Ever read a crime story in The Charlotte Observer and wanted to learn more about the charges someone faces? Need to double-check when you’re supposed to go to traffic court? Curious who’s suing the mayor?

There’s a tool for that.

As we’ve reported, it’s not perfect. Records aren’t always posted to eCourts promptly — or at all; there are some quirks; at the time of this writing, about a dozen counties aren’t yet in the system.

It’s confusing at first, no doubt. But eCourts, the state’s free online court record system, has its uses.

Instead of driving to the courthouse or calling the clerk’s office, you can find police affidavits, lawsuits, arrest warrants and more with a few mouse clicks. Here at the Observer, we use it daily.

Now, I’ll show you how to.

Make sure your case is local,

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