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Rockingham County, North Carolina Court Records

Rockingham County court records are official documents created and kept by the court. These records help to preserve an accurate account of what occurred during a judicial proceeding. This promotes transparency and gives members of the public insight into the progression of a court case. The Rockingham County Clerk of Superior and District Courts is the custodian of court records. These records are created, organized, and maintained in accordance with the North Carolina Public Records Law and General Rules of Practice for the Superior and District Courts.

Rockingham County court records are closely linked to other public records, such as vital records, arrest information, and federal cases. Therefore, members of the public may use court records alongside these related public records to gain a more complete understanding of legal proceedings.

Are Rockingham County Court Records Public?

Yes. Court records are presumed to be public under the North Carolina Public Records Law. Therefore, most court records in the custody of the Rockingham County district and superior courts can be inspected or copied by any member of the public. The clerk of these courts releases most adult court records upon request. However, the North Carolina law restricts public access to court records involving minors. Such records are only open to the minor’s parents or guardians, attorneys, and anyone with a court order.

Records that have been sealed or expunged by a court are also not publicly accessible. When a case is expunged, it is removed from public view entirely, and sealed records may only be accessed with court authorization. Additionally, the court can redact or restrict access to some sensitive materials within otherwise public court records.

What Information is Available in Rockingham County Court Records?

The following are the contents of a Rockingham County court record:

  • Case summary (case number, case title, court location, and filing date)
  • Case information (offense, statute, degree, case type, and case status)
  • Party information (party name, type, address, race, and gender)
  • Case events (date, time, description)
  • Dispositions, disposition date and time, and judicial officer’s name
  • Hearing date and time
  • Financial information (date, transaction assessment, total payments and credits, and amount)

Rockingham County Court Records Search

Record seekers can search for court records through the following methods:

  • Online Access: The North Carolina Branch Portal is a good place to search for case information without charges. Users can click the Smart Search, Search Hearings, or Judgment Search icons to search by name or case number.
  • In-Person Access: Individuals may visit the clerk’s office to obtain copies of court records. The courthouse has public access terminals where they may find case information without charges. Copies can also be printed via the terminals for a fee. Plain and certified copies may also be obtained from the staff for a fee.

Fees for Court Records in Rockingham County

According to N.C. G.S. 7A-308, the first copy of court records costs $2, and each additional copy costs $0.25. The cost of certified copies is slightly higher, set at $3 per document. Exemplified copies cost $10 while a criminal record search costs $25. The fees for court records differ from those of vital records. The Rockingham County Register of Deeds charges $0.25 each for birth, death, and marriage certificates. However, certified copies cost $10.00 each.

Rockingham County Courthouse Locations

The two major courts in Rockingham County are the Superior and District Courts. Below is the address of the courthouse:

Rockingham County Courthouse

170 Hwy 65

Reidsville, NC 27320

Phone: (336) 634-6000

Criminal Records Access in Rockingham County

The North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation (NCSBI) issues statewide criminal history records for personal review for $14. Individuals who specifically want Rockingham County criminal records can request a certified copy from the clerk of the superior court. The clerk only offers a name-based search by mail and in person during busy hours. Interested persons should complete Form AOC-CR-314 and either mail it or bring it to the clerk’s office with the $25 fee. Acceptable forms of payment include money orders, certified checks, credit cards, and cash.

In-person requesters can also use the public access terminals at the courthouse to search criminal records for free. They must enter the defendant’s name, case number, victim, or witness name in the terminal to find the appropriate record.

For online searches, record seekers may use the Smart Search portal. The portal returns criminal case information for free when users search by name or record number.

Rockingham County Probate Records

The clerk of the superior court is the custodian of Rockingham County probate records. These records are accessible to requesters on the public, self-service terminals at the clerk’s office for free. Individuals may print copies of probate records from the terminals for a small fee. The records staff can provide copies of probate documents on file for a fee.

Alternatively, record seekers may use the Smart Search portal to find probate information without charges. They must provide a name or record number for the search. To narrow the search, click the "Advanced Filtering Options" link, go to the "General Options" and select "Rockingham County" from the "Filter by Location" dropdown. Then scroll to the "Case Search Criteria" area and select "Estates" or "Wills Deposited for Safekeeping" from the "Filter by Case Type" dropdown.

Rockingham County Family Court Records

The Rockingham County District Court Civil Division handles different family-related cases, including divorce, adoption, paternity, child support, and child custody. The court clerk issues copies of these family cases to the public and those that are confidential to eligible individuals (case parties and anyone with a court order). Requests can be made in person at the courthouse. Record seekers can find public family court records at the public access terminals for free. However, copies printed from the terminals cost a small fee. The records staff also releases copies of public and confidential records upon request for a fee.

Anyone interested in accessing public family court records but cannot visit the clerk’s office should use the Smart Search portal for free. They must enter a name or record number in the available search box to find their desired records.

Federal Court Records in Rockingham County

The United States District Court for the Middle District of North Carolina has jurisdiction over federal cases in Rockingham County. The court clerk allows individuals to call (336) 332-6000 to discuss the best way to obtain copies of federal court documents. Generally, interested persons can submit a request online, by mail, or in person at the Greensboro Clerk’s Office.

Most federal court records are available online at the Public Access to Court Electronic Records Service (PACER) portal. Requesters must register an account to use the fee-based portal. The portal charges $0.10 per page and $3 per document for federal case information.

Mail requesters should ensure their letter specifically identifies their desired record and includes the exact amount of the total copying fee. The clerk charges $0.50 per page for federal court records. For in-person requests, customers may view federal court documents in CM/ECF at no cost, or print them for $0.10 per page. However, paper copies in the Clerk’s office are available for viewing for free, but copies cost 50 cents per page.

Rockingham County Court