Criminal records in Nash County, North Carolina, are available through several channels. NashCourt.us allows quick access to public information on criminal cases in the county. Additionally, records can be obtained through the state's judicial system online portal, the Nash County Clerk of Court's office, the Sheriff's Office, and other law enforcement agencies. Below is a practical guide to searching, understanding, and requesting criminal records in this county.
How to Search Criminal Records in Nash
There are several ways to find criminal records. Start with what you know: the person's full name, date of birth, or case number.
Online Search
- NashCourt.us — enter the name or case number to view publicly available information on Nash County criminal cases.
- North Carolina Judicial System Portal — on the Court Records page of the Judicial Branch, use the Search Portal to search by name or case number. Select Nash County in the filters.
- Court Date Search — through Court Dates, you can find scheduled hearings by name or county.
- Offender Search — the Offender Search of the North Carolina Department of Corrections contains data on inmates in state prisons and individuals on probation (since 1972). This database does not include information on detainees in local jails.
- Sex Offender Registry — the North Carolina Offender Registry allows you to check if a person is registered as a sex offender.
In-Person Visit
Visit the Nash County Clerk of Court's office in Nashville. There are public terminals for viewing court cases. The clerk can also help find archived records not available in the online system.
Nash County Clerk of Superior Court
Written Request
You can send a request by mail to the Clerk of Court's office or through the Judicial Branch's public records request form. Include the person's full name, date of birth (if known), and case number in your request. For a statewide criminal history check, contact the State Bureau of Investigation (SBI).
Search Nash Criminal Cases by Case Number
A case number in North Carolina has a standard format consisting of several parts:
- Year — two digits indicating the year the case was filed (e.g., 24 = 2024).
- Case Type Code — letter designation: CR for criminal cases in Superior Court, CRS for felonies, IF for infractions in District Court, CR can also be used for misdemeanors.
- Sequential Number — a unique number within the year and type.
Example: 24 CRS 001234 indicates a Superior Court criminal case filed in 2024 under number 001234. If you have this number, searching through the judicial system portal or NashCourt.us will yield accurate results without the need to filter by name.
Charges, Case Status, Hearings, and Court Results in Nash
When you find a criminal case, the record usually contains several key elements. Here's what they mean in practice.
Charges
| Element | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Statute Code | Reference to a specific article of the General Statutes of North Carolina (e.g., G.S. 14-72 — larceny) |
| Severity | Felony, Misdemeanor, or Infraction |
| Amended Charges | The prosecutor may change the initial charge — the new one is displayed as an amended charge |
Case Status
- Pending — the case is open, and a decision has not yet been made.
- Active — proceedings are ongoing, with hearings scheduled.
- Disposed — the court has made a decision (verdict, closure, or dismissal).
- Closed — all procedural actions are complete, including sentence execution.
Hearings
A criminal case goes through several stages:
- First Appearance / Arraignment — the accused is informed of the charges, and bail is set.
- Preliminary Hearing — for felonies; the judge assesses whether there is enough evidence to refer the case to the Grand Jury.
- Pre-trial — parties discuss evidence and possible agreements.
- Trial — court hearing on the merits.
- Sentencing — sentencing after a guilty plea.
- Review — review of probation conditions or sentence execution.
Court Results
| Result | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Guilty | Found guilty |
| Not Guilty | Acquitted |
| Dismissed | Case closed without a verdict (by prosecutor or court initiative) |
| No Contest (Nolo Contendere) | The accused does not admit guilt but does not contest the charges |
| Prayer for Judgment Continued (PJC) | The court postpones sentencing — a common practice in North Carolina |
How to Request Certified Criminal Records in Nash
Certified copies of criminal records bear the court's official seal and are accepted as legal documents. Here's where to go.
Clerk of Court's Office
The Nash County Clerk of Superior Court issues certified copies of court cases, including criminal records. Requests can be made in person or by mail.
What you need for the request:
- The accused's full name
- Case number (if known)
- Valid photo ID (for in-person requests)
- Payment of applicable fees
You can also submit a request online or by mail through the Judicial Branch's public records request page.
Statewide Criminal History Check
For a complete background check, contact the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation. The SBI maintains a centralized database of state criminal records. The request requires fingerprints and is submitted through authorized agencies.
Inmate Information
The Nash County Detention Center is located behind the courthouse on West Washington Street in Nashville and has a capacity of 259. For information on individuals in state prisons, use the offender search of the Department of Corrections.
Fees, Copy Costs, and Processing Times for Criminal Records in Nash
Fees for criminal records in North Carolina are regulated at the state level (G.S. § 7A-308 and § 7A-311). Below are approximate rates.
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Copy of court document (non-certified) | $0.25 per page |
| Document certification | $3.00 per document |
| Criminal history search through SBI (name-based) | Depends on request type; typically $14–$25 |
| Criminal history search through SBI (fingerprints) | Typically $38+ (including FBI fee if federal level is needed) |
Processing Time
- In-person at the clerk's office — copies are usually prepared the same day or within a few business days.
- Mail request — 5 to 15 business days, depending on the request volume.
- Check through SBI — 1 to 3 weeks for name-based requests; fingerprint requests may take longer.
Verify current fees directly with the Clerk of Court's office, as amounts may change according to state legislative updates.