Washington County Criminal Background Check

Washington County is located in the inner coastal plain of eastern North Carolina. Plymouth is the county seat. The county borders the Albemarle Sound and has a population of roughly 12,000 residents. It is one of the original counties in the state, established in 1799. Public records are managed by the Clerk of Superior Court and the Sheriff's Office. Criminal history searches can be done locally at the courthouse or through the NC State Bureau of Investigation. This guide explains the steps and resources for running a background check in Washington County.

Washington County Clerk of Court

The Clerk of Superior Court in Washington County handles all court records. Criminal cases, civil matters, and special proceedings are filed here. The office is in the courthouse in Plymouth. You can visit in person to search records using free self-service terminals.

For a certified criminal record search, submit Form AOC-CR-314 with a $25 fee. This produces an official, stamped result covering cases filed in Washington County.

The image below shows the Washington County Clerk of Court listing on the NC Courts website.

Visit this page for contact information, office hours, and directions to the courthouse. The staff are available to help with records requests during business hours.

Note: Self-service terminal results are not certified. They are suitable for informal lookups only.

NC SBI Background Check Services

The NC State Bureau of Investigation operates the statewide criminal records system. Based in Raleigh, the SBI was founded in 1937. It serves as the central repository for criminal history in North Carolina. The Computerized Criminal History file, or CCH, compiles data from law enforcement agencies across all 100 counties.

Below is the NC SBI website where background check services are listed.

Name-based searches return results faster. Fingerprint-based searches use SAFIS, the Statewide Automated Fingerprint Identification System, and provide higher accuracy. Both options are available through the SBI.

Washington County's small population of about 12,000 means the local courthouse in Plymouth processes far fewer cases than urban courthouses. This lower volume makes records easier to locate and wait times shorter. However, the same legal requirements apply. A certified search still costs $25, and the SBI statewide check still follows the same procedures as it does for any other county in North Carolina. Despite its small size, Washington County holds records going back many decades. Some older files may exist only in paper form, so ask the clerk's office if you need historical records that predate the electronic system.

Washington County Background Check Options

There are several ways to obtain background check information in Washington County. Each method has a different scope and level of detail:

• Use free self-service terminals at the Washington County Courthouse in Plymouth
• Submit Form AOC-CR-314 with $25 for a certified county search
• Contact the SBI for a statewide name-based or fingerprint-based search
• Search the NC Sex Offender Registry online
• Use the NC DPS Offender Search for prison records

A county-level search only covers Washington County. The SBI search spans the entire state. For a thorough review, use both methods together.

Washington County's courthouse in Plymouth is one of the smaller facilities in the state court system. The low case volume means that certified search requests are processed promptly, often within a single business day. If you are visiting from outside the area, Plymouth is accessible via US 64. The clerk's staff can assist with any questions about the search process or help you fill out Form AOC-CR-314 for a certified result. Bringing identification and the $25 fee in cash or money order will help speed up your visit.

Public Access to Court Records

North Carolina Chapter 132 grants broad public access to government records. Court records in Washington County are open to inspection. Most criminal case files can be viewed at the clerk's office. Exceptions exist for sealed and expunged records.

The NC Courts background check page explains what types of records are available. It also covers the difference between certified and non-certified results. Chapter 114 of the NC General Statutes governs how criminal history data is collected and shared.

Washington County has a relatively small caseload compared to larger counties. Records requests are typically processed quickly.

Note: Arrest records held by law enforcement are separate from court records kept by the clerk.

Sex Offender and Inmate Records

Two free state databases help supplement a Washington County background check. The NC Sex Offender Registry is maintained by the SBI. It allows searches by name, address, or geographic area. Results show registered offenders in or near Washington County.

The NC DPS Offender Search covers inmates in the state correctional system. You can search by name or offender ID. Both tools are free to use and available to anyone online.

Washington County is surrounded by other small rural counties including Tyrrell, Martin, and Beaufort. People in this part of eastern North Carolina frequently travel between counties for work, shopping, and services. A person with an address in Plymouth could have records filed in any of these neighboring jurisdictions. Searching only Washington County may leave gaps. The SBI statewide check captures North Carolina records from all counties in one search, which makes it a valuable complement to a local courthouse visit in Plymouth.

Clearing Records Through Expunction

Some criminal records in Washington County may be eligible for expunction. This legal process removes a record from public databases. The NC Courts expunction page lists the eligibility requirements. The filing fee is $175. Dismissed charges may qualify for a fee waiver.

Legal Aid of North Carolina offers free help. Their phone number is 1-866-219-5262. They can assist with paperwork and help determine if you qualify. After an expunction is approved, the record disappears from standard background check results.