Lee County Criminal History Records
Lee County criminal history records are maintained by the Clerk of Superior Court in Sanford, North Carolina. The clerk is Susie K. Thomas. Lee County is part of Judicial District 12. The courthouse on South Horner Boulevard stores all criminal case files for the county. These records are open to the public under NCGS Section 132-1. Lee County also has an Administrative Traffic Court, which handles certain motor vehicle offenses. All criminal cases in Lee County go through the court in Sanford.
Lee County Court Records Office
Clerk Susie K. Thomas runs the Lee County Clerk of Superior Court. The office is at 1400 South Horner Boulevard in Sanford. This is the county seat. All criminal cases from Lee County are filed here. The clerk stores warrants, charges, court orders, plea agreements, and judgments. Staff can search records while you wait.
Lee County is in Judicial District 12. The district and superior courts both sit in Sanford. The county also has an Administrative Traffic Court for traffic offenses. If a traffic case led to criminal charges, those records are in the Lee County criminal history file. You can reach the clerk by phone at (919) 718-6300. The mailing address is PO Box 4209, Sanford, NC 27331.
Visit the Lee County court page at the North Carolina Judicial Branch website for hours and more details.
The Lee County courthouse in Sanford is the central location for all criminal history record requests.
| Court |
Lee County Clerk of Superior Court Clerk: Susie K. Thomas 1400 South Horner Boulevard Sanford, NC 27330 PO Box 4209, Sanford, NC 27331 Phone: (919) 718-6300 |
|---|---|
| Hours | Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM |
| Website | nccourts.gov/locations/lee-county |
Searching Lee County Criminal History
You can search Lee County criminal history records online or at the courthouse. The North Carolina eCourts portal is free. It covers all 100 counties. Enter a name or case number. Lee County records will appear. You can view charges, court dates, and outcomes. The portal does not give certified copies.
To search in person, go to 1400 South Horner Boulevard in Sanford. Ask the staff for a criminal record search. Provide the full name of the person. They will check for matching cases in Lee County. You can view the file and get copies. The first page costs $6.00 and each page after that is $0.25.
The SBI runs statewide criminal history checks for $25. Submit Form AOC-CR-314 with fingerprints. This covers all counties under NCGS Section 114-19. It is useful if you need records from more than just Lee County.
Criminal Record Types in Lee County
Criminal history files in Lee County hold all documents from a case. Each file starts with the initial charge. More papers go in as the case moves through court. The Lee County clerk stores everything at the Sanford courthouse.
A Lee County criminal record may include arrest warrants, citations, charging documents, motions, court orders, plea deals, trial records, and the final judgment. Sentencing details are in the file. Probation terms, fines, and restitution orders all appear. If the case came through the Administrative Traffic Court and led to criminal charges, those records are part of the Lee County file as well.
Some records may have been expunged under NCGS Section 15A-145 through Section 15A-150. An expunged record is removed from public view. The clerk cannot show it to you. Dismissed charges and not-guilty verdicts may qualify for expunction in Lee County. The NC Courts expunction page has more details.
Note: Juvenile records in Lee County are closed to the public and need a court order to access.
Lee County Criminal History Fees
Lee County uses the state fee schedule for copies of criminal records. These fees are set by NCGS Section 132-6.2. The clerk collects payment at the time of the request. You can pay by check or money order made out to the Lee County Clerk.
A certified criminal history check costs $25 in Lee County. This is the same rate statewide. Plain copies of criminal records cost $6.00 for the first page and $0.25 for each page after that. Certified copies carry a higher fee. Most legal uses require a certified copy from Lee County. Call (919) 718-6300 to confirm current payment methods before you visit the Sanford courthouse.
State Tools for Lee County Criminal History
The NC Offender Search is a free tool that shows people in the state prison system. It covers inmates convicted in Lee County. You can search by name or offender number. The tool shows conviction details and current status.
The NC Department of Public Safety runs the offender database and handles probation statewide. If someone was placed on supervision after a Lee County conviction, DPS may have records. For court files, the NC Courts records page explains the steps for any county.
The Lee County Sheriff keeps arrest records that are separate from court files. Not every arrest leads to a court case. For arrest logs and booking details in Lee County, contact the sheriff office in Sanford. The sheriff handles law enforcement for areas outside Sanford city limits.
Legal Aid for Lee County
Legal Aid of North Carolina serves Lee County residents who qualify based on income. They can help with expunction petitions and criminal record corrections. Call their helpline to ask about services in Lee County.
To clear a criminal record in Lee County, you file an expunction petition. The rules are in NCGS Section 15A-145 through Section 15A-150. You need the right form from the NC Courts forms page. File it at the Lee County clerk office in Sanford. A judge must approve the request. First offenses, dismissed charges, and acquittals each have separate forms and different rules under the statute.
Note: An expunction petition filed in Lee County does not mean the record will be removed. The judge reviews each case on its own facts before deciding.
Nearby Counties
These counties border Lee County. Criminal cases are filed where the offense happened. Check the address to find the right county for your record search.