Nash County Court Records
What Is Nash County Court Records
Nash County court records encompass all official documentation generated during legal proceedings within the county's judicial system. These records include case files, dockets, pleadings, motions, orders, judgments, transcripts, exhibits, and sentencing records maintained by the courts operating within Nash County, North Carolina.
Court records are distinct from other public records such as:
- Property records (deeds, liens, mortgages)
- Vital records (birth, death, marriage certificates)
- Tax records
- Business licenses
In Nash County, court records are maintained by several courts within the North Carolina Judicial Branch, including:
- Nash County Superior Court
- Nash County District Court
- Nash County Small Claims Court
- Nash County Family Court
These courts handle various matters including civil litigation, criminal proceedings, family law cases, probate matters, and traffic violations. According to North Carolina General Statutes § 7A-109, the clerk of superior court is the official custodian of all records of the superior court and district court divisions of the General Court of Justice.
The North Carolina Judicial Branch provides information about Nash County courts and their respective jurisdictions, including access to court records.
Are Court Records Public In Nash County
Court records in Nash County are generally public pursuant to North Carolina's Public Records Law, N.C.G.S. § 132-1, which establishes that records made or received in the transaction of public business are public property. Additionally, the North Carolina Constitution guarantees that "all courts shall be open" under Article I, Section 18.
The following court records are typically available for public inspection:
- Most civil case files
- Criminal case files (post-charging)
- Judgments and orders
- Docket sheets
- Hearing schedules
- Court calendars
However, certain records may be restricted or sealed by court order or statute, including:
- Juvenile records (protected under N.C.G.S. § 7B-2901)
- Adoption proceedings
- Mental health commitment records
- Certain domestic violence cases
- Records containing sensitive personal information
It is important to note that federal court records for cases heard in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina (which includes Nash County) are governed by federal access rules rather than state law.
The North Carolina Administrative Office of the Courts has established policies regarding public access to court records in accordance with state statutes and the North Carolina Rules of Recordkeeping.
How To Find Court Records in Nash County in 2026
Members of the public seeking Nash County court records may utilize several methods to locate and access these documents:
In-Person Requests:
- Visit the Nash County Clerk of Superior Court's office during regular business hours
- Complete a records request form specifying the case information
- Present valid photo identification
- Pay applicable copy fees ($0.25 per page for standard copies)
Nash County Clerk of Superior Court
234 West Washington Street
Nashville, NC 27856
252-462-4300
Nash County Clerk of Court
Online Access:
- Access the North Carolina Judicial Branch's Court Records Search
- Create an account if required
- Enter search criteria (name, case number, filing date)
- Review available records
- Pay any applicable fees for copies or certified documents
Mail Requests:
- Send a written request to the Nash County Clerk of Superior Court
- Include specific case information (names, approximate dates, case numbers if known)
- Provide a self-addressed stamped envelope
- Include payment for copy fees (check or money order)
- Allow 10-15 business days for processing
For criminal records, the Nash County Sheriff's Office also maintains certain records:
Nash County Sheriff's Office
222 West Washington Street
Nashville, NC 27856
252-459-4121
Nash County Sheriff's Office
Pursuant to N.C.G.S. § 7A-308, specific fees apply for certified copies and other court services.
How To Look Up Court Records in Nash County Online?
Nash County residents and interested parties can access various court records through several online portals maintained by the North Carolina Judicial Branch:
North Carolina Court System Online Services:
- Visit the North Carolina Judicial Branch website
- Select "Court Records Search" from the available options
- Choose the appropriate database based on record type:
- Civil Case Processing System (for civil cases)
- Criminal Court Information System (for criminal cases)
- Automated Criminal/Infractions System (for traffic violations)
- Enter search criteria (name, case number, date range)
- Review search results and select specific cases for more information
North Carolina Business Court: For business-related cases that may be heard in Nash County:
- Access the North Carolina Business Court website
- Navigate to "Case Information"
- Search by party name, attorney, or case number
- View available documents (some may require registration)
Court Calendar Information: To view upcoming court dates in Nash County:
- Visit the Court Dates search portal
- Select Nash County from the dropdown menu
- Enter additional search criteria as needed
- View scheduled court appearances and hearings
Some limitations of online access include:
- Older records (pre-digital) may not be available online
- Certain confidential or sealed records are excluded
- Document images may require fees to view
- Complete case files may not be available electronically
For comprehensive searches, the North Carolina Administrative Office of the Courts recommends using multiple search parameters and verifying information through the Nash County Clerk of Court when necessary.
How To Search Nash County Court Records for Free?
Nash County residents may access certain court records without payment pursuant to North Carolina's Public Records Law. The following free options are available:
In-Person Inspection: North Carolina General Statute § 132-6(a) guarantees 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, and shall, as promptly as possible, furnish copies thereof upon payment of any fees as may be prescribed by law."
- Visit the Nash County Courthouse during regular business hours
- Request to inspect specific records at the Clerk's office
- Provide case information to locate the desired records
- Review documents under staff supervision
- Note that while inspection is free, copies incur standard fees
Free Online Resources:
- North Carolina Court Calendar - Search for upcoming court dates by name, county, or date range
- Nash County Criminal Record Search - Basic criminal case information
- North Carolina Offender Public Information - Information on current inmates and supervised offenders
Public Access Terminals: The Nash County Courthouse provides public access computer terminals where visitors may search court records without charge:
Nash County Courthouse
234 West Washington Street
Nashville, NC 27856
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
While basic searches are free, users should be aware that:
- Certified copies require payment of statutory fees
- Extensive research assistance may not be available
- High-volume requests may be subject to special procedures
- Some records may only be available in physical form
The Nash County Clerk's office staff can provide guidance on free access options for specific types of court records.
What's Included in a Nash County Court Record?
Nash County court records typically contain comprehensive documentation of legal proceedings. The specific contents vary by case type but generally include:
Civil Case Records:
- Complaint or petition initiating the case
- Summons and proof of service
- Answers and counterclaims
- Motions and supporting memoranda
- Discovery documents (if filed with the court)
- Exhibits admitted into evidence
- Transcripts of hearings and trials
- Orders and judgments
- Settlement agreements (if not sealed)
- Appeals documentation
Criminal Case Records:
- Charging documents (indictments, information, complaints)
- Arrest warrants and returns
- Bond/bail information
- Plea agreements
- Motions and orders
- Trial exhibits
- Sentencing information
- Probation reports (may be restricted)
- Judgment and commitment orders
- Appeal documents
Family Court Records:
- Divorce petitions and decrees
- Child custody and support orders
- Domestic violence protective orders
- Paternity determinations
- Adoption proceedings (typically sealed)
- Guardian ad litem reports
- Financial affidavits
- Parenting plans
Probate Records:
- Wills and codicils
- Petitions for probate
- Inventories of estate assets
- Claims against estates
- Executor/administrator appointments
- Distribution orders
- Estate closing documents
Each court record also contains a docket sheet or case summary that chronologically lists all actions taken in the case, including filings, hearings, and judicial rulings. Pursuant to N.C.G.S. § 7A-109.1, certain sensitive information such as Social Security numbers, financial account numbers, and dates of birth may be redacted from publicly accessible versions of court records.
How Long Does Nash County Keep Court Records?
Nash County adheres to the North Carolina Judicial Branch's Records Retention Schedule, which establishes mandatory retention periods for various court documents. These retention periods are governed by the Rules of Recordkeeping established by the North Carolina Administrative Office of the Courts.
Criminal Case Records:
- Felony cases: Permanent retention for murder and Class A felonies; 20 years after disposition for other felonies
- Misdemeanor cases: 5-10 years after disposition, depending on offense type
- Infractions: 3 years after disposition
Civil Case Records:
- General civil cases: 5-10 years after disposition, depending on case type
- Special proceedings: 10 years after disposition
- Small claims: 5 years after judgment
- Domestic relations cases: 25 years after disposition
- Juvenile cases: Until child reaches age 18, then transferred to confidential storage
Probate Records:
- Wills: Permanent retention
- Estate administration: 10 years after estate closing
- Guardianship: 10 years after termination of guardianship
Court Operational Records:
- Court calendars: 2 years
- Judge's notes: Not considered official records, may be destroyed after use
- Recordings of proceedings: 1-10 years, depending on case type
- Exhibits: Returned to parties after appeal period or retained with case file
For historically significant cases, records may be transferred to the North Carolina State Archives for permanent preservation rather than being destroyed after the retention period expires. The North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources oversees the archival process for court records of historical value.
Individuals seeking older records should note that while the retention schedule establishes minimum periods, some records may be kept longer. Additionally, records that have been microfilmed or digitized may be available even after physical copies have been destroyed.
Types of Courts In Nash County
Nash County's court system operates as part of North Carolina's unified court system, known as the General Court of Justice. The following courts serve Nash County residents:
Nash County Superior Court
234 West Washington Street
Nashville, NC 27856
252-462-4300
Nash County Superior Court
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Nash County District Court
234 West Washington Street
Nashville, NC 27856
252-462-4300
Nash County District Court
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Nash County Small Claims Court
(Operates within District Court)
234 West Washington Street
Nashville, NC 27856
252-462-4300
Nash County Small Claims Court
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Rocky Mount District Court
(Satellite courthouse serving Nash and Edgecombe Counties)
147 SW Main Street
Rocky Mount, NC 27804
252-985-5000
Rocky Mount District Court
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
The North Carolina court hierarchy is structured as follows:
- District Courts and Magistrates (lower courts of limited jurisdiction)
- Superior Courts (general jurisdiction trial courts)
- North Carolina Court of Appeals (intermediate appellate court)
- North Carolina Supreme Court (highest state court)
Nash County is part of Judicial District 7, which also includes Wilson and Edgecombe Counties. The district is served by resident Superior Court judges who rotate among counties within the district according to schedules set by the North Carolina Administrative Office of the Courts.
Federal cases involving Nash County residents are typically heard in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina, located in Raleigh, approximately 45 miles from Nashville.
What Types of Cases Do Nash County Courts Hear?
Nash County courts adjudicate a wide range of legal matters according to their respective jurisdictions as established by North Carolina law:
Nash County Superior Court:
- Felony criminal cases (preliminary hearings and trials)
- Civil cases involving claims exceeding $25,000
- Appeals from District Court decisions
- Probate of wills and administration of estates
- Special proceedings (land partitions, foreclosures)
- Administrative agency appeals
- Constitutional challenges to state laws
Nash County District Court:
- Misdemeanor criminal cases
- Preliminary hearings for felony cases
- Civil cases involving claims up to $25,000
- Domestic relations cases (divorce, custody, support)
- Juvenile proceedings
- Involuntary commitments
- Traffic violations
- Magistrate appeals
Nash County Small Claims Court:
- Civil disputes involving claims up to $10,000
- Landlord-tenant matters (summary ejectment)
- Recovery of personal property
- Motor vehicle property damage claims
- Consumer disputes
- Contract disagreements
Nash County Magistrates:
- Initial appearances and bond settings
- Acceptance of guilty pleas for minor offenses
- Small claims cases (as assigned)
- Issuance of search and arrest warrants
- Performing civil marriages
The jurisdiction of these courts is established by the North Carolina General Statutes § 7A, which defines the structure and authority of the state's judicial system.
Nash County courts operate on regular schedules with specific days typically designated for different case types. Criminal sessions, civil sessions, domestic relations hearings, and small claims proceedings are generally scheduled on different days to efficiently manage caseloads and courthouse resources.
How To Find a Court Docket In Nash County
Court dockets in Nash County provide a chronological listing of scheduled cases and proceedings. Members of the public can access these dockets through several methods:
Online Docket Access:
- Visit the North Carolina Court Dates search portal
- Select "Nash County" from the county dropdown menu
- Choose a date range (up to 30 days)
- Optionally, enter a name or case number for specific searches
- Review the resulting calendar of scheduled court appearances
In-Person Docket Review:
- Visit the Nash County Courthouse during business hours
- Request to view the current docket at the Clerk of Court's office
- Printed dockets are typically posted outside courtrooms
- Daily calendars are usually available at the courthouse entrance
Telephone Information: Limited docket information may be obtained by calling:
- Nash County Clerk of Superior Court: 252-462-4300
- Nash County District Attorney's Office: 252-462-4322 (for criminal cases)
Attorney Access: Attorneys representing clients in Nash County have additional access through:
- The North Carolina eCourts system
- Secure attorney portal with comprehensive calendar information
- Electronic notifications of schedule changes
When searching for docket information, users should note:
- Criminal and civil dockets are maintained separately
- Superior Court and District Court have distinct calendars
- Cases may be rescheduled with limited notice
- Some specialized proceedings may not appear on public dockets
- Court schedules are subject to change due to weather, emergencies, or judicial availability
For the most accurate and up-to-date docket information, the Nash County Judicial Branch recommends checking online resources the day before a scheduled appearance or contacting the Clerk's office directly.
Which Courts in Nash County Are Not Courts of Record?
In the North Carolina judicial system, "courts of record" are those that maintain comprehensive documentation of proceedings and whose decisions may serve as precedent. Conversely, courts not of record typically handle minor matters with simplified procedures and limited documentation.
In Nash County, the following are not courts of record:
Small Claims Court: Small Claims Court in Nash County operates as a division of District Court but with simplified procedures. According to N.C.G.S. § 7A-210, small claims actions are "adjudicated before a magistrate who shall sit as the court of original jurisdiction." While basic records are maintained, these proceedings:
- Do not typically include court reporters
- Maintain minimal documentation beyond final judgments
- Follow relaxed rules of evidence and procedure
- Allow for de novo appeals to District Court (completely new trial)
Magistrate Proceedings: Nash County magistrates handle various minor matters that are not fully documented as courts of record:
- Initial appearances
- Probable cause determinations
- Acceptance of certain guilty pleas
- Bond hearings
- Issuance of warrants
These proceedings are governed by N.C.G.S. § 7A-273, which outlines the powers of magistrates.
The distinction between courts of record and those not of record is significant because:
- Appeals from courts not of record typically result in entirely new trials rather than reviews of legal errors
- Proceedings in courts not of record generally cannot be cited as precedent
- The documentation requirements are less stringent
- Transcripts may not be available for proceedings in courts not of record
All other Nash County courts, including District Court and Superior Court, are courts of record that maintain comprehensive documentation of proceedings, including recordings or transcripts, exhibits, and detailed case files.
Lookup Court Records in Nash County
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