Carteret County Public Records /Carteret County Court Records

Carteret County Court Records

What Is Carteret County Court Records

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

Court records are distinct from other public records such as:

Property records (deeds, liens, mortgages)
Vital records (birth, death, marriage certificates)
Tax records
Voter registration information

In Carteret County, court records are maintained by several courts within the jurisdiction:

Superior Court (felony criminal cases, civil cases over $25,000)
District Court (misdemeanors, civil cases under $25,000, family law)
Small Claims Court (civil disputes under $10,000)
Probate Court (wills, estates, guardianships)

These records encompass various case types including:

Civil litigation
Criminal proceedings
Family law matters
Probate cases
Traffic violations
Juvenile cases (with restricted access)

The Carteret County Clerk of Superior Court serves as the official custodian of these records as mandated by state law.

Are Court Records Public In Carteret County

Court records in Carteret County are generally accessible to the public in accordance with North Carolina's Public Records Law (N.C.G.S. § 132-1) and the state constitution's provision for open courts. The North Carolina Constitution, Article I, Section 18, establishes that "all courts shall be open," creating a presumption of public access to judicial proceedings and records.

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

However, certain records may be restricted or sealed by statute or court order, including:

Juvenile proceedings (N.C.G.S. § 7B-2901)
Adoption records
Mental health commitment proceedings
Certain domestic violence cases
Records sealed by judicial order
Cases involving minors as victims of certain crimes
Grand jury proceedings

It is important to note that federal court records for cases heard in the Eastern District of North Carolina (which includes Carteret County) are governed by federal rules and accessed through the federal PACER system, not through county offices.

The North Carolina Administrative Office of the Courts establishes policies regarding public access to court records, balancing transparency with privacy concerns and statutory restrictions.

How To Find Court Records in Carteret County in 2026

Members of the public seeking court records in Carteret County may utilize several methods to locate and access these documents. The following procedures are currently in effect for obtaining court records:

In-Person Requests:

Visit the Carteret County Clerk of Superior Court's office during regular business hours.
Complete a records request form, specifying the case number, party names, and documents needed.
Present valid photo identification.
Pay applicable copy fees ($0.25 per page for standard copies).

Carteret County Clerk of Superior Court
1102 Arendell Street
Beaufort, NC 28516
(252) 504-4400
Carteret County Clerk of Court

Online Access:

Navigate to the North Carolina Judicial Branch website.
Select the appropriate search portal based on record type.
Enter required search parameters (name, case number, date range).
Review available records and request copies if needed.

Written Requests:

Submit a detailed written request to the Clerk of Court's office.
Include case information, specific documents requested, and contact information.
Enclose a self-addressed stamped envelope and payment for copy fees.
Allow 5-10 business days for processing.

For specialized records, contact the appropriate division:

Criminal records: Criminal Division, (252) 504-4400
Civil records: Civil Division, (252) 504-4400
Estates and probate: Estates Division, (252) 504-4400

Pursuant to Carteret County's public records policy, certain records may require additional processing time or special procedures for access.

How To Look Up Court Records in Carteret County Online?

Carteret County residents and interested parties may access various court records through several online portals maintained by state and county agencies. Each system provides access to different types of records and requires specific search parameters.

North Carolina Judicial Branch Online Services:

Visit the North Carolina Court Records Search portal.
Select from available search options:
- Criminal and Infraction Public Records Search
- Civil Case Processing System
- Estates Case Information
Enter required search criteria (name, case number, date range).
Review results and access available documents.

North Carolina Criminal Court Information System:

Access the Criminal Court Information System through the Judicial Branch website.
Search by defendant name, case number, or attorney.
View case status, charges, court dates, and disposition information.
Note that complete case files are not available through this system.

Carteret County Clerk of Court Records:

Contact the Carteret County Clerk of Court for records not available online.
Some records may require in-person inspection due to system limitations.

Court Calendar Information:

Visit the North Carolina Court Dates search tool.
Select Carteret County from the dropdown menu.
Enter name or case number to find scheduled court appearances.
View results showing hearing dates, times, and locations.

Users should be aware that online access has certain limitations:

Not all documents within case files are digitized
Older records may not be available electronically
Some confidential or sealed records are excluded
Document images may require in-person requests

How To Search Carteret County Court Records for Free?

North Carolina law provides for public inspection of court records at no cost, though fees may apply for copies or certified documents. Pursuant to N.C.G.S. § 7A-308, the public has the right to inspect accessible court records without charge during normal business hours.

Free In-Person Inspection:

Visit the Carteret County Courthouse during regular business hours (Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM).
Request to view specific case files at the appropriate clerk's counter.
Present identification and complete any required request forms.
Records will be retrieved for on-site inspection at no charge.

Free Online Resources:

North Carolina Judicial Branch Public Records Search - Provides free access to basic case information including:
- Case numbers and filing dates
- Party names
- Charge information (criminal cases)
- Case status and disposition
- Scheduled court dates
North Carolina Offender Public Information - Offers free access to:
- Conviction information
- Incarceration status
- Probation/parole details
Carteret County Public Records Portal - Provides information on how to request various county records.

While basic case information is available at no cost, the following services typically require payment:

Printed copies ($0.25 per page)
Certified copies ($5.00 per document plus copy fees)
Complete case file reproductions
Expedited searches
Research assistance from court staff

What's Included in a Carteret County Court Record?

Carteret County court records contain comprehensive documentation of legal proceedings. The specific contents vary by case type but generally include the following components:

Civil Case Records:

Complaint or petition initiating the case
Summons and proof of service
Defendant's answer or response
Motions filed by either party
Court orders and judicial decisions
Exhibits admitted into evidence
Transcripts of hearings (if requested)
Final judgment or dismissal
Post-judgment filings (garnishments, executions)

Criminal Case Records:

Charging documents (indictment, information, complaint)
Arrest warrant or citation
Bond/bail information
Defendant's plea
Pre-trial motions and rulings
Discovery documents (may be restricted)
Trial exhibits and evidence logs
Sentencing information
Probation reports (may be restricted)
Appeal notices and related documents

Family Court Records:

Divorce petitions and decrees
Child custody and support orders
Domestic violence protective orders
Adoption proceedings (often sealed)
Name change petitions
Paternity determinations
Financial affidavits (may be restricted)

Probate Records:

Wills and codicils
Petitions for probate
Inventories of estate assets
Claims against estates
Executor/administrator appointments
Distribution orders
Guardian/conservator appointments
Annual accountings

Case Docket/Register of Actions:

Chronological listing of all case events
Filing dates of all documents
Hearing dates and outcomes
Judge assignments
Attorney information
Financial transactions (fees paid)

Court records also typically include a case information sheet with party names, case type, filing date, and assigned judge. Sensitive information such as Social Security numbers, financial account numbers, and certain personal identifiers may be redacted in publicly accessible versions of these records.

How Long Does Carteret County Keep Court Records?

Carteret County adheres to the North Carolina Judicial Branch Records Retention Schedule as established by the Administrative Office of the Courts. This schedule, authorized under N.C.G.S. § 121-5, prescribes specific retention periods for various court documents.

Criminal Case Records:

Felony cases: Permanent retention for murder and Class A felonies; 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 cases: 10 years after disposition
Small claims: 5 years after judgment
Domestic relations cases: 25 years after disposition
Juvenile cases: Until subject reaches age 21, then sealed or destroyed
Estates and special proceedings: Permanent retention
Civil judgments: 10 years after satisfaction or 20 years after entry

Administrative Records:

Court calendars: 2 years
Jury records: 2 years after service
Financial records: 5 years
Indexes and dockets: Permanent retention

Certain historically significant cases may be designated for permanent retention regardless of case type. After the prescribed retention period, records may be:

Transferred to the North Carolina State Archives
Converted to microfilm or digital format
Destroyed according to approved procedures

The North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources provides oversight for the preservation of court records with historical value. Researchers seeking older records that may have been transferred to the State Archives should contact:

North Carolina State Archives
109 East Jones Street
Raleigh, NC 27601
(919) 814-6840

Types of Courts In Carteret County

Carteret County's judicial system operates within North Carolina's unified court structure, with several courts serving different jurisdictional functions.

Carteret County Superior Court
1102 Arendell Street
Beaufort, NC 28516
(252) 504-4400
Carteret County Superior Court
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM

Superior Court handles 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 eight judicial divisions across the state.

Carteret County District Court
1102 Arendell Street
Beaufort, NC 28516
(252) 504-4400
Carteret County District Court
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM

District Court handles misdemeanor criminal cases, traffic offenses, juvenile matters, domestic relations cases, and civil cases involving amounts up to $25,000. District Court judges are elected for four-year terms.

Carteret County Small Claims Court
1102 Arendell Street
Beaufort, NC 28516
(252) 504-4400
Carteret County Small Claims Court
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM

Small Claims Court, a division of District Court, handles civil cases involving amounts up to $10,000. Cases are heard by magistrates appointed by the Senior Resident Superior Court Judge.

Carteret County Clerk of Superior Court
1102 Arendell Street
Beaufort, NC 28516
(252) 504-4400
Carteret County Clerk of Court
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM

The Clerk of Superior Court handles probate matters, adoptions, incompetency proceedings, and condemnations. The Clerk also maintains all court records and serves as ex officio judge of probate.

The court hierarchy in North Carolina proceeds from District Court to Superior Court, then to the North Carolina Court of Appeals, and finally to the North Carolina Supreme Court. Federal cases arising in Carteret County are heard in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina, located in New Bern.

What Types of Cases Do Carteret County Courts Hear?

Carteret County courts adjudicate a wide range of legal matters according to their jurisdictional authority. Each court within the county's judicial system is designated to hear specific types of cases as prescribed by North Carolina law.

Superior Court Cases:

Felony criminal prosecutions
Civil matters involving amounts exceeding $25,000
Appeals from District Court decisions
Property disputes and real estate litigation
Medical malpractice claims
Complex business litigation
Constitutional challenges to state laws
Administrative agency appeals
Habeas corpus petitions

District Court Cases:

Misdemeanor criminal offenses
Traffic violations and DWI/DUI cases
Preliminary hearings for felony cases
Civil disputes involving amounts up to $25,000
Domestic relations matters (divorce, custody, support)
Domestic violence protective orders
Juvenile delinquency proceedings
Juvenile abuse, neglect, and dependency
Involuntary commitment proceedings
Landlord-tenant disputes

Small Claims Court Cases:

Civil disputes involving amounts up to $10,000
Summary ejectment (eviction) proceedings
Recovery of personal property
Motor vehicle damage claims
Consumer disputes
Contract disagreements
Debt collection matters

Clerk of Superior Court Jurisdiction:

Probate of wills
Estate administration
Guardianship appointments
Foreclosures
Adoption proceedings
Incompetency determinations
Condemnation proceedings
Name change petitions

Specialized court programs in Carteret County include:

Drug Treatment Court
Family Court
Child Support Enforcement Court
Veterans Treatment Court

Cases involving federal law, including federal crimes, bankruptcy, copyright, patent disputes, and certain civil rights violations, are not heard in Carteret County courts but are instead directed to the United States District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina.

How To Find a Court Docket In Carteret County

Court dockets in Carteret County provide a chronological listing of scheduled cases and proceedings. Members of the public may access these dockets through several methods to determine when specific cases will be heard.

Online Docket Access:

Visit the North Carolina Court Dates search portal.
Select "Carteret" from the county dropdown menu.
Enter search criteria (name, case number, attorney, or date range).
Review results showing scheduled hearings, times, courtrooms, and presiding judges.

In-Person Docket Review:

Visit the Carteret County Courthouse during business hours.
Request to view the daily or weekly court calendar at the appropriate clerk's office.
Printed dockets are typically posted outside each courtroom.

Telephone Inquiry:

Contact the Carteret County Clerk of Court at (252) 504-4400.
Provide case information to court staff.
Request information about upcoming court dates.

Specialized Dockets:

Criminal Superior Court: Calendar published approximately 3 weeks before court session
Criminal District Court: Calendar published weekly
Civil Superior Court: Calendar published monthly
Civil District Court: Calendar published weekly
Small Claims Court: Calendar available daily
Family Court: Calendar distributed to attorneys of record

Attorneys registered with the North Carolina Courts Electronic Filing System (File & Serve) receive automatic notifications of scheduled hearings for their cases.

For cases of public interest, the Carteret County Courthouse may post special announcements regarding high-profile proceedings. Court calendars are subject to change, and parties should verify hearing dates shortly before scheduled appearances.

Which Courts in Carteret County Are Not Courts of Record?

In North Carolina's judicial system, a "court of record" is defined as a court that creates and maintains detailed documentation of its proceedings, including verbatim transcripts when requested, and whose actions can be reviewed by higher courts. Pursuant to N.C.G.S. § 7A-190, certain courts are designated as courts not of record.

Small Claims Court is the primary court not of record in Carteret County. As a division of District Court, Small Claims Court has the following characteristics:

Proceedings are not recorded by a court reporter
No verbatim transcript is produced
Magistrates preside rather than District Court judges
Formal rules of evidence are relaxed
Representation by attorneys is optional
Judgments may be appealed to District Court for trial de novo (new trial)

Small Claims Court in Carteret County handles:

Civil disputes up to $10,000
Summary ejectment (eviction) proceedings
Recovery of personal property
Simple contract disputes

Magistrate's Hearings for certain preliminary matters are also not courts of record:

Initial appearances
Bond hearings
Probable cause determinations
Issuance of arrest and search warrants

By contrast, the following Carteret County courts are courts of record:

Superior Court
District Court (regular sessions)
Family Court
Juvenile Court

When a case is appealed from a court not of record, such as Small Claims Court, to a court of record (District Court), the case is heard anew rather than reviewed based on the lower court proceedings. This process, known as trial de novo, provides a fresh opportunity to present evidence and arguments.