Guilford County Criminal Records
What Is Guilford County Criminal Records
Criminal records in Guilford County constitute official documentation of an individual's interactions with the criminal justice system within the county's jurisdiction. These records encompass a comprehensive chronology of a person's criminal history as maintained by various law enforcement and judicial agencies operating in Guilford County, North Carolina.
Criminal records typically include several distinct categories of documentation:
- Arrest Records: Documentation of apprehensions by law enforcement agencies, which may not necessarily result in charges or convictions
- Conviction Records: Official records of guilty verdicts or pleas in criminal proceedings
- Felony Records: Documentation of serious crimes punishable by imprisonment exceeding one year
- Misdemeanor Records: Records of less serious offenses typically punishable by fines or imprisonment of less than one year
- Adult Records: Criminal proceedings involving individuals 18 years or older
- Juvenile Records: Documentation of offenses committed by minors, which are generally sealed and not accessible to the public pursuant to North Carolina General Statute § 7B-3000
- Active Warrants: Current outstanding orders for arrest
- Historical Records: Documentation of past criminal proceedings and their outcomes
Multiple agencies maintain criminal records in Guilford County, each responsible for different aspects of the criminal justice process:
Guilford County Sheriff's Office
400 W. Washington Street
Greensboro, NC 27401
336-641-3694
Guilford County Sheriff's Office
The Sheriff's Office maintains arrest records, booking information, and operates the county detention facilities.
Guilford County Courthouse
201 S. Eugene Street
Greensboro, NC 27401
336-412-7300
Guilford County Courts
The court system maintains case records, dispositions, and sentencing information.
North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation
3320 Garner Road
Raleigh, NC 27610
919-662-4500
North Carolina SBI
The SBI maintains statewide criminal history information and fingerprint records.
Criminal records typically document the entire progression of a criminal case, including:
- Initial charges and arraignments
- Plea agreements or trial proceedings
- Verdicts and judgments
- Sentencing details
- Probation or parole information
Under North Carolina General Statute § 132-1.4, criminal records are defined as "records of criminal investigations conducted by public law enforcement agencies, records of criminal intelligence information compiled by public law enforcement agencies, and records of investigations conducted by the North Carolina Judicial Standards Commission."
Are Criminal Records Public In Guilford County
Criminal records in Guilford County are generally considered public records under North Carolina law, with specific exceptions established by statute. The North Carolina Public Records Act § 132-1 establishes the foundational principle that records made or received in the transaction of public business are the property of the people.
The statute specifically states: "The public records and public information compiled by the agencies of North Carolina government or its subdivisions are the property of the people. Therefore, it is the policy of this State that the people may obtain copies of their public records and public information free or at minimal cost unless otherwise specifically provided by law."
Public criminal records in Guilford County typically include:
- Adult conviction records
- Court proceedings and case dispositions
- Sentencing information
- Incarceration records
- Sex offender registry information
However, certain categories of criminal records remain restricted from public access:
- Records pertaining to ongoing investigations
- Sealed or expunged records
- Juvenile records (with limited exceptions)
- Records sealed by court order
- Certain domestic violence records
- Information that would compromise law enforcement techniques
The North Carolina Administrative Office of the Courts maintains the official court records system for Guilford County and provides public access to non-confidential court records. While the public has a right to inspect these records, certain procedural requirements and restrictions may apply.
Law enforcement investigative records maintain a special status under North Carolina General Statute § 132-1.4, which exempts records of criminal investigations and criminal intelligence information from public disclosure. However, certain basic information about arrests and incidents must be disclosed upon request.
Members of the public seeking access to criminal records in Guilford County must follow established procedures and may be required to submit formal requests, particularly for records not available through online portals.
How To Look Up Criminal Records In Guilford County in 2026
Members of the public seeking criminal records in Guilford County may utilize several established methods to access this information. The county maintains multiple access points for criminal record retrieval, each serving different purposes and containing varying levels of detail.
For in-person requests at the courthouse:
- Visit the Guilford County Clerk of Superior Court's office during regular business hours.
- Complete the required records request form, providing specific information about the case or individual.
- Present valid government-issued photo identification.
- Pay applicable fees for copies or certified records.
- Receive requested records or information about when they will be available.
Guilford County Clerk of Superior Court
201 S. Eugene Street
Greensboro, NC 27401
336-412-7300
Guilford County Courts
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
For criminal background checks through the Sheriff's Office:
- Visit the Guilford County Sheriff's Office Records Division.
- Complete the criminal history request form.
- Provide required identification and payment.
- Specify the purpose of the request.
- Allow processing time as indicated by staff.
Guilford County Sheriff's Office Records Division
400 W. Washington Street
Greensboro, NC 27401
336-641-3694
Guilford County Sheriff's Office
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
For statewide criminal history information:
- Submit a request to the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation.
- Complete the required forms and provide fingerprints if necessary.
- Pay the established fee.
- Specify the purpose of the request.
- Allow for processing time.
North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation
Criminal Information and Identification Section
3320 Garner Road
Raleigh, NC 27610
919-662-4500
North Carolina SBI
Pursuant to North Carolina General Statute § 15A-1340.14, certain criminal history information may be used for sentencing purposes, highlighting the importance of accurate record-keeping and appropriate access protocols.
Requestors should note that processing times vary based on the complexity of the request and current workload of the respective agencies. Additionally, certain records may require court orders or other authorization for release.
How To Find Criminal Records in Guilford County Online?
Guilford County provides several digital platforms for accessing criminal records online, offering convenient alternatives to in-person requests. These electronic resources vary in scope, content, and accessibility.
The North Carolina Court System maintains a comprehensive online case information portal:
- Access the North Carolina Judicial Branch Court Records portal.
- Select the appropriate search option (criminal, civil, traffic).
- Enter the required search criteria (name, case number, etc.).
- Review the results, which typically include case numbers, charges, hearing dates, and disposition information.
- Note that complete case files are not available online; certain documents require in-person requests.
For current inmate information and recent arrests:
- Visit the Guilford County Inmate Search portal.
- Enter search criteria (name, booking number, etc.).
- Review results showing current inmates, booking information, charges, and scheduled court dates.
- Note that this system only displays currently incarcerated individuals and recent releases.
For statewide offender information:
- Access the North Carolina Department of Adult Correction Offender Search.
- Enter search criteria for the individual.
- Review results showing current status of individuals under state supervision.
- Note that this system includes state prisoners, probationers, parolees, and registered sex offenders.
Important considerations when using online record systems:
- Some systems require user registration or acceptance of terms of use.
- Online records may not include complete case files or all available information.
- Certain sensitive or sealed records are excluded from online access.
- Information is provided for informational purposes and may not constitute official certified records.
- System updates may not reflect real-time information; there may be delays in posting new data.
Users should be aware that online record systems are subject to scheduled maintenance and occasional technical issues. Additionally, older records may not be fully digitized and might require in-person requests at the appropriate agency.
Can You Search Guilford County Criminal Records for Free?
Guilford County residents and members of the public may access certain criminal records without payment of fees, in accordance with North Carolina public records law. The North Carolina Public Records Act § 132-6.2 establishes that "every person having custody of public records shall permit them to be inspected and examined at reasonable times and under reasonable supervision by any person, and shall, as promptly as possible, furnish copies thereof upon payment of any fees as may be prescribed by law."
Free inspection of criminal records is available at the following locations:
Guilford County Clerk of Superior Court
201 S. Eugene Street
Greensboro, NC 27401
336-412-7300
Guilford County Courts
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
High Point Courthouse
505 E. Green Drive
High Point, NC 27260
336-822-6700
Guilford County Courts
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Free online resources include:
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North Carolina Judicial Branch Court Records Search - Provides basic case information including charges, court dates, and dispositions without charge.
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Guilford County Inmate Search - Offers free access to current inmate information, booking details, and scheduled court dates.
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North Carolina Offender Public Information Search - Provides free access to information about state prisoners, probationers, parolees, and registered sex offenders.
While inspection of records is generally free, fees may apply for:
- Copies of documents (typically $0.25-$2.00 per page)
- Certified copies of court documents ($5.00 per certification)
- Complete criminal history reports ($15.00-$25.00)
- Expedited processing services
- Records requiring extensive staff time for retrieval or redaction
Agencies may waive fees in certain circumstances, particularly for indigent requestors or when the request serves a public interest. Requestors should inquire about potential fee waivers when submitting their requests.
What's Included in a Guilford County Criminal Record?
Criminal records maintained by Guilford County agencies contain standardized categories of information documenting an individual's interactions with the criminal justice system. These records typically include comprehensive details about the person, alleged offenses, and case outcomes.
Identifying Information:
- Full legal name and known aliases
- Date of birth and age
- Physical description (height, weight, eye color, hair color)
- Booking photograph (mugshot)
- Last known address
- State Identification Number (SID)
- FBI number (if applicable)
- Fingerprint classification
Arrest Information:
- Date and time of arrest
- Arresting agency and officer
- Booking number and facility
- Charges filed at arrest
- Bail or bond amount
- Detention facility information
- Arresting agency case number
Court Case Information:
- Court case number
- Court of jurisdiction
- Filing date
- Formal charges and applicable statutes
- Classification of offenses (felony/misdemeanor classes)
- Plea information
- Defense attorney information
- Prosecutor information
- Hearing dates and outcomes
Disposition Information:
- Verdict or case outcome
- Conviction date (if applicable)
- Sentencing details:
- Incarceration length
- Probation terms
- Fines and court costs
- Restitution orders
- Special conditions
- Appeal information
- Probation/parole status and conditions
Additional Information:
- Active warrants
- Protective or restraining orders
- Sex offender registration requirements
- DUI/DWI history
- Traffic violations connected to criminal cases
- Pending charges in other jurisdictions
- Prior criminal history summary
The specific content of criminal records may vary based on the maintaining agency and the nature of the case. Records maintained by the Guilford County Sheriff's Office may contain different details than those maintained by the North Carolina Judicial Branch.
Pursuant to North Carolina General Statute § 15A-502, law enforcement agencies are required to fingerprint and photograph individuals charged with certain offenses, ensuring proper identification within criminal records.
How Long Does Guilford County Keep Criminal Records?
Guilford County maintains criminal records according to retention schedules established by the North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources, Division of Archives and Records. These schedules specify mandatory minimum retention periods for various types of criminal justice records.
Criminal record retention periods in Guilford County typically follow these guidelines:
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Arrest Records: Maintained permanently in electronic format; paper records may be destroyed after digitization and quality control verification.
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Misdemeanor Case Files: Retained for a minimum of 3 years after case disposition, judgment satisfaction, or last action on the case.
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Felony Case Files: Maintained for a minimum of 20 years after case disposition, judgment satisfaction, or last action on the case. Cases involving serious felonies (homicide, sexual assault) are typically retained permanently.
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Court Dockets and Calendars: Retained for a minimum of 3 years.
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Warrant and Indictment Records: Maintained for a minimum of 3 years after service or recall.
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Probation and Parole Records: Retained for a minimum of 5 years after termination of supervision.
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Jail Records: Inmate files maintained for a minimum of 5 years after release; booking records retained for a minimum of 3 years.
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Expunged Records: Destroyed according to court order pursuant to North Carolina General Statute § 15A-145 and related expungement statutes.
The North Carolina Records Retention and Disposition Schedule mandates these minimum retention periods, though agencies may retain records longer than required. Digital conversion has extended the practical retention of many records beyond the minimum requirements.
Criminal history information maintained by the State Bureau of Investigation is generally retained for the life of the individual, with certain exceptions for expunged records. The SBI serves as the central repository for criminal history information in North Carolina.
Records that have met their retention requirements may be destroyed in accordance with approved disposition methods, typically through secure shredding for paper records and certified deletion for electronic records.
Lookup Criminal Records in Guilford County
Sheriff's Office criminal records
Guilford County inmate search database
North Carolina court records search