Criminal records in Forsyth County, North Carolina, are accessible through several channels. ForsythCourt.us can help find publicly available criminal case information. Additional access points include the North Carolina Judicial Branch court portal, the Forsyth County Clerk of Superior Court's office, the Forsyth County Sheriff's Office, and the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation. Whether you need to look up a specific case, check someone's criminal history, or obtain certified documents, the resources below explain each method.
How to Search Criminal Records in Forsyth
There are several ways to search for criminal records in Forsyth County. The method you choose depends on what information you already have and what type of record you need.
Online Search Options
- ForsythCourt.us — Search for publicly available court record information using a defendant's name or case number.
- North Carolina Judicial Branch Portal — The statewide court system allows you to search court records, find court dates, and look up case details for cases filed in Forsyth County and across the state.
- NC Department of Adult Correction Offender Search — Look up county jail inmates, state prisoners, probationers, parolees, and registered sex offenders statewide.
- Forsyth County Sheriff's Office Website — The Sheriff's Office website provides access to arrest records, wanted persons, and current inmate information.
In Person
Visit the Forsyth County Clerk of Superior Court's office to access paper case files at the courthouse. Public access terminals may also be available for searching case records on-site.
Forsyth County Courthouse — Clerk of Superior Court
By Mail or Written Request
- Clerk of Superior Court: Submit a written request for copies of court records to the Forsyth County Clerk of Superior Court at the address above. Include the defendant's full name, date of birth (if known), and case number (if available).
- NC State Bureau of Investigation: For a statewide criminal history record check, submit a request through the NCSBI Background Checks program. This is the state's central criminal history repository.
What You Need to Start a Search
- Defendant's full legal name
- Date of birth (helpful but not always required)
- Case number (if searching a specific case)
- Government-issued photo ID (for in-person requests)
Search Forsyth Criminal Cases by Case Number
North Carolina uses a standardized case numbering format across all counties. Understanding the format helps you locate the right record quickly.
A typical North Carolina criminal case number looks like this: 25 CRS 012345
- 25 — The last two digits of the year the case was filed (2025 in this example).
- CRS — The case type code. Common criminal codes include:
- CRS — Criminal Superior Court
- CRD — Criminal District Court
- IF — Infraction
- CR — Criminal (general)
- 012345 — The sequential file number assigned by the clerk's office.
When searching by case number, enter the full number exactly as it appears on court documents. If you only have a partial number, try searching by the defendant's name instead.
Charges, Case Status, Hearings, and Court Results in Forsyth
Criminal case records in Forsyth 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 accused of violating (e.g., N.C.G.S. § 14-72 for larceny). |
| Severity | Classified as a felony, misdemeanor, or infraction. Felonies are the most serious; infractions carry no jail time. |
| Amended Charges | Charges may be reduced or changed through plea negotiations or at the prosecutor's discretion. The record will show both original and amended charges. |
Case Status
- Pending: The case has been filed but not yet resolved.
- Active: Court proceedings are underway.
- Disposed: The case has reached a final outcome (conviction, dismissal, etc.).
- Closed: All proceedings, including any post-judgment actions, are complete.
Hearing Types
- First Appearance / Arraignment: The defendant is formally informed of the charges and enters an initial plea.
- Preliminary Hearing: A judge determines whether there is probable cause to proceed (felony cases in district court).
- Pre-Trial: Attorneys discuss case management, motions, and potential plea agreements.
- Trial: The case is heard before a judge or jury.
- Sentencing: The judge imposes a sentence after a guilty verdict or plea.
- Review: A follow-up hearing to check compliance with probation or other court orders.
Court Results
| Result | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Guilty | The defendant was convicted, either by plea or verdict. |
| Not Guilty | The defendant was acquitted at trial. |
| Dismissed | The charges were dropped by the prosecutor or the court. |
| Dismissed with Leave | Dismissed, but the state may refile charges. |
| Prayer for Judgment Continued (PJC) | A finding of guilt without formal entry of judgment — common in North Carolina for minor offenses. |
| No Contest (Nolo Contendere) | The defendant does not admit guilt but accepts the punishment. |
How to Request Certified Criminal Records in Forsyth
Certified copies carry an official court seal and can be used for legal proceedings, background checks, and employment verification. The Forsyth County Clerk of Superior Court handles most certified record requests.
How to Submit a Request
- In person: Visit the Clerk of Superior Court at the Forsyth County Courthouse. Bring a government-issued photo ID. Staff can pull the case file and produce certified copies while you wait, depending on the complexity of the request.
- By mail: Send a written request to the Clerk of Superior Court at the address below. Include the defendant's full name, date of birth, case number, the specific documents you need, and a check or money order for the applicable fees.
- Online: You can request a public record through the North Carolina Judicial Branch. Note that certified copies may still require an in-person visit or mailed request.
Forsyth County Clerk of Superior Court
Statewide Criminal History Checks
For a comprehensive criminal history report (not limited to Forsyth County), contact the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation. The NCSBI is the state's central repository for criminal records. Requests typically require fingerprint submission and a completed application form.
Identification Required
- Government-issued photo ID for in-person requests
- Fingerprints (for NCSBI background checks)
- Notarized authorization form if requesting records on behalf of another person
Fees, Copy Costs, and Processing Times for Criminal Records in Forsyth
Fees for criminal record copies in North Carolina are set by statute under N.C.G.S. § 7A-308 (fees of the clerk of superior court). The following table reflects standard fees:
| Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| Uncertified copy (per page) | $0.25 |
| Certified copy (per document) | $3.00 |
| NCSBI criminal history record check | $14.00 |
| NCSBI fingerprint-based background check | $14.00 (state) + additional FBI fee if federal check requested |
Processing Times
- In-person requests: Uncertified and certified copies are often available the same day for straightforward requests.
- Mail requests: Allow 5–10 business days for processing and return mailing.
- NCSBI background checks: Electronic submissions are typically processed within 1–3 business days. Paper submissions may take longer.
Payment methods at the Forsyth County Clerk's office generally include cash, check, and money order. Contact the clerk's office directly at (336) 779-6300 to confirm accepted payment methods before visiting.