Ward County
Established in 1885, Ward County was created out of the northern part of Stevens County. It extended from the line between townships 157 and 158. The county seat also moved from Burlington to Minot in 1888. Currently, Ward County's population is 68,870, covering 2,056 square miles. Its main economic activities are farming, tourism, and trade.
Before January 2014, Ward County was served by the Northwest Judicial District. Following a review by the judicial planning committee, the North Dakota Supreme Court ordered the separation of the district. It is currently under the North Central Judicial District and is served by a district court and four municipal courts. The District Court presides over most significant criminal and civil cases. It also hears family, probate, and juvenile cases. The municipal courts, though, preside over the lower-level criminal and civil cases. They also hear the majority of traffic and small claims cases.
Ward County court records entail all files or transcripts during courthouse proceedings. These generated records include opening statements, pleas, decrees, judgments, closing statements, evidence, and appeals. In Ward County, North Dakota, court records are open for inspection. That is provided they have not been designated as confidential or restricted in accordance with court orders. Juvenile, mental health, and some criminal cases may be sealed due to the nature of their contents. Requesters may get access to open court records from the Clerk of the District Court, Ward County State Attorney's office, or the Sheriff's office. One may also find the court records from the courthouse where the case was filed. These requests may be made via mail or in person.
The Clerk of the Courthouse provides access to the following types of court records.
- Criminal Cases
- Civil Cases
- Probate Cases
- Small Claim Cases
- Traffic Cases
Online searches for court records may be done by visiting the North Dakota Attorney General's website . Under open records and meetings, requesters can fill in the information about the case they want to view. Alternatively, if the interested party wants a more specific approach, they can utilize the North Dakota online courts platform. The record seeker will navigate by county and the type of case they are seeking. They will also provide party information, dates filed, and the case type.
