Lenoir County, North Carolina Court Records
The Lenoir County court system, consisting of the District and Superior Courts, is the judicial arm of the local government responsible for interpreting and applying the law, while ensuring fairness and transparency. Cases brought before the courts are handled in accordance with the law. The records and documents generated during each litigation are compiled as court records and maintained by the Clerk of the Superior Court. These records are called the Lenoir County court records.
Lenoir County court records are not the only records maintained by public agencies. Other records maintained by public agencies include vital records, arrest records, and criminal records. In some instances, details from court proceedings may be included in other records, such as criminal history records kept by the State Bureau of Investigation.
Are Lenoir County Court Records Public?
Yes. While court records in Lenoir County and other North Carolina counties are open to the public, different laws govern access to paper records and electronic records. The North Carolina Public Records Act governs physical court records. Per this law, records created and maintained by a public agency (the judiciary) are presumed to be the property of the people. As a result, members of the public may inspect or obtain copies of these records, often at no cost or for a nominal fee.
Meanwhile, G.S. 7A-109 regulates access to court records maintained in electronic databases. This statute also allows members of the public to inspect court records during regular office hours.
Together, these laws regulate access to Lenoir County court records. However, not all portions of a court record are public, and the Public Records Act, court rules, and court orders exempt certain records from disclosure.
Details of ongoing investigations, details of protected victims or witnesses, and confidential communications and information in accordance with § 132-1.1 and § 132-1.2 are excluded from public access. Additionally, juvenile records, certain probate and family law records, and expunged court records are not available to the public.
What Information is Available in Lenoir County Court Records?
Lenoir County court records give inquirers an overview of a local case and the court's disposition. The information available to the public includes
- Case summary: Case number, court, location, filing date, case type, case status
- Assignment information: Presiding judge, date assigned
- Party information: The defendant and complainant
- Case events: Dates and details
- Hearings and associated locations
- Case documents, such as pleadings and motions
- Case disposition
Lenoir County Court Records Search
As part of the judiciary's statutory responsibilities in North Carolina, including in Lenoir County, courts provide remote and onsite channels through which members of the public may view or retrieve court records.
Online Access
Inquirers may find Lenoir County court records through the North Carolina Judicial Branch eCourts Portal, which allows users to search for court records, make payments, and find hearing dates in all 100 counties. The portal supports searches by name or case number. Advanced searches allow users to apply additional filters, including county information, to narrow the results. Providing more details generally produces more accurate results.
In-Person Access
Members of the public may access records of criminal, civil, and special proceedings through public self-service terminals in the Clerk of Courts' office. They may also inspect court records at the clerk's office. Whether using a public terminal or reviewing paper records, requesters must provide the name of a party involved in the case or the case number. The public may inspect records free of charge, while the clerk may charge a fee for copies.
Mail Requests
Although mail requests are not a primary method for obtaining Lenoir County court records, members of the public may send a record request to the Lenoir County Clerk of Superior Court's office. Providing a party's name or a case number typically suffices. Requesters may also need to pay copy fees and include a stamped self-addressed return envelope. They can contact the Clerk to confirm accepted payment methods for mail requests. Processing may take several days.
Fees for Court Records in Lenoir County
Access to Lenoir County court records and obtaining copies of records are covered by statute. G.S. 7A-308 outlines court charges, including the cost of making copies of a document. Meanwhile, individuals may inspect court records at no cost through the North Carolina eCourts system or by conducting an in-person search at the county courthouse. Other court costs are published on the North Carolina Judiciary website. Fees generally apply when requesting copies or records. Some of these fees are outlined below:
|
Record |
Cost |
|---|---|
|
Preparation of a copy |
$2 for the first page and 25 cents for each additional copy |
|
Certificate issued under seal |
$3 |
|
Exemplification of record |
$10 |
Lenoir County Courthouse Locations
In Lenoir County, the administration of justice begins in either of the two trial courts: the Superior Court or the District Court. Each court adjudicates different types of cases based on the nature of the dispute and the authority granted to it by law.
The Superior Court handles civil disputes involving claims exceeding $25,000 and felony criminal offenses. It also reviews appeals from the District Court. The District Court, by contrast, handles civil cases involving claims of up to $25,000, family law cases, criminal matters within its authority (e.g., misdemeanors), and cases assigned to magistrates.
Members of the public who need court services or case information may contact either court at the following location:
Lenoir County Superior Court
130 South Queen Street
Kinston, NC 28501
Phone: (252) 520-5300
Lenoir County District Court
130 South Queen Street
Kinston, NC 28501
Phone: (252) 520-5300
Phone: (252) 520-5440 (Family Court)
Fax: (252) 520-5441 (Family Court)
Criminal Records Access in Lenoir County
Official state-level criminal history checks are handled by the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation (NCSBI), and not the Lenoir County courts. Local criminal case records, however, are available through the courts.
NCSBI Checks
Only the subject of the record and authorized agencies may search and obtain criminal records from the NCSBI. They may perform personal criminal history checks or checks for employment or licensing purposes. The level of access granted depends on the requester's identity. Requesters should review the category under which they fall to determine the applicable procedure and access level. Subjects will need to complete and submit a Right to Review form. The form requests a fingerprint-based search, which costs $14.
For the general public, the NCSBI provides information about conducting background checks on others.
Criminal Court Record Checks
Individuals seeking a criminal background check on another person may contact the Lenoir County Clerk of the Superior Court. Obtaining a full background check incurs a fee of $25.
Other access points include the eCourts Portal or via an in-person search at the courthouse. Searches are typically free, but acquiring copies may incur a fee.
Lenoir County Probate Records
Lenoir County probate records document estate administration proceedings. They typically detail matters involving estates, wills, trusts, fiduciary appointments, guardianships, and conservatorships. These matters are handled by the Estate Division of the Superior Court and are overseen by the Clerk of the Superior Court. Probate records are generally open to the public.
Probate record requests may be made in person at the Superior Court, by mail, or through the North Carolina Judiciary's eCourts Portal. Public computer terminals are also available at the courthouse for case research. Note that some records may be restricted to the parties directly involved in the case.
Lenoir County Family Court Records
The District Court in Lenoir County has jurisdiction over family law matters. Records generated during family law proceedings are maintained by this court through the Clerk of the Superior Court's Office. Family court records are generally open to the public, but access may be restricted where a record is excluded from disclosure.
Certain family court records are available through the North Carolina Judiciary's eCourts Portal, while others may only be accessed at the courthouse. Certified copies of family court records, including divorce judgments, may be obtained from the Clerk of the Superior Court's Office for a fee. Access to certified copies is limited to authorized persons.
Family law cases include divorce, child support, visitation, alimony, paternity, equitable distribution of property, termination of parental rights, domestic violence, and juvenile delinquency and dependency.
Federal Court Records in Lenoir County
A federal court record is created when a case originating from Lenoir County falls under federal jurisdiction rather than state or local jurisdiction.
Federal cases in Lenoir County are heard by the United States District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina. Public federal court records may be accessed:
- Online through the PACER (Public Access to Court Electronic Records) case locator.
- By mail through the Office of the Federal Court Clerk
- In person at the federal courthouse or the federal clerk of court's office
The federal district court handles civil and criminal matters involving federal law, including civil rights, labor laws, bankruptcy, prisoner petitions, and other federal issues.
