Criminal records of Rowan County, North Carolina, are available through several channels—from online tools to in-person visits to the courthouse office. RowanCourt.us allows you to quickly find public information about criminal cases in the county. Additionally, records can be obtained through the state court system portal, the sheriff's office, and the Clerk of Court's office in Salisbury.
How to Search Criminal Records in Rowan
Start your search with RowanCourt.us—enter the full name of the person to view available criminal case data. For a more detailed search, use one of the methods below.
Online Search
- North Carolina eCourts Portal. The judicial branch launched the eCourts system in all 100 counties as of October 2025. Through the portal, you can search cases by name, case number, or date of birth.
- Court Records Page. The North Carolina Judicial Branch website provides instructions on obtaining records, background checks, and expungements.
- Sheriff's P2C System. The search page on the county's website allows you to view events from the sheriff's office database, including inmate lists.
- Statewide Offender Search. The Department of Corrections offers the Offender Public Information Search—this displays data on inmates in state prisons, parolees, and those under supervision.
In-Person Visit
The Clerk of Superior Court's office in Rowan County provides access to public terminals where you can view criminal case materials. The office's contact information is published in the county contact directory on the judicial branch's website.
Written Request
A criminal history request can be sent by mail to the Clerk of Court's office or the State Bureau of Investigation (SBI), which maintains a centralized registry of state criminal records. Typically required for the request are:
- Full name of the person
- Date of birth
- Case number (if known)
- Applicant's signature and a copy of identification
The county also accepts public records requests through its official website in accordance with North Carolina public records law.
Search Rowan Criminal Cases by Case Number
Each criminal case in North Carolina is assigned a standardized number. It consists of several parts:
- County code—a two-digit number identifying the county (Rowan County has code 80).
- Case type letter code—for example, CR for criminal cases in Superior Court or CRS for serious felonies, IF for infractions in District Court, CRM for misdemeanors.
- Year—two-digit designation of the year the case was filed.
- Sequential number—a unique numerical identifier within the type and year.
Example: 80 CR 25 001234 indicates a criminal case in Superior Court filed in Rowan County in 2025 under number 001234. Knowing this number, you can find the case directly through the eCourts portal or request information from the office.
Charges, Case Status, Hearings, and Court Results in Rowan
Charges
| Item | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Statute code | Reference to a specific section of the General Statutes of North Carolina under which the charge is brought |
| Severity | Felony, Misdemeanor, or Infraction |
| Amended charge | Charge amended by the prosecutor—may be reduced to a lesser class |
Case Status
- Pending—the case is open, and a decision has not yet been made.
- Active—the case is under consideration.
- Disposed—the court has made a decision (verdict, closure, dismissal).
- Closed—all obligations have been fulfilled, and the case is fully completed.
Types of Court Hearings
In Rowan County criminal cases, the following hearings typically occur:
- Arraignment—the first presentation of charges before a judge.
- Preliminary hearing—a preliminary review to determine the sufficiency of evidence (pertains to felonies).
- Pre-trial conference—a meeting of the parties before the main hearing.
- Trial—court proceedings.
- Sentencing—imposing a penalty after a guilty verdict.
- Review hearing—checking compliance with the terms of the sentence.
Hearing dates can be checked through the Court Dates portal.
Court Results
| Result | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Guilty | Admission or finding of guilt |
| Not Guilty | Acquittal as a result of the trial |
| Dismissed | The case is closed without a verdict—initiated by the prosecutor or court |
| Acquitted | Complete acquittal after trial |
| Prayer for Judgment Continued (PJC) | The court postpones sentencing; a specific North Carolina instrument |
How to Request Certified Criminal Records in Rowan
Certified copies of criminal records are issued by the Clerk of Superior Court's office. These documents bear the court's official seal and can be used for legal purposes.
Ways to Submit a Request
- In person—visit the office in the courthouse. Bring a photo ID.
- By mail—send a written request specifying the full name, date of birth, case number (if known), and a copy of identification.
- Online—through the eCourts system, some documents can be ordered; more details on the court records obtaining page.
Office Contact Information
For a statewide criminal history check, the request is submitted to the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation (SBI). A form must be completed, and fingerprints are usually required.
Fees, Copy Costs, and Processing Times for Criminal Records in Rowan
Fees are set in accordance with the General Statutes of North Carolina (specifically, G.S. § 7A-308 and G.S. § 7A-311). Approximate amounts are listed below:
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Copy of court document (per page) | $0.25 |
| Certification fee | $3.00 |
| State background check through SBI | Typically $14.00 and above, depending on the type of check |
Processing Times
- Document copies for in-person requests—usually the same day or within a few business days.
- Mail requests—5 to 15 business days, depending on volume.
- State background check through SBI—may take 1 to 3 weeks.
Payment is accepted at the Clerk of Court's office. Check current payment forms directly at the office or through the county page on the state court system's website.