Rowan County Public Records /Rowan County Court Records

Rowan County Court Records

What Is Rowan County Court Records

Court records in Rowan County encompass all official documentation generated during legal proceedings within the county's court system. These records constitute a comprehensive repository of judicial activities as defined under North Carolina General Statutes § 7A-276, which establishes the framework for court record maintenance and access.

Court records typically include:

Case files containing pleadings, motions, and responses
Court dockets listing scheduled hearings and proceedings
Judicial orders and final judgments
Transcripts of court proceedings
Evidence and exhibits admitted during trials
Sentencing and disposition records in criminal matters
Settlement agreements in civil cases

These records are distinct from other public records maintained by Rowan County, such as property records, vital statistics (birth, death, marriage certificates), and tax documents. The North Carolina Judicial Branch maintains specific guidelines regarding the creation, storage, and accessibility of court records throughout the state.

In Rowan County, court records are maintained by several judicial bodies:

Rowan County Superior Court (felony criminal cases, civil cases over $25,000)
Rowan County District Court (misdemeanors, civil cases under $25,000, family law)
Small Claims Court (civil disputes under $10,000)
Juvenile Court (cases involving minors)
Probate Court (wills, estates, guardianships)

Each court maintains records according to case type, including civil litigation, criminal proceedings, domestic relations, probate matters, and traffic violations.

Are Court Records Public In Rowan County

Court records in Rowan County are generally accessible to the public pursuant to the North Carolina Public Records Law, codified in North Carolina General Statutes § 132-1, which establishes that public records shall be "the property of the people." Additionally, the state constitution and common law tradition support the presumption of openness in judicial proceedings.

The following court records are typically available for public inspection:

Civil case files (with certain exceptions for sensitive information)
Criminal case files after formal charges have been filed
Court dockets and calendars
Final judgments and orders
Marriage and divorce records
Probate records including wills and estate inventories

However, certain records may be restricted or sealed by court order or statute, including:

Juvenile proceedings (under N.C.G.S. § 7B-2901)
Adoption records
Mental health commitment proceedings
Certain domestic violence cases
Records containing sensitive personal identifiers (Social Security numbers, financial account information)
Cases sealed by judicial order for compelling reasons

The Rowan County Public Records policy outlines specific procedures for accessing court and other government records within the county. Access to federal court records for cases heard in federal courts (even those physically located in Rowan County) is governed by federal rules rather than state law.

The North Carolina Administrative Office of the Courts has established uniform policies regarding public access to court records, balancing transparency with privacy concerns and the efficient administration of justice.

How To Find Court Records in Rowan County in 2026

Members of the public seeking court records in Rowan County may utilize several methods to locate and access these documents. The county has implemented a comprehensive system for record retrieval that accommodates both electronic and in-person requests.

For in-person requests:

Visit the Rowan County Clerk of Superior Court's office during regular business hours
Complete a record request form specifying the case number, party names, and documents needed
Present valid photo identification
Pay applicable copy fees ($0.25 per page for standard copies)
Wait for staff to retrieve the requested records

Rowan County Clerk of Superior Court
201 N Main Street
Salisbury, NC 28144
704-797-3220
Rowan County Clerk of Court

For written requests:

Submit a formal written request to the Clerk of Court's office
Include specific case information (case number, party names, filing dates)
Provide return contact information and preferred delivery method
Enclose payment for applicable fees
Allow 5-10 business days for processing

For electronic requests:

Access the North Carolina eCourts portal
Create a user account if not already registered
Navigate to the record search function
Enter search criteria (name, case number, filing date)
Select desired documents from search results
Pay applicable fees for document access
Download or print retrieved documents

Pursuant to North Carolina Administrative Code Title 28, requests for certified copies require additional processing time and fees. Expedited requests may incur additional charges as permitted under state law.

How To Look Up Court Records in Rowan County Online?

Rowan County residents and interested parties may access court records through several online platforms maintained by the North Carolina Judicial Branch. The state has invested in digital infrastructure to facilitate remote access to judicial documents.

The primary online resources include:

North Carolina eCourts Portal
- Navigate to the official eCourts website
- Select "Court Records Search" from the available options
- Enter search parameters (name, case number, filing date)
- Review search results and select desired records
- Pay applicable fees for document access
- Download or print retrieved documents
North Carolina Court Calendar
- Access the court calendar system through the Judicial Branch website
- Select Rowan County from the jurisdiction dropdown
- Choose the relevant court division (District, Superior)
- Select date range for calendar search
- View scheduled hearings and associated case information
Criminal Record Search
- Visit the North Carolina Criminal Background Check portal
- Enter the subject's name and identifying information
- Pay the required search fee
- Review results for criminal cases in Rowan County courts
Civil Case Access
- Access the Civil Case Processing System
- Search by party name, attorney, or case number
- Review case summaries and document indexes
- Request specific documents for viewing or download

The online systems provide varying levels of detail, with some offering only case summaries while others provide full document access. Pursuant to North Carolina General Statutes § 7A-109, certain sensitive information may be redacted from online records to protect privacy while maintaining public access to judicial proceedings.

How To Search Rowan County Court Records for Free?

North Carolina law guarantees the public's right to inspect court records without charge, though fees may apply for copies or certified documents. Under North Carolina General Statutes § 132-6, "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."

Free access options in Rowan County include:

In-Person Inspection
- Visit the Rowan County Courthouse during regular business hours
- Request to view specific case files at the Clerk's public terminals
- Review documents on-site without charge
- Take notes or request copies (copying fees apply)

Rowan County Courthouse
201 N Main Street
Salisbury, NC 28144
704-797-3220
Rowan County Courts
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM

Public Access Terminals
- Use computer terminals available at the courthouse
- Search case information without fees
- View basic case information and docket entries
- Print capabilities available (printing fees apply)
Limited Online Resources
- Access the North Carolina Court Calendar without charge
- View basic case information through the public index
- Check hearing schedules and court dates at no cost
- Review court directories and contact information
Law Library Access
- Visit the Rowan County Law Library located in the courthouse
- Access legal research materials and case summaries
- Utilize reference assistance for locating relevant cases
- Review published opinions and judicial decisions

While comprehensive document access may require payment of statutory fees, these free options provide significant transparency into the judicial process as mandated by state law and court administration policies.

What's Included in a Rowan County Court Record?

Court records in Rowan County contain comprehensive documentation of legal proceedings, with contents varying by case type and court jurisdiction. Pursuant to North Carolina Rules of Recordkeeping, these records typically include:

For Civil Cases:

Complaint or petition initiating the action
Summons and proof of service
Responsive pleadings (answers, counterclaims)
Motions and supporting memoranda
Discovery documents filed with the court
Affidavits and declarations
Court orders and rulings
Final judgment or dismissal
Post-judgment motions and enforcement documents
Appeal notices and related filings

For Criminal Cases:

Charging documents (indictments, information, complaints)
Arrest warrants and returns
Bond and pretrial release documentation
Defendant's initial appearance records
Plea agreements or trial verdicts
Sentencing orders and judgments
Probation terms and conditions
Restitution orders
Appeal notices and related filings
Post-conviction relief petitions

For Family Law Cases:

Petitions for divorce, custody, or support
Financial affidavits and disclosures
Parenting plans and custody evaluations
Child support worksheets and orders
Property division agreements
Domestic violence protective orders
Adoption petitions and decrees
Name change applications and orders

For Probate Matters:

Wills and codicils
Petitions for probate or administration
Inventories of estate assets
Claims against estates
Accountings of estate administration
Distribution plans and receipts
Guardianship reports and accountings
Trust documents filed with the court

Each court record also contains a docket sheet or case summary listing all filings, hearings, and actions taken in chronological order. This serves as an index to the complete case file and provides a procedural history of the litigation.

How Long Does Rowan County Keep Court Records?

Rowan County adheres to the North Carolina Judicial Branch Records Retention Schedule as established by the Administrative Office of the Courts pursuant to North Carolina General Statutes § 7A-109(d). This comprehensive schedule dictates the minimum retention periods for various court documents.

Key retention periods include:

Felony Case Files: Permanently maintained for Class A-E felonies; 20 years after disposition for Class F-I felonies
Misdemeanor Case Files: 5-10 years after disposition, depending on offense classification
Civil Superior Court Cases: 10 years after disposition for most matters; permanently for cases involving real property
Civil District Court Cases: 5 years after disposition for general civil matters
Domestic Relations Cases: Permanently maintained for divorce decrees, custody orders, and adoption records
Juvenile Proceedings: Until subject reaches age 21 for most matters; permanently for certain serious offenses
Probate Records: Wills, estate inventories, and final accountings are permanently maintained
Small Claims Actions: 3 years after disposition
Traffic Cases: 3 years after disposition for most infractions
Mental Health Proceedings: 10 years after disposition

Court dockets, judgment indexes, and minute books are maintained permanently as they provide essential finding aids and historical documentation. Electronic records are subject to the same retention requirements as their paper counterparts, though storage methods may differ.

The Administrative Office of the Courts periodically reviews and updates the retention schedule to accommodate changing legal requirements and technological capabilities. Records scheduled for destruction are reviewed by the State Archives of North Carolina for potential historical value before disposal.

Certain case types may be subject to special retention rules based on federal requirements or specific state statutes governing particular proceedings.

Types of Courts In Rowan County

Rowan County's judicial system operates within North Carolina's unified court structure, with several courts serving distinct jurisdictional functions.

Rowan County Superior Court
201 N Main Street, 2nd Floor
Salisbury, NC 28144
704-797-3220
Rowan County Superior Court
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM

Superior Court is the highest trial court in the county, presided over by rotating superior court judges who serve eight-year terms. This court handles felony criminal cases, civil matters involving claims exceeding $25,000, and appeals from district court.

Rowan County District Court
201 N Main Street, 1st Floor
Salisbury, NC 28144
704-797-3220
Rowan County District Court
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM

District Court handles misdemeanor criminal cases, preliminary hearings for felonies, civil cases under $25,000, family law matters, juvenile proceedings, and traffic violations. District court judges serve four-year terms.

Rowan County Small Claims Court
201 N Main Street, 1st Floor
Salisbury, NC 28144
704-797-3220
Rowan County Small Claims Court
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM

Small Claims Court, a division of District Court, handles civil disputes involving claims up to $10,000. These proceedings are typically presided over by magistrates and feature simplified procedures for litigants.

Rowan County Magistrate's Office
115 W Liberty Street
Salisbury, NC 28144
704-639-7540
Rowan County Magistrate
Hours: 24 hours daily

Magistrates issue arrest and search warrants, conduct initial appearances, set bail, accept guilty pleas for minor offenses, and handle small claims cases. They are appointed by the senior resident superior court judge.

Rowan County Clerk of Superior Court
201 N Main Street
Salisbury, NC 28144
704-797-3220
Rowan County Clerk of Court
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM

The Clerk's Office maintains all court records, collects fees and fines, and handles probate matters and special proceedings. The Clerk of Superior Court is elected to a four-year term.

Appeals from Rowan County courts are heard by the North Carolina Court of Appeals and, in certain cases, the North Carolina Supreme Court, both located in Raleigh.

What Types of Cases Do Rowan County Courts Hear?

Rowan County courts adjudicate a diverse range of legal matters according to jurisdictional authority established by North Carolina General Statutes. Each court level handles specific case types based on subject matter and monetary thresholds.

Superior Court handles:

Felony criminal prosecutions
Civil cases involving claims exceeding $25,000
Appeals from district court decisions
Property disputes and real estate matters
Complex business litigation
Medical malpractice claims
Constitutional challenges to state laws
Administrative agency appeals
Probate matters contested from Clerk's decisions

District Court adjudicates:

Misdemeanor criminal cases
Preliminary hearings in felony cases
Civil disputes involving claims up to $25,000
Domestic relations cases (divorce, custody, support)
Juvenile delinquency proceedings
Abuse, neglect, and dependency matters
Involuntary commitment proceedings
Traffic violations and DWI/DUI cases
Landlord-tenant disputes
Restraining orders and protective orders

Small Claims Court (magistrate division) handles:

Civil disputes up to $10,000
Summary ejectment (eviction) proceedings
Recovery of personal property
Motor vehicle damage claims
Consumer disputes
Contract disagreements
Debt collection matters

The Clerk of Superior Court presides over:

Probate of wills
Estate administration
Guardianship appointments
Foreclosure proceedings
Adoption records
Name change petitions
Incompetency determinations

Specialized court programs in Rowan County include:

Drug Treatment Court
Family Court
Veterans Treatment Court
Mental Health Court

These specialized courts implement alternative approaches to address underlying issues while maintaining accountability within the judicial system. Case assignment follows statutory guidelines with consideration for efficient administration of justice and equitable distribution of judicial resources.

How To Find a Court Docket In Rowan County

Court dockets in Rowan County provide essential information about scheduled hearings, case status, and procedural history. Members of the public may access these records through several methods established by the North Carolina Administrative Office of the Courts.

To locate court dockets electronically:

Visit the North Carolina Court Calendar portal
Select "Rowan" from the county dropdown menu
Choose the appropriate court division (Superior, District, etc.)
Select the desired date range for calendar search
Review the resulting docket information, including case numbers, party names, hearing types, and assigned courtrooms

For criminal case dockets:

Access the North Carolina Criminal Court Calendar
Select Rowan County and the relevant court division
Choose between district or superior criminal courts
Review scheduled cases by date, defendant name, or case number
Note that calendars are typically published 1-2 weeks in advance

For civil case dockets:

Navigate to the civil calendar section of the court website
Select the appropriate division (general civil, domestic, small claims)
Search by date, party name, or attorney
Review scheduled motions, trials, and hearings

In-person docket access:

Visit the Rowan County Courthouse during business hours
Request to view the daily calendar at the Clerk's Office
Check bulletin boards near courtrooms for posted dockets
Consult with courtroom staff regarding specific case scheduling

Rowan County Clerk of Superior Court
201 N Main Street
Salisbury, NC 28144
704-797-3220
Rowan County Courts

Attorneys registered with the court's electronic filing system may access docket information through secure portals with additional case details. Court dockets are generally published according to North Carolina General Statutes § 7A-49.4, which establishes requirements for criminal and civil calendar management.

Which Courts in Rowan County Are Not Courts of Record?

In the North Carolina judicial system, "courts of record" maintain comprehensive documentation of proceedings, including verbatim transcripts, while "courts not of record" typically maintain only summary documentation. This distinction is established under North Carolina General Statutes § 7A-190.

In Rowan County, courts not of record include:

Small Claims Court (Magistrate Division)
Traffic Administrative Court
First Appearance Court
Probable Cause Hearings

These courts typically handle matters through summary proceedings where:

Formal transcripts are not routinely created
Proceedings may not be recorded verbatim
Documentation consists primarily of forms and summary orders
Appeals from these courts proceed as de novo hearings (new trials) rather than reviews of the record

Small Claims Court, presided over by magistrates, handles civil disputes up to $10,000 with simplified procedures. While written judgments are issued, the proceedings themselves are not transcribed verbatim. Appeals from Small Claims Court are heard de novo in District Court.

Traffic Administrative Court processes minor traffic infractions through an administrative process rather than formal court hearings. These proceedings result in disposition records but not comprehensive transcripts.

First Appearance Court conducts initial proceedings in criminal cases, including advisement of rights, bail determinations, and appointment of counsel. While these proceedings generate documentation, they are not courts of record in the statutory sense.

By contrast, Rowan County Superior Court and District Court are courts of record that maintain comprehensive documentation of all proceedings, including verbatim transcripts when requested. These courts employ court reporters or electronic recording systems to create the official record of proceedings as required by state law.