Criminal records in Brunswick County, North Carolina, can be accessed through several channels. BrunswickCourt.us can help find publicly available criminal case information for this county. Beyond that, the North Carolina court system's online portal, the Brunswick County Clerk of Superior Court's office, law enforcement agencies, and the state's criminal history repository all offer ways to search for or request records. The method you choose depends on whether you need a quick lookup or a certified document.
How to Search Criminal Records in Brunswick
Several methods are available for searching criminal records in Brunswick County. What you need to get started:
- Defendant's full legal name (first and last, middle if known)
- Date of birth (helpful for narrowing results)
- Case number (if you already have one)
Online Through BrunswickCourt.us
Start with BrunswickCourt.us to search for publicly available criminal case information filed in Brunswick County. You can search by name or case number.
Online Through the NC Courts Portal
The North Carolina Judicial Branch offers an online case information search through its eCourts portal. You can look up criminal case data statewide, including Brunswick County cases. Note: the courts advise that individuals performing background checks should use the county clerk's office rather than the portal, since the portal may not reflect all records.
NC Department of Adult Correction Offender Search
To find information on state prisoners, probationers, or parolees, use the NC Department of Adult Correction offender search. You can search by name or offender ID.
In Person
Visit the Brunswick County Clerk of Superior Court's office at the courthouse. Public self-service terminals are available during business hours, allowing you to look up criminal case information directly. This is the recommended method for thorough background checks.
Brunswick County Courthouse
By Mail or Written Request
You can submit a written request for criminal record information to the Brunswick County Clerk of Superior Court at the address above. Include the defendant's full name, date of birth, and any known case numbers. For statewide criminal history checks, requests can also be directed to the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation (SBI). The NC Judicial Branch provides guidance on how to request a public record by mail or in person.
Search Brunswick Criminal Cases by Case Number
If you have a case number, searching is straightforward. North Carolina uses a standardized case numbering format:
- County code — a two-character abbreviation identifying the county (Brunswick County's code is "10" in the older system or uses the county abbreviation in eCourts)
- Case type code — a letter or letters indicating the type of case:
- CRS — Superior Court criminal case
- CR — District Court criminal case
- IF — Infraction
- Year — the two-digit year the case was filed
- Sequential number — a unique number assigned in order of filing
For example, a case number like 10 CRS 001234 would indicate a Superior Court criminal case filed in Brunswick County, case number 1234. When searching, enter the full case number exactly as it appears on any court documents you have. Partial numbers may return no results or multiple matches.
Charges, Case Status, Hearings, and Court Results in Brunswick
Charges
| Element | What It Means |
|---|---|
| Statute code | The North Carolina General Statute section the defendant is charged under (e.g., N.C.G.S. § 14-72 for larceny) |
| Severity | Felony, misdemeanor, or infraction — felonies are classified by letter (A through I), misdemeanors by class (1 through 3, plus A1) |
| Amended charges | The original charge may be reduced or changed through plea negotiations; the amended charge replaces the original for disposition purposes |
Case Status
| Status | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Pending | The case is open and awaiting further court action |
| Active | Proceedings are underway (may involve scheduled hearings or trial) |
| Disposed | The case has reached a final outcome — conviction, dismissal, or other resolution |
| Closed | All court actions, including any post-disposition requirements, are complete |
Hearing Types
- First appearance / arraignment — the defendant is formally informed of charges and enters an initial plea
- Preliminary hearing — (felony cases) a judge determines whether probable cause exists to proceed
- Pre-trial hearing — attorneys address motions, evidence issues, and possible plea agreements
- Trial — the case is heard before a judge or jury
- Sentencing — if convicted, the judge imposes a sentence based on North Carolina's structured sentencing guidelines
- Review hearing — the court checks on compliance with probation or other conditions
Court Results
| Result | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Guilty | Defendant was found or pleaded guilty |
| Not guilty | Defendant was acquitted at trial |
| Dismissed | Charges were dropped by the prosecution or court |
| Dismissed with leave | Dismissed but may be refiled within the statute of limitations |
| Prayer for judgment continued (PJC) | Guilt is acknowledged but sentencing is deferred — common in North Carolina |
| No contest (nolo contendere) | Defendant does not admit guilt but accepts punishment |
How to Request Certified Criminal Records in Brunswick
Certified criminal records carry an official court seal and are accepted for employment screening, licensing, and legal proceedings. In Brunswick County, these are handled by the Clerk of Superior Court.
Steps to Request
- Visit the criminal background check page on the NC Judicial Branch website for current instructions and any required forms.
- Go to the Brunswick County Clerk of Superior Court's office in person, or submit your request by mail.
- Provide a valid government-issued photo ID (driver's license, state ID, or passport).
- Supply the subject's full legal name and date of birth. If requesting your own record, you must verify your identity.
- Pay the applicable fee (see below).
The Clerk of Superior Court can issue a certified background check covering Brunswick County criminal records. For a statewide criminal history that includes records from all 100 North Carolina counties, you will need to contact the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation, which maintains the state criminal history repository.
Brunswick County Clerk of Superior Court
Fees, Copy Costs, and Processing Times for Criminal Records in Brunswick
Fees are set by North Carolina statute (N.C.G.S. § 7A-308 and related sections). The following are standard fees applicable in Brunswick County:
| Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| Certified criminal background check (single county, through Clerk of Superior Court) | $25.00 |
| Copies of court documents (uncertified) | $0.25 per page |
| Certification of a document | $3.00 per document |
| Statewide criminal history (through NC SBI) | $14.00 (name-based search) |
Processing Times
- In-person requests at the clerk's office are often processed the same day or within a few business days, depending on volume.
- Mail requests typically take one to two weeks, plus mailing time.
- SBI statewide checks may take several business days to several weeks depending on the method of submission.
Fees are generally payable by cash, money order, or certified check at the clerk's office. Ask the clerk about accepted payment methods before visiting, as policies on personal checks and credit cards can vary. For the most current fee schedule, contact the Brunswick County courthouse directly.