Criminal records in Duplin County, North Carolina, can be accessed through several channels. DuplinCourt.us can help find publicly available criminal case information. Beyond that, the North Carolina court system, law enforcement agencies, and the Duplin County Clerk of Superior Court's office each provide access to criminal records through online portals, in-person visits, and written requests.
How to Search Criminal Records in Duplin
Several methods are available for searching criminal records in Duplin County. What you need to get started depends on the method you choose, but generally you should have at least one of the following:
- The person's full legal name
- Date of birth
- A case number
- An offender ID number (for state corrections searches)
Through DuplinCourt.us
Start at DuplinCourt.us to search for publicly available court record information related to criminal cases filed in Duplin County. You can search by name or case number to locate case details.
Online — State Court and Corrections Portals
- North Carolina Judicial Branch eCourts Portal — Duplin County is part of the North Carolina Judicial Branch's eCourts system. The portal allows public searches of criminal case information by name or case number. You can view charges, court dates, and case status.
- NC Department of Adult Correction Offender Search — To find information about individuals currently in state prison or on probation or parole, use the NC DAC Offender Search. Search by name or offender ID. This tool does not include county jail inmates.
- NC DAC Public Records Online — The NC DAC public records online page provides access to historical offender data going back to 1972.
In Person
Visit the Duplin County Clerk of Superior Court's office at the Duplin County Courthouse to search criminal records using public access terminals or request assistance from staff.
By Mail or Written Request
- Clerk of Superior Court — Send a written request to the Duplin County Clerk of Superior Court at the courthouse address above. Include the defendant's full name, date of birth if known, and the case number if available.
- NC State Bureau of Investigation — The NCSBI is the central repository for criminal history information in North Carolina. You can request a state criminal background check through the SBI by submitting fingerprints and the required forms.
- NC Judicial Branch Public Records Request — You can also request a public record from the Judicial Branch by mail, online, or in person.
Search Duplin Criminal Cases by Case Number
If you have a case number, it is the fastest way to pull up a specific record. North Carolina uses a standardized case number format across all counties:
- Two-digit year — the year the case was filed (e.g., 25 for 2025)
- Two-letter case type code — indicates the type of case. Common criminal codes include:
- CRS — Superior Court criminal case
- CR — District Court criminal case
- IF — Infraction
- CVM — Criminal violation (motor vehicle)
- Sequential number — a unique number assigned to the case within that year and type
For example, a case number like 25 CRS 000123 would refer to a Superior Court criminal case filed in 2025. Enter this number into the eCourts portal or provide it to the Clerk's office for a direct lookup.
Charges, Case Status, Hearings, and Court Results in Duplin
Charges
| Element | What It Means |
|---|---|
| Statute code | The North Carolina General Statute number 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 |
| Infraction | Non-criminal violations such as minor traffic offenses |
| Amended charges | Original charges may be reduced or changed through plea negotiations or court rulings |
Case Status
- Pending — the case is open and awaiting further court action
- Active — proceedings are underway
- Disposed — the case has reached a final outcome (conviction, dismissal, etc.)
- Closed — all court proceedings and obligations are complete
Hearing Types
- First appearance / arraignment — defendant is informed of charges and bond is set
- Preliminary hearing — used in felony cases to determine probable cause (District Court)
- Pre-trial hearing — motions, plea discussions, and scheduling
- Trial — bench or jury trial where evidence is presented
- Sentencing — judge imposes punishment after a guilty verdict or plea
- Review hearing — follow-up on probation compliance or other post-disposition matters
Court Results
| Result | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Guilty | Defendant was convicted of the charge |
| Not guilty | Defendant was acquitted at trial |
| Dismissed | Charges were dropped by the court or prosecutor |
| Dismissed with leave | Dismissed but may be refiled within a specified period |
| Prayer for judgment continued (PJC) | Guilty finding entered but sentencing is deferred; commonly used in North Carolina |
| No contest (nolo contendere) | Defendant does not admit guilt but accepts the conviction |
How to Request Certified Criminal Records in Duplin
Certified copies of criminal court records carry the court's official seal and can be used for legal proceedings, background verifications, and other formal purposes.
Where to Request
- Duplin County Clerk of Superior Court — handles certified copies of court records for cases filed in Duplin County
- NC State Bureau of Investigation — provides certified state criminal history records based on fingerprint submissions
How to Submit a Request
- In person — Visit the Clerk's office at the Duplin County Courthouse. Bring a valid government-issued photo ID. Staff can locate the case and produce certified copies while you wait, depending on volume.
- 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, case number (if known), a description of the records needed, and a return address. Enclose payment for applicable fees.
- Online — The NC Judicial Branch provides guidance on obtaining court records, including options that may be available through the eCourts system.
For State Criminal History Records
Submit a fingerprint-based request through the NCSBI Background Checks program. Authorized agencies and individuals can request records for employment, licensing, or other permitted purposes. A fingerprint card or electronic scan is required.
Fees, Copy Costs, and Processing Times for Criminal Records in Duplin
Fees for criminal record copies in North Carolina are established by statute. Under N.C.G.S. § 7A-308, the Clerk of Superior Court charges the following:
| Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| Uncertified copy (per page) | $0.25 |
| Certified copy of court record | $3.00 for the first page, $0.25 each additional page |
| Certification fee (seal and attestation) | Included in the certified copy fee above |
| NCSBI state criminal history check | $14.00 (name-based); fingerprint-based fees vary |
Processing Times
- In-person requests — typically processed the same day or within a few business days, depending on the complexity of the request
- Mail requests — allow 1–2 weeks for processing and return mailing
- NCSBI background checks — processing times vary; electronic submissions are generally faster than paper submissions
Payment methods accepted at the Clerk's office typically include cash, money orders, and certified checks. Contact the Clerk's office directly to confirm current accepted payment types. Fees are subject to change per statutory updates.