Craven County Court Records

North Carolina court records are essential for litigation. These documents contain details of incidents, deals, contracts, agreements, or other actions. Some examples of court records include case files, court dockets and court judgments. These documents help uphold legal positions, promote openness, and assist in resolving disputes. Requesters for court records in Craven County have a few options: they can use eCourts, the Remote Public Access Program, seek criminal history information, or contact the relevant county record custodian in person or online.

Are Court Records Public in Craven County?

The North Carolina Public Records Act (PRA) recognizes the general public's right to examine and copy most records and papers maintained in North Carolina courts. Under G.S. 7A-109(a), records maintained by the clerk of courts in accordance with Administrative Office of the Courts (AOC) guidelines are generally public. Despite the rights guaranteed by these statutes, the public's right to access court records is not unqualified. The courts may restrict access to these records in certain instances.

For instance, members of the public are typically unable to access grand jury proceedings, the majority of adoption documents, and allegations of juvenile abuse, neglect, or dependency.

Other court records that may be protected from public disclosure include:

• Records of misdemeanor expunctions
• Records of expunctions in cases where the charge was dismissed, or the defendant was found not guilty
• Reports to the court on the defendant's capacity to proceed
• Wills deposited with the clerk
• Criminal background checks for the Judicial Department

Craven County Court Records Search

When looking for court records in Craven County, various alternatives are available: in-person requests at the Clerk of Superior Court, public terminals, Remote Public Access (RPA), and the eCourt Portal.

In-Person Search at the Clerk of Superior Court: Requesters can visit the Craven County Clerk of Superior Court office in person to request a particular court record in person. While there, they must supply necessary details, such as case numbers or party names, to facilitate the record search process.

Public terminals in the Clerk of Superior Court's office also provide access to court records. These terminals allow them to look up cases by defendant name, case number, or victim/witness name.

Remote Public Access (RPA): The North Carolina Administrative Office of the Courts (NCAOC) partners with third-party service providers to make criminal and civil court records available to Craven County citizens through its Remote Public Access Program (RPA).

E-Court Portal: This gateway allows users to access court information from eCourts jurisdictions, including Craven County. They can conduct smart searches using party names, record numbers, citation numbers, attorney bar numbers, business names, case cross-reference numbers, or nicknames.

Craven County Court Records Search by Name

When performing a name-based search of Craven County records, requestors have various options:

In-Person Search at the Clerk of Superior Court

Interested parties can do an in-person search at the Craven County Clerk of Superior Court office. The Clerk's Office will need the inquirer to supply specific information, such as the party's complete name or case number.

The staff then aids the requester in identifying the desired court record. Although looking for a court record is free, there may be a cost for certified copies.

The Clerk's Office charges $5.00 for the first page of certified record copies plus $2.00 for each subsequent page.

For more information on how to access court records through various channels, see the Request a Public Record page on the North Carolina Judicial Branch's website.

Alternatively, searchers can use public terminals at the Clerk's office for name-based searches. They can search using the defendant's name, case number, or victim/witness name. This service does not charge any fees for utilizing the terminals.

Remote Public Access (RPA)

Requesters can access Remote Public Access (RPA) services online. The North Carolina Administrative Office of the Courts provides statewide access to criminal and civil court documents through this service.

This platform includes criminal records (search pending cases, verify prior convictions), infractions, tax liens, evictions, and judgments.

Accessing criminal and civil court documents via RPA (Remote Public Access) requires a one-time connection fee of $495.00 (non-refundable), which includes two user IDs and two administrator IDs. Additional user IDs cost $70.00 apiece. Furthermore, the access fee per transaction is $0.21.

E-Court Portal

This site enables the general public and registered users to access court information, including:

• Get court information from eCourts jurisdictions.
• Conduct smart searches using party names, record numbers, or other criteria.
• Pay fines or fees online if needed.

Craven County Courts

The Craven County trial court system includes Superior, District, and Business Courts. The locational addresses and contact details of these courts are as follows:

Craven County Superior Court
302 Broad Street,
P.O. Box 1187,
New Bern, NC 28563
Phone: (252) 639-3000
Fax: (252) 639-3030

Craven County District Court
302 Broad Street,
P.O. Box 1187,
New Bern, NC 28563
Phone: (252) 639-3000
Fax: (252) 639-3030

Craven County District Court Records

In Craven County, the district court handles the following types of legal cases:

• Infractions offenses handled by the district court include traffic violations, minor theft, and simple assault.
• Cases involving traffic violations, speeding fines, and other automotive violations.
• Divorce processes, child custody, child support, and domestic abuse lawsuits are all examples of family law issues.

Inquirers requesting access to court records peculiar to Craven County District Court should contact the Clerk of the Superior Court's Office at the following location:

Clerk of Superior Court
302 Broad Street
New Bern, NC 28560

Mailing Address
P.O. Box 1187
New Bern, NC 28563
Phone: (252) 639-3000
Fax: (252) 639-3030
Hours: 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday

Craven County Criminal Records

Requesters in Craven County can conduct criminal background checks through the State Bureau of Investigation (SBI), the state's principal database for criminal information including both Craven County arrest records and criminal history data. Whether they want a personal background check, an employment/licensing check, or a background check on someone else, they should thoroughly review SBI portal-based material on various request types.

Requesters should be aware that a fingerprint-based North Carolina criminal history background check will cost $14. For further information on how to obtain a criminal history report, applicants should contact the SBI's Customer Service Unit at:

CIIS - Customer Service Unit
NC State Bureau of Investigation
3320 Garner Road
P.O. Box 29500
Raleigh, NC 27626-0500
(919) 582-8660
(919) 661-5977 (Fax)

To begin the procedure, the applicant must complete and print Form AOC-CR-314 and submit it to the clerk's office with a $25 fee. Mail service applicants must pay with money orders or certified checks, but in-person requesters can use credit cards, cash, money orders, or certified checks.

Craven County Criminal Court Case Lookup

To look up criminal court case information in Craven County, requesters may follow these steps:

Remote Public Access (RPA): Requesters must access RPA services online. They can pay a one-time connection fee of $495.00 (non-refundable) for two user IDs and two administrator IDs. Each additional user ID cost $70.00. There is also a $0.21 fee for access per transaction. After successfully paying the subscription fee, users can search statewide criminal court documents, including pending cases and prior convictions.

eCourt Portal: The general public and registered users can perform smart searches using party names or record numbers, citation numbers, attorney bar numbers, attorney names, business names, case cross-reference numbers, or nicknames to retrieve criminal court information on the eCourt Portal.

Get Craven County Civil Court Records

Craven County provides access to civil court records online and through the Clerk of Superior Court's Office. These records are derived from court proceedings on traffic violations, domestic or family matters, contract disputes, probate, etc.

Online Search: Requests wishing to access Craven County civil court records online may use the eCourts Portal, provided by the North Carolina Judicial Branch. They must sign up or log in to access comprehensive records. Afterward, they must enter the necessary information, including the case numbers, party names, or dates, to search for records.

In-person Request to the Clerk of Superior Court's Office: Searchers of Craven County civil court records may also visit or mail a request letter to the Clerk of the Superior Court Office. In-person requesters must bring a valid ID and provide relevant information, such as names and dates, to narrow the search. They should also expect to pay a fee for copies of the requested records.

Craven County Family Court Records

Craven County handles family court matters through its District Court. Family court cases heard in the District Court include and are not limited to:

• Divorce and Separation
• Domestic Relations
• Child Custody and Paternity
• Child Support
• Domestic Violence
• Adoption and Guardianship
• Child Support and Visitation
• Adoption and Guardianship
• Juvenile Delinquency
• Dependency and Neglect

Interested persons seeking to access Craven County family court records must visit the Craven County Clerk of Superior Court office and provide specific details, such as the party's complete name or case number.

The staff will assist in identifying the desired family court record. While searching is free, certified copies may be charged. Certified copies cost $5.00 for the first page and $2.00 for subsequent pages.

Clerk office visitors may also use public terminals for name-based searches. The public terminals enable them to search by the defendant's name, case number, or victim/witness name. No fees apply for terminal use.

Please note that persons who wish to obtain physical copies of court records must provide a valid photo ID, such as a passport or driver's license.

Family court records serve as a historical record of legal proceedings related to the family. Attorneys, individuals, and agencies use these records to conduct investigations, provide evidence, and guarantee adherence to laws and regulations.

Craven County Marriage and Divorce Records

Marriage Records

Individuals interested in obtaining certified copies of Craven County divorce records should contact the Craven County Register of Deeds. The Register of Deeds is the county's official custodian of marriage records and handles the recording and maintenance of marriage certificates.

Eligible requesters must apply to the Register of Deeds to obtain a certified copy of a marriage certificate. Such individuals include the person named on the certificate, a spouse, parents, grandparents, child, step-parent, and stepchild.

Applicants must input the full names of the bride and groom, the date of marriage, and the place of marriage on the application form.

To obtain a certified marriage certificate, the record seeker must comply with the following requirements:

• They must provide a copy of a valid driver's license or government-issued picture ID.
• Pay the $10.00 fee for a certified paper copy. Only cashier’s checks or money orders are accepted.
• Applicants must send their application and payment to the following address:

Craven County Register of Deeds
226 Pollock Street
New Bern, NC 28560.

• Applicants must include a self-addressed stamped envelope for the return of their certified copy.

Alternatively, individuals seeking Craven County marriage records may apply online through the county-approved vendor using the steps below:

1. Apply for a certified copy of a marriage certificate by providing the relevant information.
2. Enter their credit card details on the vendor's site for secure processing.
3. Applicants will receive their marriage certificates by mail.

Divorce Records

The Register of Deeds Office does not maintain divorce records. For divorces processed in Craven County, requesters may contact the Clerk of Superior Courts Office or NC Vital Records. NC Vital Records maintains divorce records from 1958 to the present. For divorce records before 1958, requesters should consult the Clerk of the Superior Court Office.

Applicants seeking to obtain Craven County divorce certificates via NC Vital Records should check out their Ordering a Certificate page for detailed information on how to get started. They can also find the estimated processing and shipping dates from the processing dates page.

The Vital Records Contact Us page provides information about the NC Vital Records hours, phone number, postal address, and physical address.

Craven Birth and Death Records

The County Register of Deeds, the custodian of vital information in Craven County, can provide access to birth and death records upon request.

To get certified copies of Craven County birth records, searchers must submit a letter to the Register of Deeds, giving the registrant's name, date of birth, parent's names, and relationship.

Requesters must supply a copy of their identification, sign the letter, and submit a $10 fee for a certified paper copy (cashier's check or money order only) with the application form.

The record seeker must submit the record request to the Register of Deeds at 226 Pollock Street, New Bern, NC 28560.

Death certificate applicants must go through the same process as birth certificate applicants. However, they must include the deceased's complete name and date of birth.

Applicants must also send a self-addressed, stamped envelope for the return of their certified copy.

Those requesting copies can order birth and death certificates from NC Vital Records. Before purchasing a certificate or scheduling an appointment, checking the preliminary ordering questions on the Vital Records website is recommended. In-person services are only accessible by appointment.

Information on accessing birth and death records in Craven CountIndividualse records per North Carolina law.

Craven County Probate Court Records

Craven County's Clerk of Superior Court handles probate court matters, including estate administration, guardianship, conservatorship, adoption proceedings, name changes, and will disputes. To obtain specific probate records, individuals should visit the office at 406 Craven Street, New Bern, NC 28560, and be prepared to provide documentation.

Craven County Property Records

Requesters in Craven County can access property records using the Craven County Public Access search tool. The website lists real estate in the county derived from registered deeds, plats, and other public records and data.

The property records search tool allows users to narrow their search by inputting the owner's name, parcel number, zoning classification, property address, sales date and price, and land units/types.

Requesters can also view Craven County Land Records online. To access and print land records, navigate to the Register of Deeds page and use the Search Indexes and Deeds function. Inquirers seeking further assistance should contact the office at (252) 636-6617 to speak with a staff member.

Craven County Court Records Online

Third-party web resources like northcarolinacourtrecords.us may provide flexible access to public Craven County court records. They offer a simple interface that allows users to search for specific cases by entering information such as case numbers, party names, or dates. These platforms usually enable users to read or obtain legal files straight from their website, simplifying the process. However, such platforms are independent of any official body. Therefore record results may contain erroneous or out-of-date information.