Guilford County Criminal History

Guilford County criminal history records are maintained by the Clerk of Superior Court, with courthouses in both Greensboro and High Point. Guilford County is one of the largest counties in North Carolina. It sits in Judicial District 24 and has a Trial Court Administrator to manage its heavy caseload. The two courthouses handle separate civil calendars, but criminal records for the whole county are accessible at both locations. Criminal history searches in Guilford County cover felonies, misdemeanors, and traffic offenses. Records are public and open to anyone.

Guilford County Criminal History Offices

Guilford County has two courthouses. One is in Greensboro. The other is in High Point. Both are part of the Guilford County Clerk of Superior Court system. Each courthouse maintains separate civil calendars. Criminal records for the whole county can be searched at either location. The county seat is Greensboro.

Guilford County is in Judicial District 24. A Trial Court Administrator helps manage the high volume of cases. This is one of the busier court systems in the state. Wait times may be longer than in smaller counties. Bring your ID when you visit. Staff can search criminal history records by name or case number. They pull the files and make copies for you.

The Greensboro courthouse handles a large share of Guilford County criminal cases. The High Point courthouse serves the western side of the county. Both courts fall under the same clerk office. You can check the Guilford County court page for hours and addresses at each location.

The Guilford County courthouse in Greensboro is one of two court locations where criminal history records are available.

Guilford County Criminal History Searches

The eCourts portal is the fastest way to search Guilford County criminal history online. This free tool covers all North Carolina counties. You enter a name or case number. Guilford County results appear in the system. The portal shows charges, court dates, and case status. It does not provide certified copies.

To search in person, go to the Greensboro or High Point courthouse. Ask the clerk staff for a criminal record search. Give them the full name of the person. They check for matching cases in Guilford County. You can view the files and ask for copies.

Copy fees in Guilford County follow the state schedule:

• First page: $6.00
• Each added page: $0.25
• Certified copies: higher fee

For a statewide search, the North Carolina SBI offers certified criminal history checks. The cost is $25 under NCGS Section 114-19. You submit Form AOC-CR-314 and fingerprints. The SBI searches all counties. This returns Guilford County records along with every other county in the state.

Note: Due to the high volume of cases in Guilford County, some searches may take longer than in smaller counties. Plan extra time if you visit in person.

Guilford County Criminal History Contents

A criminal history file in Guilford County holds all documents from the case. The file starts with the arrest or citation. The district attorney adds charges. As the case moves through District 24 courts, more documents are filed. Motions, orders, and rulings go into the record. The Guilford County clerk keeps everything in one file.

Guilford County criminal records contain arrest warrants, formal charges, pretrial motions, court orders, plea agreements or trial records, sentencing orders, and any post-conviction filings. If the person was placed on probation, the terms are in the file. Appeals are part of the record too. Because Guilford County has two courthouses, the case file stays with the courthouse where it was heard, but the clerk system connects both locations.

Under NCGS Section 132-1, criminal history records in Guilford County are public. Anyone can ask to see them. You do not need to be part of the case. Some personal details may be redacted, but the charges, outcomes, and court actions are all accessible at both Guilford County courthouses.

Guilford County Criminal History Expunctions

Under NCGS Section 15A-145 through Section 15A-150, certain criminal records in Guilford County can be expunged. Expunction removes the record from public view. The clerk can no longer show the file. A judge must approve each petition. Not all records qualify.

Common reasons for expunction in Guilford County include dismissed charges, not guilty verdicts, and first-time offenses that meet specific criteria under the statute. The process starts with filing the right form at the Guilford County clerk office. You can get the forms from the NC Courts forms page. Print the form and file it at the Greensboro or High Point courthouse.

The NC Courts expunction page explains the full rules. Each type of case has its own form and its own set of requirements. Filing the wrong form delays the process. Read the instructions carefully before you file in Guilford County.

Note: Guilford County handles a large number of expunction petitions each year. Processing times may vary based on the court calendar in District 24.

State Resources for Guilford County

Several state tools connect to Guilford County criminal history records. The NC Offender Search is free. It shows people in state prison, including those convicted in Guilford County. Search by name or offender number.

The NC Department of Public Safety provides tools for looking up criminal history information connected to Guilford County cases.

The NC Department of Public Safety manages the offender search and tracks probation across the state. If someone was placed on supervision after a Guilford County conviction, DPS records may show that. The Guilford County Sheriff also keeps arrest records. These are separate from court files. Contact the sheriff for arrest details that did not lead to formal charges in Guilford County.

Legal Aid in Guilford County

Legal Aid of North Carolina serves Guilford County. They help with expunctions, record corrections, and other criminal history issues. Services are free for people who meet income limits. Call their helpline to ask about help in Guilford County.

The North Carolina General Statutes at ncleg.gov contain all the laws that govern criminal records in Guilford County. NCGS Section 132-1 covers public access. NCGS Section 114-19 covers SBI background checks. NCGS Section 15A-145 through Section 15A-150 covers expunctions. These statutes apply to all counties, including Guilford County. Reading the law can help you understand your rights when it comes to criminal history records.

Nearby Counties

These counties border Guilford County. Criminal cases are filed in the county where the offense happened. Check the address to find the right county for a record search.