Catawba County
Catawba County, North Carolina, was created in 1842 from parts of Lincoln County. It was named after the federally recognized Catawba Indian Nation. The county has a land area of about 401 square miles and a population of more than 160,000 residents. The City of Newton serves as the seat of government for Catawba County, while the largest community is Hickory.
Catawba County's judiciary comprises a Superior and a District Court. The Superior Court is Catawba County's general jurisdiction court. It rules on all felony-related trials and civil lawsuits where the amount in controversy is more than $25,000. Other cases exclusive to the Superior Court include probate of wills and administration of estates for deceased persons in the county. The apex court's appellate division handles infractions and misdemeanor appeals from the county's District Court.
The Catawba County District Court hears misdemeanors and civil claims for $25,000 or less. It also exercises jurisdiction over family law cases and juvenile matters. The District Court has a Magistrate Division that handles landlord-tenant disputes and small claims for $10,000 or less. Catawba County's Magistrates typically handle cases without juries.
The Clerk of Court in Catawba County keeps court records for different cases handled in the county. Examples of these court records include the following:
- Civil records
- Criminal records
- Probate records
- Traffic records
- Small claims records
- Juvenile records
- Family law records
These documents give details about the county's legal cases, including court schedules, filings, transcripts, case outcomes, and sentences. Public access to court records helps with research and makes sure the legal system stays transparent and fair. It also allows interested parties to review case information and hold the county's judiciary accountable. Anyone can call (828) 695-6100 or email the Court Clerk to request copies of Catawba County public court records. However, juvenile and mental health records are confidential under the state's Public Records Act.
Individuals interested in accessing Catawba County court records online can do so using the eCourts Portal. According to the NC General Statutes § 132-6.2b, the Court Clerk may request search and duplication fees from requesters.
