Criminal records in Gaston County, North Carolina, can be accessed through several channels. GastonCourt.us can help find publicly available criminal case information. Beyond that, the North Carolina court system's online portal, law enforcement agencies, and the Gaston County Clerk of Superior Court's office all serve as access points for criminal case data, background checks, and certified record copies.
How to Search Criminal Records in Gaston County
There are multiple ways to look up criminal records in Gaston County, depending on what you need and how quickly you need it.
Online Search Options
- GastonCourt.us — Start here to search for publicly available court record information by name or case number.
- North Carolina Judicial Branch Portal — The Court Records page on the NC Courts website provides access to the statewide search portal, where you can look up court dates, case details, and criminal case records by name, county, date range, or citation number.
- NC Department of Adult Correction Offender Search — Use the Offender Search tool to find information about individuals in NC prison facilities or on parole or probation. The public records online portal allows searches by name or offender ID. Note: this does not include county jail information.
- Gastonia Police Department Crime Reports — If you need a police incident report from the City of Gastonia, use the online crime report retrieval system.
In Person
Visit the Gaston County Clerk of Superior Court at the Gaston County Courthouse. Public access terminals may be available for searching case records on site. Staff can also assist with locating specific files.
By Mail or Written Request
You can submit a written request for court records to the Gaston County Clerk of Superior Court at the courthouse address above. The NC Judicial Branch public records request page outlines options for requesting records by mail or in person. For statewide criminal history checks, requests can also be directed to the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation (SBI), which maintains the state criminal history repository.
What You Need to Begin a Search
- Defendant's full legal name (first and last; middle name helps narrow results)
- Date of birth (if known)
- Case number (if available)
- County where the case was filed
Search Gaston County Criminal Cases by Case Number
If you already have a case number, searching by it is the fastest and most precise method. North Carolina uses a standardized case number format across all counties:
- Year — Two-digit year the case was filed (e.g., 24 for 2024)
- County code — A two-letter abbreviation identifying the county (CR for criminal cases in Superior Court, CRS for criminal cases in District Court varies by division)
- Case type prefix — Indicates the type of case. Common criminal prefixes include:
- CRS — Criminal Superior Court
- CR — Criminal District Court
- IF — Infraction
- Sequential number — A unique number assigned in the order the case was filed
For example, a case number like 24 CRS 001234 would indicate a 2024 Superior Court criminal case. Enter the full case number into the NC Courts search portal or provide it to the Clerk's office for a direct lookup.
Charges, Case Status, Hearings, and Court Results in Gaston County
Charges
| Element | What It Means |
|---|---|
| Statute code | The specific North Carolina General Statute section the defendant is charged under (e.g., N.C.G.S. § 14-72 for larceny) |
| Felony | More serious offenses carrying potential state prison time; classified A through I in North Carolina |
| Misdemeanor | Less serious offenses; classified A1, 1, 2, or 3 in North Carolina |
| Infraction | Non-criminal violations (e.g., certain traffic offenses) that do not carry jail time |
| Amended charges | Original charges may be reduced or changed through plea negotiations or prosecutorial discretion |
Case Status
- Pending — Case is open and awaiting court action
- Active — Proceedings are underway; hearings or trial scheduled
- Disposed — A final outcome has been entered (conviction, dismissal, etc.)
- Closed — All court obligations fulfilled; no further action required
Hearing Types
- First appearance / Arraignment — Defendant is informed of charges and bond is addressed
- Probable cause hearing — For felonies, a judge determines whether sufficient evidence exists to proceed
- Pre-trial hearing — Attorneys discuss motions, evidence, and potential resolutions before trial
- Trial — Bench or jury trial where guilt is determined
- Sentencing — Judge imposes punishment after a guilty verdict or plea
- Review hearing — Court checks on compliance with probation or other conditions
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 — Charges dismissed but may be refiled
- Prayer for judgment continued (PJC) — Guilt found but sentencing deferred; common in North Carolina
- Deferred prosecution — Case held in abeyance pending completion of conditions
How to Request Certified Criminal Records in Gaston County
Certified copies of criminal records carry an official court seal and are accepted for employment screening, licensing, immigration, and legal proceedings. In Gaston County, the Clerk of Superior Court handles these requests.
How to Submit a Request
- In person — Visit the Clerk's office at the Gaston County Courthouse. According to the Gastonia Police Department FAQ, certified criminal record checks are provided by the Clerk of Court.
- By mail — Send a written request to the Clerk of Superior Court at the courthouse address. Include the defendant's full name, date of birth, and any known case numbers. Enclose payment for applicable fees.
- Online / State-level — For a statewide criminal history from the SBI, submit a request through the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation. This typically requires fingerprint submission and a separate fee.
What You Need
- Valid government-issued photo ID (for in-person requests)
- Full name and date of birth of the person whose record is being requested
- Case number (if requesting a specific case file)
- Payment for fees (check, money order, or cash accepted in person; confirm accepted payment methods for mail requests)
Gaston County Clerk of Superior Court
Contact the Gaston County court offices directly for current phone numbers and to confirm hours before visiting.
Fees, Copy Costs, and Processing Times for Criminal Records in Gaston County
Fees for court record copies in North Carolina are set by statute under N.C.G.S. § 7A-308 and the Administrative Office of the Courts fee schedule. The following table reflects standard fees; confirm current amounts with the Clerk's office.
| Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| Uncertified copy of court record (per page) | $0.25 |
| Certified copy of court record | $3.00 for certification plus $0.25 per page |
| Criminal record search (Clerk of Court) | $25.00 |
| SBI statewide criminal history check | Varies; typically $14.00+ depending on method |
Processing Times
- In-person requests — Often processed the same day or within a few business days, depending on the complexity and volume of records requested
- Mail requests — Allow 1–2 weeks for processing and return mailing
- SBI criminal history checks — Processing times vary; electronic submissions are typically faster than paper-based requests
Fees are subject to change. Verify current amounts by contacting the Gaston County Clerk of Superior Court or checking the NC Courts records page before submitting your request.