Criminal records of Rockingham County, North Carolina, are available through several channels. RockinghamCourt.us allows quick access to public information on criminal cases. Additionally, records can be obtained through official state court portals, law enforcement agencies, and the Clerk of Court's office. Below are specific steps for searching, requesting, and understanding criminal records in this county.
How to Search Criminal Records in Rockingham
Start with RockinghamCourt.us — enter a name or case number to view publicly available information on criminal court cases.
Online Search via State Portals
- Visit the North Carolina Judicial Branch website and use the search portal — it allows searches by name, case number, or county.
- For information on inmates in state prisons, individuals on probation, or parole, use the NC DAC offender search. The database contains data starting from 1972.
- Additional public DAC records are available through the Automated System Query (ASQ).
In-Person Visit
The Rockingham County Clerk's office has public terminals for case viewing. Contact the clerk directly:
Mail Request
Send a written request to the court clerk's office or to the Judicial Branch using the official public records request form. Include the person's full name, date of birth (if known), and case number.
To search, you will need at least one of the following:
- Full name (first and last name)
- Date of birth
- Case number
- Citation number
Search Rockingham Criminal Cases by Case Number
In North Carolina, a criminal case number consists of several parts. The typical format looks like this: YY CRS NNNNN.
- YY — the last two digits of the year the case was filed
- CRS — case type code (CRS means a superior court criminal case; CRM means a district court criminal case; IF means an infraction)
- NNNNN — the sequential case number within the county for that year
For example, the number 24 CRS 00512 indicates a superior court criminal case filed in 2024 under number 512. If you have this number, searching on the state court portal takes seconds — it returns an exact result without the need to filter through namesakes.
Charges, Case Status, Hearings, and Court Results in Rockingham
Charges
| Element | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Statute Code | Reference to a specific article of the North Carolina General Statutes (N.C.G.S.) under which the charge is brought |
| Severity | Felony, Misdemeanor, or Infraction |
| Amended Charges | The prosecutor may change or reduce charges during the case — the new charge will appear alongside the original |
Case Status
- Pending — the case has been filed, but no decision has been made yet
- Active — the case is currently being heard in court
- Disposed — the court has made a final decision
- Closed — all procedural actions are completed, including sentence execution
Types of Hearings
Arraignment — the first hearing where the defendant learns of the charges and pleads guilty or not guilty. A preliminary hearing is conducted in felony cases to determine if there is sufficient cause. Pre-trial — a preparatory session before the trial. Sentencing occurs after a guilty plea. Review hearings are scheduled by the court to monitor compliance with the sentence conditions.
Court Results
| Result | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Guilty | The defendant is found guilty |
| Not Guilty | The court or jury finds the defendant not guilty |
| Dismissed | The case is closed without a verdict — initiated by the prosecutor or court |
| Acquitted | Complete exoneration after trial |
How to Request Certified Criminal Records in Rockingham
Certified copies of criminal records are issued by the county court clerk's office. Here are three ways to submit a request:
- In Person — visit the Clerk of Superior Court at the Rockingham County Courthouse. Bring a valid photo ID (driver's license or passport).
- By Mail — send a written request including the full name, date of birth, case number, and a copy of your ID. Include a check or money order for the appropriate amount.
- Online — use the public records request form from the Judicial Branch for specific document categories.
For a statewide criminal history check, contact the NC State Bureau of Investigation (NCSBI). Information on expungement is also provided by NCSBI.
Fees, Copy Costs, and Processing Times for Criminal Records in Rockingham
Fees are determined by the North Carolina General Statutes. The court clerk's office charges separately for each service.
| Service | Cost | Basis |
|---|---|---|
| Copy of court document (uncertified) | $0.25 per page | N.C.G.S. § 7A-308 |
| Certification of copy | $3.00 per document | N.C.G.S. § 7A-308 |
| Criminal history check via NCSBI | $14.00 (state); $38.00 (with FBI check) | NCSBI rates |
Processing requests at the clerk's office usually takes one to five business days for in-person visits. Mail requests may take up to two weeks. Criminal history checks via NCSBI take 1 to 3 weeks depending on volume. Payment is accepted by check or money order payable to Clerk of Superior Court. Confirm current payment methods and timelines directly by phone at (336) 634-6000.