Pitt County court records in North Carolina can be accessed through several channels. PittCourt.us allows you to search for public information about court cases in the county. Additionally, records are available through the official online portals of the state court system, the Clerk of Superior Court's office, and public terminals in the courthouse. Below is a practical guide to the county's court system, court schedules, obtaining document copies, and paying fees.
Pitt Court System & Jurisdictions
Pitt County has two main levels of general jurisdiction courts — Superior Court and District Court. Both are located in the Pitt County Courthouse in Greenville.
Superior Court handles serious criminal cases (felonies), civil claims over $25,000, and appeals from District Court. Jury trials are usually held here.
District Court covers a much wider range of everyday cases:
- Minor criminal offenses (misdemeanors)
- Traffic violations and fines
- Small claims — up to $10,000
- Family matters: divorce, child custody, alimony, protective orders
- Juvenile cases, which are confidential under state law
Magistrates work within the District Court. They set bail, issue arrest and search warrants, and handle small claims cases.
Probate — that is, inheritance and estate management cases — is handled by the Clerk of Superior Court. This office also records wills, executor appointments, and guardian reports. Records of juvenile offenders are maintained by the NC Department of Public Safety, and access to them is strictly limited.
Pitt Court Calendar & Upcoming Hearings
To find out the date of a hearing — today, tomorrow, or this week — use the Search Portal on the NC Judicial Branch for Pitt County website. You can search by last name, citation number, or case number.
Here's how to do it:
- Go to the Court Dates page on the NC Courts website.
- Select "Pitt" in the county filter.
- Enter the last name or case number.
- The system will show scheduled dates, courtroom, and case type.
The calendar is updated regularly, but schedule changes may occur at the last minute. If you are a party to a case, call the clerk's office the day before the hearing to confirm the time.
Contact information for various court departments can be found in the Pitt County contact directory.
How to Get a Copy of a Pitt Court Document
There are two types of court document copies: uncertified and certified. An uncertified copy is suitable for personal review. A certified copy, sealed by the clerk, is required for submission to other courts, government agencies, or employers.
Online. Through the Court Records portal of the North Carolina court system, you can view basic information about criminal, civil cases, and special proceedings. To obtain a certified copy, you need to contact the office directly.
In person. Visit the Clerk of Superior Court's office at the address above. You will need the party's name or case number. The clerk will make a copy on-site.
By mail. Send a written request specifying:
- The full name of the party or case number
- The type of document (judgment, complaint, etc.)
- The number of copies needed and whether a certified copy is required
- A return address and payment (check or money order payable to Pitt County Clerk of Superior Court)
For a criminal background check for one county, the request is submitted to the same office. For a statewide check, contact the NC State Bureau of Investigation.
Divorce certificates can also be ordered through NC Vital Records or obtained from the clerk of the court in the county where the divorce was filed.
Pitt Court Records Fees & Payment
Fees are set by the General Statutes of North Carolina (N.C.G.S. § 7A-308 and § 7A-311). Below are the main rates applicable at the Clerk of Superior Court's office.
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Uncertified document copy (per page) | $0.25 |
| Certified copy (certification fee) | $3.00 |
| Criminal background check (one county) | $25.00 |
| Apostille / authentication | $10.00 |
Payment is accepted in person at the office or by mail (check or money order). For certain payments — including property taxes — the county offers the myPittCounty portal. Check with the clerk whether credit card payment is accepted for a specific type of request, as it depends on the service category.
Note: Fees may change. Before sending a request by mail, call the office to confirm the current amount.