Bertie County

Bertie County is located in the northeastern coastal plain region of North Carolina, bounded by the Roanoke and Chowan Rivers. Established in 1722, it is one of North Carolina's oldest counties, named after James and Henry Bertie, two Lords Proprietors of colonial Carolina. Bertie County seat is Windsor, a historic town situated along the Cashie River. Bertie County includes approximately 699 square miles of land and water, with a population of roughly 17,482 residents according to recent census estimates. Bertie County is characterized by fertile agricultural lands, extensive wetlands, and significant forested areas. Major landmarks include Historic Hope Plantation, a premier example of Federal-period architecture and one of North Carolina's most important historic sites, and the Roanoke-Cashie River Center, which celebrates the natural and cultural heritage of Bertie County. Bertie County's economy has historically centered on agriculture, particularly peanuts, soybeans, corn, and timber production. Bertie County maintains its public records through several key offices: Bertie County Register of Deeds located at 106 Dundee Street, Windsor, NC 27983, handles property and land records; the Clerk of Superior Court at Bertie County Courthouse, 106 Dundee Street, manages court filings and certain vital records; and the Tax Assessor's office maintains property valuation and tax records. What makes Bertie County unique is its deep colonial history, rural character, and position along two major river systems that have shaped its development for three centuries.

Bertie County North Carolina Court is located at 110 North King Street, Windsor, NC 27983. It is a General Court of Justice, District Court Division. It is a trial court of limited jurisdiction that handles civil and criminal cases. It also handles traffic violations, small claims, and juvenile and domestic relations matters.

Law Enforcement & Arrests

• Citizens may request arrest records by contacting the Sheriff's Office directly, either in person at the King Street address or by submitting a written public records request.
• Mugshots and booking photos are generally considered public records in North Carolina and may be available upon request to the Sheriff's Office, though policies regarding digital distribution may vary.

Criminal Records

• The sex offender registry is publicly accessible, allowing residents to stay informed about registered offenders in their area.

Jail & Inmate Records

• The bond and bail process in North Carolina allows arrested individuals to secure their release pending trial, typically through cash payment or a bail bondsman.

• District Court in Bertie County has jurisdiction over misdemeanor criminal cases, civil cases up to $25,000, family law matters including divorce and child custody, juvenile cases, and estates.
• North Carolina provides public access to court records through several mechanisms.
• Fees for court record copies in Bertie County typically follow the state schedule: $2.00 for the first page and $0.25 for each additional page of most documents, with certified copies requiring an additional fee.

• There is typically no fee for conducting online searches, though downloading or printing documents may require payment.
• Certified copies of recorded instruments can be requested in person or by mail, with fees set by North Carolina statute at $5.00 for the first page and $2.00 for each additional page.
• Bertie County also offers a GIS mapping system and parcel viewer accessible through Bertie County website, allowing users to view property boundaries, tax parcels, zoning information, and ownership data free of charge.

Vital records for this county include birth, death, marriage, and divorce certificates issued under state vital statistics law.

• However, applications for certified copies of birth and death certificates can also be submitted through Bertie County Register of Deeds office at 106 Dundee Street, Windsor, NC 27983, which is a local issuing agent.
• The fee for a certified birth or death certificate in North Carolina is $24.00 for the first copy and $15.00 for each additional copy of the same record ordered at the same time.
• Processing time varies but typically ranges from 7 to 10 business days when applying in person at the local Register of Deeds office, or 4 to 6 weeks when applying by mail through the state office.
• Online ordering is available through VitalChek at www.vitalchek.com, with expedited processing available for an additional fee.
• Marriage licenses in Bertie County are issued by Bertie County Register of Deeds office at the Windsor address.

Business records, licenses, and permits for this county are processed by the County Clerk and local government offices.

• Commercial businesses must also register with the North Carolina Department of Revenue for sales and use tax permits, which can be done online at www.ncdor.gov.