Robeson County Criminal History Search
Robeson County criminal history records are filed at the courthouse in Lumberton. The county is one of the largest in North Carolina by land area. Criminal cases from across Robeson County are processed through the district and superior courts in Lumberton. Clerk of Superior Court Shelena Smith oversees the records office. This page explains how to search criminal history in Robeson County and what records are available to the public.
Robeson County Criminal History Records
The Robeson County Clerk of Superior Court keeps all criminal case records. The office is at 500 North Elm Street, Room 101, in Lumberton. The mailing address is PO Box 1084, Lumberton, NC 28359. You can visit in person or send a written request. The phone number is (910) 272-5900.
Shelena Smith is the current clerk. Her staff handles record searches and copies. When you visit, bring a valid ID and the name of the person you want to look up. Staff will search the system for you. If a case exists, they can pull the file. You can review it at the counter.
A certified copy of any criminal history record in Robeson County costs $25. This copy bears the clerk seal. It is valid for legal use. Plain copies cost less. Ask the staff about current fees when you call or visit.
| Court |
Robeson County Clerk of Superior Court 500 North Elm Street, Room 101 Lumberton, NC 28359 PO Box 1084 Phone: (910) 272-5900 |
|---|---|
| Hours | Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM |
| Website | nccourts.gov/locations/robeson-county |
How to Search Robeson County Records
There are two main ways to search criminal history in Robeson County. You can go online or visit the clerk office. Each has its uses. Online searches are fast and free for basic data. In-person visits let you see the full case file.
The North Carolina eCourts portal is the state online system. It covers all 100 counties. Select Robeson County and enter a name. The results show criminal cases, charges, and outcomes. You can see court dates and case status. The portal is free. It does not require an account for basic searches.
For more detail, visit the clerk office in Lumberton. The staff can pull the full case file. This includes all documents filed in the case. Motions, orders, and judgments are all in the file. You can read them at the counter. If you need copies, the staff will make them for a fee.
Note: Online records may lag behind the court file. New filings can take a day or two to appear on the portal. For the most current information on a Robeson County criminal case, call the clerk at (910) 272-5900.
Robeson County Criminal Case Types
Criminal cases in Robeson County fall into categories. The type of charge determines which court hears the case. It also affects what records are created. All criminal history records in Robeson County are stored at the clerk office.
Felony charges are serious crimes. Murder, armed robbery, and drug trafficking are felonies. These cases start in district court and move to superior court for trial. A grand jury must indict the defendant. The record includes the indictment, motions, trial notes, and the judgment. Felony criminal history records in Robeson County are public.
Misdemeanor charges are less severe. Simple assault, larceny under a certain value, and DWI fall in this group. District court handles these cases. The record shows the charge, any plea, and the outcome. Most misdemeanor cases in Robeson County resolve faster than felonies.
Infractions are the least serious. Most are traffic tickets. They are not true crimes, but they do appear in court records. Some traffic offenses, like DWI, are criminal. Those show up in a criminal history search for Robeson County.
Criminal History and Public Access
North Carolina law makes most court records public. Under NCGS § 132-1, records made by government agencies belong to the people. Criminal history records in Robeson County are government records. The public has a right to see them. The clerk must provide access upon request.
There are limits. Juvenile cases are not public in most situations. Sealed records are off limits. Expunged records no longer exist in the public system. Under NCGS § 132-6.2, the clerk must respond to record requests within a reasonable time. The law does not set a firm deadline. But the clerk should not delay without cause.
You can request criminal history records from Robeson County by mail. Send your request to PO Box 1084, Lumberton, NC 28359. Include the person's full name and date of birth if you have it. State what records you need. Include payment for copies. The clerk will process the request and mail the results back to you.
Statewide Criminal History Resources
The North Carolina SBI keeps a statewide criminal record database. Under NCGS § 114-19, the SBI provides background checks. This covers all counties, not just Robeson. The SBI check shows arrests and convictions from across the state. There is a fee for this service.
The Department of Public Safety manages the state prison system. Its offender search tool shows current inmates and those on probation or parole. If a person was convicted in Robeson County and sent to prison, you can find their status here. The search is free.
The NC Courts records page has guides for the public. It explains how to get copies of court records. It covers fees, forms, and procedures. This is a good resource if you are searching for criminal history records in Robeson County for the first time.
Robeson County Record Expunctions
Some criminal records in Robeson County can be removed through expunction. North Carolina statutes § 15A-145 through § 15A-150 set the rules. Not all records qualify. The type of charge, the outcome, and the person's age all matter.
Dismissed charges are often eligible. So are not guilty verdicts in some cases. First-time drug offenses may qualify under § 15A-145.2. People who were under 18 at the time have more options under § 15A-145. The expunctions page on the NC Courts site breaks down each category.
To start an expunction in Robeson County:
- Download the correct form from nccourts.gov/documents/forms
- Complete the form with your case information
- File it at the Robeson County clerk office
- Pay the required fee
A judge reviews the petition. If granted, the clerk removes the record from public view. The SBI also deletes it from their system. After that, the criminal history record no longer appears in searches of Robeson County records.
Note: Expunctions take time. Plan for several weeks at minimum. Some take months. The clerk office can tell you where your petition stands in the process.
Criminal History Legal Aid
Legal Aid of North Carolina provides free legal help to low-income residents. They serve Robeson County. If you need help understanding your criminal history or filing an expunction, they may be able to assist. Contact them by phone to see if you qualify.
The North Carolina General Statutes are posted online for free. You can read the laws that govern criminal records, public access, and expunctions. This can help you understand your rights. Knowledge of the law helps you work with the clerk office in Robeson County.
Nearby Counties
These counties border Robeson County. Criminal cases are filed in the county where the offense happened. If you are not sure which county applies, check the location of the incident.