Find Raleigh Felony Records
Raleigh felony records are filed at the Wake County Justice Center. As the state capital, Raleigh is home to both state and county court systems. Felony cases go through Wake County Superior Court. You can search for these records online or at the courthouse. The clerk of court keeps all case files and provides public access. Use the NC eCourts portal to start a search from any device. Walk-in visits are also an option during normal hours.
Raleigh Felony Court Location
The Wake County Justice Center handles all felony cases for Raleigh. This is where Superior Court sits. The building is in downtown Raleigh, just blocks from the State Capitol. Felony arraignments, hearings, and trials all take place here. The clerk of court office is inside the same 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 |
Wake County is one of the busiest court districts in North Carolina. The Justice Center processes a high volume of felony cases each year. Parking is available in nearby lots and garages. The R-LINE bus runs free routes through downtown Raleigh that stop near the courthouse. Bring a photo ID for the security check. Large bags and sharp items are not allowed inside.
The City-County Bureau of Identification, known as CCBI, sits at 330 S. Salisbury St. It is right next to the Justice Center. CCBI handles criminal record inquiries for Wake County. Call 919-792-4005 if you need a criminal record check tied to a Raleigh felony case.
Note: The CCBI office and the clerk of court are in separate buildings, so confirm which one you need before your visit.
Search Raleigh Felony Records Online
Online searches are the fastest way to find Raleigh felony records. The NC eCourts portal covers all of Wake County. Type in a name or case number and results load fast. You will see charges, court dates, and case outcomes. The tool is free for basic lookups.
Wake County also has its own resources. The CCBI handles formal background checks. The CCBI works with both the city of Raleigh and Wake County. Their system pulls data from local court records and state databases. A name-based check costs $25 and uses Form AOC-CR-314.
The NC Courts records page is another good starting point. It explains what records are public, how to get copies, and what restrictions apply. Most adult felony records in Raleigh are open. Sealed and expunged cases will not appear in search results.
Raleigh Police Felony Records
The Raleigh Police Department handles law enforcement for the city. When RPD makes a felony arrest, the case moves to Wake County Superior Court. Police records and court records are kept in different places. You may need both to get the full story on a Raleigh felony case.
Here is a screenshot from the Raleigh Police Department website, which lists contact details and services for the public.
The RPD Records Unit provides incident and accident reports. Their office is at 6716 Six Forks Road, Raleigh, NC 27615. The non-emergency number is 919-831-6311. Hours run Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Incident reports are available through their records request process. Most reports are ready within 3 to 5 business days after you submit a request.
Police arrest reports become part of the felony case file at the courthouse. The arrest record shows the charges and circumstances. The court file tracks what happens next. Together they form a complete record of the felony case in Raleigh.
Note: For non-emergency police matters in Raleigh, call 919-831-6311 instead of 911.
Felony Background Checks in Raleigh
Background checks that include Raleigh felony records can be done through the CCBI or the state. The CCBI at 330 S. Salisbury St handles local requests. They check Wake County records and can also run statewide searches through the NC SBI. A standard name check costs $25.
You fill out the AOC-CR-314 form. Submit it in person at the CCBI or the Wake County Justice Center. Results come by mail. The turnaround is usually a few weeks. Fingerprint-based checks are also available and tend to be more accurate. The SBI processes those at the state level.
Free lookups are available too. The public access terminals at the Wake County Justice Center let you search case records at no charge. The NC eCourts portal does the same from your computer. Neither option gives you a certified document, but they work well for quick checks on Raleigh felony records.
Raleigh Felony Case Steps
A felony case in Raleigh follows a set path through the court system. It starts with an arrest or an indictment by a grand jury. The case then moves to Superior Court at the Wake County Justice Center. Here is a basic outline of the steps.
- Arrest or warrant issued by law enforcement
- First appearance before a magistrate
- Grand jury review and indictment
- Arraignment in Superior Court
- Pre-trial motions and hearings
- Trial or plea agreement
- Sentencing if found guilty
Each step produces records. The indictment, motions, transcripts, and judgment all go into the case file. These are public under North Carolina General Statutes Chapter 132. You can view them at the courthouse or search them online through the eCourts system. Raleigh felony records stay on file unless a judge orders them sealed or expunged.
Raleigh Felony Record Expungement
Certain felony records in Raleigh can be expunged under North Carolina law. Expungement removes the record from public databases. Dismissed cases and acquittals are the easiest to clear. Some convictions may also qualify after a waiting period.
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 and makes a ruling. If granted, the NC SBI removes the record from their database. The eCourts portal will also stop showing the case. There is no filing fee for the petition.
Not every felony qualifies. Violent crimes and sex offenses are harder to expunge. Time limits apply to most types. A lawyer can review your case and tell you if your Raleigh felony record is eligible. Legal Aid of North Carolina offers free help to those who qualify by income.
Felony Case Alerts in Raleigh
Crime victims in Raleigh can sign up for case notifications through VINE. This free service sends alerts when a custody status changes. You get updates by phone, email, or text. It covers all jails and prisons in North Carolina, including Wake County facilities.
The NC Sex Offender Registry is also free. You can search by name, address, or zip code. The registry lists offenders living in Raleigh and across the state. Data comes from the NC SBI. Both tools are open to the public at all times and do not require an account to search.
Wake County Felony Records
Raleigh is the county seat of Wake County. All felony cases filed in Raleigh go through the Wake County court system. The county page has more on the courthouse, record request steps, and related tools. It also covers Cary and other towns in the county that use the same court.