Tyrrell County Criminal Records

Tyrrell County criminal history records are maintained at the Clerk of Superior Court in Columbia. Tyrrell is one of the least populated counties in North Carolina. The county sits along the Albemarle Sound in the eastern part of the state. Despite its small size, the clerk office handles all criminal filings for the county. Columbia is the county seat. Court records go back many decades. The courthouse on Main Street is where all criminal history requests are processed.

Tyrrell County Criminal History Office

Clerk Angie Sexton manages the Tyrrell County Clerk of Superior Court. The office handles criminal records, civil cases, and estate files. For criminal history, this is where you go. Staff can search records by name or case number. They keep files for felonies, misdemeanors, and infractions.

The clerk office is at 403 Main Street in Columbia. The mailing address is PO Box 406, Columbia, NC 27925. Call (252) 766-6510 for questions. A certified copy of a criminal record costs $25. You can visit in person or write a letter to request records from Tyrrell County.

Search Criminal Records in Tyrrell County

You have several options to find criminal history in Tyrrell County. The easiest is the NC eCourts portal. This free tool lets you search court records across all North Carolina counties. Type in a name. The system shows charges, dates, and results. It covers Tyrrell County cases.

For the full case file, visit the clerk in Columbia. Bring a valid ID. Staff will look up the case. You can read the file at the counter at no charge. Copies cost a small fee. Certified copies are $25 each in Tyrrell County.

You can also request records by mail. Send a letter to the clerk at PO Box 406, Columbia, NC 27925. Include the person's name and any details you have. Add a check or money order for the copy fee. The clerk will mail back what they find in the Tyrrell County criminal history files.

Note: Tyrrell County is small. Court sessions may not occur every week. Call ahead to confirm when the clerk office is open and when court is in session.

Tyrrell County Court Case Records

Criminal history in Tyrrell County includes different types of cases. Each one creates its own file. The records vary based on the charge and how the case ended. All are stored at the clerk office in Columbia.

Felony cases are the most serious. They go through Superior Court. A grand jury must indict before a trial can happen. The file includes the indictment, motions, and the final judgment. Sentencing records show the penalty imposed. These are part of the Tyrrell County criminal history.

Misdemeanor cases are heard in District Court. There is no jury. A judge decides the outcome. Common charges include simple assault, trespassing, and DWI. The file has the charging document, any motions, and the judgment. Infractions like traffic tickets are also in the system. All are public records under NCGS 132-1.

A Tyrrell County criminal case file typically contains:

• Warrants or criminal summons
• Magistrate orders
• Bond conditions
• Plea transcripts or trial records
• Judgment and sentencing documents

Criminal History Beyond Tyrrell County

If you need records from outside Tyrrell County, state tools can help. The North Carolina SBI runs statewide criminal background checks. Under NCGS 114-19, the SBI maintains a central database. A check pulls records from all 100 counties. There is a fee for this service.

The NC offender search shows people in state custody or on supervision. It is free. The Department of Public Safety runs this tool. It does not show local jail records. For Tyrrell County jail data, contact the sheriff office.

The NC Courts records page explains how to get court documents from any county. It covers fees, forms, and access rules. This is a good starting point if you need criminal history from more than just Tyrrell County.

Tyrrell County Expunction Process

Expunction can erase a criminal record in Tyrrell County. The law is in NCGS 15A-145 through 15A-150. If a judge grants your petition, the record is sealed. It will not show in most public searches. The clerk removes it from the active criminal history file.

Dismissals qualify. Not guilty verdicts qualify. Some first offenses qualify after a waiting period. Drug charges, nonviolent misdemeanors, and certain low-level felonies each have their own rules. The waiting period depends on the charge type and your age at the time of the offense.

File your petition at the Tyrrell County Clerk of Superior Court. The NC Courts expunction page has forms. The process takes months. The SBI must clear the record after the judge signs the order. Be prepared to wait.

Note: Not all records can be expunged. Violent felonies and sex offenses are generally not eligible. Check the NC General Statutes for the full list of qualifying offenses in Tyrrell County.

Public Access to Tyrrell County Records

Criminal history in Tyrrell County is public. The North Carolina Public Records Act, NCGS 132-1, guarantees access. You do not need to be a party to the case. You do not need to state a reason. The clerk must let you view records during business hours.

Some records are restricted. Sealed cases are off limits. Expunged records are gone from public view. Juvenile cases are confidential. Grand jury records are secret. But most adult criminal cases in Tyrrell County are open to anyone who asks.

NCGS 132-6.2 sets copy fees. Viewing is free. Copies have a per-page cost. Certified copies cost $25 in Tyrrell County. The clerk can provide copies the same day for most cases. Large requests may take longer. Call ahead if you need many records from Tyrrell County.

Nearby Counties

These counties are near Tyrrell County. Criminal cases are filed where the offense took place. If you need a record from a neighboring county, contact that county's clerk of court.