Grand Forks County, ND Courts and Public Records
- Arrest Records
- Judgments
- Bankruptcies
- DUIs & DWIs
- Felonies
- Warrants
- Jail Records
- Lien Records
- Sex Offenses
- Misdemeanors
- Criminal Records
- Federal Dockets
The District Court is the trial court of general jurisdiction for Grand Forks County, part of a judicial district that covers several counties. The Clerk of District Court keeps the county's court records.
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Court Name | District Court, Grand Forks County (judicial district covering several counties) |
| Website | NorthDakotaCourts.org public access |
| Handles | General trial matters in district court; juvenile court and municipal courts sit alongside the district courts |
| Does NOT Handle | Cases before the Supreme Court of North Dakota, the state's highest court; federal cases, which go to the U.S. District Court for North Dakota |
| Online Case Search | Case Search & Pay Fines |
| Criminal Records Requests | Clerk of District Court |
| Pay Traffic Tickets Online | Case Search & Pay Fines |
How to Search Grand Forks County Court Records
Have the person's full name, the case number if you know it, and the approximate dates ready before you search Grand Forks County court records.
Online
Go to the Case Search & Pay Fines portal on NorthDakotaCourts.org.
Search by name or case number to see case information.
Confirm details with the Clerk of District Court when needed.
Best for: Quick lookups of case status and parties
In Person
Go to the Clerk of District Court's office for Grand Forks County.
Bring the case number and party names if you have them.
Ask the clerk which office handles your case type.
Best for: Records and copies not available online
By Phone or Clerk Contact
Contact the Clerk of District Court to confirm the records you need.
Give the full name, case number, and approximate dates.
Ask what the clerk needs before you visit or send a request.
Best for: Confirming which records the clerk holds
Search by Name on NorthDakotaCourts.org
Go to NorthDakotaCourts.org and enter a full name.
Search across record types without a case number.
Confirm results with the court, since they are not official court records.
Best for: Finding leads without a case number
Grand Forks County Court Statistics (CY 2025)
Grand Forks County courts handled an estimated 14,299 new cases in CY 2025 and disposed of an estimated 14,169. The estimate scales North Dakota statewide totals by the county's share of state population.
~14,299
Total filings in CY 2025
~14,169
Total dispositions in CY 2025
~2,860
Filings per judicial position (5 estimated positions)
~-8.3%
Change in total filings vs CY 2024
| Metric | CY 2025 | CY 2024 | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Filings | ~14,299 | ~15,587 | ~-8.3% |
| Total Dispositions | ~14,169 | ~15,373 | ~-7.8% |
| Criminal Filings | ~11,439 | ~12,469 | ~-8.3% |
| Civil Filings | ~1,430 | ~1,559 | ~-8.3% |
| Family Law Filings | ~643 | ~701 | ~-8.3% |
| Probate Filings | ~114 | ~125 | ~-8.8% |
| Mental Health Filings | ~29 | ~31 | ~-6.5% |
| Juvenile Filings | ~643 | ~701 | ~-8.3% |
| Authorized Judicial Positions | ~5 | ~5 | ~0.0% |
The largest category movement was in criminal filings. Figures marked with ~ are estimates: North Dakota statewide figures scaled by Grand Forks County's 9.26% share of the state population.
How Have Court Filings Changed in Grand Forks County?
Estimated total filings in Grand Forks County moved down over the last five years; dispositions are estimated at a similar level.
| Fiscal Year | Total Filings | Total Dispositions | YoY Filing Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| CY 2025 | ~14,299 | ~14,169 | ~-8.3% |
| CY 2024 | ~15,587 | ~15,373 | ~-9.0% |
| CY 2023 | ~17,133 | ~16,670 | ~+8.8% |
| CY 2022 | ~15,744 | ~15,559 | ~+6.2% |
| CY 2021 | ~14,818 | ~14,633 | ~+6.2% |
Estimated filings changed -3.5% between CY 2021 and CY 2025, from 14,818 to 14,299. The largest annual change was -9.0% in CY 2024. The latest change of -8.3% reflects statewide North Dakota trends. Figures marked with ~ are estimates: North Dakota statewide figures scaled by Grand Forks County's 9.26% share of the state population.
What Types of Cases Are Filed in Grand Forks County?
Criminal cases are estimated to be the largest category in Grand Forks County, at about 80.0% of filings in CY 2025.
| Case Type | Filings CY 2025 | Share of Total | YoY Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Criminal | ~11,439 | ~80.0% | ~-8.3% |
| Civil | ~1,430 | ~10.0% | ~-8.3% |
| Family law | ~643 | ~4.5% | ~-8.3% |
| Juvenile | ~643 | ~4.5% | ~-8.3% |
| Probate | ~114 | ~0.8% | ~-8.8% |
| Mental health | ~29 | ~0.2% | ~-6.5% |
Mental health cases are estimated as the fastest-growing category and probate cases as the fastest-falling. Figures marked with ~ are estimates: North Dakota statewide figures scaled by Grand Forks County's 9.26% share of the state population.
How Does Grand Forks County Compare With North Dakota Overall?
Grand Forks County is estimated to account for about 9.26% of the 154,399 cases filed in North Dakota courts in CY 2025.
| Metric | Grand Forks County | North Dakota | Comparison |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total filings | ~14,299 | 154,399 | ~9.26% of statewide filings |
| YoY change in filings | ~-8.3% | -8.3% | Same as state (estimate) |
| Filings per judicial position | ~2,860 | 2,807 | Estimated at the state level |
| Dispositions per judicial position equivalent | ~2,834 | 2,782 | Estimated at the state level |
| Criminal share of filings | ~80.0% | 80.0% | Same as state (estimate) |
| Civil share of filings | ~10.0% | 10.0% | Same as state (estimate) |
| Family law share of filings | ~4.5% | 4.5% | Same as state (estimate) |
These county values are estimates built from statewide North Dakota figures, so they track the state mix by design. Actual county dockets may differ. Figures marked with ~ are estimates: North Dakota statewide figures scaled by Grand Forks County's 9.26% share of the state population.
Grand Forks County Crime Statistics (2025)
These figures are North Dakota statewide totals as reported to the FBI, not counts for Grand Forks County. Agency reporting may be incomplete, and county crime counts are not available here. Statewide violent and property crimes combined fell 12.5% from 2024 to 2025. In 2025, reporting agencies covered about 99.3% of North Dakota's population, so year-over-year changes can partly reflect which agencies reported.
1,900
Violent crimes, North Dakota statewide, 2025
11,806
Property crimes, North Dakota statewide, 2025 (includes arson)
237.7
Violent crime rate per 100K, North Dakota statewide, 2025 (population 799,358)
-12.5%
Change in total violent plus property crimes, North Dakota statewide, 2025 vs 2024 (13,706 vs 15,658)
| Offense | 2025 | Rate per 100K | 2024 | YoY Change |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Murder | 12 | 1.5 | 20 | -40.0% |
| Rape | 371 | 46.4 | 421 | -11.9% |
| Robbery | 149 | 18.6 | 216 | -31.0% |
| Aggravated assault | 1,368 | 171.1 | 1,394 | -1.9% |
| Violent crimes total | 1,900 | 237.7 | 2,051 | -7.4% |
| Burglary | 1,632 | 204.2 | 2,179 | -25.1% |
| Larceny-theft | 8,900 | 1113.4 | 9,864 | -9.8% |
| Motor vehicle theft | 1,217 | 152.2 | 1,496 | -18.6% |
| Property crimes total | 11,806 | 1476.9 | 13,607 | -13.2% |
Rates use the North Dakota 2025 population of 799,358. County-level rates are not published, so this section does not compare Grand Forks County with the state. The property crimes total includes arson, so it is larger than the sum of the property offenses listed above.
Grand Forks County Courthouse Locations
Grand Forks County court proceedings are held at the Grand Forks County Courthouse. Check your notice or case paperwork to confirm the courthouse assigned to your case before you go.
| Courthouse | Address | Phone | Verified Services |
|---|---|---|---|
| Grand Forks County Courthouse | 124 South 4th Street, Grand Forks, ND 58201 | (701) 787-2700 | See location page |
Addresses and phone numbers come from public directory listings and may change, so confirm them with the clerk before you visit.
Which Court Handles Your Case in Grand Forks County?
District courts are North Dakota's trial courts of general jurisdiction, and the Clerk of District Court keeps Grand Forks County's records. Confirm the right office for your matter with the clerk.
| Your Situation | Go To | Key Details |
|---|---|---|
| Criminal or civil case in the county | District Court | District courts are the trial courts of general jurisdiction. |
| Municipal ordinance violation | Municipal court | Municipal courts sit alongside the district courts. |
| Juvenile case | Juvenile court | Juvenile court sits alongside the district courts. |
| Federal case | U.S. District Court for North Dakota | Federal cases are not heard in state district court. |
| Appeal | Supreme Court of North Dakota | The Supreme Court is the state's highest court. |
| Parking ticket | Office that issued the ticket | Check the ticket for the office that issued it and how to pay. |
Are Grand Forks County Court Records Public?
Court records for Grand Forks County are kept by the Clerk of District Court. Ask the clerk which records are open to the public and which are restricted.
Public records
Ask the Clerk of District Court which case records are open for inspection and copying in the county.
Restricted or confidential records
Some records may be restricted or confidential, and the clerk can explain which ones apply to your request. Information on the state's court records access rules is on the NorthDakotaCourts.org data access page.
Online access
The Case Search & Pay Fines portal on NorthDakotaCourts.org lets you search case information statewide. Not every record or document is available online.
In-person access
Visit the Clerk of District Court's office for Grand Forks County to ask about viewing or requesting records.
Fees
No copy or search fees are stated here. Ask the clerk about fees before you request records.
How to Search Grand Forks County Court Records Online
You can look up case information for Grand Forks County through the North Dakota public court records search.
- Identify the case type, such as criminal, traffic, civil, or family.
- Open the North Dakota Court Records Search portal.
- Search by name or case number, choosing the location or statewide search.
- Review the case details and the list of public documents.
- Request documents that are not online from the clerk of court in Grand Forks County.
| Case Type | Where to Search | What You'll Find | Limits |
|---|---|---|---|
| Criminal | North Dakota Court Records Search | Public criminal case information and lists of public documents, searchable by name or case number. | Some documents may not be viewable online; contact the clerk of court for copies. |
| Traffic | North Dakota Court Records Search | District court traffic cases appear in the search. | Some municipal court cases may not be in the statewide search; check with the city court. |
| Civil | North Dakota Court Records Search | Civil case information and public document lists, searchable by name or case number. | Documents may need to be requested from the clerk of court in Grand Forks County. |
| Small claims | North Dakota Court Records Search | Small claims cases filed in district court may be searchable. | Availability of documents online can vary; confirm with the clerk of court. |
| Family law | North Dakota Court Records Search | Some divorce and custody case information may appear in the search. | Confidential or sealed family records are not available online. |
| Probate | North Dakota Court Records Search | Probate case information may be searchable. | Not all filings are viewable online; request copies from the clerk of court. |
| Juvenile | Clerk of District Court, Grand Forks County (restricted access) | Juvenile records are not available in public search. | Juvenile and sealed cases are excluded from public court search. |
How to Pay Fines & Citations in Grand Forks County
Fines for Grand Forks County cases can be paid online through the statewide portal on NorthDakotaCourts.org.
- Online: Pay fines at the Case Search & Pay Fines portal, and have your case number ready.
Parking tickets are not handled through the court portal described here. Check the ticket for the office that issued it and how to pay.
Grand Forks County Court Records FAQ
How do I search Grand Forks County court records?
Use the Case Search & Pay Fines portal to search by name or case number, or contact the Clerk of District Court for records that are not online.
Are Grand Forks County court records public?
Ask the Clerk of District Court which records are open, since some records may be restricted or confidential.
How do I find a criminal case?
Search by the defendant's full name in the Case Search & Pay Fines portal, or contact the Clerk of District Court.
How do I find a court date?
Check your notice or paperwork for the date, or contact the Clerk of District Court with the case number.
How do I pay a traffic ticket?
Fines can be paid online through the Case Search & Pay Fines portal, and you will need your case number.
How many cases are filed in Grand Forks County each year?
County filing counts are not published here, so no annual total is shown for Grand Forks County.
What is the most common type of case?
Case-type counts for Grand Forks County are not published here, so no most common type is shown.
Is crime in Grand Forks County rising or falling?
County crime counts are not available here. Statewide, reported violent crimes fell 7.4% to 1,900 in 2025 from 2,051 in 2024, and property crimes fell 13.2% to 11,806 from 13,607, as reported to the FBI. These are North Dakota statewide figures, and reporting coverage changed between years.
Courts in the County
Grand Forks County District CourtMore Info
| Address: | 124 S. 4th St., Grand Forks, ND, 58201 |
| Phone Number: | 701-787-2700 |
| Website: | https://www.ndcourts.gov/court-locations/grand-forks-county |
Grand Forks Municipal CourtMore Info
| Address: | 1701 N Washington St, Grand Forks, ND, 58206 |
| Phone Number: | 701-787-8160 |
| Fax: | 701-746-2519 |
| Website: | https://www.grandforksgov.com/government/city-departments/municipal-court |
Useful Links
- North Dakota Court System: Grand Forks County District Court – Provides information on court locations, contact details, and services offered by the Grand Forks County District Court.
- North Dakota Courts Records Inquiry – Access public court records and case information from the North Dakota Courts system, including Grand Forks County cases.
- North Dakota Court System: Legal Self Help Guides and Forms – Find self-help guides and legal forms for various court processes through the North Dakota Court System.
- Grand Forks County, ND - District Court – Official page for the Grand Forks County District Court, offering general information and resources for residents.
- North Dakota Courts Public Access: Help Topics – Offers help topics and FAQs regarding accessing court records, understanding court processes, and utilizing online services.
- Grand Forks County State's Attorney's Office – Information about the State's Attorney’s office, legal services offered, and contact details in Grand Forks County.
- Grand Forks County Recorder's Office – Access to public records, property documents, marriage licenses, and more through the Grand Forks County Recorder’s Office.
- LAWHELP NORTH DAKOTA – Provides legal information, resources, and tools for individuals seeking help with legal issues throughout North Dakota.
- North Dakota Court System: Attorney Directory – Search for licensed attorneys in North Dakota, including those practicing in Grand Forks County, using this directory.
- North Dakota Small Claims Court Self-Help – Offers guidance and resources for individuals pursuing small claims cases in North Dakota, including Grand Forks County.
- The State Bar Association of North Dakota – Connect with legal support, resources for attorneys, and public legal education initiatives in North Dakota.
- North Dakota Court System: Opinions – Access opinions and rulings from the North Dakota Supreme Court and Court of Appeals, relevant to Grand Forks cases.
- Grand Forks County Public Records Research – Guidance on accessing and researching public records and archived documents in Grand Forks County.
- North Dakota Court System: Parents and Families – Resources and information on family court matters, including divorce, child custody, and support issues in North Dakota.
- North Dakota Courts Legal Self Help: Criminal Records Rehabilitation – Resources for individuals seeking information on criminal record rehabilitation and expungement in North Dakota.
- Legal Services of North Dakota: Home – A nonprofit organization offering legal assistance and resources to low-income individuals across North Dakota.
- Grand Forks County Public Defender's Office – Provides legal defense services for eligible individuals in criminal cases within Grand Forks County.
- North Dakota Court System: Schedules – View court schedules and calendar information for the Supreme Court, district courts, and other judiciary branches in ND.
- North Dakota Law Help – Offers self-help legal information and resources on a range of legal topics for North Dakota residents.
- North Dakota Courts District Court Case Search – Search for district court cases by name, case number, or filing date within North Dakota's Court System.
Table of Contents
- Grand Forks County, Courts and Public Records
- How to Search Grand Forks County Court Records
- Grand Forks County Court Statistics (CY 2025)
- How Have Court Filings Changed in Grand Forks County?
- What Types of Cases Are Filed in Grand Forks County?
- How Does Grand Forks County Compare With North Dakota Overall?
- Grand Forks County Crime Statistics (2025)
- Grand Forks County Courthouse Locations
- Which Court Handles Your Case in Grand Forks County?
- Are Grand Forks County Court Records Public?
- How to Search Grand Forks County Court Records Online
- How to Pay Fines & Citations in Grand Forks County
- Grand Forks County Court Records FAQ
- Courts in the County
- Useful Links