Lincoln County
Lincoln County was established in 1866 and named after President Abraham Lincoln. It is located in the west-central region of Nebraska, playing a significant role in the westward expansion, especially with the arrival of the Union Pacific Railroad. With a population of approximately 34,532, Lincoln County spans 2,564.1 square miles, making it one of Nebraska's largest counties by land mass. The county seat is North Platte, the largest city in the county.
Lincoln County operates under Nebraska's Unified Court System, which consists of the District and County Courts. The District Court handles felony criminal cases, civil cases with amounts in dispute exceeding $53,000, juvenile cases transferred from County Court, and certain probate cases. The County Court oversees misdemeanor criminal cases, preliminary hearings for felony cases, traffic infractions, and general civil claims with disputes less than $53,000. It also addresses small claims within certain financial limits and probate matters, including wills, estates, guardianship, and conservatorship cases.
Lincoln County court records consist of various legal documents, such as case filings, transcripts, and judgments generated during legal proceedings within the county. These records serve as evidence in appeals and precedents for future judgments. Common court records in Lincoln County include:
- Criminal Records
- Civil Records
- Family Law Records
- Probate Records
Court records in Lincoln County can be accessed under Nebraska's Public Records Law, though certain documents such as juvenile and adoption proceedings remain confidential.
Records may also be accessed through the Nebraska Judicial Branch's JUSTICE One-Time Court Case Search. This portal allows public searches by party name for a fee of $15 per search. Alternatively, requests for public records can be made by mail, phone, or by visiting the Clerk of Court's Office at:
Lincoln County Courthouse
301 N Jeffers St, Room 101
North Platte, NE 69101
Phone: (308) 535-357
While viewing records on courthouse terminals is free, copies of records typically cost $0.25 per page, with additional certification fees for official copies.
