Search Pender County Court Records

Pender County court records are held at the courthouse in Burgaw, North Carolina. The Clerk of Superior Court manages case files, court orders, and public access to records in Pender County. Burgaw is the county seat and sits in the southeastern part of the state near the coast. You can search court records at the clerk office on South Wright Street or use the state online tools. This page explains how to find and access Pender County court records, including criminal and civil case information.

Pender County Clerk of Superior Court

The Clerk of Superior Court handles all court records in Pender County. This office files new cases, stores documents, and provides copies to the public. Staff deal with criminal files, civil suits, estates, and special proceedings. The clerk office is at 100 S. Wright St in Burgaw.

Call the Pender County clerk at (910) 663-3500 for basic case questions. Phone staff can confirm whether a case is on file and share basic details. For full copies, you will need to visit in person or send a written request to the Pender County courthouse. The office is open on weekdays during normal hours.

The Pender County courthouse serves all towns and communities in the county. This includes Burgaw, Hampstead, Surf City, Topsail Beach, and Rocky Point. All cases filed in Pender County go through this one clerk office.

Criminal Court Records in Pender County

Criminal records in Pender County include felony and misdemeanor cases. Each case file has the charges, court dates, pleas, and the final result. These are public under N.C.G.S. Chapter 132. You can look them up at the clerk office in Burgaw or online.

Felonies go to Superior Court after a grand jury indictment. Misdemeanors are heard in District Court. Both types create case files that the Pender County clerk keeps on record. Traffic offenses also generate court records in the system.

For a statewide criminal check, the NC State Bureau of Investigation offers background services. These cover all counties. For Pender County case details, the local clerk office is your best source.

Note: Expunged records under N.C.G.S. §15A-145 will not show up in a search of Pender County court files.

How to Search Pender County Records

You have two main options. Search online or visit the courthouse in Burgaw.

The North Carolina eCourts portal provides free access to basic case data across all counties, including Pender County. Visit portal-nc.tylertech.cloud to start. You can search by party name or case number. The portal shows charges, hearing dates, and case status. For copies of full documents, contact the Pender County clerk.

To search in person, go to 100 S. Wright St in Burgaw. Bring your ID. Tell staff what records you need. They can pull case files and make copies for you. Certified copies cost more than plain ones.

• Full name of the person in the case
• Case number for a direct search
• Date range if you know when the case was filed
• Case type such as criminal, civil, or estate

Note: Older Pender County records may not be in the digital system yet.

Pender County Civil Case Records

Civil records in Pender County cover lawsuits between people or businesses. These include breach of contract, property disputes, and debt claims. Small claims under a set dollar limit go through magistrate court. Larger disputes are filed in district or superior court in Pender County.

Civil case files hold the complaint, any answers, motions, and the judgment. All filed documents become part of the Pender County public record. You can get copies from the clerk for a per-page fee. Certified copies carry the court seal.

Domestic cases like divorce and custody are civil matters heard in District Court. Most family court records in Pender County are open to the public.

Pender County Sheriff Office

The Pender County Sheriff plays a key part in the court system. Deputies serve court papers and carry out arrest warrants. The sheriff also runs the county jail. Contact the sheriff for questions about arrests or warrants in Pender County.

Sheriff records are separate from court records. The sheriff keeps arrest logs and booking data. Once a case goes to court, the Pender County Clerk of Superior Court holds the file. Both offices serve different roles but work together in Pender County.

Getting Copies of Records

You can get copies of Pender County court records by visiting or by mail. At the clerk office, ask for the case file you need. Staff will pull it and make copies. Both plain and certified copies are available.

To request by mail, send a letter to the Pender County Clerk of Superior Court, 100 S. Wright St, Burgaw, NC 28425. Include the case name, number, and what documents you need. Add payment for copy fees. The clerk will mail the copies back.

Call (910) 663-3500 to confirm current fees. Most requests for Pender County court records are handled in a few business days. Complex requests may take longer.

Pender County Court Records Online

Online tools make it easier to search Pender County records from home. The North Carolina Superior Court system covers felony and large civil cases. The District Court handles misdemeanors and family cases. Both courts store records at the Pender County courthouse in Burgaw.

The NC Courts help page explains what records are available online and how to request files from Pender County. Check the eCourts portal for free searches by name or case number.

Filing Cases in Pender County

To file a new case, bring your completed forms to the clerk office in Burgaw. Court forms are at nccourts.gov/documents/forms. Print and fill them out before you visit. The clerk reviews your papers and collects the filing fee.

Fees follow the state schedule set by §7A-109. The amount depends on the case type. Call the Pender County clerk to confirm the cost before your visit.

Note: Clerk staff cannot give legal advice or help fill out forms for Pender County cases.

Nearby Counties

These counties border Pender County. Make sure you file in the right county for proper jurisdiction over your case.