Criminal records in Chatham County, North Carolina, can be accessed through several channels. ChathamNCCourt.us can help find publicly available criminal case information. Beyond that, the North Carolina Judicial Branch's Chatham County page, the Clerk of Superior Court's office, and state-level law enforcement databases all provide ways to look up charges, case outcomes, and offender status. The method you choose depends on what type of record you need and how you plan to use it.
How to Search Criminal Records in Chatham
There are several ways to search for criminal records tied to Chatham County cases. What you need to get started depends on the method:
- Defendant's full legal name (first and last; middle name helps narrow results)
- Date of birth (useful for distinguishing common names)
- Case number (if you already have one)
Through ChathamNCCourt.us
Start at ChathamNCCourt.us to search for publicly available court record information related to criminal cases in Chatham County. This resource allows you to look up case details using a defendant's name or case number.
Online — State Court Portal
The North Carolina Judicial Branch provides help topics on obtaining court records and conducting background checks. You can also request a public record through the state court system's online process.
For information on individuals currently incarcerated or under state supervision, the North Carolina Department of Adult Correction offers a free Offender Public Information Search. You can search by name or offender ID to find prison inmates, probationers, and parolees.
In Person
Visit the Chatham County Clerk of Superior Court's office at the Chatham County Courthouse. Paper case files for criminal matters are available for public inspection at the clerk's office during business hours. Public access terminals may also be available at the courthouse.
By Mail or Written Request
You can submit a written request to the Chatham County Clerk of Superior Court at the courthouse address above. Include the defendant's full name, date of birth if known, and the case number if available. Enclose payment for any applicable copy or certification fees.
For a statewide criminal history check, submit a request to the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation (SBI), which serves as the state criminal history repository. The SBI requires fingerprint-based submissions for official background checks.
Search Chatham Criminal Cases by Case Number
If you already have a case number, searching by that number is the fastest way to pull up a specific record. North Carolina uses a standardized case numbering format across all counties:
- Year — Two digits representing the year the case was filed (e.g., 25 for 2025)
- County code — A two-letter abbreviation identifying the county (CR for criminal cases in Superior Court, CRS for criminal cases in District Court varies by division)
- Case type prefix — Indicates the type of case. Common criminal prefixes include:
- CRS — Criminal Superior Court
- CR — Criminal District Court
- IF — Infraction
- Sequential number — A unique number assigned in the order the case was filed
For example, a case number like 25 CRS 000123 would indicate a 2025 Superior Court criminal case. Enter the full case number exactly as it appears on any court documents you have — partial numbers may not return results.
Charges, Case Status, Hearings, and Court Results in Chatham
Criminal case records in Chatham County contain several key data points. Here is what each one means:
Charges
| Element | Description |
|---|---|
| Statute code | The North Carolina General Statute section the defendant is charged under (e.g., N.C.G.S. § 14-72 for larceny) |
| Severity level | Felony, misdemeanor, or infraction — felonies are the most serious; infractions carry no jail time |
| Original vs. amended charges | Charges may be reduced or modified through plea negotiations; both the original and amended charges typically appear in the record |
Case Status
- Pending — The case is open and awaiting resolution
- Active — Court proceedings are underway
- Disposed — The case has reached a final outcome (conviction, dismissal, etc.)
- Closed — All obligations tied to the case have been fulfilled
Hearing Types
- First appearance / arraignment — Defendant is formally advised of charges; bond may be set
- Preliminary hearing — Used in felony cases to determine probable cause (District Court)
- Pre-trial hearing — Addresses motions, discovery issues, and potential plea offers
- Trial — Bench or jury trial where evidence is presented
- Sentencing — Judge imposes punishment after a guilty verdict or plea
- Review hearing — Monitors compliance with probation or other court orders
Court Results
| Outcome | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Guilty | Defendant was convicted, either by plea or verdict |
| Not guilty | Defendant was acquitted at trial |
| Dismissed | Charges were dropped by the prosecution or the court |
| Dismissed with leave | Case dismissed but may be refiled within a certain period |
| Prayer for judgment continued (PJC) | A finding of guilt without formal entry of judgment — common in North Carolina |
| Deferred prosecution | Case is held in abeyance while defendant completes conditions |
How to Request Certified Criminal Records in Chatham
Certified copies carry an official court seal and are accepted for legal proceedings, employment verification, and licensing applications. Here is how to get them:
From the Clerk of Superior Court
- Visit the Chatham County Clerk of Superior Court at the courthouse or submit a written request by mail.
- Provide the defendant's full name and case number. Date of birth is helpful but not always required.
- Present a valid government-issued photo ID if requesting in person.
- Pay the applicable certification and copy fees (see fee table below).
From the State Repository
For a comprehensive statewide criminal history, contact the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation. The SBI processes fingerprint-based criminal record checks and name-based checks for authorized requesters. You can find more details about public records from the Department of Adult Correction for offender-specific information.
Fees, Copy Costs, and Processing Times for Criminal Records in Chatham
Fees for criminal record copies in North Carolina courts are set by statute under N.C.G.S. § 7A-308. The following table reflects standard court fees:
| Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| Copy of court record (per page) | $0.25 |
| Certification of a document | $3.00 |
| Exemplification (authenticated copy) | $5.00 |
| SBI state criminal history check (name-based) | $14.00 |
| SBI fingerprint-based background check | $14.00+ |
Processing Times
- In-person requests — Often processed the same day or within one to two business days, depending on the clerk's workload
- Mail requests — Typically take five to ten business days after the clerk's office receives the request and payment
- SBI background checks — Processing times vary; electronic submissions are generally faster than paper submissions
Fees are subject to change. Confirm current amounts with the North Carolina courts website or by calling the Chatham County Clerk of Superior Court before submitting payment.