Court records in Burleigh County, North Dakota, can be searched through several channels. BurleighCourt.us can help you find publicly available information about court cases filed in the county. You can also search records through the North Dakota Courts Records Inquiry portal, visit the Clerk of District Court's office at the Burleigh County courthouse, or use public terminals available on-site in Bismarck.
Burleigh Court System & Jurisdictions
Burleigh County is part of the South Central Judicial District. Two court systems handle cases here: the District Court and the Bismarck Municipal Court.
District Court
The District Court is a court of general jurisdiction and handles the broadest range of cases:
- Criminal cases — felonies, misdemeanors, and gross misdemeanors filed by the State
- Civil cases — contract disputes, personal injury, property disputes, and other civil matters
- Family law — divorce, child custody, child support, domestic violence protection orders, and adoptions
- Probate — wills, estates, guardianships, and conservatorships
- Small claims — civil disputes up to $15,000 under North Dakota law
- Traffic — state-level traffic violations and DUI charges
- Juvenile — delinquency, deprivation, and termination of parental rights (these records are generally restricted)
The Clerk of District Court, Jackie Keller, maintains all District Court case files at the Burleigh County courthouse.
Bismarck Municipal Court
The Bismarck Municipal Court handles city ordinance violations and certain misdemeanor offenses committed within Bismarck city limits. This includes non-criminal traffic infractions, minor in possession, disorderly conduct, and similar offenses. Municipal court records for Bismarck may also appear in the statewide District Court case search.
Burleigh Court Calendar & Upcoming Hearings
Court calendars for Burleigh County District Court are managed through the South Central Judicial District. To find today's, tomorrow's, or this week's scheduled hearings:
- Visit the North Dakota Courts Records Inquiry portal.
- Select the South Central Judicial District, then choose Burleigh County.
- Use the court calendar search option to view scheduled hearings by date or judge.
You can also search for a specific case and view its upcoming hearing dates from the case detail screen. For Bismarck Municipal Court scheduling, contact the Municipal Court clerk's office directly.
If you need confirmation of a hearing time or courtroom assignment, call the clerk's office the business day before your scheduled appearance.
How to Get a Copy of a Burleigh Court Document
Court documents from Burleigh County cases — including complaints, orders, judgments, and disposition records — can be obtained in several ways.
Online
Many case documents are viewable through the North Dakota Courts Records Inquiry system. Search by case number, party name, citation number, or attorney. The system covers criminal, traffic, civil, family, and probate records, though restricted case information is excluded. You can view docket entries and some documents online at no cost.
In Person
Visit the Clerk of District Court at the Burleigh County courthouse to request copies. Bring the case number or enough identifying details (party names, approximate filing date) so staff can locate the file. Public terminals in the office allow you to search and identify the documents you need before requesting copies.
By Mail
Send a written request to the Clerk of District Court. Include:
- Full case number (if known)
- Names of the parties involved
- Description of the specific document(s) needed
- Whether you need certified or uncertified copies
- Your return mailing address
- Payment (check or money order)
Certified vs. Uncertified Copies
Uncertified copies are plain photocopies suitable for personal reference. Certified copies bear the court seal and clerk's signature, which you will need for legal proceedings, filings in other courts, or official transactions. Ask the clerk whether certification is required for your purpose before ordering.
Certain records are restricted from public access, including juvenile cases, sealed records, adoption files, and cases closed under North Dakota's nonconviction records petition process.
Burleigh Court Records Fees & Payment
Fees for court record services in North Dakota are set by statute and administrative rule. The following table reflects standard fees that generally apply at the Burleigh County Clerk of District Court's office. Contact the clerk to confirm current amounts before submitting payment.
| Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| Copy of court document (per page) | $0.25 |
| Certification of a document | $10.00 |
| Court record search (per name) | $10.00 |
| Exemplified copy (with dual certification) | $20.00 |
These fees are based on N.D.C.C. § 11-17-04 and related administrative orders. Fees may vary for specialized requests.
Payment Methods
- In person: Cash, check, or money order accepted at the clerk's window. Ask whether credit or debit cards are accepted.
- By mail: Check or money order payable to the Burleigh County Clerk of District Court.
- Online: Viewing case information through the statewide records portal is free. Document copies obtained through online systems may involve separate fees.
For a statewide criminal history record check, contact the North Dakota Bureau of Criminal Investigation — this is a separate process from requesting court case documents and carries its own fee schedule.