Craven Traffic Court Records Search

Craven County traffic court records are maintained at the Clerk of Superior Court in New Bern. The courthouse on Broad Street processes all traffic citations filed in the county. Craven County is part of eCourts Track 7, so many court records are accessible through the state's electronic system. You can search for case details, find upcoming court dates, and request copies of traffic documents from the clerk's office. New Bern is the county seat and home to the courthouse that serves all Craven County residents. This page explains how to search and obtain traffic court records in Craven County.

Get Craven Traffic Court Records

The clerk's office at 302 Broad Street in New Bern is the central records office for all Craven County court cases. The physical address is in downtown New Bern. The mailing address is PO Box 1187, New Bern, NC 28563. You can reach the office at (252) 514-4700 or (252) 639-3000. The fax number is (252) 639-3030.

Craven County covers a large area that includes New Bern, Havelock, Vanceboro, Bridgeton, and several unincorporated communities. Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point is in the county, which adds to the local population and traffic volume. All traffic cases from across the county flow through the New Bern courthouse. The clerk files new cases, stores court documents, and provides copies to the public. Staff can search by name, case number, or date of offense.

Craven Traffic Court Records

Craven County joined eCourts Track 7, which gives it access to the newest version of the state's electronic court system. This makes online searching more detailed than in counties on older systems.

Go to nccourts.gov to use the eCourts case search. Enter a name or case number and filter by Craven County. The results show charges, court dates, case status, and disposition details. The search is free for basic case information. The eCourts system uses several databases including CCIS, VCAP, and ACIS to track cases.

For full document copies, contact the clerk's office. You can visit in person at 302 Broad Street or call (252) 514-4700. The staff pulls the file and makes copies. Standard copies have a per-page fee. Certified copies cost more and carry the court seal. Bring a photo ID for in-person requests.

The Craven County page on the NC Judicial Branch site provides another way to find local court information online.

Traffic Court Records in Craven

Traffic fines and court costs are paid at the clerk's office in New Bern. The court sets the amount when your case is resolved. The fine depends on the violation and any prior record.

The office accepts several forms of payment. Call to confirm current options. Pay by the due date on your paperwork. Late payment can result in a license suspension under N.C.G.S. 20-24.1. The court may also issue an arrest order. If you need more time, ask about a payment plan before your deadline. Military personnel stationed at Cherry Point who get tickets in Craven County follow the same process for paying fines.

Note: Keep your receipt from the Craven County clerk as proof of payment in case questions arise later about your case.

Local Court Rules in Craven County

Craven County has local court rules that govern traffic court sessions. These rules set the schedule, courtroom conduct, and case management procedures. Check your citation for your court date and time. District court handles most traffic cases.

Minor traffic infractions may allow a waiver. Your ticket tells you if this applies. Waivable offenses let you pay the fine without going to court. Serious charges like DWI under N.C.G.S. 20-138.1 require a court appearance. For many district court traffic matters, an attorney can appear on your behalf. This is common for people who live outside Craven County or are stationed at Cherry Point with duty conflicts.

Access Craven Traffic Court Records

Speeding is the most frequent charge in Craven County. US-70 and US-17 pass through the area and carry heavy traffic. Other common violations include running a red light, expired registration, no insurance, and failure to reduce speed.

More serious offenses come through the court as well. DWI charges carry heavy fines, possible jail time, and license revocation. Reckless driving is a class 2 misdemeanor under N.C.G.S. 20-140. Driving on a revoked license creates a separate charge. Each offense produces a detailed court file. The clerk stores the citation, any motions or orders, lab results for DWI cases, and the final judgment. All of these documents remain part of the public record.

Prayer for judgment continued is available for some traffic violations. The judge delays entering a final judgment, which can prevent insurance points from being assessed. This option has limits and does not work for every type of violation. Ask your attorney about whether it applies to your specific charge.

Craven County Court System

Most traffic cases in Craven County go through the state district court on Broad Street. The state court handles infractions, misdemeanors, and traffic violations issued by local and state law enforcement.

New Bern also has a federal courthouse at 413 Middle Street. The federal court handles cases under federal law and can be reached at (252) 638-8530. Federal traffic offenses on federal land, such as within Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, may go through the federal court instead of the state court. If you are unsure which court has your case, check the citation. It will say whether it is a state or federal matter.

Note: State traffic cases and federal traffic cases in Craven County are handled by different courts with different procedures.

Public Records in Craven County

Traffic court records in Craven County are public under N.C.G.S. Chapter 132. Anyone can request them. You do not need to be a party to the case. Only sealed or expunged records are off limits. The clerk provides copies for a fee.

For your personal driving record, contact the NC Division of Motor Vehicles. The DMV tracks all convictions, points, and license actions. A conviction in Craven County is reported to the DMV and added to your statewide record. Points stay on your record for three years from the conviction date. Request your driving record at ncdot.gov/dmv.

Nearby Counties

These counties border Craven County. Your traffic case must be handled in the county where the ticket was issued. Check your citation for the correct county name and courthouse location.