Court records in Durham County, North Carolina, can be searched through several channels. DurhamCourt.us can help you find publicly available information about court cases in Durham County. You can also access records through the North Carolina Judicial Branch court records portal, the Durham County Clerk of Superior Court's records access page, public self-service terminals at the courthouse, or by contacting the Clerk's office directly.
Durham Court System & Jurisdictions
Durham County's courts are part of North Carolina's unified court system, Judicial District 14. All court operations are housed at the Durham County Courthouse. The Clerk of Superior Court handles administrative and record-keeping functions for both District and Superior Courts.
Superior Court
- Felony criminal cases
- Civil cases over $25,000
- Appeals from District Court
District Court
- Misdemeanor criminal cases
- Civil cases up to $25,000
- Domestic and family law matters (divorce, custody, domestic violence protective orders)
- Juvenile cases
Magistrate Court (Small Claims)
- Civil disputes up to $10,000
- Summary ejectment (evictions)
- Initial appearances and bond settings in criminal cases
- Magistrate orders such as warrants and emergency protective orders
Estates & Special Proceedings
The Clerk of Superior Court also acts as judge of probate in North Carolina. Estate administration, guardianship, and certain special proceedings (foreclosures, adoptions, name changes) are handled through the Clerk's office.
Traffic Court
Traffic infractions and traffic-related misdemeanors are heard in District Court. Infractions include speeding tickets and equipment violations; more serious charges like DWI are tried as misdemeanors or felonies depending on the circumstances.
Durham Court Calendar & Upcoming Hearings
Durham County court calendars for both civil and criminal sessions are published through the North Carolina Judicial Branch website. You can view today's, tomorrow's, and this week's scheduled hearings from the Durham County court page, which provides links to:
- Civil calendars — scheduled civil sessions in District and Superior Court
- Criminal calendars — scheduled criminal sessions, including misdemeanor and felony dockets
Calendars are typically posted by the Trial Court Administrator's office and updated regularly. North Carolina's eCourts system (Odyssey) is now in use across all 100 counties, so case scheduling and calendar information may also be accessible through the Odyssey portal.
If you need to confirm a specific hearing date or courtroom assignment, contact the Clerk of Superior Court's office directly at 919-564-7100. Calendar changes can occur on short notice, so checking the day before your hearing is a good practice.
How to Get a Copy of a Durham Court Document
You can obtain copies of court documents through three main channels:
1. Online
Search for case information and court records by name, case number, or attorney through the Durham County Records Access page. The statewide eCourts portal also allows online case lookups. Some documents may be viewable online, though certified copies generally require an in-person or mail request.
2. In Person
Visit the Clerk of Superior Court's office at the Durham County Courthouse. Public self-service terminals are available for searching judgment records and other case information. Staff can assist with pulling files and producing certified or uncertified copies.
3. By Mail
Send a written request to the Clerk's office at the address above. Include:
- Full case number (if known)
- Names of parties involved
- Description of the document needed
- Whether you need a certified or uncertified copy
- A check or money order for applicable fees
- A self-addressed stamped envelope
Certified vs. Uncertified Copies
- Uncertified copies are plain photocopies of court documents. They are suitable for personal reference but are not accepted for official legal purposes.
- Certified copies bear the Clerk's seal and signature, confirming they are true copies of the original record. These are required for most legal, employment, and licensing purposes.
For criminal background checks, the Clerk's office can provide a certified single-county criminal record search.
Durham Court Records Fees & Payment
Fees for court record services in Durham County are set by North Carolina General Statutes (primarily N.C.G.S. § 7A-308 and § 7A-311). The following table reflects standard fees established by statute:
| Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| Certified copy of a court document | $0.25 per page plus $3.00 certification fee |
| Uncertified copy of a court document | $0.25 per page |
| Certified criminal record search (single county) | $25.00 |
| Exemplification (authentication for out-of-state use) | $5.00 |
| Filing a civil action (Superior Court) | $150.00 |
| Filing a civil action (District Court) | $150.00 |
| Small claims filing | $96.00 |
Payment is typically accepted by cash, check, or money order at the Clerk's office. Some services through the eCourts system may accept electronic payment. Confirm current accepted payment methods and any fee updates directly with the Durham County Clerk of Superior Court, as fees may be adjusted by legislative action.
Certain records are restricted from public access under North Carolina law, including sealed juvenile records, adoption files, and records subject to expungement orders. If you are unsure whether a record is available, ask the Clerk's office before submitting payment.