Criminal records in Guilford County, North Carolina, are accessible through several channels. GuilfordCourt.us can help find publicly available criminal case information. Additional access points include the North Carolina court system's online portal, the Guilford County Sheriff's Office, and the Clerk of Superior Court's office at the courthouse. The method you choose depends on the type of record you need and whether you require a certified copy.
How to Search Criminal Records in Guilford
Several methods are available for searching criminal records in Guilford County. What you need to get started:
- Defendant's full legal name (first and last, middle name helps narrow results)
- Date of birth (if known)
- Case number (if available)
Online Search Options
- GuilfordCourt.us — Search for publicly available court record information by name or case number.
- NC Courts Search Portal — The North Carolina Judicial Branch offers an online portal where you can look up case records by name, case number, or attorney. Note: the NC Courts website advises that individuals performing background checks should use the county clerk's office rather than the portal.
- Guilford County Sheriff's Office Inmate Search — View current inmates held at the Greensboro or High Point detention centers, including arrest dates, charges, booking agency, and court dates.
- NC Department of Adult Correction Offender Search — Search for state prison inmates, probationers, parolees, and registered sex offenders statewide.
- NC Courts Court Dates Search — Look up upcoming court dates by name, county, or date range.
In Person
Visit the Guilford County Clerk of Superior Court's office to access paper case files. Public access terminals may also be available at the courthouse. The Guilford County Courthouse clerk's office is open 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, closed on state holidays.
The Sheriff's Office also offers services including warrant information checks and sex offender registry searches.
By Mail or Written Request
You can submit a written request for court records to the Clerk of Superior Court in Guilford County. Include the defendant's full name, date of birth if known, and the case number if available. For a statewide criminal history check, submit a request to the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation (SBI), which maintains the state criminal history repository. SBI requests typically require fingerprint submission and a processing fee.
Search Guilford Criminal Cases by Case Number
North Carolina uses a standardized case number format across all counties. Understanding this format helps you locate records quickly.
A typical case number looks like: 25CR012345
- 25 — The two-digit year the case was filed (2025)
- CR — The case type code. Common criminal codes include:
- CR — Criminal (Superior Court felonies and misdemeanors)
- CRS — Criminal Superior Court
- IF — Infraction
- 012345 — A sequential number assigned by the clerk's office when the case is filed
When searching by case number, enter the full number exactly as it appears on court documents. If you only have a partial number, a name-based search may help you identify the correct case.
Charges, Case Status, Hearings, and Court Results in Guilford
Charges
| Element | Description |
|---|---|
| Statute Code | The North Carolina General Statute number for the offense (e.g., 20-138.1 for DWI, 14-196.3 for cyberstalking) |
| Severity | Felony, misdemeanor, or infraction — felonies are the most serious and carry potential prison time |
| Amended Charges | Original charges may be reduced or changed through plea negotiations or prosecutorial discretion |
Case Status
| Status | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Pending | Case is open and awaiting court action |
| Active | Case has ongoing proceedings or an active warrant |
| Disposed | Case has reached a final outcome (conviction, dismissal, etc.) |
| Closed | All court actions, including sentencing and compliance, are complete |
Hearing Types
- First Appearance / Arraignment — Defendant is informed of charges and bond is set
- Preliminary Hearing — Judge determines whether probable cause exists (felony cases in District Court)
- Pre-Trial Hearing — Attorneys discuss motions, evidence, and possible resolution
- Trial — Case is heard before a judge or jury
- Sentencing — Judge imposes punishment after a guilty verdict or plea
- Review Hearing — Court monitors compliance with probation or other conditions
Court Results
| Outcome | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Guilty | Defendant convicted by plea or verdict |
| Not Guilty | Defendant acquitted at trial |
| Dismissed | Charges dropped by the court or prosecution |
| Dismissed with Leave | Dismissed but may be refiled within the statute of limitations |
| Prayer for Judgment Continued (PJC) | Guilt acknowledged but sentencing is deferred — common in North Carolina |
| Deferred Prosecution | Case held in abeyance while defendant completes conditions |
How to Request Certified Criminal Records in Guilford
Clerk of Superior Court
Certified copies of criminal case records are obtained from the Guilford County Clerk of Superior Court. You can make your request in person at the courthouse or by mail.
Guilford County Clerk of Superior Court
To request by mail, send a written request that includes:
- Defendant's full name
- Case number (if known)
- Date of birth (if known)
- A description of the records you need
- A valid government-issued photo ID (copy)
- Payment for applicable fees (check or money order payable to the Guilford County Clerk of Superior Court)
You may also request a public record through the North Carolina Judicial Branch.
State Criminal History (SBI)
For a complete North Carolina criminal history report, contact the SBI. These requests require fingerprint-based identification and are typically used for employment or licensing background checks. Requests can be submitted through approved channeling agencies or law enforcement offices that offer fingerprinting services. The Guilford County Sheriff's Office provides fingerprinting services.
Fees, Copy Costs, and Processing Times for Criminal Records in Guilford
| Service | Fee | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Uncertified copy of court record | $0.25 per page | Per N.C.G.S. § 7A-308; available at the clerk's office |
| Certified copy of court record | $3.00 for certification + $0.25 per page | Per N.C.G.S. § 7A-308 |
| SBI state criminal history check | $14.00 | Fingerprint-based; submitted through approved agencies |
| Name-based background check (SBI) | $14.00 | Available for certain authorized purposes |
Processing Times
- In-person requests at the clerk's office — Typically same day for simple record copies, depending on volume
- Mail requests — Generally 5 to 10 business days after receipt
- SBI criminal history checks — Usually 1 to 5 business days for electronic submissions; longer for paper submissions
Fees are set by North Carolina statute (N.C.G.S. § 7A-308) and may be updated by the General Assembly. Confirm current fees with the clerk's office before submitting payment by mail.