Criminal records of Wilkes County, North Carolina, are available through several channels. WilkesCourt.us allows quick access to public information about criminal cases. Additionally, you can use the state's official court portals, law enforcement resources, and the Clerk of Superior Court's office directly at the Wilkes County courthouse.
How to Search Criminal Records in Wilkes
Start your search with WilkesCourt.us — enter the full name or case number to access available public information about criminal cases. For a more detailed search, there are several additional methods.
Online Search
- Use the court case search portal of the North Carolina Judicial Branch. The portal covers criminal, civil, and special proceeding cases.
- To verify individuals in state correctional facilities or on parole, use the offender search of the Department of Corrections (NC DAC). The database contains historical data from 1972 but does not include information about inmates in local county jails.
- The North Carolina Sex Offender Registry allows you to check if a person is registered as a sex offender.
In-Person Visit
The Wilkes County courthouse has public terminals where visitors can view information about criminal cases. The court clerk provides assistance with record searches and can issue copies of documents.
Written Request
You can send a request by mail to the office of the Clerk of Superior Court of Wilkes County. Include the full name of the person, date of birth (if known), and case number. For a state-level criminal history request, contact the NC State Bureau of Investigation.
To start a search, you typically need:
- Full first and last name of the person
- Date of birth — preferably
- Case number — if known
Search Wilkes Criminal Cases by Case Number
Each criminal case in North Carolina is assigned a unique number consisting of several elements. Understanding the structure of this number simplifies the search.
The typical case number format looks like this: YY CRS NNNNN, where:
- YY — the last two digits of the year the case was opened
- CRS — the case type code (CRS stands for Superior Court criminal case; CR — District Court criminal case; IF — infraction)
- NNNNN — the sequential case number within that year and type
For example, the number 24 CRS 00512 indicates a Superior Court criminal case registered in 2024 with the sequential number 512. If you only have part of the number, try searching by name — the system often allows finding the case this way.
Charges, Case Status, Hearings, and Court Results in Wilkes
Wilkes County criminal case records contain several key data categories. Each has specific legal significance.
Charges
| Element | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Statute Code | Reference to the section of the North Carolina General Statutes under which charges are filed |
| Severity | Felony, Misdemeanor, or Infraction |
| Amended Charges | The prosecutor may change the initial charge to a lesser or more severe one — this is reflected in the case materials |
Case Status
- Pending — the case is awaiting trial
- Active — the case is in active proceedings
- Disposed — the court has rendered a decision; the case is concluded
- Closed — all procedural actions are completed, including sentence execution
Hearings
Types of hearings that may appear in a case:
- First Appearance / Arraignment — the defendant's first appearance before the court
- Preliminary Hearing — a preliminary hearing to determine the sufficiency of evidence (usually in felony cases)
- Pre-Trial — a pre-trial session to resolve procedural issues
- Sentencing — a session for issuing a sentence
- Review — a review session to check compliance with conditions
Court Results
| Result | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Guilty | Found guilty |
| Not Guilty | Found not guilty |
| Dismissed | Case closed (charges dropped) |
| Acquitted | Acquitted by court or jury decision |
| No Contest / Nolo Contendere | The defendant does not contest the charges but does not admit guilt |
| Prayer for Judgment Continued (PJC) | The court postpones sentencing — a common practice in North Carolina |
How to Request Certified Criminal Records in Wilkes
Certified copies of criminal records are official documents with the court's seal, accepted by other institutions. Regular copies do not have such legal force.
Where to Apply
Certified copies of court documents are issued by the office of the Clerk of Superior Court of Wilkes County. For a state-level criminal history, contact the NC State Bureau of Investigation (SBI).
Ways to Submit a Request
- In Person — visit the clerk's office at the courthouse. Bring valid photo identification (driver's license or passport).
- By Mail — send a written request with the full name, date of birth, case number (if known), and a copy of identification. Include a check or money order for the appropriate amount.
- Online — through the Request a Public Record portal, you can request public court records. Note: not all types of records are available for online ordering.
Required Documents
- Valid photo identification
- Maximum identification information about the person whose records are requested
- Case number (speeds up processing)
The state Department of Corrections (NC DAC) provides public information about offenders online but does not have access to local or county jail records.
Fees, Copy Costs, and Processing Times for Criminal Records in Wilkes
Rates are set according to the North Carolina General Statutes (N.C.G.S. § 7A-308 and related provisions). Below are approximate rates.
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Copy of court document (per page) | $0.25 |
| Certification fee | $3.00 |
| Criminal record search (state-level background check through SBI) | Depends on the type of check; usually from $14 and up |
Processing Time
- In Person — simple copies are usually issued on the day of the request if documents are in the electronic system.
- By Mail — processing takes from 5 to 15 business days depending on the request volume and office workload.
- Criminal history check through SBI — may take from one to several weeks.
Payment is accepted by check or money order payable to Wilkes County Clerk of Superior Court. Confirm current rates directly with the clerk's office, as rates may change according to legislative updates. Additional information on obtaining court records can be found on the North Carolina Judicial Branch website.