Gastonia Felony Records Database
Gastonia felony records are kept at the Gaston County Clerk of Superior Court. The courthouse is at 325 N. Marietta Street in Gastonia. All felony cases from this city go through Gaston County Superior Court. You can search for felony records by name or case number using online tools or in person at the clerk window. The public has a right to view most court records in North Carolina, and Gastonia felony cases are no different.
Gaston County Courthouse for Felony Records
Felony cases from Gastonia are tried at the Gaston County Courthouse. This is the main court building for the county. Superior Court judges handle all felony trials, pleas, and sentencing hearings here. The clerk of court stores case files and provides copies to the public.
| Court | Gaston County Clerk of Superior Court |
|---|---|
| Address | 325 N. Marietta Street Gastonia, NC 28052 |
| Phone | (704) 852-3100 |
| Hours | Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM |
| Website | nccourts.gov/locations/gaston-county |
The courthouse is in downtown Gastonia. Parking is available on the street and in nearby lots. All visitors pass through a security check at the main door. Bring your photo ID. The clerk window handles requests for felony records, certified copies, and background checks. Staff can help you pull the right file if you have a name or case number ready.
Note: The Gaston County mailing address for the clerk is PO Box 1578, Gastonia, NC 28053, if you need to send a written request for felony records.
Search Gastonia Felony Records Online
The NC eCourts portal is the main online tool for searching court records. It covers Gaston County and every other county in the state. You search by party name or case number. Basic details are free. These include the charge type, court dates, and case outcome. The portal does not show full documents, but it gives you enough to track a Gastonia felony case.
The NC Courts records page explains how to use the system. It also tells you how to request copies by mail or in person. Most felony records in Gastonia are public. Sealed or expunged records will not appear on the portal. If you need a deeper search, the clerk can check files that may not be online yet.
The City of Gastonia also handles public records requests for city documents, police records, and other public files. You can contact the city clerk for police records that tie into a felony case in Gastonia.
Gastonia Police and Felony Records
The Gastonia Police Department is at 200 E Long Ave. Their non-emergency line is (704) 866-3300. The Records Bureau can be reached at (704) 866-6702. They are open Monday through Friday from 7:30 AM to 7:30 PM and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. These hours are wider than most departments in the area.
Police records in Gastonia include arrest reports, incident reports, and booking data. When an arrest leads to a felony charge, the case moves from the police to the Gaston County court system. The police keep their own files. The court keeps the full case record. You may need to visit both offices if you want the complete picture of a Gastonia felony case.
Body worn camera video is also available through the Gastonia public records portal. A separate Video Disclosure Request form is used for those files. This can be useful if you need to review footage tied to a felony arrest in Gastonia.
The NC Courts background check page provides details on how to run a criminal history search that covers Gastonia and the rest of the state.
Gastonia Felony Background Checks
The Gaston County clerk runs local background checks for $25. These cover felony records filed in the county. If the charge was in Gastonia, it will show up. For a statewide check, use the NC SBI background check service. The SBI pulls data from every county in North Carolina.
The NC Courts background check page explains both the local and statewide options. A local check is faster and cheaper. A statewide check is more thorough. For most people looking into Gastonia felony records, the local check at the Gaston County Courthouse is the best place to start.
Note: Background check results from the clerk office are printed on the spot if you visit in person at the Gaston County Courthouse.
Expunging Felony Records in Gastonia
Some felony records in Gastonia can be expunged under North Carolina law. Expungement seals the record from public view. You file the petition at the Gaston County Courthouse. A judge reviews the request and decides whether to grant it. The NC SBI Expungements page lists the forms and rules.
Dismissed charges and certain old convictions may qualify. The rules are set under Chapter 15A of the NC General Statutes. Once granted, the felony record is sealed at the courthouse and removed from the SBI database. It will not show on most public searches after that. Gastonia residents should talk to the clerk or a local attorney to find out if their record qualifies.
Felony Case Process in Gastonia
Felony cases in Gastonia follow a set path through the courts. First, the police make an arrest. The suspect goes before a judge at District Court for a first appearance. Bond is set. If the charge is a felony, the case is sent to Superior Court. A grand jury decides whether to indict. If they do, the case moves to trial or a plea deal.
Each step adds documents to the case file. These include the arrest warrant, indictment, motions, and the final judgment. All of these are part of the Gastonia felony records stored at the Gaston County Courthouse. You can view them at the clerk window or search for them through the eCourts portal.
After sentencing, the judgment is sent to the NC SBI. Convictions become part of the statewide criminal record database. Dismissed cases stay in the court file but may not appear on background checks. The NC Department of Adult Correction also tracks offenders who are sentenced to state prison from Gastonia or anywhere in the state.
Gastonia Victim Services
Victims of felony crimes in Gastonia can use the VINE notification system to track offender status. This free service sends alerts when an offender is released, transferred, or has a court date change. It works across all of North Carolina.
The Gaston County District Attorney also provides victim support. You have the right to attend court hearings and submit statements during sentencing for felony cases in Gastonia. Contact the DA's office for help with your case or to get access to felony records tied to your matter.
Gaston County Felony Records
Gastonia is the county seat of Gaston County. Every felony case from the city goes through the Gaston County Superior Court. The county court handles all municipalities in the area. For more on the court system, fees, and other record types, visit the county page.