North Dakota Public Records /North Dakota Court Records Online

North Dakota Court Records Online

Are Court Records in North Dakota Open to the Public?

Yes, court records in North Dakota are open to the public. The North Dakota Constitution guarantees the right to inspect and copy court records, with certain exceptions. Government departments, including courts, must make records available for public inspection unless they are sealed or made confidential by law.

Requesters must provide specific information to receive court records, such as the case number, names of the parties involved, or other pertinent details. Written requests can be submitted to the clerk of the court where the case was filed. Fees for obtaining copies may vary depending on the court.

What Information Appears in a North Dakota Court Records Search?

Case details (case number, case type, date filed, location, and judicial officer's name)
Party information (names of defendants and plaintiffs, and their attorneys)
Events and orders of the court (index number, judgment, and date)
Financial information related to the case

How To Find Court Records in North Dakota

To find court records in North Dakota, identify the court handling the case and the type of case involved. North Dakota has several court levels, including Municipal Courts, District Courts, and the Supreme Court.

For Municipal Court records, visit the courthouse in the city where the case was filed and submit a request. Fees vary; for example, the City of Fargo charges $10 per copy. For District Court records, submit written requests to the clerk of court at the respective district locations. The Supreme Court and Court of Appeals records can be requested by contacting the Clerk of the North Dakota Supreme Court in Bismarck.

The clerks may limit searches to ten records per day, and certain records might be exempt from public disclosure. Inspection of records at courthouses is allowed under supervision, without removing the records from the premises.

Public Access to North Dakota Court Records

Public access to North Dakota court records is available both in person and online. Courthouses provide public terminals for accessing records through the Odyssey case management system. No fees are charged for inspecting records at these terminals, but printing copies may incur a cost.

Online access is also available through the North Dakota Courts Records Inquiry system (NDCRI), which allows users to search for court records remotely. This system provides access to various court records, including criminal, traffic, civil, family, and probate cases.

Searching North Dakota Court Records by Name

To search North Dakota court records by name, use the North Dakota Courts Records Inquiry system (NDCRI). This tool allows searches by defendant/party name or attorney name, requiring the last and first names for accurate results.

If you encounter difficulties using the NDCRI, visit the clerk of court in the county where the case was filed. Provide the court staff with the name of any party involved or their attorney's name to conduct the search. Applicable search fees must be paid to obtain the records.

How To Access Court Records Online for Free in North Dakota

Court records can be accessed online for free through the North Dakota Courts Records Inquiry system (NDCRI). This tool offers access to criminal, traffic, and civil case information. Searches can be conducted by case number, party name, attorney name, or date filed.

Additionally, the Public Access to Court Electronic Records (PACER) system provides low-cost access to court records at $0.10 per page. Registration for a PACER account is required, and search options include specific courts or a national index.

Exemptions for North Dakota Court Case Lookup

Certain court records in North Dakota are exempt from public access. These include:

Adoption records
Juvenile records
Investigative records
Mental health records
Sealed or expunged criminal records

These exemptions ensure that sensitive information remains confidential and is only accessible to authorized individuals.

Finding a Court Docket in North Dakota

To find a court docket in North Dakota, visit the North Dakota Courts website and use the Supreme Court Docket Search feature. This provides entries made by the Supreme Court, including docket number, case title, author, case type, and party details.

Dockets serve as calendars that help track case progress and document filings. For other courts, consult the respective court's website or contact the clerk of court for assistance in locating docket information.

What Information Is Found in North Dakota Judgment Records?

North Dakota judgment records typically include:

Names of litigants
Judge's name
Judge's conclusion on the lawsuit
Issued judgment per state laws

These records detail the outcome of a lawsuit and are legally binding unless overturned on appeal. To obtain judgment records, visit the clerk's office with the case number and party names, and pay applicable fees.

Are Bankruptcy Records in North Dakota Publicly Accessible?

Yes, bankruptcy records in North Dakota are publicly accessible. These records include financial information of individuals and entities that have filed for bankruptcy, such as income sources, assets, and liabilities.

Requesters must provide the case number or party names to obtain these records. Requests can be made in person at the United States Bankruptcy Court in Fargo or through the PACER system.

How To Search Bankruptcy Records in North Dakota

To search for bankruptcy records in North Dakota, visit the United States Bankruptcy Court in Fargo or use the Multi-Court Voice Case Information System by calling (866) 222-8029. Online access is available through PACER, which requires registration and charges a fee of $0.10 per page.

Alternatively, use the public terminal at the clerk's office to view records for free, although printing copies will incur a cost. The clerk's office can also provide copies of records filed before December 1, 2003, for $0.50 per page.

Different Types of Courts in North Dakota

Supreme Court: The highest court with appellate jurisdiction.
Court of Appeals: Handles appellate cases as assigned by the Supreme Court.
District Courts: General jurisdiction over criminal and civil cases.
Municipal Courts: Handle violations of municipal ordinances.
Juvenile Court: Focuses on cases involving minors.
Domestic Violence Court: Addresses domestic violence cases.
Adult Hybrid DWI/Drug Courts: Specialized courts for DWI and drug-related cases.
Tribal Courts: Serve Native American reservations.
Veterans Treatment Court: Assists veterans with legal issues.
Federal Courts: Handle federal cases within the state.

Understanding the Differences Between Civil and Small Claims Courts in North Dakota

Small claims courts in North Dakota handle civil suits with damages not exceeding $15,000. These courts address cases like landlord-tenant disputes, contractual disagreements, and minor debts. Small claims proceedings are less formal, and hiring an attorney is usually unnecessary.

Defendants must respond to small claims summons within 20 days. If they fail to respond, the plaintiff wins by default. Decisions in small claims courts are final and not appealable. For larger civil cases, district courts handle disputes with no limit on the amount of damages sought. Plaintiffs must file suits within specified time limits, such as four to six years for breach of contract cases and two years for libel suits.

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