Court records in Cass County, North Dakota can be searched through several channels. CassNDCourt.us can help find publicly available information about court cases filed in the county. Additional access points include the North Dakota Courts Records Inquiry system, the Cass County Clerk of District Court office, and public-access terminals available at the courthouse in Fargo.
Cass Court System & Jurisdictions
Cass County falls within the East Central Judicial District of North Dakota. The District Court is the state's general jurisdiction trial court and handles virtually all case types filed in the county. There are no separate courts for family, probate, or small claims — those matters are all divisions within the District Court.
Case types handled by the Cass County District Court include:
- Criminal cases — felonies, misdemeanors, and infractions filed by the State's Attorney or city prosecutors
- Civil cases — contract disputes, personal injury, property claims, and small claims (cases seeking $15,000 or less)
- Family law — divorce, child custody, child support, adoptions, and domestic violence protection orders
- Probate and guardianship — estate administration, wills, conservatorships, and guardianships
- Traffic and municipal offenses — moving violations, DUI charges, and city ordinance violations
- Juvenile matters — delinquency and deprivation cases (these records are generally restricted from public access)
Because North Dakota uses a unified court system, all of these case types flow through the same District Court clerk's office in Fargo. If you are unsure which docket to search, start by contacting the clerk at (701) 451-6900.
Cass Court Calendar & Upcoming Hearings
Finding upcoming hearing dates for Cass County cases requires checking the state's online court records system. Here is how to look up scheduled hearings:
- Visit the North Dakota Courts Records Inquiry portal.
- Select the East Central Judicial District or choose Cass County from the county map.
- Search by case number, party name, or attorney name to locate a specific case.
- Once you open a case record, scheduled hearing dates and courtroom assignments are typically listed in the case events or calendar section.
You can also use the District Court Case Search tool, which covers criminal, traffic, and civil case types and displays upcoming court dates tied to individual cases.
For same-day or next-day calendar questions, contact the Cass County Clerk of District Court directly:
Arraignment schedules for individuals arrested and booked into the Cass County Jail are typically set within 24 to 48 hours of arrest. Contact the jail or the clerk's office for specific arraignment times.
How to Get a Copy of a Cass Court Document
Copies of court documents — complaints, motions, orders, judgments, and other filings — can be obtained in three ways:
Online
Basic case information and some documents are viewable through the North Dakota Courts Records Inquiry. However, not all documents are available for download, and restricted case information is excluded from search results.
In Person
Visit the Clerk of District Court office on the second floor of the Cass County Courthouse in Fargo. Bring the case number or the full names of the parties involved. Staff can print uncertified copies on the spot or prepare certified copies upon request.
By Mail
Send a written request to:
Include the case number (if known), the names of the parties, the type of document you need, whether you need a certified or uncertified copy, and a check or money order for the applicable fees. Include a self-addressed stamped envelope for return by mail.
Certified vs. uncertified copies: A certified copy bears the clerk's seal and signature, confirming it is a true copy of the court record. These are typically required for legal proceedings, government applications, or filings in other jurisdictions. Uncertified copies are sufficient for personal reference.
Some records are restricted from public access under North Dakota law, including juvenile cases, sealed records, adoption files, and certain mental health proceedings. If you are unsure whether a record is accessible, ask the clerk before submitting payment.
For expunged criminal records, the court file is sealed and generally cannot be accessed by the public. The Legal Self Help Center offers guidance on the expungement process.
Cass Court Records Fees & Payment
Fees for court record services in Cass County are set by North Dakota statute and administrative rules. The following table lists common fees. Confirm current amounts with the clerk's office, as fees may be updated by the North Dakota Supreme Court.
| Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| Copy of court document (per page, uncertified) | $0.25 |
| Certification of a document | $10.00 |
| Court record search (per name) | $10.00 |
| Exemplified copy (certified with additional authentication) | $20.00 |
Payment methods: The clerk's office generally accepts cash, checks, and money orders. For online payments through the District Court payment portal, credit and debit cards are accepted. Mail-in requests should include a check or money order payable to the Cass County Clerk of District Court.
For statewide criminal history checks — which are separate from court record searches — the North Dakota Attorney General's office processes requests for a fee payable by check or money order. Fingerprint-based criminal background checks required for employment or licensing are handled through the Department of Health and Human Services.