County courts have different names in different states. Different names include: circuit courts, superior courts, district courts, or simply county courts.

County court searches contain more detailed criminal records than the state repository. However, each county contains civil and criminal records sometimes not available through the state repository, making it cost prohibitive to research all counties in a particular state. Again, this justifies using the state repository as a collective source for records, but legitimizes a county search in order to obtain more detailed information on a subject.

It is important to note that county courts typically handle all felony cases that are not federal offenses. Felonies are crudely defined as offenses that carry a minimum one-year jail term. A variety of misdemeanors are prosecuted at this court level as well. However, when there is not enough evidence to prosecute a felony or misdemeanor at the county level, the case is referred back to the municipality where the crime occurred, legitimizing a municipal court/Police record search.

Criminal investigations at the county level require contacting court locations for specific information. Most counties require showing up in person to search records on a subject.

Verified has nationwide resources at this court level available for fast retrieval of county court records. Records date back to different years for different counties, and research fees will vary.