Court records in Beaufort County, North Carolina can be searched through several channels. BeaufortNCCourt.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's Beaufort County page, the Clerk of Superior Court's office at the courthouse, and public computer terminals available on-site. These tools cover criminal, civil, traffic, and estate cases.
Beaufort Court System & Jurisdictions
Beaufort County is part of North Carolina's unified court system and falls within Superior Court District 3B and District Court District 2. Two trial-level courts operate in the county:
Superior Court
- Felony criminal cases
- Civil cases where the amount in controversy exceeds $25,000
- Appeals from District Court
District Court
District Court in Beaufort County handles a broad range of matters:
- Criminal: Misdemeanors, infractions, and preliminary hearings for felonies
- Civil: Lawsuits involving $25,000 or less
- Small Claims (Magistrate): Cases up to $10,000, heard by a magistrate without a jury
- Family Court: Divorce, child custody, child support, domestic violence protective orders, and juvenile matters
- Traffic: Moving violations, DWI charges, and other motor vehicle offenses
Clerk of Superior Court — Estates & Special Proceedings
The Clerk of Superior Court also acts as judge of probate and presides over:
- Estate administration and guardianship proceedings
- Special proceedings such as land partitions and foreclosures
If you are unsure which court handled your case, the Beaufort County court directory lists contact information for each office.
Beaufort Court Calendar & Upcoming Hearings
To find today's, tomorrow's, or this week's court schedule in Beaufort County, use the North Carolina Judicial Branch's online calendaring tools:
- Visit the Beaufort County page on NCcourts.gov.
- Select Criminal Calendars to view scheduled criminal sessions, or use the Court Dates search portal to look up a specific case by name or citation number.
- Civil and family court calendars are typically posted at the courthouse and may also be available through the Clerk's office.
A few things to keep in mind:
- Criminal calendars are generally published online and updated regularly. Civil calendars may require contacting the Clerk's office directly.
- Calendar dates can shift. Always confirm your court date by calling the courthouse or checking the portal the day before your scheduled appearance.
- The Beaufort County Courthouse page provides hours and contact details if you need to call ahead.
How to Get a Copy of a Beaufort Court Document
The Beaufort County Clerk of Superior Court is the custodian of court records for cases filed in the county. You can request copies in three ways:
In Person
Visit the Clerk's office at the courthouse during business hours. Staff can pull case files and provide copies on the spot. Public computer terminals at the courthouse allow you to search case information before making your request.
By Mail
Send a written request that includes the case number (if known), the full names of the parties, the type of document you need, and whether you need a certified or uncertified copy. Include a check or money order payable to "Beaufort County Clerk of Superior Court."
Online
Basic case information — such as charges, hearing dates, and dispositions — can be searched through the NC Courts public records request page and the court system's online search portal. For certified copies or full documents, you will generally need to contact the Clerk's office directly or visit in person.
Certified vs. Uncertified Copies
- Uncertified copies are plain photocopies of court documents. They work for personal reference but are not accepted for most legal or official purposes.
- Certified copies bear the Clerk's seal and signature, confirming authenticity. Courts, government agencies, and employers typically require certified copies.
Some records are restricted from public access, including sealed cases, juvenile proceedings, adoptions, and records that have been expunged. Ask the Clerk's office if you are unsure whether a particular record is available.
Additional Record Types
- Criminal history: The NC Department of Adult Correction offers an offender public information search for state prison inmates, probationers, and parolees. This does not include county jail records.
- Divorce certificates: Available from the Clerk of Superior Court in the county where the divorce was filed, or through NC Vital Records.
Beaufort Court Records Fees & Payment
Fees for court record services in North Carolina are set by statute (primarily N.C. General Statutes § 7A-308 and § 7A-311). The following are standard fees that apply in Beaufort County:
| Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| Certified copy of a court document | $3.00 for the first page, $1.00 for each additional page |
| Uncertified copy | $0.25 per page |
| Certification of a document (seal and signature only) | $3.00 |
| Search fee (per name, per 10-year period) | $25.00 |
| Exemplification (triple seal for out-of-state use) | $10.00 |
Payment Details
- In person: Cash, check, or money order are generally accepted. Ask the Clerk's office whether credit or debit cards are accepted at the window.
- By mail: Check or money order payable to "Beaufort County Clerk of Superior Court."
- Fees are subject to change. Confirm current amounts with the Clerk's office or review the NC Courts guide to obtaining court records before submitting your request.