Cary Felony Records Search
Cary felony records go through the Wake County court system. Cary is in Wake County and does not have its own courthouse for felony matters. All felony cases from Cary are heard at the Wake County Justice Center in Raleigh. You can search these records online using the NC eCourts portal or visit the Justice Center in person. The clerk of court keeps all case files and provides public access to records.
Cary Felony Court Location
Cary does not have a felony courthouse. All felony cases from Cary go to the Wake County Justice Center in downtown Raleigh. This is about a 20-minute drive from the center of Cary. Superior Court judges hear all felony matters there. The clerk of court office is inside the building.
| Court | Wake County Justice Center |
|---|---|
| Address | 300 S. Salisbury St Raleigh, NC 27601 |
| Phone | (919) 792-4000 |
| Hours | Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM |
The Justice Center is one of the busiest courthouses in North Carolina. Wake County handles a high volume of felony cases. Parking is available in nearby garages and lots in downtown Raleigh. The R-LINE free bus also stops near the building. Bring a photo ID when you visit. Security screens everyone at the front door. Large bags and sharp objects are not permitted inside.
The City-County Bureau of Identification sits at 330 S. Salisbury St, right next to the Justice Center. CCBI handles criminal record inquiries for all of Wake County, including Cary. Their phone number is 919-792-4005. This office can run background checks and help with record lookups for Cary felony records.
How to Search Cary Felony Records
You have several options for finding Cary felony records. Online searches are the fastest and can be done from home. The NC eCourts portal covers all Wake County cases. Enter a name or case number. You will see charges, dates, and case outcomes. The tool is free for basic information.
The CCBI handles formal background checks. CCBI works with both Raleigh and the towns in Wake County, including Cary. A name-based check costs $25. You fill out Form AOC-CR-314 and submit it at the Justice Center or CCBI office.
For in-person searches, visit the clerk of court at the Wake County Justice Center. Staff can pull up cases and make copies. Public access terminals are also available at no charge. You can search Wake County case data on the spot without an appointment. The NC Courts help page provides more details on what records are public.
Here is a screenshot from the NC Courts criminal background check information page, which explains how residents of Cary and other NC cities can request formal felony record checks.
This state resource walks you through each option, from free lookups to paid certified checks that cover all 100 counties.
Cary Police and Felony Records
The Cary Police Department handles law enforcement in town. When CPD makes a felony arrest, the case moves to Wake County Superior Court at the Justice Center in Raleigh. Police records are separate from court records. Both may be needed for a full view of a Cary felony case.
The CPD office is at 120 Wilkinson Avenue, Cary, NC 27513. The non-emergency line is 919-469-4012. The Records Unit provides incident and accident reports. Office hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. You can also contact records by email at recordsinfo@carync.gov or by fax at (919) 460-4904.
Police reports from CPD become part of the evidence in a felony case. The arrest record shows what happened. The court file shows how the case was resolved. For Cary felony records, you will likely check both the police and court systems to get the complete picture.
Note: The Cary Police Department records office accepts requests by email, fax, or phone in addition to in-person visits.
Felony Background Checks for Cary
Background checks that include Cary felony records can be done through the CCBI or the state. The CCBI at 330 S. Salisbury St in Raleigh handles local requests for all of Wake County. A name check costs $25. The NC SBI processes the check at the state level and results come by mail.
Free lookups are also available. Public access terminals at the Wake County Justice Center let you search for free. The NC eCourts portal does the same from your computer. Neither gives you a certified document, but both work for quick Cary felony record checks. Fingerprint-based checks are more thorough and also available through the SBI.
Cary Felony Record Expungement
Certain Cary felony records can be expunged under North Carolina law. Expungement removes the record from public view. You file a petition with the Wake County Clerk of Superior Court. The NC Courts forms page has the petition forms. A judge reviews the request.
Dismissed charges and acquittals are the most likely to be granted. Some convictions may qualify after a waiting period. The NC SBI expungement page lists the criteria. Once a record is expunged, it will not show up in the eCourts portal or at the courthouse. Violent crimes and sex offenses face strict limits. There is no filing fee for the petition.
Legal Aid of North Carolina offers free legal help to people who qualify by income. They can review your case and help with the paperwork for expungement of Cary felony records. The North Carolina General Statutes set out all the rules for which records can be cleared.
Felony Case Notifications in Cary
Crime victims in Cary can track felony cases through VINE. The system is free. It sends alerts when an offender moves or is released. Notifications come by phone, email, or text. The service covers all of North Carolina, including Wake County.
The NC Sex Offender Registry is also free to use. Search by name, address, or zip code. Cary residents use it to check their area. The data comes from the NC SBI. Both tools are open to everyone and require no account or login.
Wake County Felony Records
Cary is part of Wake County. All felony cases from Cary go through the Wake County court system at the Justice Center in Raleigh. The county page has more details on the courthouse, record request steps, fees, and other resources.