Craven County Court Records

What Is Craven County Court Records

Court records in Craven County encompass all official documentation generated during legal proceedings within the county's judicial system. These records constitute a comprehensive repository of legal actions and decisions maintained by the courts serving Craven County residents. Pursuant to North Carolina General Statutes § 7A-109, court records include case files, dockets, pleadings, motions, orders, judgments, transcripts, exhibits, and sentencing records.

The North Carolina Judicial Branch defines court records as "documents, information, or items that are collected, received, or maintained by court personnel in connection with a judicial proceeding." These records differ from other public records such as property deeds, vital records (birth, death, marriage certificates), and tax records, which are typically maintained by the Craven County Register of Deeds or other county departments.

In Craven County, court records are maintained by several courts within the judicial hierarchy:

• Superior Court - handles felony criminal cases and civil cases involving amounts over $25,000
• District Court - processes misdemeanors, traffic violations, juvenile matters, and civil cases under $25,000
• Small Claims Court - handles civil disputes involving amounts up to $10,000
• Family Court - oversees domestic relations cases including divorce, child custody, and support
• Probate Court - manages estate administration and guardianship proceedings

These courts generate records for various case types including civil litigation, criminal proceedings, family law matters, probate cases, and traffic violations. The maintenance and accessibility of these records are governed by state statutes and administrative rules established by the North Carolina Administrative Office of the Courts.

Are Court Records Public In Craven County

Court records in Craven County are generally accessible to the public in accordance with North Carolina's Public Records Law (N.C.G.S. § 132-1) and the constitutional principle of open courts established in Article I, Section 18 of the North Carolina Constitution. This legal framework establishes the presumption that court records are public unless specifically exempted by statute or court order.

The following court records are typically available for public inspection:

• Most civil case files
• Criminal case files (post-charging)
• Judgments and orders
• Docket sheets
• Hearing schedules
• Court calendars
• Final dispositions

However, certain records may be restricted from public access to protect privacy interests, confidential information, or sensitive matters. According to the North Carolina Judicial Branch, records that may be sealed or restricted include:

• Juvenile proceedings (N.C.G.S. § 7B-2901)
• Adoption records
• Mental health proceedings
• Certain domestic violence records
• Records sealed by judicial order
• Grand jury proceedings and records
• Pre-sentence investigation reports
• Records containing social security numbers, financial account numbers, or other sensitive personal information

It is important to note that federal court records for cases heard in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina (which includes Craven County) are governed by federal rules rather than state law. These records are accessible through the federal PACER system rather than county or state repositories.

The North Carolina Supreme Court has established rules regarding public access to court records, which are implemented through the Administrative Office of the Courts. These rules balance the public's right to access with privacy concerns and practical considerations regarding record management.

How To Find Court Records in Craven County in 2026

Members of the public seeking court records in Craven County may utilize several methods to locate and access these documents. The Craven County Clerk of Superior Court serves as the official custodian of court records and provides assistance with record requests. Currently, the following procedures are in place for obtaining court records:

In-Person Requests:

1. Visit the Craven County Courthouse during regular business hours
2. Complete a record request form available at the Clerk's office
3. Provide case information including names of parties, case numbers, or filing dates
4. Pay applicable copy fees ($0.25 per page for standard copies)
5. Wait for staff to retrieve the requested records

Written Requests:

1. Submit a written request to the Clerk of Superior Court
2. Include specific case information and contact details
3. Enclose a self-addressed stamped envelope for response
4. Include payment for anticipated copy fees

Online Access:

1. Navigate to the North Carolina Judicial Branch's online court records portal
2. Create a user account if required
3. Select Craven County from the jurisdiction menu
4. Enter search criteria such as party names, case numbers, or filing dates
5. Review search results and select desired records
6. Pay any applicable online access fees

For certified copies of court documents, requestors must specifically indicate this requirement, as certified copies include an official seal and signature from the Clerk's office and incur additional fees.

Craven County Clerk of Superior Court
302 Broad Street
New Bern, NC 28560
(252) 514-4700
Craven County Clerk of Court

When requesting records, it is advisable to provide as much specific information as possible about the case to facilitate efficient retrieval. The Clerk's office typically processes record requests within 2-3 business days, though complex or voluminous requests may require additional time.

How To Look Up Court Records in Craven County Online?

Craven County residents and interested parties can access various court records through several online portals maintained by the North Carolina Judicial Branch. These digital resources provide convenient access to court information without requiring a visit to the courthouse. The available online systems include:

North Carolina Court System Public Records Search: This comprehensive portal allows users to search for court records across multiple courts in Craven County. The North Carolina Judicial Branch website provides access to:

1. Criminal case records - includes charges, hearing dates, dispositions, and sentencing information
2. Civil case records - contains information on lawsuits, judgments, and court orders
3. Traffic cases - provides details on citations, hearing dates, and dispositions

To conduct a search:

• Navigate to the North Carolina Court Records Search portal
• Select Craven County from the jurisdiction dropdown menu
• Enter search criteria (name, case number, or filing date)
• Review the results list and select specific cases for detailed information
• Note that some documents may require in-person requests to view the complete file

Criminal Court Information System (CCIS): This specialized database contains information on criminal cases processed through Craven County courts. Users can search by:

• Defendant name
• Case number
• Attorney name
• Hearing date

Civil Case Processing System (VCAP): For civil matters, this system provides access to:

• Case status information
• Party names
• Filing dates
• Scheduled hearings
• Judgment information

Automated Criminal/Infractions System (ACIS): This database contains records of:

• Criminal charges
• Traffic violations
• Infractions
• Case status updates

When using these online systems, users should be aware that:

• Some older records may not be digitized and require in-person requests
• Certain confidential or sealed records will not appear in online searches
• Document images may not be available for all cases
• User fees may apply for certain searches or document retrievals
• The most current and complete information is maintained at the courthouse

For technical assistance with online court record searches, users may contact the North Carolina Administrative Office of the Courts Help Desk at (919) 890-2220.

How To Search Craven County Court Records for Free?

North Carolina law guarantees the public's right to inspect court records without charge, as established in N.C.G.S. § 132-6(a), which states that "every person having custody of public records shall permit them to be inspected and examined at reasonable times and under reasonable supervision." While fees may apply for copies or certified documents, the inspection of records is available at no cost.

The following free options are available for searching Craven County court records:

In-Person Inspection: Members of the public may visit the Craven County Courthouse during regular business hours to inspect court records without charge. Public access terminals are available in the Clerk's office for searching case information. While there is no fee for viewing records, staff assistance may be limited based on availability.

Free Online Resources: Several online systems provide free basic search capabilities:

1. North Carolina Court Calendar - This free resource allows users to view upcoming court dates by county, courtroom, or case type without requiring registration or payment.

2. Criminal Court Inquiry - Basic information about criminal cases can be accessed without charge through the public portal of the North Carolina Court System website.

3. Offender Information Search - The North Carolina Department of Public Safety maintains a free database of offender information, including conviction data and incarceration status.

4. Craven County Clerk of Court Records Search - The Clerk's office provides a basic search function on their website that allows users to verify case existence and status without fees.

It is important to note that while basic searches are free, there may be limitations:

• Document images and full case files may not be available through free services
• Advanced search features might require subscription or per-use fees
• Older records may not be included in free online databases
• High-volume or commercial users may face restrictions or fees

For comprehensive research needs, the most complete free access is available through in-person visits to the courthouse, where public terminals provide access to the full range of publicly available records without charge. Copy fees apply only when physical or electronic reproductions are requested.

What's Included in a Craven County Court Record?

Court records in Craven County contain various documents and information depending on the case type and court of jurisdiction. A typical court record file may include the following components:

Case Initiation Documents:

• Complaints or petitions in civil cases
• Criminal charging documents (indictments, information, or complaints)
• Summonses and service of process documentation
• Initial appearances and arraignment records

Procedural Documents:

• Motions filed by parties
• Responses and replies to motions
• Court orders and rulings on motions
• Scheduling notices and continuances
• Discovery-related documents (in some cases)
• Witness lists and exhibits

Substantive Case Documents:

• Affidavits and sworn statements
• Transcripts of hearings or trials
• Evidence logs and exhibit lists
• Expert witness reports (when filed with the court)
• Briefs and memoranda of law

Judgment and Post-Judgment Records:

• Verdicts in criminal cases
• Judgments and decrees in civil matters
• Sentencing information for criminal convictions
• Probation terms and conditions
• Restitution orders
• Appeals documentation
• Satisfaction of judgment notices

Case Management Information:

• Case number and filing date
• Judge or judicial officer assignments
• Attorney information for represented parties
• Hearing and trial dates
• Case status indicators
• Docket entries showing chronological case activity

According to the Craven County Clerk of Court, specialized case types may contain additional documents. For example:

• Divorce cases may include separation agreements, equitable distribution schedules, and child custody determinations
• Probate matters typically contain wills, inventories of assets, and accountings
• Juvenile cases include petitions, social service reports, and dispositional orders (though these are generally confidential)
• Small claims files contain the claim form, any counterclaims, and the magistrate's judgment

It should be noted that certain sensitive information may be redacted from public court records, including social security numbers, financial account numbers, names of minor children in certain contexts, and other confidential data as required by N.C.G.S. § 132-1.10.

How Long Does Craven County Keep Court Records?

Craven County adheres to the North Carolina Judicial Branch's records retention schedules, which establish mandatory timeframes for preserving various types of court records. These retention periods are governed by the Records Retention Schedule established by the Administrative Office of the Courts pursuant to N.C.G.S. § 7A-109(d).

The retention periods for common court records in Craven County are as follows:

Criminal Case Records:

• Felony cases - Permanent retention for serious felonies (murder, manslaughter, rape); 20 years after disposition for other felonies
• Misdemeanor cases - 5-10 years after disposition, depending on offense type
• Infractions - 3 years after disposition
• Dismissed or acquitted cases - 3 years after disposition

Civil Case Records:

• General civil actions - 10 years after disposition
• Small claims cases - 5 years after judgment
• Domestic relations cases - 25 years after disposition
• Child support enforcement - Until the youngest child reaches age 28
• Juvenile proceedings - Until the juvenile reaches age 18, then sealed or destroyed per statute

Probate Records:

• Wills - Permanent retention
• Estate administration - 10 years after estate closed
• Guardianship records - 10 years after termination of guardianship

Special Proceedings:

• Foreclosures - 10 years after disposition
• Name changes - Permanent retention
• Adoptions - Permanent retention (with restricted access)

Court Administrative Records:

• Court calendars - 2 years
• Judge's notes - Not considered official records; may be destroyed at judge's discretion
• Grand jury records - 10 years

It is important to note that while physical paper records may be destroyed after the retention period expires, many records are now maintained in electronic format with longer or permanent retention. Additionally, records of significant historical value may be transferred to the North Carolina State Archives for permanent preservation rather than being destroyed.

The Craven County Clerk of Superior Court serves as the custodian of court records and implements these retention schedules in accordance with state mandates. Individuals seeking older records should inquire whether they might have been transferred to the State Archives if they are no longer maintained at the courthouse.

Types of Courts In Craven County

Craven County's judicial system consists of several courts that operate within North Carolina's unified court system. Each court has specific jurisdiction and handles different types of cases. The following courts serve Craven County residents:

Craven County Superior Court
302 Broad Street
New Bern, NC 28560
(252) 514-4700
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Craven County Superior Court

Superior Court is the highest trial court in Craven County, handling felony criminal cases, civil cases involving amounts over $25,000, and appeals from District Court. Superior Court sessions are presided over by rotating judges who travel within their judicial districts.

Craven County District Court
302 Broad Street
New Bern, NC 28560
(252) 514-4700
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Craven County District Court

District Court handles misdemeanor criminal cases, traffic violations, juvenile matters, domestic relations cases, and civil cases involving amounts up to $25,000. This court also conducts preliminary hearings in felony cases before they proceed to Superior Court.

Craven County Small Claims Court
302 Broad Street
New Bern, NC 28560
(252) 514-4700
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Craven County Small Claims Court

Small Claims Court is a division of District Court that handles civil disputes involving amounts up to $10,000. Cases are heard by magistrates rather than judges, and the procedures are simplified to allow parties to represent themselves.

Craven County Clerk of Superior Court
302 Broad Street
New Bern, NC 28560
(252) 514-4700
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Craven County Clerk of Court

The Clerk of Superior Court handles probate matters, guardianships, adoptions, and other special proceedings. The Clerk also maintains all court records and provides administrative support to the courts.

The court hierarchy in North Carolina proceeds from District and Superior Courts to the North Carolina Court of Appeals and finally to the North Carolina Supreme Court. Cases originating in Craven County may be appealed to these higher courts based on specific legal grounds.

Federal cases involving Craven County residents are heard in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina, located in New Bern at:

United States District Court - Eastern District of North Carolina
413 Middle Street
New Bern, NC 28560
(252) 638-8530
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
U.S. District Court - Eastern District of NC

What Types of Cases Do Craven County Courts Hear?

Craven County courts adjudicate a wide range of legal matters according to their respective jurisdictions. The distribution of case types among the county's courts is as follows:

Superior Court Cases:

• Felony criminal prosecutions
• Civil actions involving amounts exceeding $25,000
• Appeals from District Court decisions
• Property disputes and real estate litigation
• Complex business litigation
• Medical malpractice claims
• Administrative agency appeals
• Constitutional challenges to state laws or local ordinances

District Court Cases:

• Misdemeanor criminal offenses
• Traffic violations and infractions
• Preliminary hearings for felony cases
• Civil disputes involving amounts up to $25,000
• Domestic relations matters including:
  • Divorce proceedings
  • Child custody and visitation
  • Child support enforcement
  • Equitable distribution of property
  • Domestic violence protective orders
• Juvenile delinquency proceedings
• Juvenile dependency and neglect cases
• Involuntary commitment hearings
• Landlord-tenant disputes
• Contract disputes under $25,000

Small Claims Court Cases:

• Consumer debt collection
• Property damage claims
• Personal injury claims (limited to $10,000)
• Breach of contract disputes (limited to $10,000)
• Landlord-tenant issues including evictions and security deposit disputes
• Recovery of personal property

Clerk of Superior Court Jurisdiction:

• Probate of wills
• Estate administration
• Guardianship proceedings for incapacitated adults
• Guardianship of minors' estates
• Foreclosures
• Adoptions
• Name changes
• Incompetency determinations
• Condemnation proceedings

According to the North Carolina Judicial Branch, Craven County courts process thousands of cases annually, with traffic and criminal matters constituting the largest volume of cases. Civil filings, particularly in District Court, represent another significant portion of the caseload.

The jurisdiction of these courts is established by state statute, primarily in Chapter 7A of the North Carolina General Statutes, which defines the structure and authority of the state's court system.

How To Find a Court Docket In Craven County

Court dockets in Craven County provide essential information about scheduled court proceedings, including hearing dates, case numbers, party names, and assigned courtrooms. Members of the public can access court dockets through several methods:

Online Docket Access:

1. Visit the North Carolina Court Calendar Search on the Judicial Branch website
2. Select "Craven" from the county dropdown menu
3. Choose the desired court type (Superior, District, etc.)
4. Select a date range for the search
5. Review the resulting calendar information

The online calendar provides information about:

• Case numbers
• Party names
• Hearing types
• Scheduled dates and times
• Assigned courtrooms
• Presiding judges

In-Person Docket Review: Current court calendars are posted in the lobby of the Craven County Courthouse. These printed dockets are typically updated weekly and organized by:

• Court division (Criminal Superior, Civil District, etc.)
• Hearing date
• Courtroom assignment

Telephone Inquiry: Limited docket information may be obtained by calling the Clerk of Court's office at (252) 514-4700. Staff can provide basic scheduling information for upcoming cases.

Case-Specific Docket Information: Parties to a case or their attorneys can access more detailed docket information through:

1. The North Carolina eCourts Portal
2. Direct inquiry to the assigned judge's case manager
3. Review of the physical case file at the Clerk's office

For criminal cases, the District Attorney's Office maintains additional scheduling information that may be available to defendants or their counsel.

Court dockets are typically published:

• Criminal Superior Court - 3 weeks before the court session
• Civil Superior Court - 4 weeks before the court session
• District Court (criminal) - 1 week before the court session
• District Court (civil) - 2 weeks before the court session

It should be noted that court schedules are subject to change, and last-minute adjustments may occur due to case settlements, continuances, or other factors. Individuals with scheduled court appearances should verify the current docket information on the day of their hearing.

Which Courts in Craven County Are Not Courts of Record?

In North Carolina's judicial system, a "court of record" is defined as a court in which proceedings are recorded verbatim and preserved for potential review by appellate courts. Pursuant to N.C.G.S. § 7A-191, certain courts do not maintain comprehensive verbatim records of their proceedings. In Craven County, the following courts are not courts of record:

Small Claims Court: Small Claims Court, while a division of District Court, operates as a court not of record. Proceedings before magistrates in Small Claims Court are not recorded by a court reporter or electronic recording system. Instead, the magistrate prepares a written judgment that briefly states the outcome of the case and any relief granted. If a party wishes to appeal a Small Claims decision, the case receives a completely new trial (trial de novo) in District Court rather than a review of the record.

Magistrate Proceedings: When magistrates conduct proceedings such as:

• Initial appearances in criminal cases
• Setting of bail and bond conditions
• Acceptance of guilty pleas for minor infractions
• Issuance of search or arrest warrants
• Emergency domestic violence protective orders

These proceedings are not recorded verbatim and are therefore not considered proceedings of a court of record. The magistrate documents the outcome on standardized forms, but no transcript of the proceedings is created.

Traffic Administrative Court: In some instances, traffic matters are handled through an administrative process rather than a formal court proceeding. These administrative sessions, often used for compliance matters or dismissals upon proof of correction, are not courts of record.

The distinction between courts of record and those not of record has important implications for appeals and procedural rights. When a case originates in a court not of record, the appeal process involves a completely new trial in a court of record (typically District Court for Small Claims appeals or Superior Court for District Court appeals) rather than a review of the proceedings below.

All other courts in Craven County, including District Court, Superior Court, and proceedings before the Clerk of Superior Court acting in a judicial capacity, are courts of record as defined by state law. In these courts, proceedings are recorded either by court reporters or electronic recording systems, creating an official record that can be transcribed for appeals or other purposes.

Lookup Court Records in Craven County

Court Records in North Carolina

Craven County Court Information

Craven County Courthouse Details

Craven County Official Website

Clerk of Superior Court Resources

Divorce Decree Information

Register of Deeds Office