Washington County Criminal Records Access in Plymouth

Washington County criminal records are maintained by the Clerk of Superior Court in Plymouth, North Carolina. Located in the northeastern part of the state, Washington County is part of Judicial District 2 and transitioned to the eCourts system on February 5, 2024. The clerk's office at 120 Adams Street processes all criminal case filings for the county. The public can search arrest records, court records, and criminal history information through county offices. This page covers the steps for finding criminal records in Washington County.

Washington County Clerk of Court Criminal Records

The Clerk of Superior Court at 120 Adams Street in Plymouth, NC 27962, is the official custodian of criminal records for Washington County. The office phone number is (252) 791-4000, and the mailing address is PO Box 901, Plymouth, NC 27962. The clerk's office is open Monday through Friday from 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM. Brian K. Phelps serves as the current clerk and can also be reached by email at brian.k.phelps@nccourts.org.

Washington County joined the eCourts system as part of Track 3 of the statewide rollout. The Holistic Hope Mental Health Diversion Program is also available in the judicial district, providing an alternative pathway for certain defendants with mental health needs. These programs may affect how some criminal cases are processed and recorded in Washington County.

The NC Judicial Branch website lists court information and services for Washington County.

Visit nccourts.gov/locations/washington-county for court schedules and contact details for the Washington County courthouse.

Criminal records in Washington County are public under N.C.G.S. 132-1. Anyone may request to view criminal case files at the clerk's office without providing a reason. Certain law enforcement investigation materials may be restricted under N.C.G.S. 132-1.4, but court records for resolved criminal cases in Washington County are generally available in full.

Searching Criminal Records in Washington County

There are multiple ways to access criminal records in Washington County. Visiting the courthouse in Plymouth lets you review complete case files and obtain certified copies. You can also call (252) 791-4000 to verify whether a record exists before traveling to the courthouse. Written requests can be mailed to PO Box 901, Plymouth, NC 27962.

The Washington County Clerk of Court website offers information about office services and procedures.

Check washconc.org/clerk-of-court for details about the clerk's services and how to request criminal records in Washington County.

Criminal case files in Washington County contain charge documents, hearing records, disposition records, and sentencing orders. Charge documents identify the alleged offenses and when they were filed. Disposition records show whether the case resulted in a conviction, acquittal, or dismissal. Sentencing records detail any penalties the court imposed. These documents collectively form the criminal record for each case in Washington County.

Washington County Sheriff Arrest Records

The Washington County Sheriff's Office at 120 Adams Street in Plymouth handles law enforcement and maintains arrest records for the county. The sheriff can be reached at (252) 793-1680. Booking records are created each time a person is arrested in Washington County and include the individual's name, charges, arrest date, and bond details.

The sheriff's office website provides information about law enforcement services in Washington County.

Visit washconc.org/sheriff for contact information and services provided by the Washington County Sheriff.

Arrest records from the Washington County Sheriff are separate from the court records at the clerk's office. An arrest record captures the booking process but does not show court outcomes. For a thorough review of any criminal matter in Washington County, both the arrest records and the court file should be examined.

Public Records Laws and Washington County Criminal Records

Criminal records in Washington County are governed by the North Carolina Public Records Act. The law gives anyone the right to inspect government records, including criminal case filings and arrest documentation. You do not need to be a party to the case or a resident of Washington County to access these records. The clerk's office in Plymouth is the primary point of access for court-related criminal records.

There are limits to what records the public can view. Juvenile criminal records in Washington County are sealed in most cases. Grand jury proceedings are confidential. Investigation records connected to active cases may be restricted temporarily. Once a criminal case in Washington County has been fully resolved, the associated court records are generally available for public review.

Criminal History Resources Beyond Washington County

A search restricted to Washington County criminal records will not reveal offenses from other jurisdictions. The North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation offers statewide fingerprint-based criminal history checks covering all 100 counties. The NC Courts help page provides information about how court records are organized at the state level.

Under N.C.G.S. 15A-145.5, some criminal records in Washington County may be eligible for expunction. Dismissed charges, acquittals, and certain qualifying offenses can be sealed from public view after the petitioner meets all requirements. The clerk's office in Plymouth handles expunction petitions for Washington County criminal records. The process involves filing state forms, paying applicable fees, and waiting for judicial review. Expunged criminal records in Washington County are sealed from public access and will not appear in standard searches. Law enforcement agencies retain limited access under narrow conditions defined by state statute.

Nearby Counties

These counties share borders with Washington County. Criminal records may be filed in a neighboring courthouse if an offense occurred outside Washington County.