Criminal records in Dare County, North Carolina, can be accessed through several channels. DareCourt.us can help find publicly available criminal case information filed in the county. Beyond that, the North Carolina court system, local law enforcement agencies, and the Dare County Clerk of Superior Court's office each provide ways to search for or request criminal records. The method you choose depends on whether you need a quick lookup or a certified document.
How to Search Criminal Records in Dare County
There are several ways to search for criminal records connected to Dare County cases. Start by identifying what information you have — a full name, date of birth, or case number will narrow results significantly.
Through DareCourt.us
Visit DareCourt.us to search for publicly available court record information in Dare County. You can look up cases using a defendant's name or case number.
Online — State and Agency Portals
- North Carolina Judicial Branch: The Court Records page on the NC Courts website explains how to obtain court records, conduct background checks, and request expungements. The Dare County court location page provides contact details for the local Clerk of Superior Court.
- NC Department of Adult Correction (DAC): Use the Offender Search tool to look up state prisoners, probationers, parolees, county jail inmates, and registered sex offenders by name or offender ID.
In Person
You can visit the Dare County Justice Center and use the Clerk of Superior Court's office to search criminal case files. Public access terminals may be available at the courthouse. Bring a valid photo ID.
By Mail or Written Request
Submit a written request to the Dare County Clerk of Superior Court. Include the defendant's full name, date of birth (if known), and case number (if available). You can also file a Public Records Request through the North Carolina Judicial Branch website.
For statewide criminal history checks, contact the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation (SBI), which maintains the state criminal history repository.
What you need to begin a search:
- Defendant's full legal name
- Date of birth (recommended)
- Case number (if available)
- Approximate date range of the case
Search Dare County Criminal Cases by Case Number
North Carolina uses a standardized case number format across all counties. Understanding the format helps you locate a specific case quickly.
A typical North Carolina case number looks like this: 24 CRS 000123
- 24 — The last two digits of the year the case was filed
- CRS — The case type code. Common criminal codes include:
- CRS — Criminal Superior Court
- CRD — Criminal District Court
- IF — Infraction
- IFS — Infraction (Superior)
- 000123 — 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. Even a minor variation — such as omitting a leading zero — may prevent a match.
Charges, Case Status, Hearings, and Court Results in Dare County
Charges
| Element | What It Means |
|---|---|
| Statute code | References the North Carolina General Statute (e.g., N.C.G.S. § 14-72 for larceny) |
| Severity | Felony, misdemeanor, or infraction — felonies are classified A through I; misdemeanors A1 through 3 |
| Amended charges | The original charge may be reduced or changed through plea negotiations or prosecutorial discretion |
Case Status
- Pending: The case is open and awaiting court action
- Active: Proceedings are underway
- Disposed: A final outcome has been entered (conviction, dismissal, etc.)
- Closed: All court obligations are satisfied and the case is finalized
Hearing Types
- First appearance: Defendant is informed of charges and bail is addressed
- Probable cause / preliminary hearing: A judge determines whether enough evidence exists to proceed (felonies)
- Arraignment: Formal reading of charges; defendant enters a plea
- Pre-trial hearing: Motions, discovery issues, and plea discussions
- Trial: Bench or jury trial on the merits
- Sentencing: Judge imposes punishment after a guilty verdict or plea
- Review hearing: Follow-up on probation compliance or other conditions
Court Results
- Guilty: Convicted by plea or verdict
- Not guilty: Acquitted at trial
- Dismissed: Charges dropped by the state or court
- Dismissed with leave: Charges dismissed but may be refiled
- Prayer for judgment continued (PJC): Judgment is deferred; no formal sentencing at the time
- No contest (nolo contendere): Defendant does not admit guilt but accepts punishment
How to Request Certified Criminal Records in Dare County
Certified copies of criminal records carry an official court seal and are accepted for legal, employment, and licensing purposes. The Dare County Clerk of Superior Court handles these requests.
How to Submit a Request
- In person: Visit the Clerk's office at the Dare County Justice Center. Bring a valid government-issued photo ID. Ask the clerk for certified copies of the specific case documents you need.
- By mail: Send a written request to the Clerk of Superior Court. Include the defendant's full name, date of birth, case number, the specific documents requested, and a return address. Include payment for applicable fees.
- Online: You can submit a public records request through the North Carolina Judicial Branch website. The Clerk's office will respond with instructions or the requested documents.
Statewide Criminal History
For a comprehensive criminal background check beyond Dare County records, contact the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation (SBI). The SBI processes state criminal history record checks, which may require fingerprint submission. The NC Department of Adult Correction's public records office can provide information about offenders in the state prison system but does not hold local jail or court records.
Contact Information
Dare County Clerk of Superior Court
Fees, Copy Costs, and Processing Times for Criminal Records in Dare County
Fees for criminal record copies in North Carolina are set by statute (N.C.G.S. § 7A-308). The following table reflects standard court fees:
| Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| Uncertified copy (per page) | $0.25 |
| Certified copy (first page) | $3.00 |
| Certified copy (each additional page) | $0.25 |
| Certification of a document already copied | $3.00 |
Processing Times
- In-person requests: Often processed the same day, depending on volume and document availability
- Mail requests: Typically 5–10 business days after the clerk receives the request and payment
- Online public records requests: Response times vary; the Judicial Branch aims to respond promptly but complex requests may take longer
Fees are generally payable by cash, check, or money order at the clerk's office. Confirm accepted payment methods before visiting or mailing a request, as policies can change. For Dare County local rules and forms, check the North Carolina Judicial Branch website.