Criminal records in Cabarrus County, North Carolina, can be accessed through several channels. CabarrusCourt.us can help find publicly available criminal case information. Additional access points include the North Carolina court system's online portal, law enforcement agencies such as the Cabarrus County Sheriff's Office, and the Cabarrus County Clerk of Superior Court's office. Each resource offers different levels of detail depending on the type of search and the records involved.
How to Search Criminal Records in Cabarrus
There are several ways to search for criminal records in Cabarrus County. The method you choose depends on what information you already have and whether you need official documentation or just basic case details.
Through CabarrusCourt.us
CabarrusCourt.us lets you search for publicly available court record information related to criminal cases in Cabarrus County. You can begin a search using a defendant's name or a case number.
Online — State Court Portal and Other Tools
- NC Courts Search Portal: The North Carolina Judicial Branch provides an online portal where you can look up criminal case information by defendant name, case number, or victim/witness name.
- Court Date Search: Use the Court Dates search tool to find upcoming hearing dates, times, and courtroom locations for cases in Cabarrus County.
- NC DAC Offender Search: The NC Department of Adult Correction offender search allows you to look up state prison inmates, probationers, and parolees by name or offender ID.
- Cabarrus County Sheriff's Office App: The Cabarrus Sheriff NC mobile app provides access to jail and inmate information. Search "Cabarrus Sheriff NC" in your device's app store.
In Person
- Visit the Cabarrus County Courthouse in Concord.
- Use the public access computer terminals in the Clerk of Superior Court's office to search cases by defendant name, case number, or victim/witness name.
- Ask the clerk's staff for assistance locating paper case files, which you may review on-site.
By Mail or Written Request
- Clerk of Superior Court: Submit a written request to the Cabarrus County Clerk of Superior Court at the mailing address above. Include the defendant's full name, date of birth (if known), and case number (if available).
- NCSBI Background Checks: For a comprehensive statewide criminal history, submit a request through the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation, which serves as the central repository for criminal history records in North Carolina.
What You Need to Begin a Search
- Defendant's full legal name (first and last; middle name helps narrow results)
- Date of birth (recommended but not always required)
- Case number (if you have it)
- County where the case was filed (select Cabarrus)
Search Cabarrus 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 number format across all counties.
A typical North Carolina criminal case number follows this pattern:
- Year: Two digits representing the year the case was filed (e.g., 24 for 2024)
- County Code: A two-letter abbreviation or numeric code identifying the county (Cabarrus uses CR or CRS depending on court division)
- Case Type Code: Letters indicating the type of case — for example, CRS for Superior Court criminal cases and CRD for District Court criminal cases
- Sequential Number: A unique number assigned to the case within that year and division
For example, a case number like 24 CRS 001234 would indicate a 2024 Superior Court criminal case. Enter the full case number exactly as it appears on court documents for accurate results through the NC Courts online portal or at the courthouse terminal.
Charges, Case Status, Hearings, and Court Results in Cabarrus
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 | Felony, misdemeanor, or infraction — felonies are classified from Class A (most serious) to Class I; misdemeanors range from Class A1 to Class 3 |
| Amended Charges | Charges may be reduced or changed through plea negotiations or prosecutorial discretion; the amended charge replaces or supplements the original |
Case Status
| Status | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Pending | Case is open and awaiting resolution |
| Active | Case has ongoing proceedings or an active sentence |
| Disposed | Case has reached a final outcome (conviction, dismissal, etc.) |
| Closed | All obligations fulfilled; case is complete |
Hearings
- First Appearance: Defendant is advised of charges and rights; bond is typically addressed
- Probable Cause / Preliminary Hearing: Judge determines whether sufficient evidence exists to proceed (felony cases)
- Arraignment: Defendant enters a formal plea in Superior Court
- Pre-Trial: Attorneys discuss discovery, motions, and potential resolutions
- Trial: Case is heard before a judge or jury
- Sentencing: Judge imposes penalties after a conviction or guilty plea
- Review Hearing: Court checks compliance with probation or other conditions
Court Results
| Result | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Guilty | Defendant convicted by plea or verdict |
| Not Guilty | Defendant acquitted after trial |
| Dismissed | Charges dropped by the prosecution or court |
| Dismissed with Leave | Charges dismissed but may be refiled |
| Prayer for Judgment Continued (PJC) | Judgment is deferred; no sentence imposed at that time — commonly used in North Carolina |
| Deferred Prosecution | Case is held open while defendant completes conditions; may result in dismissal |
How to Request Certified Criminal Records in Cabarrus
Certified copies carry an official court seal and are accepted for legal, employment, and licensing purposes. The Cabarrus County Clerk of Superior Court handles certified court record requests.
How to Submit a Request
- In person: Visit the Clerk's office at the Cabarrus County Courthouse. Bring a valid government-issued photo ID. Staff can locate the case and produce certified copies while you wait, depending on volume.
- By mail: Send a written request to the Clerk's mailing address. Include the defendant's full name, date of birth, case number (if known), the specific documents you need, and a return address. Include a check or money order for the applicable fees.
- Through the NC Judicial Branch: You can also request a public record through the North Carolina Judicial Branch website for guidance on what the courts can provide.
Statewide Criminal History
For a complete North Carolina criminal history report (not limited to Cabarrus County), contact the NCSBI. Fingerprint-based background checks are required for many employment and licensing purposes.
Contact Information
Cabarrus County Clerk of Superior Court
For the full Cabarrus County contact directory, including specific divisions, visit the NC Judicial Branch website.
Fees, Copy Costs, and Processing Times for Criminal Records in Cabarrus
Fees for court record copies in North Carolina are established by statute. The following table reflects standard fees set under North Carolina General Statutes.
| Service | Fee | Authority |
|---|---|---|
| Uncertified copy (per page) | $0.25 | N.C.G.S. § 7A-308 |
| Certification fee (per document) | $3.00 | N.C.G.S. § 7A-308 |
| NCSBI criminal record check (name-based) | $14.00 | NCSBI fee schedule |
| NCSBI criminal record check (fingerprint-based) | $14.00 (state) + $13.25 (FBI, if applicable) | NCSBI fee schedule |
Processing Times
- In-person requests at the Clerk's office: Often processed the same day, depending on staff availability and the complexity of the request.
- Mail requests: Typically 5–10 business days after receipt, though times may vary.
- NCSBI background checks: Processing times vary; electronic submissions are generally faster than paper submissions.
Under North Carolina's Public Records Law (Chapter 132), court records are generally open to the public. Agencies must allow inspection at reasonable times and may charge only the actual cost of reproduction. Certain records — such as sealed cases, expunged records, and juvenile proceedings — are restricted from public access.