: Provides specialized services for eligible veterans in the criminal justice system.
These courts are housed primarily at:
Mecklenburg County Courthouse 832 E. 4th Street, Charlotte, NC 28202 Phone: (704) 686-0400 North Carolina Judicial Branch - Mecklenburg County Contact Directory
The Administrative Office of the Courts provides administrative support to all courts within the county, while the Clerk of Superior Court serves as the official custodian of court records for all courts within the jurisdiction.
What Types of Cases Do Mecklenburg County Courts Hear?
Mecklenburg County courts adjudicate a diverse range of legal matters in accordance with jurisdictional authority established by North Carolina General Statutes. The county's court system processes thousands of cases annually across multiple legal categories.
Superior Court jurisdiction includes:
- Felony criminal prosecutions
- Civil matters involving amounts exceeding $25,000
- Appeals from District Court decisions
- Administrative agency appeals
- Constitutional challenges
- Complex business litigation
District Court jurisdiction encompasses:
- Misdemeanor criminal cases
- Preliminary hearings in felony cases
- Civil disputes involving amounts up to $25,000
- Domestic relations matters (divorce, custody, support)
- Juvenile delinquency and dependency proceedings
- Involuntary commitment hearings
- Traffic violations and infractions
The Mecklenburg County Criminal Justice Services department provides support services for criminal cases processed through the county court system.
Specialized court programs address specific case types:
- Family Court handles domestic relations matters with case management designed to resolve issues efficiently
- Drug Treatment Court provides alternatives to incarceration for eligible defendants with substance abuse disorders
- Mental Health Court addresses cases involving defendants with mental health conditions
- Veterans Treatment Court serves eligible veterans with specialized services
Small Claims Court, presided over by magistrates, handles civil disputes involving amounts up to $10,000, including landlord-tenant matters, consumer issues, and minor contractual disputes.
How To Find a Court Docket In Mecklenburg County
Court dockets in Mecklenburg County provide scheduled hearing information for cases pending before the county's courts. These dockets are public records that may be accessed through several established channels.
To access court dockets electronically, individuals may:
- Visit the North Carolina Judicial Branch eCourts Portal
- Select the "Portal" option
- Choose "Court Calendar Search" from the available options
- Select Mecklenburg County from the jurisdiction dropdown
- Specify the desired date range and court type
- Review the resulting calendar information
For in-person docket information, individuals may visit:
Mecklenburg County Courthouse 832 E. 4th Street, Charlotte, NC 28202 Public Counter Hours: Monday through Friday, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM Phone: (704) 686-0400
At the courthouse, daily dockets are typically posted on electronic displays near courtroom entrances and at information kiosks. Paper copies of daily dockets may be available at the Clerk's Office.
Attorneys of record receive electronic notifications of scheduled hearings through the court's case management system. Members of the public seeking information about specific cases should be prepared to provide case numbers or party names when requesting docket information.
Pursuant to N.C.G.S. § 7A-109, court dockets are public records maintained by the Clerk of Superior Court and are available for public inspection during regular business hours.
Which Courts in Mecklenburg County Are Not Courts of Record?
Certain judicial forums in Mecklenburg County do not maintain official verbatim records of proceedings and are therefore not classified as "courts of record" under North Carolina law. These forums typically handle matters of limited jurisdiction or preliminary proceedings.
The primary courts in Mecklenburg County that are not courts of record include:
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Small Claims Court: Presided over by magistrates handling civil disputes up to $10,000. While written judgments are issued, verbatim transcripts of proceedings are not created. Appeals from Small Claims Court receive a new trial (trial de novo) in District Court.
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Magistrate's Court: Handles initial appearances, bond hearings, and probable cause determinations in criminal matters. These proceedings are documented through standard forms rather than verbatim transcripts.
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Administrative Hearings: Certain administrative proceedings conducted by county agencies may have quasi-judicial functions but do not constitute courts of record.
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Mediation and Arbitration Proceedings: Alternative dispute resolution forums mandated by the court system maintain limited records and are not courts of record.
It should be noted that while these forums do not create verbatim records, they do generate documentation of outcomes and decisions that become part of the official case file maintained by the Mecklenburg County Clerk of Superior Court.
Both District Court and Superior Court in Mecklenburg County are courts of record, with proceedings documented by court reporters or electronic recording systems that create an official record of the proceedings.
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