Sampson County Criminal History Searches
Sampson County criminal history records are held at the Clerk of Superior Court in Clinton. This is a rural county in the southeastern part of North Carolina. The clerk keeps files on all criminal cases heard in Sampson County courts. Clinton is the county seat. Court records here go back many years. You can search them in person or ask the clerk to look up a case for you. Sampson County criminal history data covers felonies, misdemeanors, and infractions filed in the county.
Sampson County Criminal History Office
Clerk Dwight Williams runs the Sampson County Clerk of Superior Court office. This office is the main source for criminal history records in the county. Staff can pull case files, print documents, and certify copies. The office sits on East Main Street in Clinton.
When you visit, bring a valid ID. You can ask for records by name or case number. The clerk charges $25 for a certified copy of a court record. Plain copies cost less. Most requests take a short time. Some older files may need more time to find. The Sampson County courthouse handles all criminal cases for the entire county, including towns like Clinton, Roseboro, Salemburg, and Garland.
| Court |
Sampson County Clerk of Superior Court 101 East Main Street Clinton, NC 28328 Phone: (910) 596-6600 |
|---|---|
| Hours | Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM |
| Website | nccourts.gov/locations/sampson-county |
Criminal History Record Searches
There are a few ways to search Sampson County criminal history records. You can go to the courthouse in person. You can also use online tools run by the state. Each method has its own steps and limits.
The North Carolina eCourts portal lets you look up case data from home. Type in a name or case number. The system shows basic case details for free. It covers criminal cases across the state, including Sampson County. You can see charge types, court dates, and outcomes. For full documents, you still need to contact the clerk.
In-person searches at the Sampson County courthouse give you more access. You can view the full case file. Staff will help you find what you need. Bring the person's full name and date of birth if you have it. A case number speeds things up. The clerk can search criminal history records by defendant name.
Note: Online results may not show sealed or expunged records. Under NCGS 15A-145 through 15A-150, certain criminal records can be removed from public view after a court grants an expunction.
Sampson County Criminal Court Records
Criminal history records in Sampson County fall into several groups. Felony cases are the most serious. These include crimes like assault, drug charges, and theft of high value. Misdemeanor cases cover lesser offenses. Both types go through the Sampson County court system.
A criminal case file in Sampson County may hold many documents. The charging document starts the case. It lists the offense and the statute violated. Motions, orders, and plea forms follow. The final judgment shows the outcome. It states if the person was found guilty or not guilty. It also shows the sentence.
Under NCGS 132-1, most court records in North Carolina are public. This means anyone can ask to see them. You do not have to be a party to the case. Some records are sealed by court order. Juvenile cases are not public. But most adult criminal history records in Sampson County are open to the public.
Statewide Criminal History Checks
The county clerk is not the only source for criminal history in Sampson County. The state has its own tools. The North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation runs a criminal record check service. This pulls data from all 100 counties. It gives a broader picture than a single county search.
The SBI check costs a fee and may take a few days. It shows arrests and convictions from across North Carolina. Under NCGS 114-19, the SBI maintains the state criminal record database. You can request your own record or authorize a check on someone else with their consent.
The NC Department of Public Safety offender search is free. It shows people under state supervision. This includes those on probation, parole, or in prison. It does not cover all criminal history in Sampson County, but it helps for certain searches.
Note: A statewide check and a county-level search may return different results. The county holds the full case file. The state holds summary data. Use both for a thorough search of criminal history records.
Sampson County Criminal Record Expunctions
North Carolina law allows some criminal records to be erased. This process is called expunction. If a court grants it, the record is removed from public view. It will not show up in a search of Sampson County criminal history records.
Several statutes cover this. NCGS 15A-145 deals with first offenders. NCGS 15A-145.5 covers certain drug offenses. NCGS 15A-146 applies to charges that were dismissed or where the person was found not guilty. NCGS 15A-150 sets time limits on how long records stay in the system before a person can seek expunction.
To apply, you file a petition with the Sampson County Clerk of Superior Court. You can get the forms at nccourts.gov/documents/forms. A judge reviews the petition. If approved, the clerk removes the record. The SBI also updates its files. The process can take several months in Sampson County.
Free legal help is available. Legal Aid of North Carolina helps people with low income apply for expunctions. They serve Sampson County and can guide you through each step.
Criminal History and Public Records
North Carolina has strong public records laws. Under NCGS 132-1, all records made or received by a government agency are public. This includes criminal history records at the Sampson County courthouse. NCGS 132-6.2 adds rules for how agencies must respond to requests.
You can make a request in writing or in person. The clerk must respond in a reasonable time. There is no special form needed. State your name, what records you want, and how you want to receive them. The clerk may charge for copies. Certified copies cost $25 in Sampson County. You can also view records at the courthouse for free.
Some records are exempt from public access. Sealed cases, juvenile records, and records expunged under NCGS 15A-145 through 15A-150 are not available. Grand jury proceedings are also closed. But the vast majority of adult criminal history records in Sampson County remain open to public review.
Sampson County Court Case Process
A criminal case in Sampson County starts with an arrest or a citation. Law enforcement files charges. The case enters the court system. A first appearance happens soon after arrest. The judge explains the charges and sets bond.
Cases move through several stages. These include:
- Initial appearance and bond hearing
- Grand jury indictment for felonies
- Arraignment and plea
- Pre-trial motions and hearings
- Trial or plea agreement
- Sentencing
Each step creates records. The Sampson County clerk files and stores them. The full case file grows as the case moves forward. After the case ends, the file stays at the courthouse. It becomes part of the permanent criminal history record for that person in Sampson County.
District court handles misdemeanors. Superior court handles felonies. Both sit in the Sampson County courthouse in Clinton. The NC Courts help page explains how to access records from either court.
Nearby Counties
These counties border Sampson County. If you are not sure which county handles a criminal case, check the address where the offense took place. Cases are filed in the county where the crime occurred.