Criminal records in Sampson County, North Carolina, are available through several channels. SampsonCourt.us allows quick access to public information about criminal cases in the county. Additionally, records can be obtained through the state court system portal, the Clerk of Court's office at the Sampson County Courthouse, and county law enforcement agencies. Below is a practical guide to searching, understanding, and obtaining certified criminal records.
How to Search Criminal Records in Sampson
There are several ways to find criminal records in Sampson County. Start with the one that is most convenient for you.
Online Search
- SampsonCourt.us — enter a name or case number to view publicly available information about county criminal cases.
- North Carolina Judicial Branch Portal — the NC Judicial Branch website has a search tool where you can search by defendant's name, case number, or citation number. The portal covers cases from all counties in the state, including Sampson.
- Offender Search — the Department of Adult Correction allows you to find information about inmates in state prisons, probationers, and parolees. The search is conducted by name or offender ID.
In-Person Visit
Public computer terminals are available at the Sampson County Courthouse. Through the terminal, you can search cases by defendant's name, case number, or witness or victim's name. Paper case materials can also be viewed by contacting the Clerk of Court.
Written Request by Mail
Send a written request to the Clerk of Superior Court of Sampson County. Include the full name of the person, date of birth (if known), and case number. Include payment for the applicable fees in the form of a money order.
For an official state-level criminal history check, the request is submitted to the State Bureau of Investigation (SBI). More details on the verification procedure can be found on the Court Records page of the NC Judicial Branch.
What You Need to Start a Search
- Full name of the person
- Date of birth (preferably)
- Case number (if known)
- Citation number (for traffic violations)
Search Sampson Criminal Cases by Case Number
The case number is the most accurate way to find a specific record. In North Carolina, criminal case numbers follow a standard format:
XX CRS YYYYY
- XX — two-digit year the case was filed (e.g., 24 for 2024)
- CRS — case type code. "CRS" is used for Superior Court criminal cases, "CR" for District Court, "IF" or "TR" for traffic violations
- YYYYY — sequential case number within the county and year
Knowing this number will give you an accurate result without confusion with namesakes. If the number is unknown, searching by name remains a viable option, but there may be more results than you expect.
Charges, Case Status, Hearings, and Court Results in Sampson
Each criminal case in the county contains several key elements. Here's what each of them means.
Charges
| Element | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Statute Code | Reference to a specific article of the General Statutes of North Carolina (e.g., G.S. 14-72 — theft) |
| Severity | Felony, Misdemeanor, or Infraction |
| Amended Charges | The prosecutor may amend the charges during the proceedings — for example, reduce a felony to a misdemeanor as part of a plea agreement |
Case Status
- Pending — the case is open, and a decision has not yet been made
- Active — proceedings are ongoing, hearings are scheduled
- Disposed — the case has been resolved (verdict, closure, dismissal)
- Closed — all procedural actions are complete
Types of Hearings
Arraignment — the first court hearing where the defendant learns about the charges and pleads guilty or not guilty. A preliminary hearing is held in felony cases to determine the sufficiency of evidence. Pre-trial conferences allow parties to discuss settlements. Sentencing — the imposition of a sentence after a guilty plea. Review hearings are scheduled to monitor compliance with the terms of the sentence.
Court Results
| Result | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Guilty | Found guilty — by court or plea agreement |
| Not Guilty | Acquitted after trial |
| Dismissed | The case was closed by the prosecutor or court |
| Acquitted | Full acquittal after jury or trial |
How to Request Certified Criminal Records in Sampson
Certified copies are official documents with the court's seal and have legal force. They are often required by employers, attorneys, or government agencies.
Where to Apply
Requests for certified copies of court criminal records are processed by the Sampson County Clerk of Superior Court. You can submit a request in person, by mail, or through the public records request portal.
What You Need for the Request
- Complete the request form (available at the clerk's office or on the judicial branch website)
- Provide a valid ID (driver's license or passport)
- Specify the defendant's full name and case number
- Pay the certification fee
For a state-level criminal history check, the request is submitted to the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation. This procedure usually requires fingerprinting.
Fees, Copy Costs, and Processing Times for Criminal Records in Sampson
Fees are set according to the North Carolina General Statutes. Below are the main rates.
| Service | Cost | Basis |
|---|---|---|
| Copy of court document (per page) | $0.25 | G.S. 7A-308 |
| Document certification | $3.00 | G.S. 7A-308 |
| Criminal history check via SBI (for individuals) | Depends on the type of check; usually from $14 and up | Set by SBI |
Processing Times
- In-person request — simple copies are usually issued the same day or within a few business days
- Mail request — processing may take one to three weeks depending on the request volume and office workload
- Check via SBI — results are received within 1–5 business days after receiving fingerprints
Payment is accepted by money orders or certified checks made payable to the Sampson County Clerk of Court. Confirm acceptable forms of payment directly with the county clerk's office, as conditions may change.