Court records in Davidson County, North Carolina can be found through several channels. DavidsonNCCourt.us can help you find publicly available information about court cases filed in the county. You can also search through the North Carolina Judicial Branch's Davidson County page, visit the Clerk of Superior Court's office in person, or use public terminals at the courthouse to look up case details, court dates, and docket information.
Davidson Court System & Jurisdictions
Davidson County's court system operates under North Carolina's unified General Court of Justice. Cases are heard in two main trial-level divisions, both housed at the Davidson County Courthouse in Lexington.
Superior Court
Davidson County sits in Judicial District 22B. Superior Court handles:
- Felony criminal cases
- Civil cases where the amount in controversy exceeds $25,000
- Appeals from District Court
- Real property disputes and condemnation proceedings
District Court
District Court in Davidson County covers a broader range of everyday matters:
- Criminal: Misdemeanors, infractions, and preliminary hearings for felonies
- Civil: Lawsuits involving $25,000 or less
- Small claims (Magistrate): Civil disputes up to $10,000, heard by a magistrate
- Traffic: Moving violations, DWI charges, and other motor vehicle offenses
- Family Court: Divorce, child custody, child support, domestic violence protective orders, and juvenile matters
Clerk of Superior Court — Estates & Special Proceedings
The Clerk of Superior Court also acts as judge of probate in North Carolina. The clerk's office handles:
- Estate administration and probate of wills
- Guardianship and incompetency proceedings
- Foreclosures and special proceedings
If you are unsure which division holds a particular docket, contact the Davidson County Clerk of Court's office or search by name on the statewide court system.
Davidson Court Calendar & Upcoming Hearings
North Carolina publishes court calendars through its statewide portal. To find today's, tomorrow's, or this week's court schedule in Davidson County:
- Go to the North Carolina Judicial Branch website.
- Use the court date search tool — you can search by name, citation number, or county.
- Select "Davidson" as the county to filter results.
The Davidson County court page also provides links for searching court dates and paying court fees, fines, and traffic citations. Calendars are typically organized by courtroom and session (criminal, civil, family, traffic). Criminal and traffic calendars are updated frequently, while civil and family calendars may be set further in advance.
Tips for checking your court date:
- Have your citation number or case number ready for the most accurate results.
- If you were recently served or cited, your date may not appear online immediately — allow a few business days.
- Courtroom assignments can change on short notice. Confirm your session the day before by checking the online calendar or calling the clerk's office.
How to Get a Copy of a Davidson Court Document
Most court records in North Carolina are public unless sealed or otherwise restricted by law. You can obtain copies through three main channels.
In Person
Visit the Davidson County Clerk of Superior Court's office at the courthouse. Paper case files can be reviewed on-site, and staff can provide copies. Bring the case number or the full name of a party to help locate the file.
By Mail
Send a written request to the Clerk of Superior Court at the address above. Include:
- The full case number (if known)
- Names of the parties involved
- The specific document(s) you need
- Whether you need certified or uncertified copies
- A self-addressed stamped envelope
- Payment for applicable fees (check or money order payable to "Davidson County Clerk of Court")
Online
The North Carolina courts system allows limited online access to court records. You can search case information — such as charges, court dates, and dispositions — but full document images are generally not available for download. For complete copies, an in-person or mail request is usually necessary.
Certified vs. uncertified copies: A certified copy bears the clerk's seal and signature, confirming it is a true copy of the court record. These are typically needed for legal proceedings, background checks, or official submissions. Uncertified copies are suitable for personal reference.
Restricted records: Juvenile cases, adoptions, involuntary commitment proceedings, and certain sealed files are not available to the general public. Expunged records are also inaccessible. The NC Judicial Branch court records page explains background checks and expungement in more detail.
Davidson Court Records Fees & Payment
Fees for court document copies in North Carolina are set by statute (N.C. General Statute § 7A-308). The following table reflects standard fees charged by the Clerk of Superior Court's office:
| Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| Uncertified copy (per page) | $0.25 |
| Certified copy (first page) | $3.00 |
| Certified copy (each additional page) | $0.25 |
| Certification of a document (no copy made) | $3.00 |
| Search fee (per name, per 10-year period) | $25.00 |
Payment methods: The clerk's office generally accepts cash, checks, and money orders. Some North Carolina courts also accept credit or debit card payments, though a processing fee may apply. For mail requests, send a check or money order payable to "Davidson County Clerk of Court."
Additional notes:
- If you are requesting multiple certified documents, each document carries its own $3.00 certification fee plus per-page charges beyond the first page.
- The $25.00 search fee applies when you ask the clerk's office to conduct a records search on your behalf — for example, a criminal background check covering a specific time period.
- Fees are subject to change. Confirm current amounts with the clerk's office before submitting payment by mail.