Criminal records in Davidson County, North Carolina, can be accessed through several channels, including online tools, official court systems, law enforcement agencies, and the clerk's office. DavidsonNCCourt.us can help you find publicly available criminal case information for Davidson County. You can also search through the North Carolina Judicial Branch court portal, the Davidson County Sheriff's Office, and the Davidson County Clerk of Superior Court for additional records and certified documents.
How to Search Criminal Records in Davidson
There are several ways to look up criminal records in Davidson County. The method you choose depends on what information you have and whether you need an official copy or just want to review case details.
Online Search Options
- DavidsonNCCourt.us — Search for publicly available court record information in Davidson County. You can look up cases using a defendant's name or case number.
- North Carolina Judicial Branch Portal — The state court system allows you to search court dates and case information by name, citation number, or county. Select "Davidson" from the county list to narrow results.
- NC Department of Adult Correction Offender Search — Search for state prisoners, probationers, parolees, and registered sex offenders. This database includes historical records back to 1972 but does not cover county jail inmates.
- Davidson County Public Records Request — Submit an online request for sheriff's reports, 911 call logs, and other county government records.
In Person
Visit the Davidson County Clerk of Superior Court at the Davidson County Courthouse in Lexington. Paper case files for criminal matters are available for public review during business hours. You can also use any public access terminals available at the courthouse.
By Mail or Written Request
Send a written request to the Davidson County Clerk of Superior Court specifying the defendant's full name, date of birth (if known), and case number. You can also request a public record through the NC Judicial Branch for court-related documents. For a statewide criminal history check, submit a request to the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation (SBI), which maintains the state criminal records repository.
What You Need to Begin a Search
- Defendant's full legal name (first and last name at minimum)
- Date of birth (helpful for narrowing results)
- Case number (if available)
- Citation number (for traffic or infraction cases)
Search Davidson Criminal Cases by Case Number
North Carolina uses a standardized case number format across all counties. Understanding the structure helps you locate a specific case quickly.
A typical North Carolina case number looks like this: 22 CRS 001234
- 22 — The last two digits of the year the case was filed
- CRS — The case type code. Common criminal codes include:
- CRS — Criminal Superior Court
- CRD — Criminal District Court
- IF — Infraction
- IFS — Infraction (Superior Court)
- 001234 — A sequential number assigned by the clerk's office when the case is filed
When searching by case number, enter the full number including the year prefix and case type code. If you only have a partial number, try searching by the defendant's name instead and then locating the correct case from the results.
Charges, Case Status, Hearings, and Court Results in Davidson
Charges
- Statute codes — Each charge references a specific North Carolina General Statute (e.g., N.C.G.S. § 14-72 for larceny)
- Severity levels — Charges are classified as felonies (Classes A through I), misdemeanors (Classes A1 through 3), or infractions
- Amended charges — Prosecutors may amend the original charge to a lesser offense as part of plea negotiations; both the original and amended charges typically appear in the case record
Case Status
| Status | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Pending | Case has been filed but not yet resolved |
| Active | Case is currently proceeding through the court system |
| Disposed | Case has reached a final outcome (conviction, dismissal, etc.) |
| Closed | All proceedings and obligations are complete |
Hearing Types
| Hearing | Purpose |
|---|---|
| First Appearance | Defendant is informed of charges and bail is addressed |
| Probable Cause / Preliminary Hearing | Judge determines if sufficient evidence exists to proceed (felony cases) |
| Arraignment | Defendant enters a formal plea in Superior Court |
| Pre-Trial | Attorneys discuss discovery, motions, and possible resolution |
| Trial | Case is heard before a judge or jury |
| Sentencing | Judge imposes punishment after a guilty verdict or plea |
| Review | Court checks compliance with probation or other conditions |
Court Results
- Guilty — Defendant was convicted, either by plea or verdict
- Not Guilty — Defendant was acquitted at trial
- Dismissed — Charges were dropped by the prosecution or the court
- Dismissed with Leave — Charges were dismissed but may be refiled
- Prayer for Judgment Continued (PJC) — Judgment is deferred; commonly used in North Carolina for minor offenses
- No Contest (Nolo Contendere) — Defendant does not admit guilt but accepts punishment
How to Request Certified Criminal Records in Davidson
Certified copies of criminal court records carry an official court seal and can be used for legal proceedings, background checks, and employment verification.
Where to Request
Davidson County Clerk of Superior Court
How to Submit a Request
- In person: Visit the clerk's office at the courthouse. Provide the defendant's name and case number. Staff will locate the file and prepare certified copies.
- By mail: Send a written request to the clerk's office at the address above. Include the defendant's full name, date of birth, case number (if known), and a check or money order for the applicable fees.
- Online: The NC Judicial Branch provides guidance on obtaining court records, though certified copies generally require an in-person or mail request.
Identification Requirements
For your own records, bring a valid government-issued photo ID. Requests for another person's public criminal records generally do not require special identification, as criminal case files in North Carolina are generally public. However, certain records — such as juvenile cases or sealed files — are restricted.
Statewide Criminal History
For a comprehensive criminal background check beyond Davidson County court records, contact the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation. The SBI processes state criminal history record checks and requires fingerprint submission for official background checks.
Fees, Copy Costs, and Processing Times for Criminal Records in Davidson
Fees for criminal record copies and certifications in Davidson County follow the statewide schedule set by the North Carolina Administrative Office of the Courts.
| Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| Uncertified copy of court record | $0.25 per page |
| Certified copy of court record | $3.00 for certification plus $0.25 per page |
| SBI state criminal history check (name-based) | $14.00 |
| SBI fingerprint-based background check | $14.00 (state) + additional FBI fee if federal check requested |
Processing Times
- In-person requests: Uncertified copies are usually available the same day. Certified copies may take a few minutes to several hours depending on the complexity of the file.
- Mail requests: Allow 5–10 business days for processing and return mailing.
- SBI background checks: Name-based checks submitted online are typically processed within 1–3 business days. Fingerprint-based checks may take longer.
Payment methods accepted at the clerk's office typically include cash, check, and money order. Contact the Davidson County Clerk of Court directly to confirm current accepted payment methods and verify any recent fee changes.