Criminal records in Columbus County, North Carolina, can be accessed through several channels, including online tools, official court systems, law enforcement agencies, and the clerk's office. ColumbusCourt.us can help find publicly available criminal case information for Columbus County. The North Carolina Judicial Branch's Columbus County page provides courthouse details and contact information, while the Columbus County Sheriff's Office and the NC Department of Adult Correction offer additional law enforcement records access.
How to Search Criminal Records in Columbus
There are several ways to search for criminal records in Columbus County. The method you choose depends on what information you have and whether you need official or informal results.
Online Search Options
- ColumbusCourt.us — Start here to search for publicly available court record information related to criminal cases in Columbus County.
- NC Courts Case Search — The North Carolina Judicial Branch offers an eCourts portal where you can look up case information statewide, including Columbus County cases. You can search by name, case number, or attorney.
- NC Department of Adult Correction Offender Search — Search for state prisoners, probationers, parolees, and registered sex offenders. This database includes historical records back to 1972 but does not cover county jail inmates.
- NC Sex Offender Registry — The NC State Bureau of Investigation maintains a public registry searchable by name, county, or zip code.
In Person
Visit the Columbus County Clerk of Superior Court's office at the courthouse in Whiteville. Paper case files are available for public inspection during business hours, and you can request copies on-site. Public access terminals may also be available at the courthouse.
By Mail or Written Request
You can submit a written request to the Columbus County Clerk of Court for copies of criminal case records. For statewide criminal history checks, submit a request to the NC State Bureau of Investigation. The NC Judicial Branch public records request page outlines the options depending on the record type.
What You Need to Begin a Search
- Defendant's full legal name
- Date of birth (helpful but not always required)
- Case number (if known)
- County where the case was filed
Search Columbus Criminal Cases by Case Number
If you already have a case number, searching is straightforward. North Carolina uses a standardized case numbering format across all counties:
- County code — A two-digit number identifying the county (Columbus County's code is 23)
- Case type code — Letters indicating the type of case. Common criminal codes include CRS (Superior Court criminal), CRD (District Court criminal), and IF (infraction)
- Year — A two-digit year the case was filed
- Sequential number — A unique number assigned to the case within that category and year
For example, a case number like 23 CRS 001234 would indicate a Superior Court criminal case filed in Columbus County. Enter the full case number into the court's case search system to pull up charges, hearing dates, and disposition details.
Charges, Case Status, Hearings, and Court Results in Columbus
Criminal case records in Columbus County contain several data points. Here is what each one means:
Charges
| Element | Description |
|---|---|
| Statute code | The North Carolina General Statute section the defendant is charged under (e.g., N.C.G.S. § 14-72 for larceny) |
| Severity | Classified as felony, misdemeanor, or infraction |
| Amended charges | Charges may be reduced or changed through plea negotiations or prosecutorial discretion |
Case Status
- Pending — The case is open and awaiting resolution
- Active — Court proceedings are underway
- Disposed — The case has reached a final outcome (conviction, dismissal, etc.)
- Closed — All obligations, including sentencing and payments, are complete
Hearing Types
- First appearance / arraignment — Defendant is informed of charges and enters an initial plea
- Preliminary hearing — A judge determines whether probable cause exists (felony cases)
- Pre-trial hearing — Addresses motions, discovery, and plea discussions
- Trial — The case is heard before a judge or jury
- Sentencing — The court imposes punishment after a guilty verdict or plea
- Review hearing — Follow-up on probation compliance or other post-disposition matters
Court Results
- Guilty — Defendant convicted by plea or verdict
- Not guilty — Acquitted at trial
- Dismissed — Charges dropped by the prosecution or court
- Dismissed with leave — Dismissed but may be refiled
- Prayer for judgment continued (PJC) — Judgment is deferred; common in North Carolina courts
- No contest (nolo contendere) — Defendant does not contest the charges; treated as a guilty plea for sentencing
How to Request Certified Criminal Records in Columbus
Certified copies carry an official court seal and are accepted for legal, employment, and licensing purposes. The Columbus County Clerk of Superior Court handles these requests.
How to Submit a Request
- In person — Visit the clerk's office at the Columbus County Courthouse. Bring a valid government-issued photo ID. Staff can locate the case file and produce certified copies while you wait, depending on volume.
- By mail — Send a written request to the clerk's office including the defendant's full name, case number (if known), date of birth, and a return address. Include payment for applicable fees. You can find relevant court forms on the NC Judicial Branch forms page.
- Online request — The NC Judicial Branch public records request portal provides options depending on the record type.
Statewide Criminal History
For a comprehensive criminal background check beyond Columbus County court records, contact the NC State Bureau of Investigation. The SBI processes state criminal history record checks, which require fingerprint submission for official results.
Contact Information
Columbus County Clerk of Superior Court
Columbus County Sheriff's Office
Fees, Copy Costs, and Processing Times for Criminal Records in Columbus
Fees for criminal record copies in Columbus County follow the statewide schedule established under North Carolina General Statutes.
| Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| Uncertified copies (per page) | $0.25 |
| Certified copy of court document | $3.00 for certification plus $0.25 per page |
| SBI state criminal history check | $14.00 |
| SBI fingerprint-based background check | $14.00 (state) + $13.25 (FBI, if required) |
Processing Times
- In-person requests — Typically processed the same day, depending on staff availability and the complexity of the file
- Mail requests — Allow 5–10 business days for processing and return delivery
- SBI background checks — Processing times vary; electronic submissions are generally faster than paper submissions
Fees are set by N.C.G.S. § 7A-308 (court fees) and N.C.G.S. § 114-19.16 (SBI background check fees). Confirm current amounts with the clerk's office before submitting payment, as fees may be updated by the General Assembly.