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Cabarrus County Court Records

Cabarrus County case records, also known as court records, document criminal, civil, and traffic proceedings initiated and resolved within Cabarrus County. These records are vital for promoting transparency and accountability in the justice system. They are frequently used for conducting background investigations, monitoring case progression, researching legal precedents, and filing appeals with higher courts.

Common types of documents found in court records include pleadings, motions, dockets, exhibits, orders, and judgments. Additionally, court records may incorporate public records originally maintained by other government bodies, such as death certificates, business documents, arrest reports, and land/property information.

The Cabarrus County Superior Court Clerk’s Office is the sole official custodian for all case records generated by the county’s courts.

Are Cabarrus County Court Records Public?

Yes. North Carolina Public Records Law (Chapter 132 of the NC General Statutes) permits public examination of court records generated in Cabarrus County, except for records restricted by law or judicial order (also known as confidential records). Per the law, confidentiality may be imposed for different reasons, including to secure a person’s right to a fair trial, protect vulnerable parties (such as minors or victims), and ensure the integrity of judicial procedures.

Examples of confidential court records include

  • Complete records of all juvenile cases filed in the clerk’s office alleging abuse, neglect, or dependency
  • Adoption records
  • Medical, psychiatric, or psychological information
  • Expunged criminal records

What Information is Available in Cabarrus County Court Records?

The specific documents found among Cabarrus County court records vary depending on the nature of the legal action, meaning a civil case will generate distinct records from a criminal case. For example, criminal case files contain charging instruments (such as complaints, informations, and indictments), plea bargains, verdicts, arrest warrants or capiases, and sentencing orders. In contrast, civil cases may include documents like answers, proofs of service, discovery requests and responses, and writs of execution. Regardless of the case type, however, the following general categories apply.

  • Petitions
  • Motions
  • Docket entries
  • Court orders and judgments
  • Notices
  • Affidavits or Declarations
  • Subpoenas
  • Summonses
  • Appeal-related filings
  • Transcripts

Cabarrus County Court Records Search

Below are methods that members of the public may utilize to find Cabarrus County court records:

  • Online Access: Court records for Cabarrus County and all other 99 North Carolina counties can be remotely accessed via the North Carolina Judicial Branch’s eCourts portal. This portal allows users to search by case party name or case number and view case summaries and docket entries.

However, it is important to note that the portal does not permit the printing or downloading of actual case documents. To obtain physical or electronic copies of court records, users must contact the Cabarrus County Superior Court Clerk’s Office directly.

  • In-Person Access: To access Cabarrus County court records, individuals can visit the Cabarrus County Courthouse during regular business hours. Public computers are available on-site, allowing visitors to view case information at no charge. Copies of records can be requested from the Clerk’s Office, also located at the courthouse, for which nominal fees apply.

Earlier court records may be found at the North Carolina State Archives.

  • Mail and Phone Requests: While the Cabarrus County Superior Court Clerk does not explicitly detail the mail-in procedure for obtaining court records, one may
    • Prepare a letter specifying the required case record.
    • Include payment for the copies.
    • Enclose a self-addressed stamped envelope (SASE).
    • Mail the complete package to the Cabarrus County Courthouse, PO Box 70, Concord, NC 28026.

One can contact the Clerk at (704) 262-5500 for inquiries about making such requests.

Fees for Court Records in Cabarrus County

The following statutory fees apply to obtain copies of court records in Cabarrus County:

  • Photocopies: $2 for the first page, and 25 cents for each subsequent page (G.S. 7A-308(a)(12))
  • Certified Copies: $3 (G.S. 7A-308(a)(9))
  • Exemplified Copies: $10 (G.S. 7A-308(a)(10))

No fees are charged for accessing Cabarrus County court records online via the eCourts portal or in person at the courthouse on public terminals.

Note: Vital records are not maintained by the Cabarrus County Superior Court Clerk’s Office. Certified copies of birth, death, and marriage certificates are available from the Cabarrus County Register of Deeds. It costs $10 for a certified copy and $1 for an uncertified copy. These records can also be obtained from the North Carolina Office of Vital Records (NCOVR). The NCOVR also issued divorce certificates (1958-present) and fetal death reports (2001-present).

Cabarrus County Courthouse Locations

In Cabarrus County, the court system is divided between the Superior Court and the District Court, both of which handle local legal issues. The Superior Court is responsible for serious criminal cases, including felonies, civil claims over $25,000, and appeals from the District Court for misdemeanors and infractions. The District Court, however, has jurisdiction over broader matters, including civil, criminal, juvenile, and magistrate matters. Below are the courts’ physical location and contact details.

Cabarrus County Courthouse

61 Union Street South

Concord, NC 28025

Phone: (704) 262-5500

Criminal Records Access in Cabarrus County

One way to find criminal records in Cabarrus County is through the court system, where all criminal charges are prosecuted. Courts in Cabarrus offer eCourts as a public service for looking up criminal cases online.

Members of the public can also request Certified Criminal Background Checks by completing Form AOC-CR-314. The form can be hand-delivered to the Cabarrus County Superior Court Clerk’s Office or mailed to Cabarrus County Courthouse, PO Box 70, Concord, NC 28026. Each certified record check costs $25. Mail orders are payable by money order or certified check to the Clerk of the Superior Court.

Alternatively, individuals (subjects of criminal records) and employers/North Carolina licensing entities can request criminal history information from the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation (NCSBI). Subjects of records who approach the NCSBI can obtain a statewide criminal record check for $14. The NCSBI also explains how to obtain criminal background checks on other persons through other criminal justice agencies.

Cabarrus County Probate Records

The Superior Court serves as the probate court in Cabarrus County, as per G.S. §§ 7A-241, 7A-246. Matters heard by the court pertain to the estates of deceased individuals and guardianships for incompetent persons or minors. The resulting court records are referred to as "probate records."

Cabarrus County probate records-including wills, estate records, and other probate court filings-are public documents and are available for inspection or copying, except where restricted by law. To access case information, individuals can use the North Carolina Judicial Branch’s eCourts portal or contact/visit the Cabarrus County Superior Court Clerk’s Office. There is generally no charge for inspecting a case file, but fees are required for copies.

One can also research older estate records kept by the North Carolina State Archives.

Cabarrus County Family Court Records

Family cases in Cabarrus County, including divorce, annulment, child custody, equitable distribution of property, and child support, fall under the purview of the Cabarrus County District Court (G.S. § 7A-244). Records produced from these legal proceedings are called the family court records and are maintained by the local Superior Court Clerk’s Office.

Family court records in Cabarrus County are generally available to the public under the state’s Public Records Law. The public can view family case information at no cost through the North Carolina Judicial Branch’s eCourts portal. Alternatively, copies of these records can be ordered from the Clerk’s office for a fee. However, access to records designated as confidential by law or judicial directive is restricted to authorized persons only.

Federal Court Records in Cabarrus County

Legal jurisdiction over federal cases in Cabarrus County, North Carolina, is vested in the United States District Court, Middle District of North Carolina. This court oversees civil, criminal, and bankruptcy cases brought under Article III of the U.S. Constitution and federal statutes.

Case records from this federal court are accessible in person at public access terminals situated in the courthouse in Greensboro. Viewing case records is free, but printing copies costs 10 cents per page. The Greensboro clerk’s office can also make copies of paper public documents upon request for a nominal fee-50 cents per page. The office can be reached at (336) 332-6000 for inquiries on the best way to obtain federal court records.

Individuals also have the following options to view or obtain federal case records from the United States District Court, Middle District of North Carolina:

  • PACER (Public Access to Court Electronic Records) : PACER is a paid public service that allows for the online viewing of case dockets and information from federal courts. PACER fees are 10 cents per page for documents and $2.40 per audio file.
  • A Letter Requesting Copies: Individuals can mail or hand-deliver a letter to the clerk’s office specifying the record they seek. Each letter must include the exact copy fee (50 cents per page)
  • Multi-Court Voice Case Information System (McVCIS) : This is an automated system that allows individuals to call the U.S. District Court’s computer to hear specific case information, such as the case number, litigant names, the presiding judge’s name, and attorney(s) of record. The service is free and available 7 days a week, 24 hours a day.
Cabarrus County Court