Court records in Edgecombe County, North Carolina, can be searched through several channels. EdgecombeCourt.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 portal, the Edgecombe County Clerk of Superior Court's office, and public terminals available at the courthouse. Each resource offers different levels of detail depending on the record type and how it was filed.
Edgecombe Court System & Jurisdictions
Edgecombe County is part of North Carolina's Judicial District 7A. The county operates both a Superior Court and a District Court, each handling distinct case types. Understanding which court holds a case is essential when searching dockets or requesting records.
Superior Court
- Felony criminal cases
- Civil cases where the amount in controversy exceeds $25,000
- Appeals from District Court
- Real property disputes and foreclosures
District Court
- Misdemeanor criminal cases
- Infractions and traffic violations
- Civil cases involving $25,000 or less
- Small claims (magistrate court) — civil disputes of $10,000 or less
- Family law matters including divorce, custody, child support, and domestic violence protective orders
- Juvenile cases
Magistrate Court
Magistrates in Edgecombe County handle small claims, issue warrants, set bail conditions, and perform marriages. Small claims actions are filed and heard through the magistrate division of District Court.
Estates & Special Proceedings
The Clerk of Superior Court manages probate, estates, guardianships, adoptions, and special proceedings. These records are maintained separately from criminal and civil dockets. Procedures and required forms are available through the Edgecombe County local rules and forms page.
Edgecombe Court Calendar & Upcoming Hearings
If you need to check a court date in Edgecombe County, there are several ways to do so:
- NC Courts Search Portal — The Edgecombe County page on the North Carolina Judicial Branch website includes a court date search portal where you can look up scheduled hearings by party name or case number.
- Call the Clerk's Office — For criminal or traffic court dates, you can call the Tarboro office at 252-824-3200 or the Rocky Mount Judicial Center at 252-972-0668. Staff can confirm upcoming dates, advise on continuances, and explain what to expect.
- Visit the courthouse — Court calendars are typically posted at the courthouse. Public terminals may also be available for searching scheduled hearings.
Continuances for criminal and traffic cases must generally be requested through the Clerk's office before the scheduled court date. The Edgecombe County Clerk's website provides details on the continuance process.
How to Get a Copy of an Edgecombe Court Document
The Edgecombe County Clerk of Superior Court is the custodian of most court records in the county. You can obtain copies through three main channels:
In Person
Visit the Clerk's office at the Edgecombe County Courthouse to request copies of court documents. Bring as much identifying information as possible — the case number, party names, and approximate filing date will speed up the search.
By Mail
Send a written request to the Clerk's office at the address above. Include:
- Full case number (if known)
- Names of parties involved
- Type of document requested
- Whether you need a certified or uncertified copy
- A check or money order for the applicable fees
- A self-addressed stamped envelope
Online
The North Carolina Judicial Branch provides guidance on obtaining court records statewide. Some records can be searched online through the NC courts portal, though obtaining official copies typically requires contacting the Clerk's office directly.
Certified vs. Uncertified Copies
- Certified copies bear the Clerk's seal and signature, confirming authenticity. These are usually required for legal proceedings, background checks, and official filings.
- Uncertified copies are plain reproductions of the document, suitable for personal reference.
Criminal Record Checks
The Clerk's office performs criminal record checks that search only charges filed in Edgecombe County. For statewide criminal history, you would need to contact the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation. The NC Department of Adult Correction offender search tool covers state prison inmates, probationers, parolees, and registered sex offenders.
Restricted Records
Certain records are not publicly accessible, including:
- Sealed or expunged records
- Juvenile proceedings
- Adoptions
- Records subject to a court protective order
- Some mental health and competency proceedings
Edgecombe Court Records Fees & Payment
Fees for court record searches and copies in North Carolina are set by statute under N.C. General Statutes § 7A-308 and § 7A-311. The following table reflects standard fees applicable at the Edgecombe County Clerk of Superior Court's office:
| Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| Criminal record check (county-level search) | $25.00 |
| Certified copy of a court document (first page) | $3.00 |
| Certified copy (each additional page) | $0.25 |
| Uncertified copy (per page) | $0.25 |
| Certification / seal added to an existing copy | $3.00 |
| Exemplification of a document | $5.00 |
Payment methods: The Clerk's office generally accepts cash, checks, and money orders. Ask the Clerk's office directly whether credit or debit cards are accepted for record requests, as payment options can vary.
Fee amounts are subject to change when the North Carolina General Assembly updates the court fee schedule. For the most current amounts, contact the Clerk's office at 252-824-3200 or consult the Edgecombe County Document Center for posted fee schedules.