Burke County
Burke County was created in 1777 from Rowan County. It has an estimated population of 87,799 and covers a land area of 506.2 square miles. The largest city and seat of government is located in Morganton.
Burke County courts include a Superior Court and a District Court. The Superior Court presides over felony, probate, adoptions, and civil cases in which the amount in contention is more than $25,000. It hears misdemeanor and infraction appeals from the District Court. The District Court handles misdemeanors, small claims (less than $10,000), and civil cases with claims less than $25,000. It has an Adult Treatment Court and a Family Court Division, which deals with juvenile and domestic relations cases.
Burke County public court records include documents, case files, books, maps, photographs, films, judgments, orders, and dockets generated or received during legal court proceedings. The Clerk of the Superior Court is responsible must create and maintain the court records in Burke County, which include the following:
- Civil records
- Criminal records
- Traffic records
- Family law records
- Probate records
According to the North Carolina Freedom of Information Act, anyone may access court records in Burke County. Interested individuals may do so by visiting the Superior Court clerk's office at:
Burke County Court
201 South Street
Morganton, NC 28680
P.O. Box 796
Phone: (828) 433-3200 (Clerk of the Superior Court)
Phone: (828) 433-3215 (Family Court)
Additionally, to request criminal court records, interested individuals may complete the Criminal Records Search Form and send the form to the clerk's office. The North Carolina Administrative Office of the Courts (NCAOC) provides access to court records with the Remote Public Access Program. Court dockets for Craven County may be accessed through the Court Dates portal. Court records may also be accessed through a public, self-service terminal in the clerk's office.
