Criminal records in Grand Forks County, North Dakota, can be accessed through several channels, including online tools, official court systems, law enforcement agencies, and the clerk's office. GrandForksCourt.us can help find publicly available criminal case information. The North Dakota Courts Records Inquiry portal, the Grand Forks County Clerk of Court, and state-level repositories through the Attorney General's office also provide access to criminal records.
How to Search Criminal Records in Grand Forks
There are several ways to search for criminal records in Grand Forks County, depending on what you need and how quickly you need it.
Online Search Options
- GrandForksCourt.us — Search for publicly available court record information related to criminal cases in Grand Forks County.
- North Dakota Courts Records Inquiry — The state's official public court records portal. Select "Grand Forks County" under the Northeast Central District to narrow results. Data is current through the end of the previous business day.
- District Court Case Search — Provides access to criminal, traffic, and civil case types across North Dakota, including some municipal court cases. Restricted case information is not included.
- Grand Forks County Corrections jail roster — A PDF listing current inmates at the Grand Forks County Correctional Center, including names, dates of birth, charges, and bond information.
- ND Department of Corrections Resident Lookup — Shows individuals currently incarcerated in a North Dakota state correctional facility.
- North Dakota Sex Offender Registry — Searchable by name or location, including Grand Forks.
In Person
Visit the Grand Forks County Courthouse to search records at the Clerk of Court's office. Public access terminals may be available during regular courthouse hours.
Grand Forks County Clerk of Court
By Mail or Written Request
- Court records: Send a written request to the Clerk of Court at the address above. Include the defendant's full name, date of birth (if known), and case number (if available).
- State criminal history record check: Submit a request to the North Dakota Bureau of Criminal Investigation (BCI) through the Attorney General's office. Complete the required form and mail it with payment by check or money order payable to "ND Attorney General."
What You Need to Start a Search
- Defendant's full legal name (first and last, middle if known)
- Date of birth
- Case number (if available)
- Citation number (for traffic-related criminal cases)
The criminal case search help page explains additional search options, including searching by attorney name, bar number, or date filed.
Search Grand Forks Criminal Cases by Case Number
If you already have a case number, searching by it is the fastest and most precise method. On the North Dakota Courts Records Inquiry portal, select the "Case Number" search type after choosing Grand Forks County as your location.
North Dakota district court case numbers typically follow this format:
- County code — A two-digit number identifying the county (Grand Forks County uses "18")
- Year — The four-digit or two-digit year the case was filed
- Case type prefix — A letter or letters indicating the case type (e.g., "CR" for criminal)
- Sequential number — A unique number assigned in filing order
For example, a Grand Forks County criminal case might appear as 18-2024-CR-00123. Enter the full case number exactly as it appears on court documents. Cross-reference numbers and citation numbers can also be used if the case number is unavailable.
Charges, Case Status, Hearings, and Court Results in Grand Forks
Criminal case records in Grand Forks County typically display the following data points. Here is what each one means:
Charges
| Element | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Statute code | The North Dakota Century Code section the defendant is charged under (e.g., 12.1-08-02 for preventing arrest) |
| Severity | Felony (classes AA, A, B, C), misdemeanor (classes A, B), or infraction |
| Amended charges | If the original charge is changed through plea negotiation or prosecutorial discretion, the amended charge replaces or supplements the original |
Case Status
- Pending — The case is open and awaiting resolution
- Active — Proceedings are underway; hearings or trial may be scheduled
- Disposed — The case has reached a final outcome (conviction, dismissal, acquittal, etc.)
- Closed — All obligations related to the case have been fulfilled, including sentencing, fines, and probation
Hearing Types
- Arraignment — The defendant's first court appearance, where charges are read and a plea is entered
- Preliminary hearing — A hearing to determine whether enough evidence exists to proceed (felony cases)
- Pre-trial conference — A meeting between parties to discuss plea agreements, motions, or trial readiness
- Sentencing — The court imposes penalties after a guilty plea or conviction
- Review hearing — A follow-up hearing to check compliance with probation or other court orders
Court Results (Dispositions)
| Result | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Guilty | The defendant was convicted, either by plea or verdict |
| Not guilty | The defendant was acquitted at trial |
| Dismissed | The charge was dropped by the court or prosecution |
| Withheld judgment | The court defers entering a conviction, often tied to probation conditions; successful completion may result in dismissal |
| Acquitted | The defendant was found not guilty after trial |
How to Request Certified Criminal Records in Grand Forks
Certified copies of criminal court records are handled by the Grand Forks County Clerk of Court. These are official documents bearing the court seal, suitable for legal proceedings, background checks, or other formal purposes.
How to Submit a Request
- In person: Visit the Clerk of Court at the Grand Forks County Courthouse during regular hours. Bring a valid government-issued photo ID.
- By mail: Send a written request to the Clerk of Court specifying the case number, defendant's name, and the documents you need. Include payment and a return address.
Grand Forks County Clerk of Court
State Criminal History Record Check
For a comprehensive criminal history report (not limited to court records), submit a request to the North Dakota Bureau of Criminal Investigation (BCI) under the Attorney General's office. Requirements include:
- A completed, signed BCI request form
- Payment by check or money order (no cash) payable to "ND Attorney General"
- Requests must be mailed; the BCI does not accept walk-in requests for standard criminal history checks
Under N.D. Const. art. XI, § 6, court records are generally public unless restricted by law. Restricted records include sealed cases, juvenile proceedings, and certain mental health or domestic violence protection order files.
Fees, Copy Costs, and Processing Times for Criminal Records in Grand Forks
Fees for criminal records in Grand Forks County vary depending on the type of request and the issuing agency.
| Service | Fee | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Court record copies (non-certified) | $0.25 per page | Standard rate per N.D.C.C. § 11-17-05; contact the clerk to confirm current rate |
| Certified copy of court document | $10.00 per document | Includes the court seal and clerk certification; per N.D.C.C. § 27-05.2-02 |
| BCI criminal history record check | $25.00 | Payable to "ND Attorney General" by check or money order |
| Online court record search | Free | Via the North Dakota Courts Records Inquiry portal |
Processing Times
- Online searches: Immediate results; data is current through the end of the previous business day
- In-person requests at the clerk's office: Often same-day for standard copies; certified copies may take one to several business days
- Mail requests to the clerk: Allow 5–10 business days, plus mailing time
- BCI criminal history checks: Typically processed within 5–10 business days after receipt; processing times may vary based on volume
Contact the Grand Forks County Clerk of Court at (701) 787-2700 to verify current fees and estimated turnaround times before submitting your request.