Mclean 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
McLean County cases in North Dakota are heard in the district court system, the state's trial courts of general jurisdiction. The Clerk of District Court keeps the county's court records.
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Court Name | District Court, McLean County (trial court of general jurisdiction) |
| Court Records Keeper | Clerk of District Court |
| Online Case Search | Case Search & Pay Fines on NDCourts.gov |
| Pay Fines Online | Case Search & Pay Fines on NDCourts.gov |
How to Search Mclean County Court Records
Have the person's full name, the case number if you know it, and approximate dates ready before you search. McLean County court records are kept by the Clerk of District Court.
Online
Go to NDCourts.gov Case Search & Pay Fines to look up cases.
Search by name or case number, then open the case.
Confirm details with the Clerk of District Court when needed.
Best for: Quick case lookups
In Person
Go to the Clerk of District Court office at the county courthouse.
Bring the full name or case number you have.
Confirm the office address on NDCourts.gov before you visit.
Best for: Records not found online
By Mail or Email
Ask the Clerk of District Court how to send a records request.
Include the full name, case number, and approximate dates.
Confirm the mailing or email address on NDCourts.gov first.
Best for: Requests when you cannot visit in person
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
Mclean County Court Statistics (CY 2025)
McLean County courts handled an estimated 1,908 new cases in CY 2025 and disposed of an estimated 1,891. The estimate scales North Dakota statewide totals by the county's share of state population.
~1,908
Total filings in CY 2025
~1,891
Total dispositions in CY 2025
~1,908
Filings per judicial position (1 estimated positions)
~-8.3%
Change in total filings vs CY 2024
| Metric | CY 2025 | CY 2024 | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Filings | ~1,908 | ~2,080 | ~-8.3% |
| Total Dispositions | ~1,891 | ~2,052 | ~-7.8% |
| Criminal Filings | ~1,527 | ~1,664 | ~-8.2% |
| Civil Filings | ~191 | ~208 | ~-8.2% |
| Family Law Filings | ~86 | ~94 | ~-8.5% |
| Probate Filings | ~15 | ~17 | ~-11.8% |
| Mental Health Filings | ~4 | ~4 | ~+0.0% |
| Juvenile Filings | ~86 | ~94 | ~-8.5% |
| Authorized Judicial Positions | ~1 | ~1 | ~0.0% |
The largest category movement was in criminal filings. Figures marked with ~ are estimates: North Dakota statewide figures scaled by McLean County's 1.24% share of the state population.
How Have Court Filings Changed in Mclean County?
Estimated total filings in McLean 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 | ~1,908 | ~1,891 | ~-8.3% |
| CY 2024 | ~2,080 | ~2,052 | ~-9.0% |
| CY 2023 | ~2,286 | ~2,225 | ~+8.8% |
| CY 2022 | ~2,101 | ~2,076 | ~+6.3% |
| CY 2021 | ~1,977 | ~1,953 | ~+6.3% |
Estimated filings changed -3.5% between CY 2021 and CY 2025, from 1,977 to 1,908. 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 McLean County's 1.24% share of the state population.
What Types of Cases Are Filed in Mclean County?
Criminal cases are estimated to be the largest category in McLean County, at about 80.0% of filings in CY 2025.
| Case Type | Filings CY 2025 | Share of Total | YoY Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Criminal | ~1,527 | ~80.0% | ~-8.2% |
| Civil | ~191 | ~10.0% | ~-8.2% |
| Family law | ~86 | ~4.5% | ~-8.5% |
| Juvenile | ~86 | ~4.5% | ~-8.5% |
| Probate | ~15 | ~0.8% | ~-11.8% |
| Mental health | ~4 | ~0.2% | ~+0.0% |
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 McLean County's 1.24% share of the state population.
How Does Mclean County Compare With North Dakota Overall?
McLean County is estimated to account for about 1.24% of the 154,399 cases filed in North Dakota courts in CY 2025.
| Metric | McLean County | North Dakota | Comparison |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total filings | ~1,908 | 154,399 | ~1.24% of statewide filings |
| YoY change in filings | ~-8.3% | -8.3% | Same as state (estimate) |
| Filings per judicial position | ~1,908 | 2,807 | Estimated at the state level |
| Dispositions per judicial position equivalent | ~1,891 | 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 McLean County's 1.24% share of the state population.
Mclean County Crime Statistics (2025)
These figures are North Dakota statewide totals as reported to the FBI, not counts for McLean 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 McLean County with the state. The property crimes total includes arson, so it is larger than the sum of the property offenses listed above.
Mclean County Courthouse Locations
McLean County court proceedings are held at the McLean County Courthouse. Check your notice or case paperwork to confirm the courthouse assigned to your case before you go.
| Courthouse | Address | Phone | Verified Services |
|---|---|---|---|
| McLean County Courthouse | 712 5th Avenue, Washburn, ND 58577 | (701) 462-8541 | 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 Mclean County?
In McLean County, North Dakota, most cases are heard in the district court for the county, with some traffic and ordinance cases in city municipal courts.
| Your Situation | Go To | Key Details |
|---|---|---|
| Traffic ticket | District Court in McLean County or the municipal court that issued the citation | Traffic tickets are heard in district court or in a city municipal court, depending on who issued the citation. |
| Parking ticket | The city that issued the ticket (municipal court or city office) | Parking tickets are generally handled by the issuing city. |
| Misdemeanor | District Court, McLean County | Misdemeanors are heard in the North Dakota district court for the county. |
| Felony | District Court, McLean County | Felony cases are heard in the North Dakota district court, which is the state's trial court of general jurisdiction. |
| DUI | District Court, McLean County | DUI cases may be heard in district court or a municipal court, depending on the charge and who filed it. |
| Domestic violence | District Court, McLean County | Protection orders and related criminal charges are filed with the clerk of district court. |
| Civil lawsuit | District Court, McLean County | Civil lawsuits are filed with the clerk of district court. |
| Small claims | Small claims division of District Court, McLean County | Small claims are filed with the clerk of district court for the county. |
| Eviction | District Court, McLean County | Eviction actions are filed with the clerk of district court. |
| Divorce | District Court, McLean County | Divorce cases are filed with the clerk of district court. |
| Child custody or support | District Court, McLean County | Custody and child support matters are handled in district court, with support also involving state child support services. |
| Probate or estate | District Court, McLean County | Probate and estate matters are filed with the clerk of district court. |
| Juvenile case | Juvenile Court (district court), McLean County | Juvenile matters are handled by the juvenile court within the district court system. |
| Appeal | North Dakota Supreme Court | Appeals from district court go to the North Dakota Supreme Court. Federal matters go to the U.S. District Court. |
Are Mclean County Court Records Public?
This page does not state the North Dakota court records rule, so the exceptions cannot be listed here. Ask the Clerk of District Court which records are available before you request one.
Public records
Case records for McLean County are kept by the Clerk of District Court. Ask the clerk which records are available to the public.
Restricted or confidential records
This page does not list which records are restricted or confidential. Ask the clerk before you request a record that may be restricted.
Online access
Case Search & Pay Fines on NDCourts.gov is the statewide online case search. Online results may not show every document, so ask the clerk about records that are not online.
In-person access
The Clerk of District Court keeps the records for McLean County. Confirm the office address on NDCourts.gov before you visit.
Fees
This page does not list court fees for copies or searches. Ask the Clerk of District Court about fees before you request records.
How to Search Mclean County Court Records Online
You can look up case information for McLean 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 McLean 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 McLean 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, McLean 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 Mclean County
Fines can be paid online through the statewide Case Search & Pay Fines portal on NDCourts.gov.
- Online: Pay through Case Search & Pay Fines on NDCourts.gov. Confirm the case and amount before you pay.
Other payment methods are not listed on this page, so ask the Clerk of District Court about them.
For a parking ticket, check the notice for the agency that issued it.
Mclean County Court Records FAQ
How do I search McLean County court records?
Use Case Search & Pay Fines on NDCourts.gov to search by name or case number, or contact the Clerk of District Court for records that are not online.
Are McLean County court records public?
This page does not state the court records rule. Ask the Clerk of District Court which records are available to the public.
How do I find a criminal case?
Search by name or case number in the statewide case search on NDCourts.gov, or ask the Clerk of District Court for help.
How do I find a court date?
Look up the case on NDCourts.gov or check your ticket or notice. For help, contact the Clerk of District Court.
How do I pay a traffic ticket?
Pay online through Case Search & Pay Fines on NDCourts.gov. Other payment methods are not listed here, so ask the clerk about them.
How many cases are filed in McLean County each year?
Filing counts for McLean County are not published on this page, so no annual figure is given.
What is the most common type of case in McLean County?
Case type counts for McLean County are not published on this page, so no most-common category is given.
Is crime in North Dakota 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
McLean County District CourtMore Info
| Address: | 712 5th Ave., Washburn, ND, 58577 |
| Phone Number: | 701-462-8541 |
| Fax: | 701-462-8212 |
| Website: | https://www.ndcourts.gov/court-locations/mclean-county |
Useful Links
- North Dakota Courts Records Inquiry - Search public court records via the North Dakota Courts Records Inquiry system for case records and court services.
- McLean County Clerk of Court - Access local court services, file management, processing, and official record maintenance with McLean County Clerk of Court.
- North Dakota District Courts - Information on statewide district courts where cases are heard, including procedural rules in McLean County and beyond.
- McLean County Official Website - Comprehensive information about McLean County government, including court records, services, and public administrative resources.
- North Dakota Law Help - Legal assistance resources, tools, and information for North Dakota residents seeking court services or legal aid support.
- North Dakota Legal Council - Providing legal support and resources for individuals, including information on accessing court services across North Dakota.
- North Dakota Court Forms - Access standard court forms and instructions for submitting cases, pleadings, and other judicial documents in North Dakota.
- North Dakota Legal Self Help Center - Self-help resources for individuals navigating the court system, providing guides and information for pro se litigants.
- Bismarck Public Library: Legal Resources - Collection of legal resources available through Bismarck Public Library, supporting residents seeking legal and court information.
- North Dakota Court COVID-19 Updates - Updates on court operations during the COVID-19 pandemic, with information on changes to services in North Dakota.
- Contact North Dakota Courts - Direct contacts for inquiries and support concerning court records, availability, and procedural questions in North Dakota.
- North Dakota Courts Access FAQ - Frequently asked questions regarding access to public court records and services in North Dakota explained for clarity.
- North Dakota Online Records Help - Guidance for accessing and using the online records system provided by North Dakota Courts for efficient record navigation.
- North Dakota Legal Self-Help Resources - A comprehensive resource for legal self-help, targeting individuals needing guidance with state court processes and legal forms.
- North Dakota Family Law Resources - Specialized resources focusing on family law, including divorce, custody, and support information in North Dakota.
- North Dakota Legal Links - Compilation of useful links related to North Dakota's legal system, court records, and public legal services.
- Juvenile Court Resources in North Dakota - Focused information on juvenile court processes and resources available within the state of North Dakota.
- Access North Dakota Criminal Records - Information on accessing criminal court records, understanding limitations, and requirements for public records in North Dakota.
- North Dakota Court Reporting Services - Details the role and services of court reporters within the North Dakota court system, vital for recordkeeping.
- North Dakota Tribal Court Resources - Information and resources pertinent to tribal court systems in North Dakota, enhancing understanding and access to these courts.
Table of Contents
- Mclean County, Courts and Public Records
- How to Search Mclean County Court Records
- Mclean County Court Statistics (CY 2025)
- How Have Court Filings Changed in Mclean County?
- What Types of Cases Are Filed in Mclean County?
- How Does Mclean County Compare With North Dakota Overall?
- Mclean County Crime Statistics (2025)
- Mclean County Courthouse Locations
- Which Court Handles Your Case in Mclean County?
- Are Mclean County Court Records Public?
- How to Search Mclean County Court Records Online
- How to Pay Fines & Citations in Mclean County
- Mclean County Court Records FAQ
- Courts in the County
- Useful Links