Johnston County Public Records /Johnston County Criminal Records

Johnston County Criminal Records

What Is Johnston County Criminal Records

Johnston County criminal records are official documents that chronicle an individual's interactions with the criminal justice system within Johnston County, North Carolina. These records are maintained pursuant to North Carolina General Statutes § 132-1, which 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."

Criminal records in Johnston County encompass several distinct categories:

Arrest Records: Documentation of when an individual is taken into custody by law enforcement, including the Johnston County Sheriff's Office or local police departments. These records exist whether or not charges are ultimately filed.
Conviction Records: Official documentation of criminal cases resulting in a guilty verdict or plea, establishing that an individual has been found legally responsible for a criminal offense.
Felony Records: Documentation of more serious crimes punishable by imprisonment exceeding one year.
Misdemeanor Records: Records of less serious offenses typically punishable by less than one year of incarceration.
Adult vs. Juvenile Records: While adult records are generally public, juvenile records (individuals under 18) are typically sealed and confidential under North Carolina General Statutes § 7B-3000.
Warrant Information: Documentation of active warrants for arrest versus historical warrant records.

Multiple agencies maintain criminal records in Johnston County:

Johnston County Sheriff's Office
135 S. Third Street
Smithfield, NC 27577
919-989-5010
Johnston County Sheriff's Office

Johnston County Clerk of Superior Court
207 E. Johnston Street
Smithfield, NC 27577
919-209-5400
Johnston County Clerk of Court

North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation
3320 Garner Road
Raleigh, NC 27610
919-662-4500
North Carolina SBI

Comprehensive criminal records typically include documentation of charges, arraignments, pleas, trial proceedings, sentencing information, and probation or parole status. These records form an official chronology of an individual's involvement with the criminal justice system in Johnston County.

Are Criminal Records Public In Johnston County

Criminal records in Johnston County are generally public records accessible to citizens under North Carolina's Public Records Law, codified in North Carolina General Statutes § 132-1 et seq. This statute establishes that "the public records and public information compiled by the agencies of North Carolina government or its subdivisions are the property of the people."

The law further states that "it is the policy of this State that the people may obtain copies of their public records and public information free or at minimal cost unless otherwise specifically provided by law." This statutory framework creates a presumption of openness for most criminal records maintained by Johnston County agencies.

Public criminal records in Johnston County typically include:

Adult arrest records
Court proceedings and case files
Conviction records
Incarceration records
Sex offender registry information
Probation and parole records

However, certain categories of criminal records remain restricted from public access:

Active criminal investigations, as protected under N.C.G.S. § 132-1.4
Juvenile records (under age 18), which are confidential pursuant to N.C.G.S. § 7B-3000
Sealed or expunged records
Records related to certain domestic violence cases
Records containing sensitive personal identifying information

The North Carolina Court of Appeals has affirmed that "the public's right to access court records is a qualified constitutional right" (DTH Media Corp. v. Folt, 259 N.C. App. 61, 2018). However, this right must be balanced against privacy interests and the proper administration of justice.

Members of the public seeking access to criminal records in Johnston County must follow established procedures for record requests, which may vary by agency. While the law establishes the public's right to access these records, practical considerations such as processing time, search fees, and identification requirements may apply.

How To Look Up Criminal Records In Johnston County in 2026

Members of the public seeking criminal records in Johnston County may utilize several methods to obtain this information. The following procedures are currently in effect for accessing criminal records:

In-Person Requests at the Clerk of Court's Office:

Visit the Johnston County Clerk of Superior Court during regular business hours (Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM).
Complete a criminal record search request form, providing the subject's full name and, if possible, date of birth.
Present valid government-issued photo identification.
Pay applicable search fees ($25 per name searched for certified records).
Records may be provided immediately or within 1-3 business days, depending on complexity.

Johnston County Clerk of Superior Court
207 E. Johnston Street
Smithfield, NC 27577
919-209-5400
Johnston County Clerk of Court

Sheriff's Office Records Division:

Visit the Johnston County Sheriff's Office Records Division during business hours (Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM).
Complete a records request form specifying the information sought.
Provide identification and pay applicable fees.
For arrest records, booking photos, and incident reports, the Sheriff's Office maintains these records.

Johnston County Sheriff's Office
135 S. Third Street
Smithfield, NC 27577
919-989-5010
Johnston County Sheriff's Office

Mail Requests:

Send a written request to the appropriate agency (Clerk of Court or Sheriff's Office).
Include the subject's full name, date of birth (if known), and time period to be searched.
Enclose a self-addressed stamped envelope and payment for applicable fees.
Include a copy of your identification.
Allow 7-10 business days for processing.

State-Level Criminal History:

For comprehensive statewide criminal history information, requests must be submitted to the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation:

North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation
Criminal Information and Identification Section
3320 Garner Road
Raleigh, NC 27610
919-662-4500
North Carolina SBI Background Checks

Requestors should note that pursuant to N.C.G.S. § 15A-150, certain records may have been expunged and will not appear in search results. Additionally, juvenile records are generally not available to the public under North Carolina law.

How To Find Criminal Records in Johnston County Online?

Johnston County offers several online resources for accessing criminal records information. These digital platforms provide convenient alternatives to in-person requests, though the scope of available information may vary by system. The following online resources are currently available:

North Carolina Court System Public Records Search:

Visit the North Carolina Judicial Branch website.
Select "Court Records Search" from the available options.
Choose "Criminal Court Records" from the menu.
Select Johnston County from the jurisdiction dropdown.
Enter search criteria (name, case number, etc.).
Review results showing case information, charges, hearing dates, and disposition information.

This system provides access to criminal court cases filed in Johnston County, including case status, scheduled court dates, and basic disposition information. However, it does not include complete case files or documents.

Johnston County Sheriff's Office Inmate Search:

Navigate to the Johnston County Sheriff's Office online services.
Select "Inmate Search" from the available options.
Enter search criteria (name or booking number).
View current inmate information, including booking date, charges, and bond information.

This database only includes currently incarcerated individuals in the Johnston County Detention Center and does not provide historical incarceration records.

Johnston County Recent Arrest Records:

Access the Johnston County Sheriff's Office website.
Select "Search Recent Arrest Records."
Enter search parameters (date range, name).
View recent arrest information, including charges and arrest dates.

This system typically displays arrests from the past 30 days and is updated daily.

North Carolina Offender Public Information Search:

Visit the NC Department of Adult Correction website.
Select "Offender Search."
Enter the individual's name or identification number.
Review information on current inmates and individuals under community supervision.

This statewide database includes individuals currently serving sentences in state prisons or under probation/parole supervision.

North Carolina Sex Offender Registry:

Access the NC Sex Offender Registry through the Johnston County Sheriff's Office website.
Enter search criteria (name, location).
View registered sex offenders residing in Johnston County.

Users should note that online systems may require registration or have usage limitations. Additionally, the most comprehensive criminal history information, including disposition details and complete case files, may still require in-person requests at the Johnston County Clerk of Court or through the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation for official background checks.

Can You Search Johnston County Criminal Records for Free?

Johnston County residents and members of the public have several options for accessing criminal records without payment, in accordance with North Carolina's Public Records Law N.C.G.S. § 132-6, which 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 In-Person Inspection Options:

Johnston County Clerk of Superior Court
207 E. Johnston Street
Smithfield, NC 27577
919-209-5400
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM

Members of the public may inspect non-confidential criminal court records on public terminals at no cost. Printing or certified copies incur fees ($0.25 per page for copies, $25 for certified records).
Johnston County Law Library
207 E. Johnston Street, 2nd Floor
Smithfield, NC 27577
919-209-5500
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM

Public access terminals are available for searching court records at no charge.

Free Online Resources:

North Carolina Court System Public Records Search
This free online portal allows users to search basic case information including charges, court dates, and disposition information for Johnston County criminal cases.
Johnston County Sheriff's Office Inmate Search
The Sheriff's Office website provides free access to current inmate information and recent arrest records.
North Carolina Offender Public Information
The NC Department of Adult Correction maintains a free database of current inmates and individuals under community supervision.
North Carolina Sex Offender Registry
This statewide registry provides free public access to information about registered sex offenders in Johnston County.

While basic record inspection is available at no cost, users should be aware of the following limitations:

Fees apply for copies, certified records, and comprehensive background checks.
Free online resources typically provide limited information and may not include complete case details.
The North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation charges fees for official criminal history reports ($14 for name-based checks, $38 for fingerprint-based checks).
Records that have been sealed, expunged, or are otherwise confidential will not be available through free public access methods.

For the most comprehensive criminal history information, individuals may need to utilize fee-based services through the SBI or request certified records from the Clerk of Court.

What's Included in a Johnston County Criminal Record?

Johnston County criminal records typically contain comprehensive information documenting an individual's interactions with the criminal justice system. These records are maintained in accordance with North Carolina recordkeeping requirements and generally include the following components:

Identifying Information:

Full legal name and known aliases
Date of birth
Physical description (height, weight, eye color, hair color)
Mugshot/booking photograph 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
Charges filed at arrest
Bail/bond amount and status
Detention facility information
Arresting officer information

Court Case Information:

Case number and filing date
Court of jurisdiction (District or Superior Court)
Charging documents
Statutory citations and offense classifications (felony class A-I or misdemeanor class 1-3)
Attorney information (defense counsel and prosecutor)
Plea information
Pre-trial motions and rulings
Trial information (if applicable)

Disposition Information:

Final verdict or outcome
Conviction date (if applicable)
Sentencing details:
- Incarceration length
- 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 reports

The comprehensiveness of criminal records may vary based on the source. Records obtained directly from the Johnston County Clerk of Court typically include court case information and dispositions, while records from the Johnston County Sheriff's Office focus on arrest and detention information.

For the most complete criminal history information, including records from multiple jurisdictions, the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation maintains the central repository for criminal history information statewide and can provide comprehensive criminal background reports upon proper request and payment of applicable fees.

How Long Does Johnston County Keep Criminal Records?

Johnston County maintains criminal records in accordance with the North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources' Records Retention Schedule, as mandated by N.C.G.S. § 121-5 and N.C.G.S. § 132-8. These statutes establish the legal framework for records retention throughout North Carolina government agencies.

The retention periods for various criminal records in Johnston County are as follows:

Court Records:

Felony case files: Permanent retention
Misdemeanor case files: 5-20 years after case closure, depending on offense severity
Traffic cases: 3-5 years after disposition
Domestic violence cases: 20 years after case closure
Court calendars and dockets: 3 years
Search warrants: 3 years after execution or expiration
Grand jury records: Permanent retention

Sheriff's Office Records:

Arrest reports: 20 years
Incident/investigation reports: 5 years for minor offenses, 20 years for major offenses
Criminal histories: Permanent retention
Fingerprint cards: Permanent retention
Booking photographs: 3 years for misdemeanors, permanent for felonies
Jail records: 5 years after release
Warrant files: 3 years after service or recall

Probation/Parole Records:

Supervision case files: 5 years after termination of supervision
Violation reports: 3 years after final disposition

It is important to note that while records may be retained according to these schedules, access to older records may require additional processing time. Additionally, pursuant to N.C.G.S. § 15A-145 through N.C.G.S. § 15A-152, certain records may be eligible for expungement under specific circumstances, resulting in their removal from public access.

The North Carolina Administrative Office of the Courts maintains the official Records Retention Schedule for judicial records, while the North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources oversees retention schedules for other government agencies, including law enforcement.

Records that have exceeded their retention period may be destroyed in accordance with proper procedures, though many felony records and records of significant cases are maintained permanently as a matter of historical record and public interest.

Lookup Criminal Records in Johnston County

Online Services for Johnston County

Johnston County Court Information and Schedules

North Carolina SBI Background Checks

North Carolina Judicial Branch Criminal Background Check

North Carolina Department of Adult Correction Offender Search