nd public court records: a practical overview

What they cover

ND courts post case registers, calendars, and basic filings for civil, criminal, and traffic matters. You can usually view party names, case numbers, charges, dispositions, and scheduled hearings, while sensitive material-juvenile records, social security numbers, and sealed exhibits-remains restricted.

How to search

Start with the statewide portal or the county clerk’s index, then verify results against the official docket. Use exact spelling, middle initials, and a narrow date range. For certified copies, contact the clerk; web printouts are informational only.

Common mistakes to avoid

Because names are shared by many people, match on birthdate or address when available. Read the disposition and judgment, not just the charge, and check for appeals in the Supreme Court docket before relying on an outcome.

• Assuming completeness: older files may be offline or archived.
• Ignoring context: dismissals, deferrals, or amended counts change the picture.
• Mishandling privacy: remove minors’ names and protected identifiers.
• Missing updates: dockets change after continuances or expungements.
• Overlooking fees: certification and copy costs vary by county.