Anson County Background Check

Anson County lies in the southern Piedmont region of North Carolina, along the South Carolina border. The county seat is Wadesboro. Criminal records, court case data, and other public documents are available through the Clerk of Superior Court and state databases. An Anson County background check covers cases filed within the county. For broader searches, the NC State Bureau of Investigation provides statewide access to criminal history. This page outlines the local and state resources you can use to search Anson County records.

Anson County Clerk of Court

The Anson County Clerk of Superior Court is the official custodian of court records in the county. The clerk's office manages criminal case files, civil records, and special proceedings. Walk-in visitors can use self-service terminals at the courthouse to search for records at no charge. These free searches are non-certified and cover only Anson County cases.

Here is the Anson County page on the NC Courts website.

The eCourts system went live in Anson County in October 2024 as part of Track 6. This digital system makes it easier to look up case information online. Staff at the clerk's office can guide you through the search process if you visit in person.

For a certified background check, submit Form AOC-CR-314 with a $25 fee. The certified search covers one county per request. If you need results from multiple counties, you will need separate forms or a statewide search through the SBI.

Background Check Fees and Methods

There are several ways to run a background check on Anson County records. Costs and scope vary by method. A self-service terminal search at the courthouse is free but not certified. A certified county search costs $25. The SBI charges $14 for a statewide criminal record check.

Fingerprint-based checks through the SBI are the most accurate option. They use the SAFIS system to match prints against the Computerized Criminal History File. Name-based checks are faster but can return false matches for common names. The NC Courts background check guide explains each method in detail.

Note: The SBI statewide search fee is $14, separate from the $25 county-level certified search fee.

Anson County Background Check With SBI

The NC State Bureau of Investigation is the central repository for criminal history in North Carolina. The agency was established in 1937 and is headquartered in Raleigh. The SBI maintains the CCH, which stands for Computerized Criminal History File. This database holds arrest and conviction records from law enforcement agencies in all 100 counties.

Here is the NC SBI website.

A statewide search through the SBI covers far more than an Anson County-only search. It picks up records from any county where a person has had contact with law enforcement. The SBI background check page has instructions for submitting a request.

Free Online Search Tools

Two free databases can add useful information to an Anson County background check. The NC Sex Offender Registry allows searches by name or geographic area. It is maintained by the SBI and covers the entire state. You can see which registered offenders live in Anson County or any other location in North Carolina.

The NC DPS Offender Search tool shows inmates currently or previously held in the state prison system. You can search by name or offender ID number. Both tools are open to the public and cost nothing to use. They are a good starting point for a quick records check before investing in a certified or fingerprint-based search.

Anson County Public Records Law

North Carolina has strong public records laws. Chapter 132 of the General Statutes establishes that most government records are open to the public. Court records, arrest data, and property filings all fall under this law. Chapter 114 governs how criminal justice information is stored, shared, and protected.

Some records may not be available. Expunged cases are removed from public view. Sealed juvenile records are also restricted. The standard expunction filing fee is $175, though it may be waived for dismissed charges. If you think a record should be expunged, Legal Aid of North Carolina at 1-866-219-5262 can answer your questions.

Steps for an Anson County Record Search

Here is a simple breakdown of how to search for records in Anson County:

• Visit the Anson County courthouse for a free self-service terminal search
• File Form AOC-CR-314 with $25 for a certified county search
• Request a statewide search from the SBI for $14
• Check the NC Sex Offender Registry online for free
• Use the SBI Right to Review program to check your own record

The eCourts system now active in Anson County has made digital access to case data easier than before. Court staff can help you navigate the tools and forms. For the most thorough results, combine a local county search with the SBI statewide check.

With eCourts live in Anson County, you can now look up basic case data from home. The portal shows case type, charges, and court dates. It does not give you the full file. For that, you still need to visit the courthouse in Wadesboro or send a mail request. When you go in person, bring a valid ID. Staff will point you to the kiosk. The search is quick. You type a name, pick a date range, and view the results on screen. Prints from the kiosk are free but not certified. If you need the $25 certified copy, ask the clerk for Form AOC-CR-314.

Anson County sits near the South Carolina line. Some people in this area have ties to both states. A North Carolina search will not show records from South Carolina. Keep that in mind. For the best local results, start at the clerk's office. Then add the SBI statewide check. The SBI pulls data from all 100 NC counties, so it catches cases filed far from Anson. This two-step approach gives you a broad and clear view of a person's record in the state.

Note: The eCourts digital system in Anson County went live in October 2024 as part of Track 6.