Pitt County Court Records
What Is Pitt County Court Records
Court records in Pitt County encompass all official documentation generated during legal proceedings within the county's court system. These records include case files, dockets, pleadings, motions, orders, judgments, transcripts, exhibits, and sentencing records maintained by the courts. Pursuant to North Carolina General Statutes § 7A-109, court records are defined as "all records and papers in the possession of the clerk of superior court that are made in connection with the transaction of the court's business."
Court records differ from other public records such as:
- Property records (deeds, liens, tax assessments)
- Vital records (birth, death, marriage certificates)
- Business records (licenses, permits, incorporations)
In Pitt County, court records are maintained by several courts within the North Carolina Judicial Branch system:
- 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)
- Juvenile Court (cases involving minors)
- Probate Court (wills, estates, guardianships)
These records document proceedings across civil, criminal, family, probate, and traffic matters. The Pitt County court system operates under the unified court system of North Carolina, with records maintained according to state judicial standards.
Are Court Records Public In Pitt County
Court records in Pitt County are generally accessible to the public in accordance with North Carolina's Public Records Law, N.C.G.S. § 132-1, which states that "public records and public information are the property of the people." Additionally, the North Carolina Constitution establishes that "all courts shall be open" under Article I, Section 18.
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 court order or statute, including:
- Juvenile records (protected under N.C.G.S. § 7B-2901)
- Adoption proceedings
- Mental health commitment records
- Certain domestic violence cases
- Records sealed by judicial order
- Grand jury proceedings
- Pre-sentence investigation reports
It is important to note that federal court records for cases heard in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina (which includes Pitt County) are governed by federal access rules rather than state regulations. The North Carolina Administrative Office of the Courts has established specific guidelines for public access to court records throughout the state, including Pitt County.
How To Find Court Records in Pitt County in 2026
Members of the public seeking court records in Pitt County may utilize several methods to locate and access these documents:
In-Person Requests:
- Visit the Pitt County Clerk of Superior Court's office during regular business hours.
- Complete a records request form, specifying the case number, party names, or other identifying information.
- Present valid photo identification.
- Pay applicable copy fees ($0.25 per page for standard copies).
Pitt County Clerk of Superior Court
100 W Third St
Greenville, NC 27834
(252) 695-7100
Pitt County Clerk of Court
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM
By Mail:
- Send a written request to the Clerk of Court's office.
- Include case information, specific documents needed, and contact information.
- Enclose a self-addressed stamped envelope and payment for copy fees.
Online Access:
- Access the North Carolina Judicial Branch's Court Records Search portal.
- Create an account if required.
- Search by name, case number, or filing date.
- Pay any applicable online access fees.
For Criminal Records:
- Use the Pitt County Sheriff's Charges Inquiry Search for detention center records.
- Search the North Carolina Department of Public Safety's Offender Public Information website for state prison records.
For certified copies of court documents, requestors must specify this need when making the request and pay additional certification fees. Pursuant to N.C.G.S. § 7A-308, the fee for certification is $5.00 per document in addition to copy costs.
How To Look Up Court Records in Pitt County Online?
Pitt County residents and interested parties may access various court records through several online portals, each providing different types of record information:
North Carolina Judicial Branch eCourts Portal:
- Navigate to the North Carolina Judicial Branch website.
- Select "Search Court Records Online."
- Create an account or log in as a guest user.
- Search by name, case number, or attorney.
- Filter results by county (Pitt) and case type.
This portal provides access to:
- Civil Superior Court cases
- Criminal Superior Court cases
- District Court cases
- Traffic cases
- Small claims matters
Pitt County Sheriff's Office Records:
- Visit the Pitt County Sheriff's Charges Inquiry Search.
- Enter search criteria (name, booking date).
- Review results for current detention center inmates and charges.
This system provides information on:
- Current inmates at Pitt County Detention Center
- Charges and bond information
- Booking dates
North Carolina Criminal Court Information System:
- Access the CCIS through the Judicial Branch website.
- Search by defendant name or case number.
- Specify Pitt County in the search parameters.
This system includes:
- Criminal case status
- Upcoming court dates
- Disposition information
- Judgment details
For more comprehensive searches, the North Carolina Administrative Office of the Courts offers remote access to authorized users through its VCAP (Virtual Courthouse Access Program) system, which requires registration and subscription fees for professional users such as attorneys and title abstractors.
How To Search Pitt County Court Records for Free?
North Carolina law guarantees the public's right to inspect court records without charge. According to N.C.G.S. § 132-6(a), "Every custodian of public records shall permit any record in the custodian's custody to be inspected and examined at reasonable times and under reasonable supervision by any person, and shall, as promptly as possible, furnish copies thereof upon payment of any fees as may be prescribed by law."
Free options for accessing Pitt County court records include:
In-Person Inspection: Members of the public may visit the Pitt County Courthouse during regular business hours to view court records at no cost. While copying fees apply ($0.25 per page), inspection itself is free.
Pitt County Courthouse
100 W Third St
Greenville, NC 27834
(252) 695-7100
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM
Free Online Resources:
- Pitt County Sheriff's Charges Inquiry Search - Free access to current detention center records
- North Carolina Judicial Branch Court Records Search - Basic case information available without charge
- North Carolina Offender Public Information - Free access to state prison records
Public Access Terminals: Computer terminals are available at the Pitt County Courthouse for public use at no charge. These terminals provide access to:
- Civil case information
- Criminal case information
- Traffic cases
- Small claims matters
While basic searches are free, fees may apply for:
- Printed copies of documents
- Certified copies
- Extensive record searches requiring staff assistance
- Complete case files
- Archived records
The North Carolina Administrative Office of the Courts maintains these free access options in compliance with the state's commitment to open courts and public information access.
What's Included in a Pitt County Court Record?
Court records in Pitt County contain various documents depending on the case type and court of jurisdiction. Typically, a complete court record includes:
For Civil Cases:
- Complaint or petition initiating the case
- Summons and proof of service
- Answers and counterclaims
- Motions and supporting memoranda
- Discovery documents (if filed with the court)
- Exhibits admitted into evidence
- Transcripts of proceedings (when prepared)
- Orders and judgments
- Notice of appeal (if applicable)
- Settlement agreements (if filed with the court)
For Criminal Cases:
- Charging documents (indictment, information, or complaint)
- Arrest warrant or citation
- Bond/bail information
- Plea agreements
- Motions and orders
- Trial exhibits (when filed)
- Verdict forms
- Sentencing information
- Probation reports (non-confidential portions)
- Appeal documents (if applicable)
For Family Court Cases:
- Petitions for divorce, custody, or support
- Financial affidavits (may be partially redacted)
- Parenting plans
- Child support worksheets
- Court orders regarding custody, support, and property division
- Final divorce decrees
- Domestic violence protective orders
For Probate Cases:
- Wills and codicils
- Petitions for probate
- Inventories of estate assets
- Claims against estates
- Accountings
- Orders of distribution
- Guardianship documents
Each court record also contains a case docket, which serves as a chronological index of all filings, hearings, and actions taken in the case. Pursuant to N.C.G.S. § 7A-109(a), the clerk must "keep records of all the proceedings of the court" including these docket entries.
How Long Does Pitt County Keep Court Records?
Pitt County follows the North Carolina Judicial Branch's Records Retention Schedule for maintaining court records. This schedule, established under the authority of N.C.G.S. § 121-5, sets forth specific retention periods for various types of court documents.
Superior Court Records:
- Felony case files: Permanently maintained
- Civil case files: 10 years after case closure
- Special proceedings: Permanently maintained
- Estates: Permanently maintained
- Judgments: Permanently maintained
- Indexes: Permanently maintained
District Court Records:
- Misdemeanor criminal cases: 5-10 years after disposition (varies by offense)
- Civil cases: 5 years after case closure
- Domestic relations cases: 10 years after case closure
- Juvenile cases: Until child reaches age 18, then sealed or destroyed
- Traffic cases: 3 years after disposition
- Small claims: 5 years after judgment
Administrative Records:
- Court calendars: 2 years
- Jury lists and records: 2 years
- Financial records: 5 years
- Recordings of court proceedings: 1 year after appeal period expires
The North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources oversees the official Records Retention and Disposition Schedule for the Judicial Branch. Records of significant historical value may be transferred to the State Archives of North Carolina for permanent preservation rather than being destroyed after their retention period expires.
Digital records are subject to the same retention requirements as paper records. The Administrative Office of the Courts maintains electronic backups of digital court records according to state information technology policies.
Types of Courts In Pitt County
Pitt County's court system operates as part of North Carolina's unified judicial system, with several levels of courts serving different jurisdictional purposes:
Pitt County Superior Court
100 W Third St
Greenville, NC 27834
(252) 695-7100
Pitt County Superior Court
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM
Superior Court is the highest trial court in the county, handling felony criminal cases, civil cases involving more than $25,000, and appeals from District Court.
Pitt County District Court
100 W Third St
Greenville, NC 27834
(252) 695-7100
Pitt County District Court
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM
District Court handles misdemeanors, traffic offenses, civil cases under $25,000, juvenile matters, domestic relations cases, and small claims.
Pitt County Small Claims Court
100 W Third St
Greenville, NC 27834
(252) 695-7100
Pitt County Small Claims Court
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM
Small Claims Court, a division of District Court, handles civil cases involving claims up to $10,000.
Pitt County Magistrate's Office
100 W Third St
Greenville, NC 27834
(252) 695-7100
Pitt County Magistrate
Hours: Available 24/7 for certain functions
Magistrates handle initial appearances, set bail, issue arrest and search warrants, and preside over small claims cases.
The court hierarchy in North Carolina proceeds from Magistrate/Small Claims to District Court to Superior Court. Appeals from Superior Court go to the North Carolina Court of Appeals and potentially to the North Carolina Supreme Court, neither of which are located in Pitt County.
What Types of Cases Do Pitt County Courts Hear?
Pitt County courts adjudicate a wide range of legal matters, with each court having specific jurisdictional authority:
Superior Court Cases:
- Felony criminal prosecutions
- Civil matters involving claims exceeding $25,000
- Appeals from District Court decisions
- Probate of wills and administration of estates
- Special proceedings (land partitions, foreclosures)
- Administrative agency appeals
- Constitutional challenges to state laws
District Court Cases:
- Misdemeanor criminal cases
- Preliminary hearings for felony cases
- Civil disputes involving claims up to $25,000
- Domestic relations matters (divorce, custody, support)
- Juvenile proceedings
- Involuntary commitments
- Traffic violations
- Domestic violence protective orders
- Landlord-tenant disputes
Small Claims Court Cases:
- Civil disputes involving claims up to $10,000
- Summary ejectment (eviction) proceedings
- Recovery of personal property
- Motor vehicle property damage claims
- Consumer disputes
- Contract disagreements
Magistrate Functions:
- Initial appearances for criminal defendants
- Setting of bail and pretrial release conditions
- Issuance of arrest and search warrants
- Acceptance of certain guilty pleas for minor offenses
- Presiding over small claims trials
- Performing civil marriage ceremonies
The jurisdiction of these courts is established by the North Carolina General Statutes, primarily in Chapter 7A. According to N.C.G.S. § 7A-240, "original general jurisdiction of all justiciable matters of a civil nature" is vested in the Superior and District Court divisions, with specific allocation between them determined by statute and the amount in controversy.
How To Find a Court Docket In Pitt County
Court dockets in Pitt County provide schedules of cases to be heard and records of proceedings that have occurred. Members of the public may access docket information through several methods:
Online Docket Access:
- Visit the North Carolina Judicial Branch website.
- Select "Court Calendars" or "Court Schedules."
- Choose Pitt County from the dropdown menu.
- Select the court type (Superior, District, etc.).
- View the calendar for upcoming court sessions.
In-Person Docket Review:
- Visit the Pitt County Clerk of Superior Court's office.
- Request to view the current court calendar or docket.
- Provide the case number or party names if searching for a specific case.
Pitt County Clerk of Superior Court
100 W Third St
Greenville, NC 27834
(252) 695-7100
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM
Telephone Inquiry:
- Call the Clerk's office at (252) 695-7100.
- Provide case information to the clerk.
- Request docket or scheduling information.
Case-Specific Docket Information:
- Access the North Carolina Court Records Search.
- Enter the case number or party name.
- View the docket sheet showing all filings and proceedings.
For criminal cases, the Pitt County Sheriff's Charges Inquiry Search provides information about current inmates and their scheduled court appearances.
Attorneys registered with the North Carolina eCourts system have additional access to docket information through the Attorney Information System. Court dockets are updated regularly but may be subject to last-minute changes, so confirming information before attending court is advisable.
Which Courts in Pitt 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 only be appealed to a higher court rather than retried de novo. Pursuant to N.C.G.S. § 7A-190, certain courts are designated as not being courts of record.
In Pitt County, the following are not courts of record:
Small Claims Court: Small Claims Court, while a division of District Court, is not a court of record. Cases decided in Small Claims Court may be appealed to District Court for a completely new trial (trial de novo) rather than a review of the record. The magistrate presiding over Small Claims Court maintains basic records of proceedings but not verbatim transcripts.
Magistrate Proceedings: When magistrates conduct proceedings such as:
- Initial appearances
- Bond hearings
- Acceptance of certain guilty pleas
- Issuance of warrants
These proceedings are not considered courts of record. While documentation is created, these are not full record proceedings with court reporters or complete transcripts.
According to N.C.G.S. § 7A-271 and § 7A-272, appeals from these non-record courts entitle the appellant to a completely new trial in a court of record (District or Superior Court), rather than just a review of legal errors based on an existing record.
By contrast, Pitt County Superior Court and District Court are courts of record, maintaining complete documentation of all proceedings, including recordings that can be transcribed when necessary for appeals. Appeals from these courts to the North Carolina Court of Appeals are based on the record created in the trial court rather than involving a new trial.
Lookup Court Records in Pitt County
Pitt County Detention Center Records