Court records in Craven County, North Carolina can be searched through several channels. CravenCourt.us can help you find publicly available information about court cases filed in the county. You can also access records through the North Carolina Judicial Branch search portal, the Clerk of Superior Court's office at the Craven County Courthouse, and public access computer terminals available inside the courthouse at no charge.
Craven Court System & Jurisdictions
Craven County is part of Judicial District 3B in the North Carolina court system. Both Superior Court and District Court operate out of the Craven County Courthouse in New Bern. Understanding which court handles your case type determines where to search for docket information.
Superior Court
- Felony criminal cases
- Civil cases where the amount in controversy exceeds $25,000
- Appeals from District Court
District Court
- Misdemeanor criminal cases
- Infractions and traffic violations
- Civil cases involving $25,000 or less
- Small claims (magistrate court) — civil disputes up to $10,000
- Family law matters including divorce, child custody, child support, and domestic violence protective orders
- Juvenile cases (generally not public)
Magistrate Court
Magistrates in Craven County handle small claims, issue arrest and search warrants, set bail conditions, and perform marriages. Small claims actions are filed through the magistrate's office and heard in District Court.
Clerk of Superior Court — Special Proceedings
- Estates and probate (wills, administration of estates, guardianships)
- Foreclosures
- Land condemnations
- Adoptions (records are sealed)
The Clerk of Superior Court's quick links page provides access to calendars, criminal record searches, and courthouse directions.
Craven Court Calendar & Upcoming Hearings
To find the date, time, and location of an upcoming court appearance in Craven County, use the North Carolina Judicial Branch Court Dates search tool. You can search by:
- Party name (first and last)
- Citation number
- Case number
- Attorney name
Results show the scheduled date, courtroom, session type (morning or afternoon), and case category. The tool covers criminal, traffic, civil, and family court calendars across District and Superior Court.
For weekly and session-specific calendars, the Clerk of Superior Court's office publishes calendars and schedules for Craven County courts. You can also call the courthouse directly or visit in person to confirm hearing times.
Craven County Courthouse
How to Get a Copy of a Craven Court Document
Most court records in North Carolina are public unless sealed or otherwise restricted by law. Juvenile records, adoptions, and certain mental health proceedings are typically not accessible. Below are the main ways to obtain copies of Craven County court documents.
In Person
- Visit the Clerk of Superior Court at the Craven County Courthouse.
- Use the public access terminals to look up case information at no charge.
- Ask the clerk's office for copies of specific documents from the case file.
- Specify whether you need a certified or uncertified copy — certified copies carry the clerk's seal and are accepted for legal proceedings.
By Mail
Send a written request to the Clerk of Superior Court. Include:
- Full case number (if known)
- Names of the parties involved
- The specific document(s) you need
- Whether you need certified or uncertified copies
- A check or money order for the applicable fees
- A self-addressed stamped envelope
Online
The North Carolina Judicial Branch provides an online search portal for criminal, civil, and special proceedings case information. This portal shows case summaries, charges, dispositions, and hearing dates. Full document images are generally not available online — you will need to contact the clerk's office for actual copies.
Restricted Records
- Juvenile proceedings
- Adoptions
- Sealed or expunged records
- Records subject to protective orders
If you are unsure whether a record is accessible, ask the clerk's office before submitting a request.
Craven Court Records Fees & Payment
Fees for court record copies in North Carolina are set by statute (N.C.G.S. § 7A-308 and § 7A-311). The following table reflects standard fees charged by the Clerk of Superior Court. Contact the clerk's office to confirm current amounts before submitting payment.
| Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| Uncertified copy (per page) | $0.25 |
| Certified copy (first page) | $3.00 |
| Certified copy (each additional page) | $0.25 |
| Certification of a document already copied | $3.00 |
| Exemplification (triple seal) | $10.00 |
| Search fee (per name, per 10-year period) | $25.00 |
Payment Methods
- In person: Cash, check, money order, or credit/debit card (a convenience fee may apply for card payments)
- By mail: Check or money order payable to "Craven County Clerk of Superior Court"
Public access terminal searches at the courthouse are free. The $25 search fee applies when you ask the clerk's office to conduct a criminal background check or name-based record search on your behalf. You can avoid this fee by using the public terminals yourself.