Are Criminal Records in Guilford County Publicly Accessible?

Yes, criminal records in Guilford, North Carolina, are publicly accessible under the North Carolina Public Records Act. These records include arrest records, charges, and conviction details but typically exclude records that have been sealed, Expunged, or protected by privacy regulations. The act ensures transparency while protecting sensitive information in certain cases. For example, juvenile records, ongoing investigations, and cases with court orders restricting access are not available to the public. Accessing these records typically requires adherence to state and local procedures.

Who is Eligible to Access Guilford County Criminal Records in North Carolina?

In Guilford County, the general public, including employers, can access criminal records unless restricted by law or court order for different reasons, such as background checks. However, employers must seek the individual's consent in that case. Other groups that can obtain records include:

• Law enforcement agencies also have full access to all criminal records for investigation and official purposes.
• Attorneys can also request records related to their case, including restricted records, with proper authorization.
• Government agencies can also access records for licensing, investigations, or security clearance.

Records such as sealed cases or expunged convictions require special permissions or legal authorization for access.

How to Request Criminal Records in Guilford County

• Select a Request method:
  • Online: visit the North Carolina Court Records website
  • In-person Requests: visit the Guilford County Clerk of Superior Court.
  • By Mail: Submit requests to the Northern California State Bureau of Investigation.
• Gather Necessary Information, including;
  • Full name, date of birth, and other identifying details.
  • Case number or date of the offense
• Submit the Request
  Guilford County Clerk of Superior Court
  201 S Eugene St,
  Greensboro, NC 27401
  Phone: (336) 412-7300
• Pay the applicable fees. These fees vary depending on the record type and the request method. Payments are typically accepted via check, money order, or credit card.
• Receive Records.
  • Processing times may vary, with online requests taking 5-7 business days and Mail requests requiring a longer time.

Requesters may also use third-party platforms like NorthCarolinacourtrecords.us to obtain records. However, the accuracy of records on such platforms cannot be guaranteed.

What Information Is Contained in Guilford County Criminal Records?

Guilford County criminal records typically include the following:

• Full name and aliases.
• Date of birth and physical description.
• Arrest history, including dates and charges.
• Court case details, including case numbers, court date and convictions,
• Sentencing information and probation or parole details.

Juvenile records, expunged cases, and some sensitive details, such as social security numbers, are excluded or redacted.

Are There Restrictions on Accessing Criminal Records in Guilford County?

Yes, certain restrictions apply, including:

• Sealed or expunged records are only accessible with a court order
• Juvenile records are generally not accessible to the public.
• Ongoing investigations are typically restricted to protect case integrity.
• Victim Details and other sensitive information are typically redacted for privacy concerns.

Law enforcement, courts, and authorized agencies retain access to restricted records when necessary.

What Happens if My Request for Criminal Records is Denied in Guilford County?

If your request is denied, it may be because the record is sealed, expunged, or confidential by law. To address this:

• Review the denial notice to find specific reasons why it was denied.
• Contact the Guilford County Clerk of Superior Court for clarification.
• File an appeal with the North Carolina Department of Justice or seek legal assistance.

How to Expunge or Seal Guilford County Criminal Records

To expunge or seal a criminal record, individuals must meet eligibility requirements, such as:

• Acquittal, dismissal, or successful completion of a diversion program.
• A waiting period based on the offense type and sentence completion.

File a petition with the Guilford County Clerk of Superior Court, providing supporting documents. A judge will determine whether the request is granted or not.