Graham County Background Check
Graham County is the westernmost county in North Carolina. Robbinsville is the county seat. Tucked into the Great Smoky Mountains, Graham County is among the least populated in the state. Criminal background checks can be conducted through the local sheriff's office, the clerk of court, and state-level databases. Public records are open to inspection under North Carolina law. Whether you need a quick name search or a certified criminal history report, this page outlines every option available in Graham County.
Graham County Sheriff's Office
The Graham County Sheriff's Office provides law enforcement across the county. Its jurisdiction covers the mountains, valleys, and lakeside communities near Fontana Lake and Lake Santeetlah. The sheriff's office maintains arrest logs and incident reports.
Below is the Graham County Sheriff's Office page, where you can find contact details and current information.
Due to Graham County's remote location, the sheriff's office often coordinates with state agencies and the US Forest Service. Criminal records from these interactions may appear in background searches.
Note: Arrest records held by the sheriff are public unless sealed by court order or covered by an active investigation.
Graham County Clerk of Court Background Check
The Graham County Clerk of Superior Court holds all court records for the county. Criminal cases, civil disputes, and traffic violations are all filed here. You can visit the courthouse in Robbinsville to use a self-service terminal. These terminals let you search criminal case records at no charge. The results are not certified.
Here is the Graham County Clerk of Court listing on the NC Courts website.
A certified search costs $25. You will need to fill out Form AOC-CR-314. The clerk's staff can help with the paperwork if you visit in person.
Due to Graham County's remote spot in the mountains, getting to the courthouse in Robbinsville can take time from most parts of the state. A mail-in request is a solid choice if you cannot make the trip. Send the filled-out AOC-CR-314 form with a $25 check or money order to the Graham County Clerk of Superior Court. Include the full name and date of birth of the person being searched. The clerk will process your request and mail back the certified results. Allow a few weeks for the round trip. The NC eCourts portal, once live for all case types, may also help people look up Graham County records from home.
Graham County Government Resources
The Graham County government website is a central hub for county services and departments. It provides links to offices that handle property records, tax information, and other public documents. While not directly tied to criminal searches, these resources can help verify personal details during a background check.
The county government site also lists contact information for all departments. This is useful when you need to reach specific offices for records requests.
If you plan to check public records in Graham County, the county website can save you time by helping you find the right office and phone number. Calling ahead is wise in a county this small, as hours can vary and staff may be out on certain days. For those looking at more than just criminal data, the register of deeds and tax offices can fill in details about property and land ties.
Note: Property and tax records are separate from criminal records but are still considered public documents under Chapter 132.
Statewide Criminal History Search
The NC SBI background check program covers all 100 counties. The State Bureau of Investigation has operated since 1937 out of Raleigh. Their CCH database stores criminal records contributed by every law enforcement agency in the state. Graham County records are included.
There are two main types of SBI searches. A name-based search is straightforward but can produce false matches. A fingerprint-based search uses SAFIS to confirm identity. Fingerprint checks take longer but are far more accurate. The NC Courts background check page explains the differences in detail.
For Graham County, a statewide SBI check is a smart move. The county shares borders with Cherokee and Swain counties, and people in this part of the mountains may have ties to towns in more than one county. A single-county search at the Robbinsville courthouse would miss any cases filed elsewhere. The SBI check pulls from all 100 counties at once, so it fills that gap. The cost is higher, but the reach is much wider.
Free Online Background Check Tools
Two free databases can supplement a Graham County background check:
- The NC Sex Offender Registry lets you search by name or location
- The NC DPS Offender Search shows current and past state inmates
- Both tools are free and require no registration
The sex offender registry is maintained by the SBI. The offender search is run by the Department of Public Safety. Together, they give you access to information that goes well beyond what is available at the county level alone.
Expunction of Records in Graham County
Certain criminal records may be removed from public view through expunction. The NC Courts expunction page describes who is eligible. The standard filing fee is $175. Dismissed charges may qualify for a waiver.
If you need help, Legal Aid of North Carolina offers free assistance. Call 1-866-219-5262. Once a record is expunged, it will not appear in standard searches. This applies to both county and state-level results.
North Carolina's expunction laws have expanded in recent years. More people may qualify than before. Checking your eligibility is a good first step if you believe a past charge should be cleared.
In Graham County, the low case volume means that the clerk's office can often handle expunction filings with a quick turn. Still, the state-level review takes time, so the full process may last several months. Make sure your form is complete and your fee is paid when you file. Mistakes on the form can cause delays. Legal Aid staff are a great help for those who have not been through the process before.