nc criminal records: where to find accurate information

What these records include

In North Carolina, criminal court records are kept primarily by county Clerks of Superior Court and the statewide Administrative Office of the Courts. Entries may show charges, case numbers, filing dates, dispositions, and sentencing details, plus identifiers like full name and date of birth. They do not cover federal cases, and some matters-such as most juvenile proceedings and expunged cases-are restricted. The SBI’s fingerprint-based repository tracks arrest events tied to fingerprints, but the court docket remains the official source for case outcomes.

How to search responsibly

To reduce errors, use a full legal name, middle name or initial, and birth date when checking nc criminal records. Confirm whether entries are pending charges or convictions, and look for later amendments or dismissals. Be cautious with third-party sites; data can be outdated or incomplete.

• Start at the county Clerk’s office for the most current docket information.
• Request certified copies when you need authoritative proof.
• Search multiple counties where the person has lived or worked.
• For employment screening, consider a fingerprint-based check through official channels.
• Review outcomes for eligibility for relief, such as expunction.

When in doubt, verify with the clerk and keep notes of dates, case numbers, and sources.