Court records in Sampson County, North Carolina, are available through several channels. SampsonCourt.us allows you to quickly find public information about court cases in the county. Additionally, records can be searched through the official online portals of the state court system, directly at the Clerk of Court's office, and on public terminals in the courthouse. Below is a practical guide for searching, obtaining, and paying for court documents.
Sampson Court System & Jurisdictions
Sampson County has a single judicial complex — the Sampson County Courthouse in Clinton. Cases are distributed between two main levels: Superior Court and District Court.
Superior Court handles:
- Serious criminal offenses (felonies)
- Civil claims over $25,000
- Appeals from District Court decisions
District Court covers a much broader range of everyday cases:
- Misdemeanors and traffic violations
- Civil claims up to $25,000
- Family law — divorce, custody, alimony, protective orders
- Juvenile cases
Magistrates work within the District Court. They handle small claims up to $10,000, issue arrest and search warrants, and set bail. Probate cases are managed by the Clerk of Superior Court of Sampson County — the clerk serves as the probate judge in North Carolina. Historical probate documents are stored in the State Archives.
Sampson Court Calendar & Upcoming Hearings
To find out which cases are scheduled for today, tomorrow, or this week, use the North Carolina Judicial Branch portal. The main page features a search function that allows you to find hearing dates by name, case number, or citation number.
Here's how to find the schedule:
- Go to the Sampson County page on the NC Courts website.
- Select the "Court Dates" section or use the search portal.
- Enter the defendant's name, case number, or citation number.
Criminal and civil case calendars are updated regularly, but specific dates may change. If you need confirmation of a hearing on a specific day, call the clerk's office.
For information about individuals under supervision (probation, parole) or in state correctional facilities, use the NC Department of Corrections search.
How to Get a Copy of a Sampson Court Document
Copies of court documents are issued by the Clerk of Superior Court. There are three ways to obtain them.
In-Person Visit
Visit the courthouse at the address listed above. On public computer terminals, you can search cases by defendant's name, case number, or witness name. Paper case materials are available for review upon request to the clerk.
By Mail
Send a written request specifying:
- Full name of the party involved
- Case number (if known)
- Type of document — certified or uncertified copy
- Return address and payment (check or money order payable to Sampson County Clerk of Court)
Online Request
An official request for public records can be submitted through the NC Courts public records request portal. Note: birth, marriage, divorce, and death certificates are not issued by the court — they must be requested through NC Vital Records or the county register of deeds.
Certified vs. uncertified. A certified copy has the court seal and clerk's signature — it is required for official purposes (immigration, licensing, other courts). An uncertified copy is suitable for personal reference.
Some records have restricted access: juvenile cases, sealed materials, and cases with expunction. The clerk will inform you if the requested document is unavailable.
Sampson Court Records Fees & Payment
Fees for court documents in North Carolina are set at the state level according to the General Statutes (including G.S. § 7A-308 and related articles). Below are typical rates applicable to the clerk's office.
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Document copy (per page) | $0.25 |
| Certification fee | $3.00 |
| Record search (per name, 10-year period) | $25.00 |
| Apostille / authentication | Additional fee through Secretary of State |
Payment is accepted in the form of checks, money orders, and (usually) cash. Confirm acceptable payment methods directly with the clerk's office, as card payment availability depends on the specific department.
For state-level criminal background checks, a separate fee is charged by the State Bureau of Investigation. This is not related to the county clerk's office. More details on the procedure can be found on the Court Records page on the NC Courts website.