Gaston County Criminal Records
What Is Gaston County Criminal Records
Criminal records in Gaston County are official documents that chronicle an individual's interactions with the criminal justice system within the county's jurisdiction. These records are maintained pursuant to North Carolina General Statutes § 15A-1340.14, which establishes the framework for criminal record maintenance and classification.
Criminal records encompass several distinct categories:
- Arrest Records: Documentation of apprehensions by law enforcement agencies, including the Gaston County Sheriff's Office and municipal police departments, which may not necessarily result in charges or convictions
- Court Records: Official documentation of criminal proceedings, including charges, arraignments, pleas, trial outcomes, and sentencing decisions
- Conviction Records: Formal records of guilty verdicts or pleas, which constitute the most consequential component of criminal history
- Incarceration Records: Documentation of periods of confinement in county jail facilities or state prisons
The distinction between felonies and misdemeanors is significant in Gaston County criminal records:
- Felonies: More serious offenses categorized in six classes (A through I) that typically carry potential prison sentences exceeding one year
- Misdemeanors: Lesser offenses categorized in four classes (A1, 1, 2, and 3) generally punishable by less than one year of incarceration
Several government agencies maintain criminal records in Gaston County:
Gaston County Sheriff's Office
425 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Way
Gastonia, NC 28052
704-869-6800
Gaston County Sheriff's Office
Gaston County Courthouse
325 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Way
Gastonia, NC 28052
704-852-3100
Gaston County Courthouse
North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation
3320 Garner Road
Raleigh, NC 27610
919-662-4500
North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation
Adult criminal records typically include comprehensive documentation of an individual's criminal history, while juvenile records (for offenders under 18) are generally sealed and subject to stricter confidentiality protections under North Carolina General Statutes § 7B-3000.
Are Criminal Records Public In Gaston County
Criminal records in Gaston County are generally considered public information in accordance with the North Carolina Public Records Law, codified in North Carolina General Statutes § 132-1. This statute establishes that "public records and public information are the property of the people" and that "the people may obtain copies of their public records and public information free or at minimal cost."
The law specifically defines public records as:
"All documents, papers, letters, maps, books, photographs, films, sound recordings, magnetic or other tapes, electronic data-processing records, artifacts, or other documentary material, regardless of physical form or characteristics, made or received pursuant to law or ordinance in connection with the transaction of public business by any agency of North Carolina government or its subdivisions."
However, important exceptions and limitations to public access exist:
- Active Investigations: Records pertaining to ongoing criminal investigations are typically exempt from disclosure until the investigation concludes
- Juvenile Records: Records involving minors under 18 years of age are generally sealed and not accessible to the public, pursuant to North Carolina General Statutes § 7B-3000
- Expunged Records: Criminal records that have been legally expunged are removed from public access
- Sealed Court Records: Certain court records may be sealed by judicial order
- Confidential Informant Information: Details that could identify confidential informants are protected
- Certain Personal Identifying Information: Social Security numbers, financial account numbers, and similar sensitive data are typically redacted
Adult conviction records, court proceedings, and basic arrest information are generally accessible to the public through various means, including in-person requests at the Gaston County Courthouse and online databases maintained by the North Carolina Administrative Office of the Courts.
How To Look Up Criminal Records In Gaston County in 2026
Members of the public seeking criminal records in Gaston County may utilize several methods to access this information. The following procedures are currently in effect for obtaining criminal records:
In-Person Requests at the Courthouse:
- Visit the Gaston County Clerk of Superior Court's office located at the Gaston County Courthouse.
- Complete a records request form, providing specific information about the individual whose records are being sought (full name, date of birth if known).
- Present valid government-issued photo identification.
- Pay applicable fees for certified copies (currently $3.00 per page for certified documents).
- Allow time for staff to retrieve the requested records.
Gaston County Clerk of Superior Court
325 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Way
Gastonia, NC 28052
704-852-3100
Gaston County Clerk of Court
Mail Requests:
- Prepare a written request including:
- Full name of the subject
- Date of birth (if known)
- Specific case numbers (if available)
- Time period for the search
- Your contact information
- Include a self-addressed stamped envelope
- Enclose a money order or certified check for applicable fees
- Mail the request to the Gaston County Clerk of Superior Court
Criminal Background Checks:
For official criminal background checks, individuals may:
- Visit the Gaston County Courthouse in person
- Complete the required background check request form
- Provide proper identification
- Pay the required fee (currently $25.00)
- Allow 3-5 business days for processing
For law enforcement agencies and authorized organizations, additional access methods may be available through the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation's Criminal Information and Identification Section, which maintains the statewide criminal history database.
Requests for records related to specific police incidents should be directed to the appropriate law enforcement agency:
Gaston County Police Department
420 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Way
Gastonia, NC 28052
704-866-3320
Gaston County Police Department
How To Find Criminal Records in Gaston County Online?
Gaston County residents and interested parties can access certain criminal records through several online portals maintained by state and county agencies. These digital resources provide convenient alternatives to in-person requests.
The North Carolina Judicial Branch offers the primary online resource for accessing court records through its Court Records Search portal. This system allows users to search for:
- Criminal case information
- Civil case records
- Traffic citations
- Upcoming court dates
To utilize this system:
- Navigate to the North Carolina Court System's public records search
- Select "Gaston County" from the jurisdiction dropdown
- Enter search criteria (name, case number, etc.)
- Review the results, which typically include:
- Case numbers
- Filing dates
- Charges
- Case status
- Scheduled court dates
- Disposition information when available
The Gaston County Sheriff's Office maintains an online inmate search that provides information about currently incarcerated individuals, including:
- Booking date
- Charges
- Bond information
- Scheduled release date (when applicable)
For sex offender registry information, the North Carolina Sex Offender Registry, maintained by the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation, allows searches specific to Gaston County residents.
Important limitations of online record searches include:
- Records may not be comprehensive or complete
- Certain case details may require in-person requests
- Some older records may not be digitized
- Juvenile records and sealed cases are not accessible online
- Registration may be required for certain detailed searches
- Official certified copies cannot be obtained online
For the most comprehensive criminal record information, combining online searches with in-person requests at the Gaston County Courthouse often yields the most complete results.
Can You Search Gaston County Criminal Records for Free?
Pursuant to North Carolina General Statutes § 132-6.2, the public has the right to inspect public records, including most criminal records, without charge during normal business hours. This statutory provision states that "every person having custody of public records shall permit them to be inspected and examined at reasonable times and under reasonable supervision."
Free inspection of criminal records is available at:
Gaston County Courthouse
325 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Way
Gastonia, NC 28052
704-852-3100
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Gaston County Courthouse
Several free online resources are available for searching Gaston County criminal records:
-
North Carolina Court System's Public Records Search
- Provides free access to basic case information
- Includes criminal and civil cases
- No registration required for basic searches
- Available at NC Courts Records Search
-
Gaston County Sheriff's Office Inmate Search
- Free access to current jail population information
- Includes booking information and charges
- No registration required
- Available through the Gaston County Sheriff's Office website
-
North Carolina Offender Public Information Search
- Free access to information about convicted offenders
- Includes probation, parole, and post-release supervision status
- No registration required
- Maintained by the NC Department of Public Safety
While inspection of records is free, fees apply for:
- Certified copies of court documents ($3.00 per page)
- Criminal background checks ($25.00)
- Extensive searches requiring significant staff time
- Copies of documents ($0.25 per page for standard copies)
These fees are established pursuant to North Carolina General Statutes § 7A-308, which authorizes the collection of fees for copies of public records to cover the actual cost of duplication.
What's Included in a Gaston County Criminal Record?
A comprehensive criminal record in Gaston County typically contains multiple categories of information documenting an individual's interactions with the criminal justice system. The content varies based on the nature and extent of the person's criminal history.
Identifying Information:
- Full legal name and known aliases
- Date of birth
- Physical description (height, weight, eye color, hair color)
- Mugshot photographs when available
- Last known address
- State Identification Number (SID)
- FBI number (if applicable)
- Fingerprint classification
Arrest Information:
- Date and time of arrest
- Arresting agency
- Booking number
- Initial charges filed
- Bail or bond amount
- Detention facility information
Court Case Information:
- Case number
- Court of jurisdiction (District or Superior Court)
- Filing date
- Formal charges with North Carolina General Statute citations
- Classification of offenses (felony class A-I or misdemeanor class A1, 1, 2, or 3)
- Plea information
- Defense attorney information
- Prosecutor information
- Court dates and appearances
Disposition Information:
- Verdict (guilty, not guilty, dismissed, etc.)
- Conviction date (if applicable)
- Sentencing details:
- Incarceration period
- Probation terms
- Fines and court costs
- Restitution orders
- Special conditions (treatment programs, community service)
- Appeal information (if applicable)
- Probation/parole status and violations
Additional Information:
- Active warrants
- Protective or restraining orders
- Sex offender registration requirements
- DWI/DUI history
- Traffic violations connected to criminal charges
- Pending charges
- Probation/parole status
Criminal records maintained by the Gaston County Clerk of Superior Court are organized by case number and contain official court documents including indictments, judgments, and sentencing orders. Records maintained by law enforcement agencies may contain additional investigative information not included in court records.
Certain information is typically redacted from public criminal records, including:
- Social Security numbers
- Financial account information
- Victim identifying information in sensitive cases
- Information about confidential informants
- Juvenile records (unless transferred to adult court)
How Long Does Gaston County Keep Criminal Records?
Gaston County maintains criminal records in accordance with the North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources' Records Retention and Disposition Schedule. This schedule, established under North Carolina General Statutes § 121-5, provides the legal framework for records retention throughout the state.
The retention periods for various criminal records in Gaston County are as follows:
Court Records:
- Felony case files: Permanent retention
- Misdemeanor case files: 10 years after case closure
- Traffic case files: 3 years after case closure
- Dismissed cases: 3 years after dismissal
- Expunged records: Destroyed pursuant to court order
Law Enforcement Records:
- Arrest reports: 20 years
- Incident reports: 5 years
- Investigation case files (felonies): 20 years
- Investigation case files (misdemeanors): 5 years
- Sex offender registration information: Permanent
- Jail records: 10 years after release
Probation and Parole Records:
- Active supervision files: Until supervision ends
- Closed supervision files: 10 years after supervision ends
Juvenile Records:
- Delinquency records: Until age 18, then sealed
- Undisciplined juvenile records: Until age 18, then sealed
- Transferred cases (to adult court): Maintained as adult records
It is important to note that while records may be retained according to these schedules, their accessibility to the public may be restricted by various statutes and court orders. Additionally, technological advancements in record-keeping have extended the practical retention of many records beyond their mandated retention periods.
Expungement provides a legal mechanism for the removal of criminal records from public access. Under North Carolina General Statutes § 15A-145, certain individuals may petition the court to have their criminal records expunged if they meet specific eligibility criteria. When records are expunged, they are removed from public access, though certain law enforcement and judicial agencies may retain limited access for specific purposes.
Lookup Criminal Records in Gaston County
North Carolina Judicial Branch Court Records Search
Gaston County Criminal Record Checks