Wayne County Criminal Records Search in Goldsboro

Wayne County criminal records are maintained by the Clerk of Superior Court in Goldsboro, North Carolina. Part of Judicial District 9 and 9B, Wayne County includes a Family Court division and processes a steady volume of criminal case filings each year. The clerk's office serves as the official custodian of all criminal records for the county. The public can access arrest records, court case data, and criminal history information from several Wayne County offices. This page explains how to search and obtain criminal records in Wayne County.

Wayne County Clerk of Court Criminal Records

Clerk Frances B. Yeargan serves as the custodian of records for Wayne County. The clerk's office is located at 174 North Brunswick Street in the Annex behind the main courthouse in Goldsboro. This office processes and stores all criminal case filings from both Superior Court and District Court proceedings. Felony cases, misdemeanor charges, and related criminal matters are all filed through this office.

The NC Judicial Branch website provides details about Wayne County court services, including information about the Family Court division in the district.

Visit nccourts.gov/locations/wayne-county for court schedules, judge assignments, and contact details for the Wayne County courthouse.

Criminal records in Wayne County are public under N.C.G.S. 132-1. This statute establishes that government records belong to the people and are open for public inspection. You can visit the clerk's office during business hours and ask to view any criminal case file. No explanation is required. Some records connected to active law enforcement investigations may be restricted under N.C.G.S. 132-1.4.

The Wayne County Clerk of Court also maintains a website with information about office services and procedures.

Check waynecountyclerkofcourt.com for details about the clerk's services and how to request criminal records from Wayne County.

Wayne County Sheriff Arrest and Criminal Records

The Wayne County Sheriff's Office at 207 E. Walnut Street in Goldsboro, NC 27530, maintains arrest and booking records for the county. The phone number is (919) 731-1481. When someone is arrested in Wayne County, the sheriff creates a booking record that includes the individual's name, charges, date of arrest, and bond information.

Arrest records from the Wayne County Sheriff are separate from the criminal court records at the clerk's office. An arrest record shows that law enforcement detained someone and documents the charges at the time of booking. It does not indicate the court outcome. Charges may be reduced, dismissed, or result in acquittal after the initial arrest. For a full understanding of any criminal matter in Wayne County, you should review both the arrest record from the sheriff and the court file from the clerk.

North Carolina public records law gives the public access to arrest records from the Wayne County Sheriff. Records tied to active investigations may be withheld under N.C.G.S. 132-1.4 until the case concludes. After that point, the records become broadly available.

Types of Criminal Records in Wayne County

Criminal case files maintained by the Wayne County clerk include several categories of documents. Charge records list the offenses alleged against the defendant and the date of filing. Indictment records document formal charges brought by a grand jury in felony cases. Plea agreements capture any negotiated resolutions between the prosecution and the defense.

Disposition records in Wayne County show the final outcome of each criminal charge, whether it ended in conviction, acquittal, or dismissal. Sentencing records detail the penalties ordered by the court, including fines, probation, community service, or incarceration. Post-conviction filings such as appeals and motions for modification are also part of the criminal record. All of these documents are held at the clerk's office at 174 North Brunswick Street in Goldsboro and are available for public review. Certified copies can be obtained for a fee set by the state.

Criminal History Checks Beyond Wayne County

A Wayne County criminal records search only reveals cases filed within this jurisdiction. For a statewide criminal history check, the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation provides fingerprint-based background searches that cover all 100 North Carolina counties. This is the most thorough option when you need records from multiple jurisdictions.

The NC Courts help page explains how court records work across the state system. The eCourts portal at portal-nc.tylertech.cloud is expanding electronic access to criminal records as more counties join the platform.

Criminal Record Expunction in Wayne County

Certain Wayne County criminal records may qualify for expunction under North Carolina law. N.C.G.S. 15A-145.5 allows individuals to petition for removal of eligible criminal records from public access. Dismissed charges, not guilty verdicts, and some first-time convictions after a waiting period may be expunged.

To pursue expunction in Wayne County, you must file a petition with the Clerk of Superior Court in Goldsboro. The process requires completing state forms, paying applicable fees, and waiting for judicial review. Once granted, the expunged criminal records are sealed from public view and will not appear in standard Wayne County record searches. Law enforcement agencies retain limited access to expunged records under circumstances defined by state statute. The clerk's staff can provide the necessary forms and explain the filing steps for criminal record expunction in Wayne County. Keep in mind that expunged records are sealed rather than destroyed and remain in the system with restricted access.

Nearby Counties

These counties border Wayne County. Criminal records may be filed in a neighboring courthouse if the offense occurred outside Wayne County lines.