Court records in Burke County, North Carolina can be searched through several channels. BurkeCourt.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's Burke County page, the Clerk of Superior Court's office at the Burke County Courthouse, and public computer terminals available inside the courthouse during business hours.
Burke Court System & Jurisdictions
Burke County is part of North Carolina's Judicial District 25A. Court proceedings take place at the Burke County Courthouse in Morganton. Two trial-level courts operate in the county:
Superior Court
- Felony criminal cases
- Civil cases where the amount in controversy exceeds $25,000
- Appeals from District Court
- Real property disputes
District Court
District Court in Burke County handles a broader range of everyday matters:
- Criminal: Misdemeanors, infractions, and preliminary hearings for felonies
- Civil: Lawsuits involving $25,000 or less
- Small Claims: Cases up to $10,000, heard by a magistrate
- Traffic: Moving violations, DWI charges, and license-related offenses
- Family Court: Divorce, child custody, child support, domestic violence protective orders, and juvenile matters
- Estates/Special Proceedings: Probate of wills, estate administration, guardianships, adoptions, and name changes — managed through the Clerk of Superior Court
Magistrates, who sit within the District Court division, issue arrest and search warrants, set bail, and hear small claims actions. If you are unsure which court division handled a case, the Clerk of Superior Court's office can help you identify the correct docket.
Burke Court Calendar & Upcoming Hearings
The North Carolina Judicial Branch website provides a court-date search tool where you can look up upcoming hearings by name, county, or date range. To find Burke County court dates:
- Visit the NC Judicial Branch homepage and use the court-date search feature.
- Select "Burke" as the county.
- Enter the party's name or narrow results by date range.
- Review the results for courtroom assignments, hearing times, and case numbers.
You can also check the calendar by contacting the Burke County Courthouse directly or visiting in person. Court calendars are typically posted at the courthouse and updated as sessions are scheduled. Criminal, civil, and family calendars may be published separately.
For criminal defendants on state-level supervision, the NC Department of Public Safety website provides related offender information, though it does not list court dates.
How to Get a Copy of a Burke Court Document
Most Burke County court documents are available as either certified or uncertified copies. Here is how to obtain them:
In Person
Visit the Clerk of Superior Court's office at the courthouse. You can review paper case files and request copies on site. Public-access terminals may also be available for searching case indexes.
By Mail
Send a written request to the Clerk of Superior Court at the mailing address above. Include:
- Full case number (if known)
- Names of the parties involved
- The specific document you need
- Whether you need a certified or uncertified copy
- A check or money order for the applicable fees
- A self-addressed stamped envelope
Online
North Carolina's eCourts portal allows electronic access to certain court records. You can also request a public record through the Judicial Branch website. Not all documents are available online — older or sealed records typically require an in-person or mail request.
Certified vs. uncertified: A certified copy bears the Clerk's seal and signature, making it acceptable for legal proceedings, government filings, and official use. Uncertified copies work for personal reference. Divorce certificates can also be obtained from NC Vital Records or from the Clerk of Court in the county where the divorce was filed.
Some records are restricted from public access, including juvenile cases, involuntary commitments, sealed files, and cases that have been expunged.
Burke Court Records Fees & Payment
Fees for court record copies in North Carolina are set by statute (N.C.G.S. § 7A-308 and related provisions). The following table lists common fees you may encounter at the Burke County Clerk of Superior Court's office:
| Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| Uncertified copy (per page) | $0.25 |
| Certified copy (first page) | $3.00 |
| Certified copy (each additional page) | $0.25 |
| Certification of a document (no copy made) | $3.00 |
| Civil court record search (per name) | $25.00 |
| Criminal background check (state repository) | Varies — submit through eCourts |
| Exemplification (triple seal) | $10.00 |
Payment methods: The Clerk's office generally accepts cash, checks, and money orders. Some fees may also be payable by credit or debit card, though a convenience fee may apply. Confirm accepted payment methods by calling the courthouse before your visit.
Fees are subject to change. For the most current schedule, ask the Clerk of Superior Court directly or review the NC Judicial Branch guide to obtaining court records.