Johnston County Public Records /Johnston County Court Records

Johnston County Court Records

What Is Johnston County Court Records

Johnston County court records encompass all official documentation generated during legal proceedings within the county's court system. These records include case files, dockets, pleadings, motions, orders, judgments, transcripts, exhibits, and sentencing records maintained by the courts operating within Johnston County, North Carolina. Court records are distinct from other public records such as property records, vital statistics, and tax documents, which are maintained by different county departments.

Pursuant to North Carolina General Statutes § 7A-109, court records are defined as "all records and papers in the custody of the clerk of superior court." These records are maintained by various courts within Johnston County, including:

Superior Court
District Court
Small Claims Court
Family Court
Juvenile Court
Probate Court

The North Carolina Judicial Branch maintains comprehensive information about court records across all counties, including Johnston County. Court records document proceedings in civil, criminal, family, probate, and traffic matters, providing an official account of legal actions taken within the county's judicial system.

Are Court Records Public In Johnston County

Court records in Johnston County are generally public documents accessible to citizens under North Carolina's Public Records Law, codified in North Carolina General Statutes § 132-1. This statute establishes that public records, including court records, belong to the people and should be accessible for inspection by any person, with certain exceptions.

The following court records are typically available for public access:

Most civil case files
Criminal case files (post-charging)
Judgments and orders
Docket sheets
Hearing schedules

It is important to note that while most court records are public, certain categories of records may be sealed or restricted by court order or statute. These include:

Juvenile records (pursuant to N.C.G.S. § 7B-2901)
Adoption proceedings
Mental health proceedings
Certain domestic violence cases
Records sealed by judicial order

The North Carolina Administrative Office of the Courts has established rules governing public access to court records, which apply to all counties including Johnston County. These rules are designed to balance the public's right to access with privacy concerns and the efficient administration of justice.

Federal court records for cases that might involve Johnston County residents but are heard in federal courts follow different access rules under the federal court system and are not maintained by Johnston County officials.

How To Find Court Records in Johnston County in 2026

Members of the public seeking court records in Johnston County may utilize several methods to locate and access these documents. The Johnston County Clerk of Superior Court serves as the custodian of court records and provides access through the following channels:

In-Person Requests:

Visit the Johnston County Courthouse during regular business hours
Complete a record request form at the Clerk's office
Provide case information (names, case numbers, filing dates)
Pay applicable copy fees ($0.25 per page for standard copies)
Wait for staff to retrieve the requested documents

Online Access:

Access the North Carolina Judicial Branch eCourts portal
Create a user account if required
Select Johnston County from the jurisdiction menu
Enter search criteria (name, case number, filing date)
Review available records and download as permitted

Mail Requests:

Send a written request to the Johnston County Clerk of Superior Court
Include specific case information and contact details
Enclose a self-addressed stamped envelope
Include payment for copy fees (check or money order)

Johnston County Clerk of Superior Court
207 E. Johnston Street, Suite 209
Smithfield, NC 27577
(919) 209-5400
Johnston County Clerk of Court

For certified copies of court documents, requestors must specifically request certification and pay additional fees. Currently, certified copies cost $5.00 for the first page and $2.00 for each additional page, pursuant to N.C.G.S. § 7A-308.

How To Look Up Court Records in Johnston County Online?

Johnston County residents and interested parties can access court records through several online portals maintained by the North Carolina Judicial Branch. The state has implemented the Enterprise Justice (Odyssey) system, which provides digital access to court records across all North Carolina counties.

The primary online resources for accessing Johnston County court records include:

North Carolina eCourts Portal
- Navigate to the North Carolina eCourts website
- Select "Court Records Search" from the available options
- Choose Johnston County from the jurisdiction dropdown
- Enter search criteria (name, case number, date range)
- Review search results and access available documents
Criminal Court Information System
- Access the Criminal Court Information portal through the NC Judicial Branch website
- Search by defendant name, case number, or attorney
- View criminal case information, charges, and scheduled court dates
- Note that this system only provides case information, not document images
Civil Case Processing System
- Use this system to search for civil cases filed in Johnston County
- Search by plaintiff, defendant, filing date, or case type
- Access case summaries, party information, and scheduled hearings

When using these online systems, users should note that:

Some documents may not be available in full text format
Certain case types may have restricted online access
Historical records may not be completely digitized
User fees may apply for certain searches or document retrievals

The North Carolina Judicial Branch provides detailed instructions for navigating these online systems and understanding the limitations of digital court record access.

How To Search Johnston County Court Records for Free?

Johnston County residents have several options for accessing court records without payment, as provided under North Carolina General Statutes § 132-6, which states that "every person having custody of public records shall permit them to be inspected and examined at reasonable times and under reasonable supervision."

Free access options include:

In-Person Inspection:

Visit the Johnston County Courthouse during regular business hours
Request to inspect specific case files at the Clerk's office
Review documents on-site without charge
Take notes or use personal devices to photograph documents (if permitted)

Free Online Resources:

Basic case information is available at no cost through the North Carolina Court System's public portal
The public access terminal at the courthouse provides free searches
The Johnston County law library offers free access to certain court databases

Johnston County Courthouse
207 E. Johnston Street
Smithfield, NC 27577
(919) 209-5400
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Johnston County Courts

While inspection of records is free, reproduction costs apply when requesting copies. Currently, standard copies cost $0.25 per page, and certified copies have additional fees as established by N.C.G.S. § 7A-308. Electronic access to certain detailed records or document images may require subscription fees through third-party providers.

The Johnston County Register of Deeds also provides free online search capabilities for land records and other documents filed with their office, though these are separate from court records maintained by the Clerk of Court.

What's Included in a Johnston County Court Record?

Johnston County court records contain comprehensive documentation of legal proceedings, with contents varying by case type. A typical court record includes:

Case Initiation Documents:

Complaints or petitions in civil cases
Criminal charging documents (indictments, information, citations)
Summonses and service of process documentation
Initial appearances and arraignment records

Procedural Documents:

Motions filed by parties
Responses and replies to motions
Court orders and judicial rulings
Scheduling notices and continuances
Certificates of service

Evidentiary Materials:

Exhibits admitted into evidence
Witness lists and testimony transcripts
Affidavits and sworn statements
Expert reports and opinions
Deposition transcripts (when filed with the court)

Disposition Documents:

Judgments and verdicts
Settlement agreements (when filed)
Dismissal orders
Sentencing information in criminal cases
Probation terms and conditions

Post-Judgment Materials:

Appeals documentation
Satisfaction of judgment notices
Probation reports
Modification requests
Enforcement actions

Court records also include docket sheets, which serve as chronological indexes of all filings and proceedings in a case. These dockets list hearing dates, document filings, and judicial actions, providing a roadmap of the case's progression through the court system.

For criminal cases, additional materials may include bail/bond information, pre-sentence investigation reports (though these may be confidential), and criminal history information relevant to the case.

How Long Does Johnston County Keep Court Records?

Johnston County adheres to the North Carolina Judicial Branch's records retention schedules, which establish mandatory timeframes for preserving various types of court records. These retention periods are governed by the Records Retention Schedule established pursuant to N.C.G.S. § 121-5.

Key retention periods include:

Criminal Cases:

Capital felony cases: Permanent retention
Non-capital felony cases: 20 years after case closure
Misdemeanor cases: 5-10 years depending on disposition
Traffic cases: 3 years after final disposition

Civil Cases:

Cases involving real property: 20 years after judgment
Other civil cases: 5-10 years after judgment
Small claims: 5 years after judgment
Domestic relations cases: 10 years after case closure

Special Proceedings:

Adoption records: Permanent retention
Guardianship records: 10 years after termination
Incompetency proceedings: Permanent retention
Estate administration: 10 years after estate closed

Juvenile Records:

Delinquency records: Until child reaches age 18 or jurisdiction ends
Abuse/neglect/dependency: 25 years after child reaches majority

Certain records of historical significance may be preserved permanently, regardless of the standard retention schedule. After the retention period expires, records may be destroyed according to procedures established by the Administrative Office of the Courts.

Digital records are subject to the same retention requirements as paper records. The transition to electronic record-keeping has not altered the fundamental retention obligations, though it has changed storage methods.

Researchers seeking historical court records that exceed retention periods may need to consult the North Carolina State Archives, which preserves selected court records of historical significance.

Types of Courts In Johnston County

Johnston County's court system operates as part of North Carolina's unified judicial system, with several court types serving different jurisdictional functions:

Johnston County Superior Court
207 E. Johnston Street, 2nd Floor
Smithfield, NC 27577
(919) 209-5400
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Johnston County Superior Court

Superior Court handles felony criminal cases, civil cases involving amounts over $25,000, and appeals from District Court. It is presided over by superior court judges who rotate throughout the judicial district.

Johnston County District Court
207 E. Johnston Street, 2nd Floor
Smithfield, NC 27577
(919) 209-5400
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Johnston County District Court

District Court handles misdemeanors, traffic offenses, juvenile matters, domestic relations cases, and civil cases involving amounts up to $25,000. It also includes specialized sessions for family court, drug treatment court, and small claims court.

Johnston County Small Claims Court
207 E. Johnston Street, 2nd Floor
Smithfield, NC 27577
(919) 209-5400
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Johnston County Small Claims Court

Small Claims Court, a division of District Court, handles civil cases involving amounts up to $10,000 and is presided over by magistrates.

Johnston County Magistrate's Office
1071 Brogden Road
Smithfield, NC 27577
(919) 934-6031
Hours: 24 hours/day, 7 days/week
Johnston County Magistrate

Magistrates issue arrest and search warrants, conduct initial appearances, set bail, accept guilty pleas for minor offenses, and preside over small claims court.

The court hierarchy in North Carolina proceeds from District and Superior Courts to the North Carolina Court of Appeals and finally to the North Carolina Supreme Court. Appeals from Johnston County cases follow this established path through the state's appellate system.

What Types of Cases Do Johnston County Courts Hear?

Johnston County courts adjudicate a wide range of legal matters according to their jurisdictional authority within North Carolina's unified court system:

Superior Court Cases:

Felony criminal prosecutions
Civil matters involving claims exceeding $25,000
Appeals from District Court decisions
Property disputes and real estate litigation
Complex business litigation
Medical malpractice claims
Administrative agency appeals
Constitutional challenges to local ordinances

District Court Cases:

Misdemeanor criminal offenses
Traffic violations and DWI/DUI cases
Civil disputes involving claims up to $25,000
Domestic relations matters (divorce, custody, support)
Juvenile proceedings (delinquency, dependency)
Involuntary commitment hearings
Preliminary hearings in felony cases
Probation violations

Small Claims Court Cases:

Landlord-tenant disputes
Consumer issues and contract disputes
Property damage claims
Collection of debts
Personal injury claims (limited to monetary jurisdiction)
Any civil matter where damages sought do not exceed $10,000

Magistrate Proceedings:

Initial appearances after arrest
Probable cause determinations
Setting of bail and bond conditions
Issuance of arrest and search warrants
Acceptance of guilty pleas for minor offenses
Emergency domestic violence protective orders
Small claims court trials

The jurisdiction of these courts is established by the North Carolina General Statutes, primarily in Chapter 7A. Case assignment follows statutory guidelines and administrative directives from the North Carolina Administrative Office of the Courts.

Specialized court programs in Johnston County include Family Court, which provides comprehensive case management for domestic relations matters, and Drug Treatment Court, which offers alternative sentencing options for qualifying offenders with substance abuse issues.

How To Find a Court Docket In Johnston County

Court dockets in Johnston County provide schedules of upcoming court proceedings and serve as indexes of case activities. Members of the public can access these dockets through several methods:

Online Docket Access:

Visit the North Carolina eCourts portal
Select "Court Calendar Search" from the available options
Choose Johnston County from the jurisdiction dropdown
Select the desired court type (Superior, District, etc.)
Specify date range for calendar search
Review results showing scheduled hearings and proceedings

In-Person Docket Review:

Visit the Johnston County Courthouse
Locate the appropriate courtroom bulletin boards where daily calendars are posted
Request assistance from the Clerk of Court's office to view upcoming dockets
Check electronic display boards in courthouse lobbies for daily court schedules

Telephone Information:

Contact the Johnston County Clerk of Superior Court at (919) 209-5400
Provide case information to inquire about specific hearing dates
Request information about general court calendars for specific divisions

Attorney Access:

Attorneys registered with the North Carolina eCourts system have additional access to docket information through the Attorney Information System
This system provides case management tools and calendar notifications for cases where attorneys are counsel of record

Court dockets typically include case numbers, party names, hearing types, scheduled times, assigned courtrooms, and presiding judges. Criminal dockets are generally organized by defendant name, while civil dockets may be arranged by case number or hearing type.

The North Carolina Judicial Branch provides comprehensive guidance on accessing court calendars and understanding docket information.

Which Courts in Johnston County Are Not Courts of Record?

In the North Carolina judicial system, including Johnston County, courts are classified as either "courts of record" or "courts not of record" based on whether they maintain comprehensive verbatim records of proceedings. This distinction is established in N.C.G.S. § 7A-190.

Courts Not of Record in Johnston County:

Small Claims Court, presided over by magistrates, is the primary court not of record in Johnston County. In these proceedings:

No verbatim transcript is created
Proceedings are summary in nature
The record consists only of basic case information, claims, and judgments
Appeals from Small Claims Court receive a completely new trial (trial de novo) in District Court

Magistrate Proceedings:

Initial appearances
Probable cause hearings
Bond settings
Acceptance of certain guilty pleas

These magistrate functions are considered administrative rather than judicial proceedings of record.

Courts of Record in Johnston County:

By contrast, the following are courts of record:

Superior Court - maintains complete records of all proceedings, including verbatim transcripts of testimony
District Court - maintains records of proceedings, though recording practices may vary by session type
Family Court - maintains comprehensive records of domestic proceedings

The distinction between courts of record and courts not of record affects appellate procedures. Appeals from courts not of record receive entirely new trials in the higher court, while appeals from courts of record typically involve review of the existing record for legal errors.

This classification system is established by the North Carolina Constitution and implemented through the General Statutes and the Rules of Civil and Criminal Procedure.