Criminal records in Cumberland County, North Carolina, are accessible through several channels. CumberlandCourt.us can help you find publicly available criminal case information for this county. You can also search through official state court systems, the Cumberland County Sheriff's Office, and the Clerk of Superior Court. Whether you need to look up a pending charge, verify a case outcome, or obtain a certified copy, the resources below explain each method step by step.
How to Search Criminal Records in Cumberland
There are several ways to search criminal records in Cumberland County. The method you choose depends on what information you already have and what type of record you need.
Online Search Options
- CumberlandCourt.us — Start here to search for publicly available court record information in Cumberland County. You can look up cases using a defendant's name or case number.
- North Carolina Judicial Branch – Court Records — The state court system provides guidance on searching and obtaining court records, including criminal cases filed in Cumberland County.
- Cumberland County Active Inmate Lookup — The Sheriff's Office maintains an online search tool for individuals currently held at the Cumberland County Detention Center. This data is provided pursuant to N.C.G.S. 132-1.4.
- NC Department of Adult Correction – Offender Search — Search for state prisoners, probationers, parolees, and registered sex offenders statewide. County jail inmates are also included.
In Person
- Visit the Cumberland County Clerk of Superior Court at the courthouse in Fayetteville. Paper case files can be reviewed during regular business hours.
- Public access terminals may be available at the courthouse for searching case indexes.
By Mail or Written Request
- Send a written request to the Clerk of Superior Court in Cumberland County. Include the defendant's full name, date of birth (if known), and case number (if available).
- For a statewide criminal history check, submit a request to the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation (SBI), which serves as the state criminal history repository.
What You Need to Begin a Search
- Defendant's full legal name
- Date of birth (helpful but not always required for court record searches)
- Case number (if available — speeds up the search significantly)
- Approximate date range or year of the offense
Search Cumberland Criminal Cases by Case Number
North Carolina uses a standardized case number format across all counties, including Cumberland. Understanding the format helps you locate a specific case quickly.
A typical North Carolina criminal case number looks like this: 23 CRS 012345
- 23 — The last two digits of the year the case was filed
- CRS — The case type code. Common criminal codes include:
- CRS — Criminal Superior Court (felonies)
- CRD — Criminal District Court (misdemeanors)
- IF — Infraction
- 012345 — A sequential number assigned to the case within that year and category
When searching by case number, enter it exactly as it appears on any court paperwork you have. If you only have a partial number, a name-based search through the clerk's office or an online portal may help you locate the full case number.
Charges, Case Status, Hearings, and Court Results in Cumberland
Charges
| Element | What It Means |
|---|---|
| Statute code | The specific North Carolina General Statute section the defendant is charged under (e.g., N.C.G.S. § 14-72 for larceny) |
| Felony | More serious offenses; tried in Superior Court. Classes range from A (most serious) to I |
| Misdemeanor | Less serious offenses; typically handled in District Court. Classes range from A1 to 3 |
| Infraction | Non-criminal violations (e.g., certain traffic offenses) that do not carry jail time |
| Amended charges | Original charges may be reduced or changed through plea negotiations or prosecutorial discretion |
Case Status
- Pending — The case is open and awaiting further court action
- Active — Proceedings are currently underway
- Disposed — The case has reached a final outcome (conviction, dismissal, etc.)
- Closed — All court obligations have been satisfied and the case is complete
Hearing Types
- First appearance — Initial court date where charges are read and bond is addressed
- Probable cause / preliminary hearing — A judge determines if enough evidence exists to proceed (felony cases)
- Arraignment — Formal entry of plea in Superior Court
- Pre-trial hearing — Motions, discovery issues, and plea discussions
- Trial — Bench or jury trial on the merits
- Sentencing — Judge imposes punishment after a conviction or guilty plea
- Review hearing — Follow-up on probation compliance or other conditions
Court Results
- Guilty — Convicted of the charge, either by plea or trial verdict
- Not guilty — Acquitted at trial
- Dismissed — The State chose not to proceed, or the court dismissed the case
- Dismissed with leave — Dismissed but may be refiled
- Prayer for judgment continued (PJC) — Guilt is established but sentencing is deferred; common in North Carolina
- Deferred prosecution — Case is held in abeyance pending completion of conditions
How to Request Certified Criminal Records in Cumberland
Certified copies of criminal court records carry an official seal and can be used for legal, employment, or licensing purposes. In Cumberland County, these are handled by the Clerk of Superior Court.
How to Submit a Request
- In person — Visit the Clerk of Superior Court office at the Cumberland County Courthouse. Bring a valid government-issued photo ID. Staff can pull the case file and provide certified copies on the spot, subject to availability.
- By mail — Send a written request including the defendant's full name, date of birth, case number (if known), a description of the records needed, and a return address. Include payment for applicable fees.
- Online request — The North Carolina Judicial Branch public records request page provides guidance on submitting requests to the courts. Some requests may still need to be processed by the local clerk's office.
For Statewide Criminal History
A formal criminal background check through the SBI requires fingerprint submission and is typically processed through a law enforcement agency or an approved channeler. This is separate from court records held by the clerk.
Cumberland County Clerk of Superior Court
Cumberland County Sheriff's Office
Fees, Copy Costs, and Processing Times for Criminal Records in Cumberland
Fees for criminal record copies in North Carolina are set by statute. The following table reflects standard fees under N.C.G.S. § 7A-308 and related fee schedules.
| Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| Uncertified copy of court record | $0.25 per page |
| Certified copy of court record | $3.00 for certification plus $0.25 per page |
| Search fee (clerk's office) | No separate search fee for in-person review of public files |
| SBI state criminal history check | Varies; typically $14.00+ depending on purpose and submission method |
Processing Times
- In-person requests — Usually processed the same day, depending on staff availability and the complexity of the file
- Mail requests — Allow 5–10 business days for processing and return mailing
- SBI 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 Cumberland County Clerk of Superior Court to confirm current accepted payment methods before visiting or mailing a request.