Criminal records in Cleveland County, North Carolina, can be accessed through several channels. ClevelandNCCourt.us can help find publicly available criminal case information. Additional access points include the North Carolina court system's online portal, the Cleveland County Clerk of Superior Court's office, law enforcement agencies such as the Cleveland County Sheriff's Office, and the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation. Each source may cover different record types, so the method you choose depends on what you need.
How to Search Criminal Records in Cleveland
Several methods are available for searching criminal records in Cleveland County. Start by deciding whether you need court case information, a formal background check, or certified documents.
Online Search
- ClevelandNCCourt.us — Search for publicly available criminal court case information by name or case number.
- North Carolina Judicial Branch portal — The Court Records section on the NC Courts website lets you search court dates by name, citation number, or county. Select Cleveland County to narrow results.
- NC Department of Adult Correction — The public records online database contains offender information dating back to 1972. Note that it does not include county jail records.
- NCSBI background checks — The North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation serves as the state's central criminal history repository. You can request a state criminal history record check through their office.
In Person
- Visit the Cleveland County Clerk of Superior Court's office at the Cleveland County Courthouse. Paper case files for criminal matters can be reviewed at the clerk's office in the county where the case was filed.
- Public access terminals may be available at the courthouse for looking up case information.
By Mail or Written Request
- Submit a written request to the Cleveland County Clerk of Superior Court. Include the defendant's full name, date of birth (if known), and case number (if available).
- For a statewide criminal history check, submit a request to the NCSBI. Fingerprint-based checks are required for certain employment and licensing purposes.
- You can also request a public record through the North Carolina Judicial Branch.
What You Need to Begin a Search
- Defendant's full legal name
- Date of birth (recommended for accuracy)
- Case number (if known)
- County where the case was filed
Search Cleveland Criminal Cases by Case Number
North Carolina uses a standardized case number format across all counties, including Cleveland. Understanding the format helps you locate a specific case quickly.
A typical North Carolina criminal case number follows this pattern:
- Year — The two-digit year the case was filed (e.g., 24 for 2024)
- Case type code — A two-letter abbreviation indicating the type of case:
- CR — Criminal (superior court felonies and certain misdemeanors)
- CRS — Criminal superior court
- IF — Infraction
- CR (district) — Criminal district court misdemeanor
- Sequential number — A numeric sequence assigned by the clerk's office as cases are filed
For example, a case number like 24 CRS 001234 indicates a 2024 criminal superior court case. When searching, enter the full case number exactly as it appears on court documents, including spaces or dashes. If you only have a partial number, searching by defendant name through the clerk's office or online portal may help you locate the correct file.
Charges, Case Status, Hearings, and Court Results in Cleveland
Criminal case records in Cleveland County contain several key data points. Here is what each one means:
Charges
| Element | Description |
|---|---|
| Statute code | The North Carolina General Statute (N.C.G.S.) section the defendant is charged under |
| Severity level | Felony, misdemeanor, or infraction — felonies are classified into lettered classes (A through I); misdemeanors into classes (1 through 3) |
| Original charge | The charge initially filed by law enforcement or the district attorney |
| Amended charge | A modified charge resulting from plea negotiations or prosecutorial discretion |
Case Status
- Pending — The case is open and awaiting further court action
- Active — Proceedings are underway; hearings or trial dates may be scheduled
- Disposed — The case has reached a final outcome (conviction, dismissal, etc.)
- Closed — All obligations have been satisfied and the case is finalized
Hearing Types
- First appearance — Initial court appearance where charges are read and bond is addressed
- Probable cause / preliminary hearing — A judge determines whether sufficient evidence exists to proceed (felony cases)
- Arraignment — The defendant enters a formal plea
- Pre-trial hearing — Motions, discovery issues, and potential plea discussions
- Trial — Bench or jury trial on the merits
- Sentencing — The court imposes a sentence after a guilty verdict or plea
- Review hearing — Follow-up hearing for probation compliance or other post-disposition matters
Court Results
- Guilty — Convicted by plea or verdict
- Not guilty — Acquitted at trial
- Dismissed — Charges dropped by the prosecution or the court
- Dismissed with leave — Dismissed but may be refiled
- Prayer for judgment continued (PJC) — Judgment is deferred; no formal sentence entered at that time
- No contest (nolo contendere) — Defendant does not contest the charge; treated similarly to a guilty plea for sentencing
How to Request Certified Criminal Records in Cleveland
Certified copies of criminal court records carry an official seal and can be used for legal, employment, or personal purposes.
Cleveland County Clerk of Superior Court
The clerk's office at the Cleveland County Courthouse handles certified copy requests for criminal cases filed in Cleveland County.
To request certified records:
- Visit the clerk's office in person or submit a written request by mail.
- Provide the defendant's full name and case number.
- Present a valid government-issued photo ID if requesting in person.
- Pay the applicable copy and certification fees.
State Criminal History Records
For a statewide criminal background check, contact the NCSBI Background Checks division. Fingerprint-based checks are available for individuals and authorized agencies. Name-based checks may also be requested for certain purposes.
NC Department of Adult Correction
If you need records about someone who served or is serving time in a state facility, submit a public records request to the NC DAC. They do not maintain local jail records.
Fees, Copy Costs, and Processing Times for Criminal Records in Cleveland
Fees for criminal record copies and certifications in North Carolina are set by statute (N.C.G.S. § 7A-308). The following table reflects standard fees applicable at the Cleveland County Clerk of Superior Court:
| Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| Copies of court documents (per page) | $0.25 |
| Certification of a document | $3.00 |
| NCSBI state criminal history check (name-based) | $14.00 |
| NCSBI fingerprint-based background check | $14.00+ |
Processing Times
- In-person requests — Copies are often available the same day if the case file is accessible at the courthouse.
- Mail requests — Allow 5–10 business days for the clerk's office to process and return certified copies.
- NCSBI background checks — Processing times vary; electronic submissions are typically faster than paper requests.
Fees must generally be paid at the time of the request. The clerk's office can confirm accepted payment methods. Contact the Cleveland County court office directly if you have questions about specific fees or turnaround times.