Pender County Public Records /Pender County Court Records

Pender County Court Records

What Is Pender County Court Records

Court records in Pender County encompass all official documentation generated during legal proceedings within the county's court system. These records constitute a comprehensive repository of judicial activities as defined under North Carolina General Statutes § 7A-109, which mandates the maintenance and accessibility of court documents.

Pender County court records typically include:

Case files containing pleadings, motions, and supporting documentation
Court dockets listing scheduled hearings and proceedings
Judicial orders and final judgments
Transcripts of court proceedings
Evidence and exhibits admitted during trials
Sentencing records for criminal cases
Marriage and divorce records
Probate and estate documentation

These records are distinct from other public records maintained by Pender County, such as property records (deeds, mortgages, liens), vital records (birth and death certificates), and tax records. Court records specifically document judicial proceedings and decisions.

The North Carolina Judicial Branch maintains records for various courts operating within Pender County, including:

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 courts generate records for civil, criminal, family, probate, and traffic matters, creating a comprehensive documentation system for legal proceedings throughout the county.

Are Court Records Public In Pender County

Court records in Pender County are generally accessible to the public pursuant to the North Carolina Public Records Law § 132-1, which establishes the presumption of openness for government records. Additionally, the North Carolina Constitution and common law tradition support the public's right to access court proceedings and records.

The following court records are typically available for public inspection:

Civil case files (with limited exceptions for sealed records)
Criminal case files (post-charging)
Court judgments and orders
Docket sheets and hearing schedules
Property records related to court proceedings
Probate records

However, certain records may be restricted or sealed by court order or statute. According to North Carolina General Statutes § 7B-2901, juvenile records are confidential and not available to the public. Similarly, certain domestic violence records, adoption proceedings, and mental health commitments may have restricted access.

The North Carolina Administrative Office of the Courts establishes policies governing public access to court records, balancing transparency with privacy concerns. Federal court records for cases heard in federal courts (not county courts) are governed by separate federal regulations and accessed through the PACER system rather than county resources.

Members of the public seeking access to Pender County court records must adhere to established procedures while recognizing that certain sensitive information may be redacted or restricted in accordance with state law and court rules.

How To Find Court Records in Pender County in 2026

Accessing court records in Pender County requires following specific procedures established by the North Carolina Judicial Branch. Members of the public may obtain records through several methods currently available:

In-Person Requests:

Visit the Pender 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)

Pender County Clerk of Superior Court
100 S. Wright Street
Burgaw, NC 28425
910-663-3900
Pender County Clerk of Court
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM

Online Access:

Visit the North Carolina Judicial Branch website
Select the appropriate search portal based on record type
Enter required search criteria (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
Include case information, specific documents needed, and contact information
Enclose a self-addressed stamped envelope and payment for copy fees
Allow 5-10 business days for processing

For certified copies of court documents, requestors must specify this requirement and pay additional certification fees ($5.00 per document). Pursuant to North Carolina General Statutes § 7A-308, various fees apply to different types of court records and services.

Researchers seeking historical court records may need to contact the North Carolina State Archives for documents no longer maintained at the courthouse due to retention schedules.

How To Look Up Court Records in Pender County Online?

Pender County residents and interested parties can access various court records through several online portals maintained by the North Carolina Judicial Branch. Each system provides access to different types of court information:

North Carolina Court System Public Records Search:

Navigate to the North Carolina Judicial Branch records portal
Select "Search Court Records Online"
Choose the appropriate database based on record type
Enter search criteria (name, case number, date range)
Review results and access available documents

Criminal Case Records: The North Carolina Criminal Court Information System provides access to:

Criminal case summaries
Offense information
Case status and disposition
Scheduled court dates
Basic defendant information

Civil Case Records: The Civil Case Processing System offers:

Civil case summaries
Party information
Case type and filing date
Judgment information
Scheduled hearings

Court Calendar Information: To view upcoming court proceedings:

Visit the North Carolina Court Dates portal
Select Pender County from the dropdown menu
Choose the desired date range and court type
Review scheduled hearings and appearances

Traffic Citations: For traffic ticket information:

Access the North Carolina citation search system
Enter citation number or personal information
View citation details and payment options

Some documents, particularly older records or complete case files, may not be available online and require in-person requests. Additionally, certain sensitive records (juvenile, adoption, etc.) are not accessible through public online portals regardless of requestor.

The Pender County government website also provides links to various record search options, including court information, real property records, and vital statistics.

How To Search Pender County Court Records for Free?

North Carolina law provides for free public inspection of court records as established in the North Carolina Public Records Act § 132-6, which states that public records must be available for inspection at no charge during regular business hours. While copy fees apply, viewing records is free of charge.

The following free options are available for searching Pender County court records:

In-Person Inspection:

Visit the Pender County Courthouse during regular business hours
Request to view specific case files at public access terminals
No fee is charged for viewing records on-site
Self-service research is permitted in public areas

Free Online Resources:

North Carolina Court Calendar Search - Free access to court schedules and hearing dates
North Carolina Offender Public Information Search - Free criminal offender information
Pender County Public Records Portal - Links to various free public record searches

Public Library Access:

Pender County Public Library provides free computer access
Library staff can assist with navigating court record systems
Public terminals available during library operating hours

Pender County Public Library
103 S. Cowan Street
Burgaw, NC 28425
910-259-1234
Hours: Monday-Thursday 9:00 AM - 8:00 PM, Friday-Saturday 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM

While basic record searches are free, fees apply for:

Printed or electronic copies ($0.25 per page)
Certified copies ($5.00 per document)
Extensive research assistance from court staff
Expedited processing requests

The North Carolina Judicial Branch maintains these free search options to ensure public access to court information while charging reasonable fees only for reproduction services.

What's Included in a Pender County Court Record?

Pender County court records contain comprehensive documentation of legal proceedings, with contents varying by case type. Pursuant to North Carolina Rules of Recordkeeping, court records typically include:

Criminal Case Records:

Charging documents (indictments, information, complaints)
Arrest warrants and probable cause affidavits
Bond and pretrial release information
Attorney appearances and representation status
Motions and responses filed by parties
Court orders and judicial decisions
Plea agreements and sentencing information
Probation terms and conditions
Appeal documentation
Evidence logs (not actual evidence)

Civil Case Records:

Initial complaints and petitions
Summonses and proof of service
Defendant responses and counterclaims
Motions and supporting memoranda
Discovery summaries (not actual discovery materials)
Affidavits and sworn statements
Expert witness designations
Court orders and judgments
Settlement agreements (if not sealed)
Appeal notices and briefs

Family Court Records:

Divorce petitions and responses
Child custody and support orders
Parenting plans and visitation schedules
Financial affidavits and property divisions
Domestic violence protective orders
Name change petitions
Adoption proceedings (often sealed)

Probate Records:

Wills and codicils
Estate inventories and appraisals
Letters of administration
Executor/administrator appointments
Creditor claims against estates
Final accountings and distributions
Guardianship appointments and reports

Court records also include docket sheets that chronologically list all actions taken in a case, providing a roadmap of the proceedings. Audio or video recordings of hearings may be maintained but typically require special request procedures to access.

Certain sensitive information is redacted from public court records, including Social Security numbers, financial account numbers, and information about minor children, in accordance with privacy protection statutes.

How Long Does Pender County Keep Court Records?

Pender County adheres to the North Carolina Judicial Branch Records Retention Schedule, which establishes mandatory timeframes for preserving various court documents. These retention periods are governed by the North Carolina Administrative Office of the Courts pursuant to state law.

Criminal Case Records:

Felony case files: Permanent retention for Class A-E felonies
Class F-I felonies: 20 years after case closure
Misdemeanor cases: 5-10 years depending on offense type
Traffic infractions: 3 years after final disposition
Expunged records: Destroyed pursuant to court order

Civil Case Records:

General civil cases: 5-10 years after final disposition
Small claims matters: 5 years after judgment
Domestic relations cases: 25 years after case closure
Child support enforcement: Until the child reaches age 28
Juvenile proceedings: Until child reaches age 18, then sealed

Probate Records:

Wills: Permanent retention
Estate administration: 10 years after estate closing
Guardianship records: 10 years after termination of guardianship
Special proceedings: 10 years after final disposition

Court Administrative Records:

Court calendars: 2 years
Judge's notes: Not official records, destroyed at judge's discretion
Exhibits: Returned to parties after appeal period expires
Grand jury records: Permanent retention

According to North Carolina General Statutes § 7A-109(d), the Clerk of Superior Court may destroy records only after the prescribed retention period has elapsed and proper microfilming or digital preservation has occurred for records with historical value.

Records with significant historical or precedential value may be transferred to the North Carolina State Archives for permanent preservation after their active retention period at the courthouse has expired. Researchers seeking older court records should contact both the Clerk of Court and the State Archives.

Types of Courts In Pender County

Pender County's judicial system consists of several courts with distinct jurisdictions and functions within the North Carolina court hierarchy:

Pender County Superior Court
100 S. Wright Street
Burgaw, NC 28425
910-663-3900
Pender County Superior Court
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM

Superior Court is the highest trial court in Pender County, handling felony criminal cases, civil matters involving claims exceeding $25,000, and appeals from District Court. Superior Court sessions are presided over by rotating judges who travel within judicial districts.

Pender County District Court
100 S. Wright Street
Burgaw, NC 28425
910-663-3900
Pender County District Court
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM

District Court handles misdemeanor criminal cases, traffic violations, civil disputes under $25,000, small claims (up to $10,000), juvenile matters, domestic relations cases, and preliminary hearings for felony cases.

Pender County Small Claims Court
100 S. Wright Street
Burgaw, NC 28425
910-663-3900
Pender County Small Claims Court
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM

Small Claims Court, a division of District Court, handles civil disputes with claims up to $10,000. Proceedings are less formal, and parties typically represent themselves without attorneys. Magistrates preside over these cases.

Pender County Clerk of Superior Court
100 S. Wright Street
Burgaw, NC 28425
910-663-3900
Pender County Clerk of Court
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM

The Clerk of Superior Court handles probate matters, estate administration, adoptions, incompetency proceedings, and guardianships. The Clerk also maintains all court records and collects court fees and fines.

These local courts operate within North Carolina's unified court system, with appeals from Pender County courts proceeding to the North Carolina Court of Appeals and potentially to the North Carolina Supreme Court for cases of significant legal importance.

What Types of Cases Do Pender County Courts Hear?

Pender County courts adjudicate a wide range of legal matters according to their respective jurisdictions as established by North Carolina law. The distribution of cases among the courts is as follows:

Superior Court Cases:

Felony criminal prosecutions (from serious assaults to homicides)
Civil lawsuits with claims exceeding $25,000
Appeals from District Court decisions
Property disputes involving title to land
Constitutional challenges to state laws
Administrative agency appeals
Complex business litigation
Medical malpractice claims

District Court Cases:

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

Small Claims Court Cases:

Consumer debt collection (under $10,000)
Property damage claims (under $10,000)
Personal injury claims (under $10,000)
Contract disputes (under $10,000)
Recovery of personal property
Summary ejectment (eviction) proceedings
Repair orders for rental properties

Clerk of Superior Court Judicial Functions:

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

The North Carolina Judicial Branch provides comprehensive information about case assignment and scheduling for Pender County courts. Cases may be transferred between courts based on jurisdictional requirements, complexity, or consolidation with related matters.

Specialized court programs in Pender County may include Drug Treatment Court, Family Court, and other problem-solving courts designed to address specific issues with tailored interventions and monitoring.

How To Find a Court Docket In Pender County

Court dockets in Pender County provide essential information about scheduled court proceedings, including hearing dates, case numbers, party names, and assigned courtrooms. Members of the public can access docket information through several methods:

Online Docket Search:

Visit the North Carolina Court Dates portal
Select "Find Court Date" from the available options
Choose Pender County from the county dropdown menu
Enter search criteria (name, date range, case type)
Review results showing upcoming court appearances

In-Person Docket Review:

Visit the Pender County Courthouse during business hours
Request to view the daily court calendar at the Clerk's office
Check bulletin boards near courtrooms for posted daily dockets
Speak with court staff for assistance locating specific cases

Telephone Inquiry:

Contact the Clerk of Court's office at 910-663-3900
Provide case number or party name information
Request hearing date and courtroom assignment

Attorney Access: Attorneys representing parties in Pender County cases can access additional docket information through:

The North Carolina eCourts system (attorney registration required)
Direct communication with court administrative staff
Case management notices sent to counsel of record

For specialized court calendars, such as Superior Court trial calendars published in advance of court terms, contact:

Pender County Superior Court Calendar
Office of the District Attorney
100 S. Wright Street
Burgaw, NC 28425
910-663-3910

The Pender County government website provides links to various court resources, including calendar information. Court dockets are typically published 1-2 weeks before scheduled proceedings but remain subject to change. Parties and interested persons should verify hearing information the day before scheduled appearances.

Which Courts in Pender County Are Not Courts of Record?

In the North Carolina judicial system, "courts of record" maintain comprehensive documentation of proceedings, including verbatim transcripts or recordings, while "courts not of record" maintain only minimal documentation of outcomes. This distinction is established under North Carolina General Statutes § 7A-190.

Small Claims Court is the primary court not of record in Pender County. As a division of District Court, Small Claims proceedings:

Are presided over by magistrates rather than judges
Do not routinely create verbatim transcripts
Maintain simplified case files with basic documentation
Record judgments and outcomes but not detailed proceedings
Allow appeals to District Court for a completely new trial (trial de novo)

Small Claims Court handles civil matters with claims up to $10,000, including:

Landlord-tenant disputes
Minor contract disagreements
Property damage claims
Consumer debt collection
Recovery of personal property

Magistrate Proceedings for certain functions also operate as courts not of record:

Initial appearances for criminal defendants
Setting of bail and pretrial release conditions
Issuance of arrest and search warrants
Emergency domestic violence protective orders
Certain involuntary commitment proceedings

When cases from these non-record courts are appealed, they receive a completely new trial in District Court (for Small Claims appeals) or Superior Court (for certain magistrate decisions), rather than a review of the existing record as occurs in appeals from courts of record.

All other Pender County courts—District Court, Superior Court, and the Clerk of Superior Court when exercising judicial functions—are courts of record that maintain comprehensive documentation of proceedings, including recordings or transcripts that can be used for appeal purposes.