Nash County Criminal Records
What Is Nash County Criminal Records
Nash County criminal records are official documents that chronicle an individual's interactions with the criminal justice system within Nash County, North Carolina. These records are maintained pursuant to North Carolina General Statutes § 132-1, which defines public records as "all documents, papers, letters, maps, books, photographs, films, sound recordings, magnetic or other tapes, electronic data-processing records, artifacts, or other documentary material, regardless of physical form or characteristics."
Criminal records in Nash County encompass several distinct categories:
- Arrest Records: Documentation of when an individual is taken into custody by law enforcement, including the Nash County Sheriff's Office or local police departments. These records typically include the date, location, and charges associated with the arrest.
- Conviction Records: Official documentation of criminal cases that resulted in a guilty verdict or plea, whether for felonies or misdemeanors.
- Court Records: Documentation of all court proceedings related to criminal cases, including arraignments, hearings, trials, and sentencing.
- Incarceration Records: Information about individuals currently or previously held in Nash County detention facilities.
The distinction between arrest and conviction records is significant. Arrest records document that an individual was taken into custody but do not indicate guilt, while conviction records confirm that a person was found guilty of a criminal offense either through trial or plea agreement.
Criminal records in Nash County are maintained by several agencies:
Nash County Sheriff's Office
222 W. Washington Street
Nashville, NC 27856
252-459-4121
Nash County Sheriff's Office
Nash County Clerk of Superior Court
234 W. Washington Street
Nashville, NC 27856
252-462-4300
Nash County Courts
North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation
3320 Garner Road
Raleigh, NC 27610
919-662-4500
North Carolina SBI
Adult criminal records generally contain more detailed information than juvenile records, which are subject to stricter confidentiality protections under North Carolina General Statutes § 7B-3000.
Are Criminal Records Public In Nash County
Criminal records in Nash County are generally considered public information under North Carolina's Public Records Law, codified in North Carolina General Statutes § 132-1 through § 132-10. This statute establishes that public records shall be "the property of the people" and that "the people may obtain copies of their public records and public information free or at minimal cost."
However, not all criminal records are accessible to the public. Several important exceptions exist:
- Ongoing Investigations: Records pertaining to active law enforcement investigations are typically exempt from public disclosure until the investigation concludes.
- Juvenile Records: Records involving minors under age 18 are generally sealed and not available to the public, pursuant to N.C.G.S. § 7B-3000.
- Expunged Records: Criminal records that have been legally expunged are removed from public access.
- Sealed Court Records: In certain circumstances, a judge may order specific court records to be sealed.
Adult conviction records are among the most accessible type of criminal records in Nash County. These records document final dispositions where individuals were found guilty of criminal offenses. Court proceedings, including hearings and trials, are generally open to the public unless specifically closed by a judge.
The North Carolina Court System maintains that "court records are generally considered public records and are available for public inspection during regular business hours." This policy reflects the state's commitment to governmental transparency while balancing privacy concerns in specific circumstances.
Members of the public seeking criminal records in Nash County should be aware that while many records are publicly accessible, certain information within those records—such as Social Security numbers, financial account numbers, and certain personal identifying information—may be redacted to protect privacy.
How To Look Up Criminal Records In Nash County in 2026
Members of the public seeking criminal records in Nash County may utilize several methods to access this information. The following procedures are currently in effect for obtaining criminal records:
In-Person Requests:
- Visit the Nash County Clerk of Superior Court during regular business hours (Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM).
- Complete a records request form, providing the subject's full name and, if possible, date of birth.
- Present valid government-issued photo identification.
- Pay applicable fees for copies (currently $3.00 for the first page and $0.25 for each additional page).
Nash County Clerk of Superior Court
234 W. Washington Street
Nashville, NC 27856
252-462-4300
Nash County Courts
By Mail:
- Prepare a written request including the subject's full name, date of birth (if known), and the specific records being requested.
- Include a self-addressed stamped envelope.
- Enclose a money order or certified check for applicable fees.
- Mail the request to the Nash County Clerk of Superior Court at the address listed above.
For Sheriff's Office Records:
The Nash County Sheriff's Office maintains records related to arrests, incarcerations, and incident reports within their jurisdiction.
- Visit the Sheriff's Office Records Division during regular business hours (Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM).
- Complete a records request form specifying the information sought.
- Provide identification and pay any applicable fees.
Nash County Sheriff's Office
222 W. Washington Street
Nashville, NC 27856
252-459-4121
Nash County Sheriff's Office
For criminal background checks, the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation (SBI) is the authorized agency. Requestors must submit fingerprints along with the appropriate forms and fees. The current fee for a criminal history check is $14.00 per individual.
Pursuant to the North Carolina Public Records Act, agencies must respond to records requests "as promptly as possible." However, processing times may vary depending on the volume of requests and complexity of the search.
How To Find Criminal Records in Nash County Online?
Nash County residents and interested parties can access various criminal records through several online portals maintained by state and county agencies. These digital resources provide convenient alternatives to in-person requests.
The North Carolina Judicial Branch offers the North Carolina Court System's Public Records Search, which allows users to search for criminal and civil case information. This portal provides access to:
- Criminal case records
- Traffic citations
- Scheduled court dates
- Case status information
- Judgment information
To use this system:
- Navigate to the North Carolina Court System website
- Select "Court Records Search"
- Enter the individual's name or case number
- Review the results, which include case type, file date, and disposition
The Nash County Sheriff's Office maintains an online Inmate Population Search that provides information on currently incarcerated individuals, including:
- Inmate name and booking photo
- Charges
- Bond amount
- Next court date
- Booking date
For statewide offender information, the North Carolina Department of Adult Correction offers the Offender Public Information Search, which contains records for:
- Current inmates in state prisons
- Probationers
- Parolees
- Post-release supervisees
- Absconders
The North Carolina Sex Offender Registry provides information about registered sex offenders residing in Nash County and throughout the state. This searchable database includes:
- Offender names and photographs
- Registered addresses
- Conviction information
- Risk assessment levels
Users should note that while these online resources provide substantial information, they may not contain complete criminal histories. Some records, particularly older cases or those that have been expunged, may not appear in online databases. Additionally, certain sensitive information is redacted from online records in accordance with privacy laws.
Registration requirements vary by system. While some databases allow anonymous searching, others may require users to create accounts or verify their identity before accessing certain information.
Can You Search Nash County Criminal Records for Free?
Nash County residents and members of the public have several options for accessing criminal records without cost, in accordance with North Carolina's Public Records Law. The statute provides that "the public records and public information compiled by the agencies of North Carolina government or its subdivisions are the property of the people."
Free In-Person Inspection:
Pursuant to N.C.G.S. § 132-6(a), "Every custodian of public records shall permit any record in the custodian's custody to be inspected and examined at reasonable times and under reasonable supervision by any person, and shall, as promptly as possible, furnish copies thereof upon payment of any fees as may be prescribed by law."
The following locations offer free in-person inspection of criminal records:
Nash County Clerk of Superior Court
234 W. Washington Street
Nashville, NC 27856
252-462-4300
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Nash County Courts
Nash County Sheriff's Office
222 W. Washington Street
Nashville, NC 27856
252-459-4121
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Nash County Sheriff's Office
Free Online Resources:
Several online portals provide free access to criminal record information:
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The North Carolina Court System's Public Records Search allows users to search for criminal cases, traffic citations, and court dates without charge.
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The Nash County Sheriff's Office Inmate Search provides free access to current inmate information.
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The North Carolina Offender Public Information Search offers free searches for current inmates, probationers, and parolees.
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The North Carolina Sex Offender Registry provides free access to information about registered sex offenders.
While inspection of records is free, agencies may charge reasonable fees for copies of records. Current fees in Nash County include:
- Paper copies: $3.00 for the first page, $0.25 for each additional page
- Certified copies: $5.00 per document
- Electronic copies: Varies by agency and file size
It is important to note that while basic searches are free, comprehensive criminal background checks conducted by the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation require payment of a fee, currently $14.00 per individual.
What's Included in a Nash County Criminal Record?
Nash County criminal records contain comprehensive information about an individual's interactions with the criminal justice system. These records typically include several categories of information:
Identifying Information:
- Full legal name and any known aliases
- Date of birth
- Physical description (height, weight, eye color, hair color)
- Mugshot or booking photograph
- Last known address
- State Identification Number (SID)
- FBI number (if applicable)
Arrest Information:
- Date and time of arrest
- Arresting agency
- Booking number
- Charges filed at time of arrest
- Bail or bond amount
- Detention facility information
Court Case Information:
- Case number
- Court of jurisdiction (District or Superior Court)
- Filing date
- Charges filed by the prosecutor
- Statutory citations and offense classifications (felony class A-I or misdemeanor class 1-3)
- Defense attorney information
- Prosecutor information
- Hearing dates and proceedings
Disposition Information:
- Plea entered
- Verdict (guilty, not guilty, dismissed, etc.)
- Conviction date (if applicable)
- Sentencing details:
- Incarceration length
- Probation terms
- Fines and court costs
- Restitution ordered
- Special conditions (community service, treatment programs)
- Appeal information (if applicable)
- Probation/parole status and violations
Additional Information:
- Active warrants
- Protective or restraining orders
- Sex offender registration requirements
- DWI/DUI history
- Traffic violations connected to criminal charges
- Pending charges
The level of detail in criminal records may vary depending on the stage of the criminal justice process and the maintaining agency. Records maintained by the Nash County Sheriff's Office typically focus on arrest and detention information, while the Nash County Clerk of Superior Court maintains comprehensive case files including court proceedings and dispositions.
It is important to note that certain information may be redacted from publicly available records to protect privacy, including Social Security numbers, financial account information, and in some cases, information about victims or witnesses.
How Long Does Nash County Keep Criminal Records?
Nash County maintains criminal records in accordance with the North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources' Records Retention and Disposition Schedule. This schedule establishes legally binding retention periods for various types of records, including criminal records.
The retention periods for criminal records in Nash County vary based on the type of record and severity of the offense:
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Felony Case Records: Permanently maintained by the Clerk of Superior Court. These records include all documentation related to felony prosecutions from initial appearance through final disposition.
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Misdemeanor Case Records: Maintained for 5-10 years after case closure, depending on the classification of the misdemeanor. Class 1 and 2 misdemeanors are typically retained for 10 years, while Class 3 misdemeanors may be retained for 5 years.
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Arrest Records: The Sheriff's Office maintains arrest records for a minimum of 5 years. Records involving felony arrests are typically maintained for 20 years or longer.
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Jail Records: Booking and release information is maintained for 5 years after an inmate's release. Medical records of inmates are kept for 10 years after release.
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Warrants: Served warrants become part of the case file and follow the retention schedule for the associated case. Unserved warrants remain active until served or recalled by the court.
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Sex Offender Registration Records: Maintained permanently in accordance with N.C.G.S. § 14-208.6A.
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Expunged Records: Once a court orders expungement pursuant to N.C.G.S. § 15A-145 through § 15A-152, records must be destroyed or sealed as specified in the expungement order.
It is important to note that while physical records may be destroyed after their retention period expires, information about criminal cases may still exist in various databases and indices. Additionally, the North Carolina Administrative Office of the Courts maintains electronic records that may be preserved longer than the physical court files.
The retention of criminal records serves multiple purposes, including supporting the administration of justice, providing information for background checks, and preserving historical documentation. However, individuals with criminal records may be eligible for expungement under certain circumstances, which would remove these records from public access.
Lookup Criminal Records in Nash County
Sheriff's Office | Nash County, NC - Official Website
Court Records | North Carolina Judicial Branch