Burke County Criminal Background Check

Burke County is in the western foothills of North Carolina. The county seat is Morganton. The Burke County Sheriff's Office and the Clerk of Superior Court are the two main local offices for criminal records and court data. A background check in Burke County can be done in person, by mail, or through state databases. The sheriff's office offers its own background check service with specific fees and processing times. This page covers all of the local and state options for searching Burke County records.

Burke County Sheriff's Office

The Burke County Sheriff's Office is led by Sheriff Alfonzo Williams. The office is at 150 Government Dr in Morganton, NC 28655. The main phone number is (828) 438-5500. The sheriff's office runs patrol operations, criminal investigations, detention, civil process, and several community programs.

Here is the Burke County Sheriff's Office website.

Community outreach is a priority for this office. The SAY program serves youth ages 6 through 12. The Citizen's Police Academy is a free, 12-week course open to the public. The CHAMPS program is another community-focused effort. These programs build trust between the sheriff's office and the residents of Burke County.

Burke County Background Check Fees

The Burke County Sheriff's Office offers its own background check service with clear fees and timelines. A county-level background check costs $15. A statewide search costs $38. Fingerprinting costs $10. Processing typically takes 5 to 7 business days.

These fees apply when you go through the sheriff's office directly. The clerk of court has a separate fee structure for certified searches. For a certified single-county court record search, the fee is $25, and you need Form AOC-CR-314. Uncertified copies from the clerk cost $3 per page.

Note: Background check processing through the Burke County Sheriff's Office typically takes 5 to 7 business days.

Court Records in Burke County

The Burke County Clerk of Superior Court is at 201 S Green St in Morganton, NC 28655. The phone number is (828) 433-3200. This office keeps all criminal and civil case records for the county. Walk-in visitors can use a self-service terminal for a free, non-certified criminal record search.

Below is the Burke County page on the NC Courts website.

The free terminal search covers only cases filed in Burke County. It is a quick way to check for criminal case records without any cost. For a formal document, the certified search at $25 is the standard option. Court staff are available to help with forms and explain results.

SBI Statewide Background Check

The NC State Bureau of Investigation runs the statewide criminal records program. The SBI has been the central repository for criminal history in North Carolina since 1937. Their Computerized Criminal History File, known as CCH, stores data from law enforcement agencies in all 100 counties. The SBI is headquartered in Raleigh.

Here is the NC SBI website.

A name-based search through the SBI is faster but less precise. A fingerprint-based search uses the SAFIS system to match biometric data and is more accurate. The SBI background check page has full details on how to submit a request. Chapter 114 of the NC General Statutes governs how criminal justice data is handled across the state.

Free Record Search Tools

Several free online tools can add useful information to a Burke County background check. Here are the main options:

• NC Sex Offender Registry for searching registered offenders by name or location
• NC DPS offender search for state prison inmate records
• Free self-service terminal at the Burke County courthouse
• SBI Right to Review for checking your own personal criminal history

The sex offender registry is maintained by the SBI and updated on a regular basis. The DPS offender search covers the state prison system. Both are open to the public at no cost. They are a good first step for a quick records check before investing in a paid search.

Burke County Background Check and Expunctions

Some records in Burke County may have been expunged. An expunction removes a charge or conviction from public access. Once a record is expunged, it will not show up in any standard background check. The NC Courts expunction page explains who qualifies and how to file.

The filing fee for an expunction is generally $175. This fee may be waived for dismissed charges. Legal Aid of North Carolina at 1-866-219-5262 offers free assistance with eligibility questions and the filing process. If you believe your own record qualifies for expunction, reaching out to Legal Aid is a good first step.

Summary of Burke County Record Options

Burke County stands out for its sheriff's office background check service, which offers county-level, statewide, and fingerprint-based options all in one place. The clerk of court adds another layer with certified and uncertified searches. State databases round out the picture with free tools and comprehensive statewide data.

For a quick, no-cost look at Burke County records, use the self-service terminal at the courthouse or the free online tools. For a formal record, choose between the sheriff's office service and the certified clerk search. For the broadest coverage, add the SBI statewide check. Each method serves a different need, and combining them gives the most complete results.

When you visit the Burke County courthouse at 201 S Green St in Morganton, the process is simple. Walk in and find the clerk's window. Ask about the self-service terminal. You type a name and see results on screen. It takes just a few minutes. The results show charges, dates, and how each case ended. Prints from the terminal are free but carry no legal weight. For a certified copy, fill out Form AOC-CR-314 at the window and pay $25.

Mail requests are accepted too. Send the form, your check, and a stamped return envelope to the clerk. Most results come back within a week. Burke County sits between Alexander County and McDowell County. People in this area may have records in more than one county. A local search only covers Burke County. The SBI statewide check fills in the rest. It pulls from all 100 counties at once. That is why pairing both searches gives you the best picture of a person's record in North Carolina.

Note: The Burke County Sheriff's Office is one of few in the region that offers county, statewide, and fingerprint checks through a single office.