Gaston County Criminal Court Records

Gaston County criminal court records are maintained by the Clerk of Superior Court in Gastonia. Located in Judicial District 38, Gaston County handles a large number of criminal cases each year. You can search for these records through the state's eCourts Portal or visit the courthouse in person. The clerk's office stores files for felonies, misdemeanors, and traffic offenses. Gaston County criminal court records are public under North Carolina law. Start your search below to find the case details you need.

Gaston Criminal Court Records Clerk

The Gaston County Clerk of Superior Court is at 325 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Way, Suite 1004, in Gastonia. Call (704) 852-3100 to reach the office. The clerk handles all criminal court records in the county.

You can visit the clerk's office to view case files and get copies. Certified copies are available for an added fee. Payment is accepted by cash, card, or check. The Gaston County Magistrate Office is at 425 Dr. ML King Jr. Way and can be reached at (704) 852-3192. Magistrates handle initial appearances, bond hearings, and warrant issues for criminal cases in Gaston County. The Gaston County NC Courts page has the full contact directory, local rules, and court calendar information.

The office is open Monday through Friday from 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM. Under G.S. 7A-109, the clerk has full authority over the storage and release of all criminal court records in Gaston County. The Gaston County Register of Deeds also maintains many county documents, but criminal case files are only at the clerk's office.

Search Gaston County Criminal Cases Online

The NC eCourts Portal is the best tool for searching Gaston County criminal court records from home. It is free to use. No registration is needed for basic searches.

You can search by party name, case number, citation number, or attorney name. The portal shows charges, court dates, case status, and associated documents. If you want to track a case over time, create a free account to save cases. Gaston County criminal court records on the portal include both Superior Court and District Court cases. You can also search for court dates by judicial officer or courtroom. For certified copies, contact the clerk's office in Gastonia.

Note: The portal accepts Visa, MasterCard, and Discover for online payments of fines and fees for Gaston County cases.

For records not found on the portal, contact the Gaston County clerk's office. Some older criminal court records may have been moved to storage. Historical files from the 1800s and early 1900s are sometimes held by the NC State Archives in Raleigh. The clerk can help you find the right source. Under G.S. Chapter 132, all criminal court records in Gaston County are public unless sealed or expunged by a court order.

Gaston County Criminal Court Records Resources

The NC Judicial Branch provides court details for Gaston County at its official page. There you can find the contact directory, court calendars, and jury service details.

Gaston County also offers a Guardian ad Litem program. Criminal and civil calendars are posted online for public use. The county posts local rules and forms that apply to its courts.

Types of Criminal Cases in Gaston County

Gaston County processes two main types of criminal cases. The type of charge decides which court hears the case and what records are created.

Felony cases are heard in Superior Court. These include serious crimes like armed robbery, drug trafficking, assault with a deadly weapon, and murder. Under North Carolina law, a 12-person jury hears felony trials when the defendant pleads not guilty. Records for felony cases in Gaston County include indictments, arraignment orders, trial records, and sentencing documents. Superior Court also handles appeals from District Court.

Misdemeanors go to District Court. Simple assault, DWI, shoplifting, and trespassing are common examples. A judge decides these cases. Traffic infractions also go through District Court. All of these case types create records that are stored at the Gaston County clerk's office and searchable on the eCourts Portal.

Gaston County Criminal Background Checks

The Gaston County Clerk of Superior Court offers certified criminal background checks for $25 per name. Use Form AOC-CR-314 to request one. Submit the form with payment at the courthouse or by mail.

The Gaston County Sheriff's Office also has an online inmate inquiry system. This tool lets you search the current inmate roster and view booking information. For statewide criminal history, the NC State Bureau of Investigation offers fingerprint-based background checks. The NC Department of Adult Correction provides an offender search covering state prison records back to 1972. These tools give a wider view than a single county search.

You can also use the free public terminals at the Gaston County clerk's office for a non-certified search. This is quick but does not come with a court stamp.

Note: Name-based searches are not as accurate as fingerprint-based checks, according to the NC State Bureau of Investigation.

The NC Sex Offender Registry is another free resource. Search by name, address, or zip code to find registered offenders in or near Gaston County. Under G.S. 14-208.5, offenders must register with the local sheriff after conviction. The registry is run by the SBI and updated as offenders move or re-register.

Expungement of Criminal Court Records

Some criminal records in Gaston County can be expunged under North Carolina law. Expungement removes a record from public view. Once granted, the case will not appear in searches at the clerk's office or on the eCourts Portal.

Dismissed charges and not guilty verdicts are the easiest to expunge. Some misdemeanor convictions qualify after a waiting period. You must file a petition with the court in Gaston County. The clerk's office provides the forms. A judge reviews the petition and decides whether to grant it. If approved, the Gaston County clerk erases the record from the public system. The NC Courts expunction page lists every form and explains each step. G.S. 7A-109 gives the clerk authority to manage all court records, including expunged files.

Nearby Counties

These counties are near Gaston County. Criminal cases are filed where the crime took place. Confirm the right county before you begin your search.